Disclaimer: Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu and Legends of Chima are both own by LEGO Company.
A few days had passed since the serpentine had taken over. They had not wasted any time in trying to subjugate the other tribes. Sending as many soldiers as he could, Pythor insured that now resistance would come for him. The lions had managed to escape and had found refuge with their allies, so making sure that none of the other tribes joined with them became his main priority.
In the forest, Bezar and his beavers are chased by a group of hissing snakes thanks to what they're carrying on their speedorz, chi! To maintain complete control over the other tribes the serpentine had begun to take any remaining chi from them, so they could keep them weak and subservient. "WE CAN'T LET THEM STEAL OUR CHI!" cried Bezar as the serpentine stays right on his tail, fortunately the snake is outsmarted when he drives into a tree and crashed. In anger, other snakes follow past the crashed truck, luckily, the beaver's small size allowed them to fit through a log just their size that goes over the water and to the other side, something the serpentine could not fit through. Further up the road, the beavers continue the road back to their lodge, "Phew! Glad we got rid of those wolves! We're almost home free! But the snakes have ears everywhere, they knew the tribes' weaknesses and had prepared a perfect trap for them. The beavers gasp at the sight before them, a broken speedor lying on the road, intrigued and mouth-watering, they go to analyze. "Fix It! Fix It! Fix It!" they cried in an almost entranced state while Bezar hops off his speedor and runs over to them. "We don't have time! The serpentines are behind us!" but his words fell on deft ears as his fellow tribemates looked on at the wreckage. "Is that a broken axle?! Soo many repairs!" they cried out as they hop on top and starts hammering away.
Bezar once again tried to warn his tribemates, but he too was beginning to falter, "Control yourself! Ignore those alluring dents and ... oh who am I kidding! The call of the wreck is too strong! Fix it!" he finally gives in as the other beavers chant on, "FIX! FIX IT! FIX IT!" Behind them, two Venomari scouts sneak in while they're distracted and suddenly grab both Bezar and the Chi! "So predictable, now you little morsel are coming with us! Ha, ha-ha!" said one of the scouts by the name of Lasha, as the pair rode away from the other beavers who were still distracted by the wreck.
Meanwhile, in the Crocodile Swamp throne room, a certain crocodile princess is attempting to confront her brother.
Gulping hard, Crooler steps forwards," Okay, I get it. You're mad. But I wanted to surprise you." she tries halfheartedly. Turning around an angry Cragger narrows his eyes at her, "Surprise me?! You almost destroyed me!" he yells out in rage. "I made a tough call," she explains herself, not that her brother was buying it. "You made a DEAL with the snakes and betrayed our entire tribe!" he says with an accusatory tone while pointing at Skales who was in a corner watching the madness happen. "Did I? When was the last time YOU managed to steal half of all the chi in Chima?" Crooler talks back, a fire sparking in her voice. Cragger took a step back before answering, "Well... I... uh... it's' ... THAT'S NOT THE POINT! YOU WENT BEHIND MY BACK!" he yells back while walking to her. Undeterred, Crooler speaks up again, "We never would've raided the lions without the serpentine's help!" Cragger just walks past her before replying, "A lion saved me Crooler! Did you see what Laval did when I fell from that wolf copter? I don't get why we're always trying to destroy the lions. Maybe we should, be there friends!" he says to her with a smile. "What?!" Crooler cries in genuine shock, "NO! NOT THAT!" she says as she tries to gain Skales attention. Noticing this, Cragger turns around, "Uh... what are you doing?" he asks with concern. "Nothing, brother! Just trying to talk some sense into you!" Crooler said quickly as Skales slither closer, his eyes beginning to glow. Cragger walks to Crug and Crawley nervously before asking, "What are you doing!" Skales just kept staring, but something was wrong, "What! Why can't I control you!" he cried out both nervous and surprised. "Control me? Is that why I have been attacking the lions? Crooler did you know about this!" he demands, Crooler for her part could only look down. "I don't believe this. My own sister betrayed me like this!" he says solemnly. "Don't worry about it, just look at me and it will all go away." Skales said as he could closer, acting quickly Cragger whacked him with his axe. "Stay away you freak!" he cries out while Crug and Crawly rally next to him. Picking himself up from the ground, Skales signaled at the shadows as more Hypnobrai come out of hiding, "It looks like you will be sitting at that throne sooner than expected my dear Crooler!" he spats out in contempt. "What is he talking about Crooler!" Cragger demands, but before she can respond Skales interrupts her. "Your sister believes you are an ill fit to rule this tribe, in exchange for her help we agreed to place her upon the throne!" he boasts as his troops circle around them. "Crooler." The young prince said as he looked at her. "It's not what you think, I was just supposed to guide you, us, toward the future our tribe deserves! Things just changed is all." She tries to explain herself. "THINGS JUST CHANGED! Are you serious? I should have seen this coming; you were always jealous of me! Since the day we hatched!" he accused her, a great fury in his eyes. "Well maybe if you hadn't ruined my life, I would have to do things like this now would I miracle child!" Crooler yells at him. "You know what, I'm sick of it. Take him out, it's about time a real leader sat upon that throne." She told her serpentine friends as she turned away from her brother's gaze. "Our pleasure." They hissed as they were ready to attack, but before they could Crug and Crawley got in their way, defending their king! "Don't worry sir! Will never betray you!" they said as the fighting began. Giving them a smile, Cragger rushed forwards with his axe as they fought the incoming snakes. Soon other guards approached, all ready to defend their king as they rushed toward their former allies. Snakes and crocodiles alike flew against the walls as the fighting grew in scale. Hypnobrai soldiers rushed against their foes, tails rattling as they fell victim to their hypnotizing. Amid the chaos, Skales and Cragger circled each other waiting for an opening to strike, "I don't know how you got free from my spell, but I'm going to make you wish you hadn't!" Skales taunted as he stared at the croc before him. "Just keep talking you scaly swamp rat, it's just making me want to pound you into the ground faster!" Cragger yelled back as he made the first move, unfortunately, it would do him no good. As he would quickly learn, Skales was a seasoned warrior that had survived wars, he would not be taken down so easily. After avoiding several other strikes, the Hypnobrai General decided to use his most devastating attack, swaying side to side while waving his arms rhythmically he began to entrance the crocodile, before rushing forwards and backflipping and delivering a devastating whack from his tail upon the croc's snout, sending backward. This was Skales most devastating secret, the art of Fang-Kwon-Do, a special martial art of the serpentine, was extremely tricky to learn and even more so to perform. Skales had trained many a year to learn such technique, making sure to keep it a secret so that no adversary could prepare for it, it had been the hidden key to success, and as always, it did not fail. Cragger staggered back as his trusted guards helped him to his feet. "Sir, we have to retreat now!" Crawley told him, fear clear in his voice. "But the tribe." Cragger began before he was interrupted by Crug, "Will have no one to save it if you fall!" Cragger looked on at his men, dimwitted they may be, but their loyalty never came into question. Filled with determination, the crowned prince of the crocodiles bellowed, "Retreat!" Any troop that had not been taken down began to run towards the exit, alas only Cragger and his guard would make it out.
Meanwhile on the roads of Chima, the rhino trio of Rogon, Runk, and Rukus drive towards the Lion Temple, having forgotten its new change in management. "Oh boy! I can't wait to run into all my other friends like, Eris and uh... well, Eris." Rogon said excitably as he drove through. Runk chuckled a this before saying, "Rogon's got a girlfriend!" as he chuckles again. Confused Rogon asks, "I do?! Who is she?! I just hope Eris doesn't find out about her." he worries, still confused. Rogon, Runk, and Rukus continue laughing as they drive toward the temple. As they neared a turn Rukus *sees two snakes up ahead, "Woah! Check out them snakes bro! Think they're looking for a fight?" he tells his companions. Rogon is the first to respond with an enthusiastic, "I love to fight!". Runk chuckles while chanting, "Fight the wolves!", as the three rhinos hit the brakes, Rukus nearly hits one of the snakes with his speedorz's horn. One of the snakes, known as Chokun, is the first to respond, "We mean you no harm rhinos." He said in a mock tone, disappointing the rhino trio. Chokun continues, "We simply mean to warn you about the holes up ahead." His companion, Snike, continued, "Yes! It's very dangerous up ahead!" Scuffing at them Rukus says, "Where not afraid of some stinky holes!" he tells them. "Ha-ha, yes! Stinky hole!" they say as they continued onwards at full speed. They try to run across laughing but end up falling into a huge hole and landing atop each other before they were set upon by an army of Constrictai. "Scare now little rhino!" says Skalidor smugly as he stands before them.
As this happens, on the grounds of the Sanctuary Forest, the lion tribe finds sanctum after their exile from their lands. Within a large tent, Lagravis addresses his people, "Sometimes we only see what we want to see. But I assure you, we shall make it through this." "But Dad, they took over our home! Took all the chi we had, how are we supposed to fix this?" Laval asks halfheartedly. "Things might seem dire my son, but rest assured that balance will be restored. Have a little faith son!" he told him. Laval just swings his sword and responds, "I have faith in my sword. I'll make sure we have our temple again!" he says with resolve. At that moment, Eris came through the entrance, "Apologies, but you have to see what the Serpentine are doing out there in Chima!" she informs them. In shock, they make their way towards the canopy of the forest, looking through binoculars they see the devastation the serpents spread across the land. They watch the march straight towards their homes, decimating their armies one at a time, taking their leaders and taking their chi. In absolute horror, Lagravis is the first to speak, "I've never seen anything so bold. They marched right into their homes when its defenders were out! They fought just long enough to get what they came for! And then, all Chima suffers." The group is suddenly interrupted by a sudden earthquake that shakes the land. Laval rushes over to his father, "Dad! Are you okay?!" he asks worried. Lagravis buts him at ease, "Yes! I'm fine! Just another earthquake. One of many to come." he informs him, concern clear in his tone. "Because of the Serpentine?" Laval asks. "I'm afraid so. Too much chi in the hands of any one tribe will cause these kinds of "disruptions". The earthquakes are only the beginning!" he says as he looks toward the horizon. "We have to do something!" Laval cries out, his father in agreement. "That we must! But what can we do against them?" he asks his son, unsure on how to proceed. "We have to guard them! Temple or not, we're still the protectors of Chima!" Laval declares with resolve.
Through the canyons that lead towards the Bear Caves, the lions have formed a convoy to help the bears on getting back to their village without any precautions. "Thanks for traveling with us Laval. Those snakes have chi-jacked everyone in Chima!" Bladvic says to them. "I know Bladvic! that won't happen again, I promise." Laval reassures him sternly as he keeps an eye out for their foes. Looking at them from above, Eyezorai turns back to his tribe with a hiss, "So our missing lions finally show themselves, AND NOW THEY THINK THEY CAN PROTECT THESE TRIBES?! Let's teach them a lesson with the power of their own chi!" Soon every one of them plugs a chi and lets out a giant hiss, which also makes the ground start to rumble for a few seconds. Noticing this, Laval rides by Lagravis before asking, "Dad! Did you feel that?!" Giving him a nod, Lagravis responds, "The Serpentine are misusing the chi. The land is reacting." Eager to act, Laval calls out, "We need to chi up as well!" before his father stops him, "Not yet! We have a very limited supply! We must save as much as possible for emergencies." Having said that, the serpentine commence their attack as some start to shoot away at the lions, the rest sliding down the cliffs to engage in combat. Noting that the fighting had begun, Laval speeds up to the front, taking advantage of this three of the snakes are able to get aboard Lagravis's tank and surround him. Lagravis quickly disposes of them before turning to the bears, "Bears! Race back to your village! we'll handle these creeps. "You don't need to tell us twice!" Belkars says as he speeds up with Bladvic through the two armies. As the battle escalates Laval is knocked off his spear, jumping on his feet and getting through a single serpent before getting thrown away by two. "Woah! Easy there fang face!" he says as he tries to regain his footing. Lagravis exits his tank and helps Laval back up while Eyezorai chases after the bears. Seeing this new development, Laval cries out, "Oh No! They're after the bears again! Is this enough of an emergency for you?!" he yells at his father as multiple snakes surround them and close in, forcing them to both plug a chi and let out huge roars. They easily eliminate those surrounding them through their power, allowing them to get back into the fight. On the way towards the village, the bears raced on with all they got. Unfortunately, Bladvic and Belkar's speed is no match for that of the Fangpyre truck, Bladvic looking eye to eye with the snake who snarls at him. They're then blocked from going any further, Belkar letting out a soft, "uh oh," as the situation turns. Back at the Canyon, the serpentine rapidly keeps on attacking Laval and Lagravis, but are sent flying away with some growls. Despite this, Lagravis is beginning to falter, calling out to his son he declares, "THE'RE TOO MANY!" he begins as he catches a scout by the throat and throws him away, "We need to retreat!" Outraged Laval responds, "WHAT?! LIONS DON'T RUN!" he declares as warriors attack at once with growls but are blocked by both Laval and Lagravis. Turning at him once more, Lagravis continues, "LAVAL! MY SON!" he starts as he pushes the snakes away, "WE CAN'T WIN THIS!" Still confident, Laval begins, "SPEAK FOR YOURSELF!" before he gets tired from all the enemies, "Okay! We'll run. BUT JUST THIS ONCE!" he says as he hops in the tank. Lagravis drives themselves away, looking back solemnly, "I hope the bears have a good lead!" Also feeling the weight of defeat, Laval answers, "Yeah! Seems though that we can't protect all tribes in Chima!" Back in the Forest, Eyezorai gaggles as he hears the sounds of retreat, "It sounds like the lions are running! So much for, "the guardians of Chi!". You're wise not to fight bears. Now move it!" he says as he leads the bears away on the truck.
Returning to the Sanctuary, the lions get out of their vehicles, tired and defeated from the fight. Laval and Lagravis were the last to do so, Laval jumped out with a soft smile, "Hey, don't worry Dad, we'll get them next time!" he tells him kindly. Lagravis doesn't respond, he only looks downward as he marches over to his tent. From above, Eris and Gorzan come to check up on their friend, "So, I'm guessing it didn't go as planned?" Eris said as she laid her hand on her friend's shoulder. "They creamed us." He says defeated. "Bummer." Gorzan ads, also placing his hand on his friend. "I've never seen my father look so sad before! He's usually like. "Grow up son! take this lion thing seriously!", and now he's just... beat..." he added worriedly. " Well! Why don't we take our chance to "beat" back a bit." Eris says with a slight smirk. "What do you mean?" Laval asks curiously. "Let's find out what exactly those pesky snakes are up to! If the three of us are careful, I'm sure we can get to the bottom of this and stop those scaly creeps before they even have a chance to start!" she tells him. "Eris that's perfect! That is sure to get my dad out of this funk." Laval says excitedly as he looked at his friends' smiling faces.
Not wasting any time, they sneakily made their way toward the Lion Temple, careful to avoid any roads. As they neared, Laval commented, "I never thought I would be sneaking into my own home before." "Shhh!" Eris said before pointing at the courtyard, "Look." Lined up in the courtyard were representatives from most of the tribes of Chima, from beavers to rhinos and bears. Even some wolves and ravens were there, it seemed everyone but the Crocs, lions, and their allies were there. "Is this why they've been attacking everyone!" Laval asks in disbelief. "What are they going to do to them?" Eris said with a gulp as they saw the tribes being lined up. Suddenly, from atop the stairs, they saw a figure slithering out. Pythor! His slender form was easily recognizable even from a distance. "Citizens of Chima, I Pythor P. Chumsworth have gathered you here today for a grand announcement. As the new ruler of these lands, I have seen it fit to share my bounty with the rest of you, for a prize. Declare loyalty to me now and your tribe will get to have some of their precious Chi. Resist me and, well... my little pet can get o so hungry." He says as a loud hiss is heard from within. "Oh, and one more thing. For any of you that are caught harboring lion fugitives, my pet will not be the only thing you have to worry about. Play nice, and I can assure you that we will be good friends, and I always reward my friends. As a token of this friendship, I shall let you go, but remember, I'll be watching you!" With this, he departed as the other snakes began ushering the other tribes away, while our heroes could only look on in dread. "He's turned all of Chima against us! How are we supposed to stop him now!" Laval cries on in despair, before a voice from behind catches his attention. It was Cragger and his guards, "By beating them at their own game!" he says.
"Inside the temple, Skales slithers his way up to Pythor, the latter lounging around on his throne. "That was a risky move Pythor! Why would you do such a thing, we need this chi!" he demands from his "leader". "Ah, Skales. Back from the swamp, I see, good, your services will be more useful elsewhere. I shall send for the Venomari to guard those lands instead." Pythor told him. "That was not the question Pythor, we have a treat out there and you are giving out our resources!" he exclaims again. "A small part of the old chum. And I have to if I want to get rid of those annoying earthquakes. Besides, I'll be sending a guard to what over each of the tribes that ally with us, and even more to destroy those that do not! Speaking of, gather your men, YOUR KING a new job for you!" Pythor answered threateningly. "Yes, your highness!" Skales said, voice full of spite. Slithering towards the Hypnobrai's section of the temple, he suddenly stops with a smirk. "You can come out now, I know you were out here." Suddenly a small blue shape tackles him to the ground, a small serpentine child with a white hood and ruby-red eyes, "Hey Papa, did you miss me!" he shouted excitedly. "Course I did you little rascal. Come on you little scamp, let's go find your mother!" Skales said to his son, the joy of his miserable life, the best thing that had ever happened to him. For all his ambition, it was Junior that was behind his motivations for everything he did, from rising in the ranks to siding with Pythor. He had promised that his rule would lead to a time of prosperity for the serpentine, but now he had his doubts. As he traversed the halls of the temple, only one thought ran through his mind.
"How much more will we be made to give before you complete your end of the bargain, Pythor!"
Authors Note:
Hello readers, I want to thank you all for your support. I was originally going to make this chapter on a later date, but after reading your comments I have decided to publish it early for all of you to see. I hope you enjoy it and if you have any ideas for this story do not hesitate to leave a comment. Thanks!