The Lion Girl of the Merged Realm
Chapter 10: The Merge Part 1
In a flashback, Arin was training in his parents' yard, hoping to one day become a ninja. He was posing on top a gate, while his parents cheered him on.
Arin: (Narrating) It seems strange now, but remember when Ninjago was the only thing on the map? When it was our entire world? I used to spend all my time trying to be like my heroes: The Ninjas. Practicing their moves, learning their poses. I wanted to be just like them. To protect everyone in Ninjago. To ride dragons into adventure and mythical realms. Mysterious lands that could only exist in legends. (Suddenly, the sky split apart behind him) But I quickly found out those legendary realms are very real. And I was about to lose everyone that was important to me. (As objects and people were being lifted into the event) My neighborhood must have been the very center of the Merge. But back then, we didn't know what to call it. It was just Chaos.
Arin saw the very thing Lucilia saw in Chima. He was stunned by it until his mother called out to him.
Past Arin's Mother: Arin, get inside! It's too dangerous out there!
Arin raced for his house but the gravitational force of the Merge started to suck him in.
Past Arin's Mother: ARIN!
Helplessly, Arin drifted among the objects that were getting sucked in. All Arin could do was hope for a miracle. Then, within the chaotic fury of what some would call a Deity's Wrath, came the greatest meeting in Arin's young life.
Arin: (Narrating) That's when my heroes, the Ninjas, Arrived! We were in so much danger, but I couldn't help but be excited.
The young boy in orange and blue was caught by his hero and idol, Lloyd Garmadon: The Green Ninja.
Past Lloyd: Hey, kid! You get lost?
All around Arin, the Ninjas were working together to get people to safety.
Past: Jay, the Lightning Ninja! Kai, the Fire Ninja! Cole, the Earth Ninja! Zane, the Ice Ninja! Nya, the Water Ninja! Lloyd, the Legendary Green Ninja!
Arin shook the amazement off when he realized his parents were probably in trouble.
Past Arin: Green Ninja, my parents are in that storm! You got to save them!
Past Lloyd: That's what we're here for!
Setting Arin and the rescued civilians on the ground, the Ninjas flew their airship, the Destiny's Bounty, into the riff.
Arin: (Narrating) And that's when it happened.
Arin watched as the Rift exploded and blinded him. When he could see again… Things were different in a heartbreaking way.
Arin: (Narrating) As I saw my small neighborhood disappear and a new city show up on the horizon, I realized I had witnessed the Merge firsthand. The moment all the mysterious realms I had only heard about merged with Ninjago, for reasons no one's been able to figure out. I survived, but I was alone. My parents and everyone I ever knew had vanished.
Past Arin: (Looking around) Mom? Dad?
Arin looked up and watched Lloyd's and Zane's hoods floating down from the sky. He reached up and caught them before they reached the ground.
Arin: (Narrating) With my parents and home gone, I had to make a new life for myself. (Things change to Arin now standing atop a pile of junk) Before, everyone looked like me. Now, I walk the streets with Skeleton people, buy food from Snail people, sell pies to Frog people, being watched by Lion and Saber-Tooth Tiger people. And since the Ninjas disappeared, I realized it's up to me to carry on their Legendary Tradition.
Lucilia, now sporting a red shirt under a black leather jacket, tan jeans, and Zane's hood around her neck, was listening to Arin with three German Shepards.
Lucilia: (Translating their barks) They said that's amazing, Arin.
Sora: It would be equally amazing if you finally wore shoes, Lucy.
Since Arin and Sora meet Lucilia, the Lion girl hasn't worn shoes or socks a single day.
Lucilia: I am one with the Earth, Sora. One with the Earth.
Arin: (Chuckles) You practically sound like Cole, the Ninja of Earth, Lucy.
Sora: (Digging through junk) Arin, not to insult the dreams of one of my best new friends, but… You are so not a ninja.
Arin: How would you know, Sora? You didn't grow up with them like I did. All I need is a master to train me.
Sora: Sure. Ah, one problem: There are no ninja masters around anymore.
Lucilia: (Sigh sadly) My Papa may not be a ninja master, but he was a one in a million mentor. He, my brother, and the guards of my Tribe basically trained me to become a warrior.
Sora: Yeah, I've seen the Lions crack down on crime here. They're great fighters.
Monkey Wretch started screeching while throwing what they were hoping was mud, saying he still needed help finding parts.
Arin: (Dodging) Whoa! Easy, Monkey Wretch! Hey, uh, have you found what we need yet? I can only distract these dogs from making noise for so long. Uh, I don't have that many stories to tell.
The dogs started remembering their job until Lucilia gave a soft Lion roar, making the dogs calm down.
Lucilia: (Directing them to their beds) Back to your beds, pups. Sleep well and dream of happiness. Off you go, children. And in the morning, you three will play together in the sun.
Sora couldn't help but smile as the guard dogs settled into their beds and fell asleep.
Arin: That was cute, Lucy.
Lucilia: Pay to have been raised by Lions. Let's get that part.
Sora: Give me a minute. (Picking up an item) Boom! And we didn't even set off the…
Suddenly, the alarm blared, waking the dogs in a fright.
Lucilia: Question: We're robbing a Raven Junkyard, right?
Arin: No.
Lucilia: (With a dry look) I was afraid you'd say that.
Security Bots: (Running over while wielding staffs) Halt! Halt! Halt!
Arin: (As Lucilia growl threateningly) We should be leaving now.
Sora: (Taking off her cat ears headphones and throws on her hood) I always like how you think.
Monkey Wretch hopped onto Sora's shoulder and they made a break for it.
Arin: Oh, there's got to be an easier way to get mechanical parts!
Lucilia: (Running on all fours) There is but it involves mooching off my Uncle.
Sora: Exactly! It's called "Having Money". Which is not exactly our situation.
Arin: (As the bots started shooting at them) After tomorrow, it might be! And we'll never have to bother Lavertus about it anymore!
Lucilia jumped onto a junk pile, climbed above the robots, and waited for them to pass.
Lucilia: (Drawing the Wado Ichimonji) Come on.
Security Bots: (As they kept shooting) Halt! Halt Halt!
Arin: Alright, then! Ninja…
Sora: (As she and Monkey Wretch used a piece of metal to protect themselves) You're not a ninja.
Lucilia: (Pulling her white hood down while preparing to attack) Be nice, Sora.
Arin: Wannabe Ninja, go!
Arin rushed at the Security Bots and did an amateur-looking Spinjitzu Kick on a Security Bot while Lucilia pounced and stabbed her blade into another.
Lucilia: Wait… THAT'S what Spinjitzu is?!
Arin: (Lands roughly and groans) Yep! Impressed?
Lucilia: (Ripping a Bot apart) My uncle's friend, Doubloon, can do that perfectly. He can teach you.
Sora: Worry about that later! More are coming!
Arin kicked another bot away with his wonky Spinjitzu but had another rough landing, making Sora and Lucilia wince, while Monkey Wretch facepalmed.
Sora: (Deflecting a laser shot with a metal sheet) Rough landing. (Smiling while helping him up) But you're getting better at that. Let's go! (Deflects another laser shot, grunts) Can you make a distraction?
Arin: I don't think these bots want to hear my story about the Merge!
Lucilia: And I doubt any of my stories would interest them.
Thinking quickly, Lucilia start drawing their fire away from Sora.
Lucilia: Over here, you walking metal beehives!
Arin brought out his grappling hook, fired it, and swung around to help distract the robots. Sora and Monkey Wretch took the opportunity to open up a Security Bot and started hacking their hive-wired CPUs.
Lucilia: (Dodging laser shots) Any time now, you two!
Arin: (As he swings around with his grappling hook to distract the robots, while Sora and Monkey Wretch continue to hack them) Up here! You! Garbage can!
Sora pulled out a part of the robot she was on, grabbed Monkey Wretch, and jumped over to the others.
Lucilia: (Preparing to fight) Nothing's happening.
Sora: Wait for it.
In a split second, the Robots started dancing pretty good while repeating the word "Dance"
Security Bots: (Dancing) Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance! Dance!
Lucilia gawked in shocked and then laughed while Monkey Wretch clapped and danced.
Arin: (As he and Lucilia threw off their hoods) I will never get over how quickly you can hack stuff like that.
Sora: (Throws her hood off) What can I say? (Puts her headphones back on) I'm just naturally good at tech stuff. It's been like that since I was a kid.
Monkey Wretch chattered about scramming before the police show up.
Lucilia: Monkey Wretch is right. I may be their Princess, but the Lions make no exceptions on the Law.
Arin: Just a minute. (Bringing a pie out and setting it on a junkpile) We might not have money but I'm sure the owners of this place would love my delicious homemade pies, right? (As the dogs smelled something delicious) As payment for the gear we're borrowing.
Lucilia: It's how we've been paying Razar and the Ravens all over town. Even the Raven Legend Beast loves your pies.
Sora: (Chuckles) It's so greedy, it's been pecking at our window, demanding more.
Lucilia: Just be grateful it's our friend and willing to be our security system.
Lucilia took the time to tell the dogs to make sure the owner gets the pie and she'll bring them one later. Taking their leave, the trio and their monkey headed for home. They passed by some friends on their way home.
Lucilia: (As an evening patrol came by) Hey, Longtooth. Nice night for a patrol.
Longtooth: (Standing aside) Good evening, my princess.
Arin: (Saluting) Hi Mr. Longtooth.
Longtooth: (Continuing his patrol) As you were, civilian.
Sora: (Seeing a friend) Hey, Mrs. R.
Arin: How's the Moss Milk today?
Lucilia: Incoming!
Lucilia pulled her friend away as a mech walked by.
Arin: Whoa! (Sighs in relief) Thanks, Lucy.
Sora: (Monkey Wretch hoots angrily at the passing mech) Oops, watch your step, Newt.
The three friends and cyborg monkey walk around and view the area around them.
Arin: Wow.
Lucilia: (Sees a Raven flying by and waves) Hey, Razcal.
Razcal: Good to see you, Lucilia. Hope to see you at the race tomorrow.
Lucilia: (Knowing tone) You guys aren't getting Rogon's truck. Not only is it Rogon's but that was also my house once.
Razcal: Alright, point made.
A car nearly hits them, but Arin grabs his two friends and uses his grappling hook to get them out of the way.
Sora: Hey! Watch where you're going!
Monkey Wretch screeched "Crazy Driver".
Longtooth: (Blowing his whistle having seen what happened) Hey you, stop the car!
Lucilia: (As they landed) What is with some people? Does the term "Roadkill" mean anything anymore?!
Arin: (Looking at Imperium on the horizon) I still can't get over how amazing the Kingdom of Imperium looks. It's perfect, isn't it?
Lucilia: A bit too high-tech for me. Give me the jungle or the Crossroad any day of the week.
Monkey Wretch slapped Arin in the back of the head then pointed to Sora, who didn't like Imperium at all.
Sora: Don't believe everything you hear about Imperium. I'm from there, remember? Their idea of "Perfect" isn't mine. The Merge slamming against Ninjago gave me the perfect chance to get out.
Sora walks off with Lucilia as Monkey Wretch jumped onto her shoulder.
Arin: And the perfect chance to meet me and Lucy! I'd still like to go there someday. (Follows them) Or go anywhere. I've never been out of my old neighborhood; The Crossroads just grew up around the area where my house used to be.
Lucilia: Tell me about it. I lived in a truck for years till this place was finished. It still surprises me to no end to be with my own species.
Sora, deciding to lighten the mood, manage to crack a smile.
Sora: You two wanna experience other places, look around. Why go anywhere when the best of all the Realms moved here to The Crossroad. For example: Me and Monkey Wretch.
Monkey Wretch hooted in agreement while standing tall and proud on her left shoulder, making her chuckle. Then, they jumped and climbed down a few stories before reaching the ground and made their way to their apartment.
Arin: I'm glad you came here, Sora. You too, Lucy. You're my BFFs, my fam. (His face falters to sadness) But some of us are only here because we had nowhere else to go.
Lucilia: He's right. I keep thinking my Papa or brother might show up here sooner or later. Or at least a Chima refugee who've seen them.
Arin: How many of the Tribes are still missing?
Lucilia: All the others. My Lion Tribe and the Ravens are here. Our former enemies, The Saber-Tooth Tigers and Bats, are around. They're the only four tribes here.
Sora: I'm sorry, Lucilia. Still, pretty cool we have our own penthouse with a giant Raven guarding it.
Lokai was sleeping in his nest when he saw Lucilia and the others. He screeched in excitement.
Lucilia: Hey, Lokai.
Sora: Race you both to the top.
Sora kicked down a ladder and started to climb.
Lucilia: Amateur.
Lucilia jumped and skillfully started climbing. Having plenty of practice back in Chima climbing to places, Lucilia was able to climb well.
Lucilia: (Climbing) See you both at the top.
Sora: (Smirks) Oh, you are so on, Lucy!
Arin: Last one there's a rotten egg!
Arin fired his grabbling hook and used it to overtake Sora and Lucilia.
Sora: Hey, that's cheating!
Lucilia: No fair!
Arin: (Speeding) See ya. Wouldn't want to be ya.
Sora: Careful, Arin. You're going too…
Arin hit the roof when he reached the top.
Arin: Ouch.
Monkey Wretch made it to the top and stood on top of Arin, making it look like he emerged victorious. Lokai flew onto Arin's head, repeatedly pecking at him like a woodpecker for cheating.
Lucilia: (Climbing up) Serves you right, Arin.
The trio watched as the Raven Legend Beast circled outside. It cawed out to them, wanting pie.
Arin: Lucky I have two pies ready.
Arin tossed one out and the Legend Beast ate it quickly.
Arin: Are Ravens usually this greedy for food?
Lucilia: They're greedy for anything. My brother once bought his own Speedor back from them with an empty box.
Arin: So they got NOTHING in return?! (Laughing) What a steal! Literally!
Lucilia: (Laughing) Yeah, my brother was clever. (Sighing) I miss him.
Sora started working on a machine part then it turned on.
Sora: YES! The SAL MK 1 is gonna crush it in the Mech Master 5000!
Arin walked over to the poster on the wall.
Arin: Tomorrow's race is the biggest prize pot of all time. If we win…
Sora: WHEN we win.
Lucilia: Because it's going to be us crossing the finish line first.
Arin: Right, right, when we win, (They walk outside) we could find ourselves a real place to live. (As they look out into the Crossroads and Ninjago City) I could build my own monastery and invite everyone who lost their parents to live with us. To carry on the tradition of the Ninja.
Lucilia: Would be the perfect way for my Papa and brother to find me.
Arin: (Gasp as he gains an idea) Even better, I could build an extra monastery where your father, The King of the Lion Tribe, is the Sensei!
Lucilia smiled, liking the idea.
Sora: And I can design a real garage and lab. And we wouldn't have to pay anyone else with your pies anymore. The Ravens… I don't have a problem with paying them with pies.
Out of nowhere, an earthquake hit the area hard.
Lucilia: (Grabbing a door frame) EARTHQUAKE!
Everything shook but luckily nothing got destroyed.
Sora: Another earthquake. Seems like they're happening more often.
Lucilia: Luckily they're not exactly strong.
Arin: They never happened at all before the Merge. Hey, do you ever wonder if there's a greater purpose for all this? Like, a reason for the Merge?
Lucilia: (Sigh) Not this again.
Monkey Wretch hooted "Give it a rest".
Sora: The Merge might've taken everything you and Lucy had, Arin, but it's given everything I have. Change can be scary but its also a chance for something… Better.
The three friends couldn't help but smile. However, Sora's smile soon dissipated upon looking at the Kingdom of Imperium. Monkey Wretch patted Sora's shoulder. Meanwhile, in an Underground Imperium Rail system, an Anthromorphic Tiger in gold armor was speaking to someone via a monitor. This was Lord Ras.
Ras: The capture was successful?
Reporting to him was a man in the same kind of armor and was in desperate need of a dentist for all of his lower teeth. This was Rapton.
Rapton: Of course! Transfer will begin first thing in the morning.
Ras: (Disgusted tone) Your overconfidence is a weakness, Rapton. The creatures are dangerous.
Rapton: Trust me. This thing isn't going anywhere. Don't worry, Lord Ras.
Ras: Do not disappoint me.
He turned off the communication link as Rapton's smirk fades and a frown appears.
"Blorko": Lord Ras doesn't sound like he's got a lot of faith in us.
Rapton: He's too uptight. We're the best there is at rounding up these animals. (Imitating Ras) Ugh, "Your overconfidence is a weakness." (Laughs) Lemme tell ya, I've never even heard the word Weakness.
"Blorko": Really? It's a pretty common word.
Rapton thought his subordinate had a Literal problem.
Rapton: No. (Stammering) I mean, I just don't know what that word means.
"Blorko": Seriously? I can explain. Weakness: Noun. The quality of…
Rapton kicked him away like trash.
Rapton: Go away. Should've taken those Scorpions the General has. (Seeing his captive) This guy in here. He ain't going nowhere, ain't he?
Inside the cage, an animal growled as he eyed Rapton. Next morning, the trio and their animals were rolling their mech as they heard a dear friend called out. This was their Frogman friend, Mr. Alfonzo Frohicky. Behind him was his loyal Serpentine Employee, Clancee.
Mr. Frohicky: Last call to register for the Mech Master 5000! The greatest race…
Sora: In the history of the Crossroads! And we're here to win it.
Lucilia: Hi, Mr. Frohicky.
Mr. Frohicky: Sora, Arin, Lucilia! Always great to see you three wild scamps. (Offers a high five) Up top!
Sora held her hand up to high five him but the frogman ended up using his tongue.
Sora: (Chuckles) Good to see you too, Mr. Frohicky.
Lucilia: (Waves to Clancee) Hi, Clancee.
Clancee: (Stammering) It's v-very nice to see you, Lucilia. You're l-looking well, your highness.
Monkey wretch rolled his eyes on his nervous friend. Even after they've been given new chances at happiness, the humanoid snake was still the nervous wreck he sailed with.
Mr. Frohicky: (Sees them bringing over their mech, as Clancee gawks in awe) Wait, that's your mech? Oh ho, no offense, Sora, but, uh, not one of your more impressive builds, is it, hmm?
Lucilia: Yeah, but the power source is nothing to sneeze at.
Lucilia charged up her left hand to demonstrate.
Sora: But seriously, it's easily underestimated just like us.
Alfonzo: Sure, but I've got top mechs from around the merged realms here. (Gestures to one of the several mechs) Like an Underworld Mech.
A Green Bone Guard was seen climbing into a skeleton-printed mech with a few added bones attached to it.
Bone Guard: (Rolls his eyes while working the controls) Freaky leapy.
Clancee: (Gulps nervously while stammering) H-he certainly is f-freaky alright.
Lucilia: That's definitely a new one.
Mr. Frohicky: That it is, Lucilia! This one might certainly pique your interest! (Points to a mech being piloted by a certain Raven) A Raven Mech!
Razar: Lucilia, my friend. Glad we'll be racing against each other.
Lucilia: Be careful out there. (Chuckles) Just the Speedor races back home.
Razar: Indeed, it does. (Sighing) The good old days.
Mr. Frohicky: (Points to a peculiar mech) There's even a… Uh, uh… That thing.
Clancee: Who's that eyeball with arms?
Everyone watch as a strange, mechanical creature flew into his mech that resembled him.
?: Lobbo, Lobbo.
Arin: Oh, that's Lobbo! He's a great guy. But never ask him about his mom. It's a touchy subject.
Lucilia: Yeah. Best you leave that topic alone.
Clancee: I'd rather not know.
Mr. Frohicky: (Points to familiar mechs) Plus, all the regulars.
Lucilia: (Seeing her Tribe and the Saber-Tooth Tigers playing security) No kidding. It's so packed, the entire force is here to make sure there's fair play.
Mr. Frohicky: It could get pretty vicious. Maybe you three should sit today's race out.
Looking at each other, Mr. Frohicky saw they weren't backing down.
Clancee: They a-aren't backing down, Mr. Frohicky s-sir!
Mr. Frohicky: (Sighs) Fine. (Turns his head, closes his eyes, and holds out his hand) Then ante up!
Arin brought out a pie, which Mr. Frohicky sniffed. The scent alone made him, Clancee, and the nearby Ravens lick their lips and beaks, respectively.
Mr. Frohicky: I know you're not trying to pay your registration fee with baked goods again.
Lucilia got in front of the Ravens and started holding them back.
Arin: So you don't want a fresh pie, (Holds it out) filled with roasted snowberries from the Never-Realm? (He and Sora feign disappoint) Fine, I guess we'll just have to toss it. Maybe the dogs are hungry. Or maybe the raccoons? (Mr. Frohicky sniffs the pie once more) Oh, maybe the Ravens might want it?
Ravens: PLEASE!
Clancee: It is a-almost close to lunch time, sir.
Mr. Frohicky heard both his and Clancee's stomachs growl.
Mr. Frohicky: Well, it'd be a shame to just throw it out.
Much to the Ravens' disappointment, Mr. Frohicky caved in.
Mr. Frohicky: Fine! Line up!
Drawing the Wado Ichimonji, Lucilia sliced up the pie into equal portions for Mr. Frohicky and Clancee to eat.
Lucilia: Sorry, boys. Pie shop is closed.
Arin: But I promise to bake some just for you later.
The Ravens cheered at the promise. Rolling their mech along the competitors, the trio heard an unwelcoming voice… Kreel's.
Kreel: Heh, they'll let anyone into these races, won't they?
Lucilia: Hey, Kreel. (Flashing her fangs) That a new hat or did you get it stitched up after I used it as a chew toy.
Arin: (As Kreel scowled at that remark) Oh! Burn!
Arin and Lucilia high fived each other.
Sora: At least we build our own gear, Kreel. (Looking at the two Whack Rats and Bats with her) We don't have a team of servants doing the work for us.
Kreel: They aren't servants! They're friend-ish people who work for me. They're here to cheer when I crush you! Like last time. And the time before, and, checks notes ... (She gasps dramatically) Every single time.
Lucilia: The only reason you won last time was because you used catnip on me.
Kreel: (Fakes innocence, as the two Bats snicker) Who? Moi? (Chuckles cunningly) I'll admit, you clearly learn, Lucy. (Points at Arin and Sora) Unlike these kids.
Lucilia: (Growls) Only my friends get to call me Lucy!
Arin: Oh, we learn. But we just don't give up.
Lucilia: Yeah, and I learned never back down from a fight!
Kreel: (Smirks as she wraps her arms around the two Bats) Then care to tell us how Brax and Brutus easily kicked your furry butt with their signature Black Cloud move, Tattoo Face?
Lucilia touched mark that was on her entire face. When she first learned about doctors and their medical machines, she asked if they could find out about the tattoo on her face and remove it. They all said none of their machines had any success. It was like the mark practically on her face since birth. For a time, she was sensitive about it and wore a mask to hide it but she got over it thanks to her friends.
Lucilia: That was because Brax threw a bolo at my legs and Brutus stole my sword.
Both Bat warriors hissed and snickered, knowing she was right.
Sora: And I might've designed a bit of an upgrade since the last race. Lucy? Would you do the honors?
Charging up her Elemental Powers, Lucilia demonstrated the Mech's reaction to her Electricity as it switched on.
Lucilia: Its battery is totally charged by my powers.
Sora: Yep. C'mon, Arin. Lucy. Let's get our fuel couplings attached while Kreel contemplates her impending loss.
Lucilia: See you around, Kitty Litter.
Kreel growled at the insult nickname Lucilia gave after an incident with her and a mess of kitty litter.
Kreel: (Laughing) I'm not worried. (Whispers to a Whack Rat while gripping its jacket) But just in case, loosen their cooling cable while they're gone. When they hit their turbo boost, their engine will overheat and explode.
The Whack Rat snuck around and managed to succeed in his job, unaware one of the Lion Tribe Police Officers spotted him. Meanwhile, the Claws of Imperium were preparing to head out with their catch. The creatures attempted to escape by banging against his cage.
Rapton: Hey, settle down in there.
With a mighty bash, the creature brought his cage to the ground. The guards approached the cage when it went silent.
Rapton: (Chuckling) Nice try, ya animals. You can't…
The container bursts opened, which nailed a guard into the wall, knocking him out cold. The creature revealed to be a cute, baby dragon. He tried to fly away but his wings were too young and he fell to the ground. Seeing no other option, the dragon ran for freedom.
Rapton: (Getting his focus back) After that thing!
Back to the race, the starting light flashed and the race began with Monkey Wretch riding on Lokai to morally support their friends from above. As they sped forward, many racers slammed into each other, except for Lobbo, who was just taking his time.
Arin: (Sitting in the back above Lucilia) Are we winning? I can't see. Tell me we're winning.
Lucilia: (Seeing Lobbo) Well, Lobbo isn't winning. Looks like he's just taking his time.
Sora: Well, we're not winning yet. Get the bumper arms up.
Hitting a switch, Arin caused two panels to cover both arms. As they jumped a ramp, Sora made their mech slam into a competitor, knocking him out of the race.
Lobbo: (Moving around the wreck) Lobbo is on the move. Lobbo, Lobbo.
Lucilia: (Calls out to him) Good for you, Lobbo.
Lobbo took the time to wave "Hello" to his friends who waved back. Sora slammed into another racer. He tried to fight back but Sora knocked him to the ground. She then spotted Kreel ahead between Razar and the Underworld Mech.
Sora: We're coming for ya, you fancy-hatted ego-maniac.
Turning a corner, Kreel took the opportunity to knock the Underworld Mech out of the race. Razar looked back and eyed Lucilia, who silently told him to be careful.
Sora: Everyone, hang on!
Sora pulled the controls and the SAL Mark 01 jumped over the wreck. Arin and Lucilia sighed in relief. Another racer ended up smashing into the wreck. Lobbo calming moved by it.
Lobbo: Lobbo avoids hazard. Lobbo, Lobbo.
Gaining ground on Kreel, Arin thought it was time.
Arin: Hit the turbo boost!
Sora: No! We can only use it once. I'm saving it for when we need it.
Gaining up to Kreel, the trio watched as she knocked Razar out of the race.
Lucilia: I seriously dislike Kreel.
Monkey Wretch hooted angrily at the stuck-up racer and threw what she was hoping was mud onto her mech.
Kreel: (Angrily shout) That better have been mud, you chimp!
Monkey Wretch hooted while pointing to his tail, saying "Wrong Primate". Catching up, Sora slammed her mech into Kreel.
Kreel: Those punks? Oh, no they don't!
Both sides slammed into each other as Arin realized something.
Arin: We're in the straightaway! This has got to be the time to use the turbo boost, right?! Right?!
Lucilia: I agree with Arin! Kreel knocked down my friend, Razar! Let's leave her in the dust!
Sora: Yep! Get ready to roll around in prize money, tossing it in the air, and going "Whee hee"!
As they approached the finish line, something below the ground fired off shots, causing a metal sheet to be sent flying. Kreel saw it coming but was unable to dodge it and was knocked down. Sora braked hard and manage to stop just in time. As the dust cleared, the trio and an approaching Razar saw the same baby dragon the hunters were chasing. Then from the ground below, Rapton flew out on a vehicle and open fired on the infant. They watched the little guy flee for his life.
Lucilia: Oh, no, that poor little dragon.
Razar: (Tapping the bottom of his beak with his robotic hand) Hmm, it would appear that it's being hunted, yes?
Arin: Sora, go! We're so close!
Sora: We gotta go after that dragon.
Lucilia: She's right! The four of us are going after it! (Stopping Razar) Help us or so help me I'll personally make sure your Tribe never eats another one of Arin's pies again!
Razar: I'll help!
Arin: What?! We need to win this race!
Sora: Those dragon hunters are the Claws of Imperium. If they catch that dragon... The things they'll do to him. (Sighs) Trust me, we have to stop them. Arin, what would the Ninjas do?
Lucilia: Win some meaningless race or help save the life of a poor, innocent creature who have right just like us?
Motivated by both Sora and Lucilia, Arin put the hood on.
Arin: Let's go save that dragon.
Lucilia: (Doing the same thing) That's the spirit, Arin! Razar?
Razar: Say no more, my friend! Whoever is after that little dragon, it's certainly bad for my business, yes?
Razar cawed loudly and the Raven Beast soon arrived. Abandoning the race, the team raced to the rescue. Meanwhile, Kreel was about to get a dosage of humiliation.
Kreel: (Trying to get her mech to move) Get up! Get up!
Lobbo: Lobbo, Lobbo.
Lobbo made his mech jump the metal sheet Kreel was under, glides past her easily, and reaches the finish line.
Lobbo: Lobbo wins!
The citizens of the Crossroads cheered for his victory as spectators begin to gather around his mech and cheer him on.
Lobbo: Lobbo a success! See, Lobbo's mother? Can a "malfunctioning tin can" do that? Lobbo, Lobbo.
Meanwhile, the Claws of Imperium were still firing at the dragon as it ran. As they closed in, one shot exploded underneath the dragon and knocked him down. Rapton landed and brought his weapon out.
Rapton: No need to tell Ras or Scorm about this minor slip up. (Switching it to Dragon Prod mood) Understood?
Rapton moved to grab the dragon when the Rescue Team arrived. Dropping from the Raven Beast, the SAL MK 1 knocked Rapton and his underling aside.
Arin: (As the mech offered a hand) Hop on, buddy!
Taking a change on friendship, the dragon hopped aboard willingly.
Lucilia: (Watching him get aboard) You're safe now, little one.
Suddenly, reinforcements arrived and fired at the mech. Sora drove off with their air support following.
Rapton: What?! Who are these kids now?! (Getting nailed in the face by Monkey Wretch) And is this mud?! Get them!
The Claws flew after them and closed in fast.
Lucilia: They're gaining on us!
Arin: (Nervous chuckle) Looks like we're in another race.
Sora: Then good thing we've still got that turbo boost ready to go.
Sora hit the switch but nothing happened.
Lucilia: Um, aren't we supposed to be going super-fast right now?
Sora hit it two more times, which caused the mech to lightly explode, shake out of control, and get sent off the bridge.
Razar: Dive, my Beast!
The Raven Legend Beast cawed loudly and dove down after the falling heroes.
Before it could save them, the dragon bumped into Sora then his eyes glowed white. He then sent some kind of energy into Sora, which made her hand and eyes glow. She then reached for the pieces of her mech, pulled it apart, and reassembled it into a new design. Meanwhile, Rapton was trying to figure out how that mech exploded.
Rapton: Did one of us make that thing explode? (Chuckling) I mean, sure it was us right?
Rapton's subordinate groaned, unsure if it was them.
Claw Hunter: Uh…
Rapton: (Walks near the edge and looks down) Dragons are resilient. Our target will survive. Those kids, not so much. Those dumb birds are way too late. (Turns to the Claw Hunter) Let's get down there and drag the lizard off the pavement.
Rapton turned and saw Sora flying the mech with Arin riding via his grappling hook and Lucilia on the Raven Beast with Razar.
Claw: That's different then it was before, right?
Lucilia: (Panting) That was intense! I saw my entire life flash before my eyes. (Realizing) Razar, I owe you an apology for that Fighter Incident.
Razar: (Smiling) Apology accepted, my friend! You can return the favor by helping me teach this rotten-tooth delinquent some manners!
Lucilia: (Smirks as she cracks her neck) With pleasure.
Arin: How did you do all this?
Sora: I honestly do not know. (As Lucilia and Razar fought) But now's not the time for questions. It's time for…
Lucilia: Fighting!
Channeling her Electricity into her sword, Lucilia sent it at the Claws on the ground as an energy slash. The Claw Hunters exclaimed in electrocuted pain as some of them had their skeletons showing in a comedic way.
Lucilia: Like that? I call it my Electro Slash.
Razar and his Beast started gathering the Claws because of their armor. Sora was flying her mech around, dodging aerial support fire. One of the pilots hit a switch and it caused his vehicle's weapons to detach and fly after Sora and Arin while firing.
Razar: Very nice, my Beast! First we steal, then we stash, yes?
Claw Hunter: (Groans) I'm really starting to dislike Ravens.
Arin: Whoo-hoo! Now it's my turn. (Leaps off the mech) Self-trained wannabe ninja without a master, go!
His Spinjitzu came up short and stopped midway but he built up enough force and speed to smash into one drone which made it collide with the other. Arin used his grappling hook to grab a streetlight and swing to safety.
Arin: Eh, close enough.
Lucilia: Still helped.
One of the dragon hunters' hovercrafts came crashing into the drones, making them explode.
Lucilia: Ha! Boom!
Another one was coming in at Lucilia, but she smirked and used her powers to absorb the hover chariot's electricity, causing it to shut down. Athird one was still chasing Sora's mech. Wanting to help fight, the dragon jumped, spun in a ball, and hit the driver off. The dragon landed safely. The Claw, not so much. Arin petted their new friend. Sora hovered near the others, thinking the fight was over. Just then, the same Tiger Rapton spoke to landed holding a hammer, sending a shockwave that pushed everyone back. The Tiger pelted forward and readied to fight.
Rapton: (Running up) Lord Ras, we were just about to...
Ras picked up Rapton in frustration.
Ras: (Harshly) You failed me. I do not like that.
Ras dropped Rapton.
Arin: Uh Lucilia, you recognize this guy?
Lucilia: (Ready to fight) Never seen him before in Chima.
Sora: Not good.
Arin: He doesn't seem very nice.
Lucilia: Then let's take him down.
Razar: That we will, my friend!
Ras: (Seeing the Raven Legend Beast, making him chuckle darkly) A Legend Beast? This shall be amusing.
Lucilia charged at Ras but he grabbed her, threw her to the ground, stole the Wado Ichimonji off her, and hit her with his hammer.
Razar: (Now mad) Big mistake... My enemy!
Dive-bombing with his Legend Beast, Razar attempted to attack Ras, only for him to break his staff with one hand, spin around, and throw Razar hard into Lucilia.
Arin: Razar! Lucy!
Ras fired a net launcher and caught the Raven Beast in a dragon-proof net.
Ras: This should make the Empress happy: Draining the energy of a Legend Beast.
Monkey Wretch and Lokai dive bombed to fight but were swatted down like flies.
Ras: Pathetic. (Looking at Lokai) Hmm… Could it possible that the Eagle Legend Beast… Has children?
Arin: Monkey Wretch! Lokai! (Angrily) That does it!
Arin attempts to attack the Tiger villain with Spinjitzu, but Ras catches his leg in midair.
Arin: What? How'd you...?
Ras slammed Arin down and threw him onto the pile.
Sora: ARIN!
Sora flew in and tried to use the rear thruster as a weapon but Ras dodged it and threw his hammer into the mech, destroying it. He then turned to the dragon. The little guy was angry at first but ran because Ras was stronger than him. Ras then blast the ground under the dragon, knocking him out.
Ras: (Threateningly) You are just the first. Now, I'm going to hunt down your entire family, wherever they are.
He then turned his attention to the trapped Raven Legend Beast, who cawed threateningly.
Ras: Same goes to your friends.
Ras turned when felt an earthquake and saw the sky literally rip open. He then turned to the Claws.
Ras: Get the prisoners on the train. Quickly! I trust you won't have any more problems.
Rapton: (Saluting) Yes, Lord Ras. I mean, no Lord Ras.
Soon enough, Arin, Sora, Monkey Wretch, Lucilia, and Razar were taken in as prisoners while Riyu, Lokai, and the Raven Legend Beast were put into different prison containments. A strange subway train is seen speeding underground, with multiple Imperium Claw Hunters on the roof. We cut to inside the train, where the five of them were in orange energy handcuffs.
Lucilia: This would disappoint Papa badly.
Arin: What do you think they'll do to us?
Razar: Nothing pleasant, my friend.
Sora: Razar's right, but they'll do a lot worst to that dragon, Lokai, and the Raven Beast.
Arin: Really?
Sora: The Claws of the Imperium come from Imperium, same as me. And Imperium runs entirely on dragon power. With all these merged realms, I'm sure they're hunting dragons everywhere now. They'll probably start hunting for the other seven Legend Beast now.
Lucilia: What about the Raven Beast?
Sora: From what you told me about the Legend Beasts, they'll probably do to it what they do to dragons.
Arin: But they say dragon power is safe.
Sora: (Clearly mad) Safe for who?! You all saw the look in that dragon's eyes. It wanted to be free. Just like I did.
A brief silence followed. Then Arin decided to ask the million-dollar question.
Arin: So, uh, I've known you for a while now, and you've always been pretty good with tech, but...
Sora: (Knowing what he's trying to bring up) I have no idea.
Lucilia: Neither do I.
Arin: You turned pieces of the SAL MK 1 into a flying mech, in midair!
Sora: Yeah. That was weird, right?
Razar: Yes, it is quite the conundrum.
Monkey Wretch nods in agreement.
Arin: Well, that's one word for it. (Excitedly) Other words would be amazing, impossible, defying all logic or reason!
Lucilia: Where'd it come from?
Sora: It was that dragon. I can feel it awaken something in me. Some kind of... Power.
Arin: Like the Elemental Powers Lucilia and the Ninjas have. Powers I dreamed of having. Water, Fire, Ice... Electricity.
Razar: (Having heard the story of the Ninjas) Very similar to Lightning, the Blue Ninja's power, yes?
Lucilia: It's great news, Sora.
Sora: Not everything is tied to your lost heroes, you know.
Arin sighed, knowing he had to explain why he had to hold onto the Ninjas.
Arin: If I lose hope that the Ninja could come back, then I lose hope my parents could come back. Hope is the only thing the Merge didn't take from me.
Lucilia: That goes double for me. If I lose hope, I'll never find Papa, Laval, or the rest of my friends and Tribe.
Sora: Well, hope won't be enough anymore. We can't build you a new ninja monastery from an Imperium Prison.
Arin: It's called the Monastery of Spinjitzu. But you're right. The dream's over, (Picks up Lloyd's hood) isn't it?
Razar: (Sighs) I'm afraid so, my friend. It's the end of the road for the five of us.
Lucilia: (Stands up with a serious look) No, it's not!
Lucilia's spirit was rewarded when they heard the sound of a wolf growling.
Guard #1: Hey, what... GAH!
Guard #2: Hey, aren't you... NO WAY!
Everyone flinched when the roof was ripped off. Coming into view, like a phantom rising from the dead, was Lloyd Montgomery Garmadon. With him was a normal white wolf with tribal paint on her.
Arin: The Green Ninja.
Lloyd: (Smiles while tapping his head with his left hand) I think that mask belongs to me.