The Lion Girl of the Merged Realm
Chapter 9: Survive
Next morning, Lucilia woke up hoping it was all a bad dream. She found herself still in Rogon's truck. Lucilia was very sad and she didn't have her brother or his friends to comfort her. She thought about venturing out and searching but she couldn't leave the truck in case someone she knew spotted it and recognized it. And the egg was too vulnerable for travel.
Lucilia: I guess I'm staying here.
For a long time, she did whatever she could to pass the time: Clean and memorize the truck, sharpen the Wado Ichimonji, hunt for food, and kept the egg safe. For a long time, Lucilia was all alone until the egg started to hatch.
Lucilia: (Gasp upon seeing the shakes and cracks) It's hatching!
The egg hatched into a normal Eagle hatchling. He was a spitting image of the Eagle Legend Beast. He looked up and saw Lucilia, who gently picked him up.
Lucilia: It's okay, little one. I won't hurt you. (As the hatchling warmed up to her) I shall name you Lokai.
For years at a time, Lucilia kept to herself as a city was built behind her hut. When it was finished, it was called The Crossroads. Like a normal cat, Lucilia's curiosity made her go in and investigate while Lokai flew above her. Walking around, Lucilia was stunned by what she saw: Humans. She was so stunned by seeing she inadvertently bump into a girl wearing black clothes. This was Kreel.
Kreel: Hey, watch it!
Lucilia: (Inadvertently showing her fangs) Sorry. I didn't mean to…
Kreel: What is up with your teeth? What kind of freak are you?
Lucilia felt like a knife pierced her. Sure, she was called that by a few Tribe members in Chima. But now, her own species was calling her that word.
?: That was a very cruel of you to say to your own species… My friend.
Lucilia immediately was happy, knowing that there was only one Raven who had that greedy and sly voice.
Lucilia: (Overjoy) Razar!
Razar walked up, sporting a new prosthetic hand. Kreel left, not wanting to fight the Raven. Razar told Lucilia how he ended up in an unfamiliar land and left trying to find Chima, with no success. Soon, most of the Lions, Ravens, Saber-Tooth Tigers, and Bats found their way to the Crossroads. The Lions and Saber-Tooth Tigers teamed up and became the city's police force, the Ravens were often hired as merchants for several stores, and the Bats were hired as workers in building construction. Lucilia questioned them all on any chance of them seeing her family. None of them said yes. The Lions made it clear that they still saw her as their princess. One day, Lucilia was minding her own business when she bumped into a boy her age with black curly hair wearing an orange jacket, blue jean, black sneakers, and a green mask around his neck. This was Arin
Lucilia: Sorry.
Arin: Oh, no, no, that was my fault. Sorry about that. Are you okay?
Lucilia: Yeah, I'm just preoccupied. (Offering a handshake) I'm Lucilia.
Arin: (Shaking her hand) I'm Arin.
Lokai landed on Arin's head. At Arin's penthouse, The pair got to talking and sharing stories.
Arin: I can't believe you've never heard of the Ninja's they've saved Ninjago hundreds of times.
Lucilia: I grew up in Chima. We have our own heroes: My big brother and his friends.
Arin told Lucilia he lost his parents in the event and she told him about her missing family. They promised each other they'd find them. Arin offered Lucilia to stay with him and she accepted. Time went on and Arin taught Lucilia many things from his world to Lucilia: Certain foods, entertainment, different reading and writing, etc. One day, while watching TV, Lucilia was surprised by a certain commercial.
Lavertus: Have you been robbed? Accused of a crime? Someone you hold dear gonna missing? Then, you've called the right Lion! (Smirks) Or have you? (Chuckling) My name is Lavertus and I'm here to recommend ShadoWind Detective Agency!
Lucilia was surprised and dragged Arin to the TV.
Lucilia: My Uncle Lavertus is on TV.
Lavertus: (Showing phone number on-screen) If you've got a mystery that needs solving, dial the number down below. (Doubloon and Rizzo the Raven comes on-screen) Then myself and my team of highly-trained professionals will come and help.
Rizzo: Anything you're willing to pay, we will solve it! There's no case we won't solve!
Lavertus: (Smirking) Or is there?
Lucilia was ecstatic her uncle was okay. When she and Arin learned where the office was, they ran straight there, only to end up slamming right into a girl and her cyborg monkey. These were Sora and Monkey Wretch.
Lucilia: Ow! That hurt! (Seeing her) I'm so sorry!
Sora: (Chuckling) No worries, I'm okay. You're definitely an energetic one.
Arin: (Helping Lucilia up) She's very energetic. I'm Arin of Ninjago and she's Lucilia of Chima. What's your name?
Sora: I'm Sora. I'm from Imperium. And this is my friend, Monkey Wretch.
Mokey Wretch hooted in greeting while hanging from Sora's armored left arm. Lokai came in and perched onto Lucilia's shoulder.
Sora: Cool Eagle.
Lucilia: Thanks. His name's Lokai. We were just on our way to see my uncle's new detective agency. Wanna come?
Sora: Sure.
They began to head out with Monkey Wretch and Lokai in tow. Upon arriving at the office, Lavertus was overjoyed to see his niece alive and well. Monkey Wretch climbed onto Doubloon's shoulders, happy to see his old friend.
Lucilia: Uncle Lavertus, these are my friends: Arin and Sora. (Lokai perched onto Lucilia's shoulder) And this is Lokai.
Lokai screeched in greeting.
Lavertus: (Laughing in joy) What a sight! One of the Eagle Legend Beast's eggs has hatched!
Lucilia: Was anyone else with you?
Lavertus shook his head No. As time continued, Lucilia tried to fit in with her new society. While her Lion-tuned mind struggled to be more human, she just couldn't stop being her normal, wild self. But her new friends didn't mind. They liked her being herself, and overtime, a lot of people did too. Lavertus helped them out with the bills. His detective agency turned into a big success. One day, they discovered a way to not have to worry about the electric bill anymore.
Sora: (Looking at the electric bill) Man, sometimes I feel bad we have to rely on Lucy's uncle for the bills.
Lucilia: I still don't get this money stuff. We have an open market in Chima.
Lucilia set hand on the TV remote and somehow got it working despite the batteries dying an hour ago.
Lucilia: (Seeing the yellow spark she let off) Huh?
Arin: I thought the batteries died.
Lucilia then picked up a lightbulb and it actually came on in her hand.
Lucilia: (Gasp) Did you see that?!
Everyone watched as Lucilia's body surged with electricity.
Sora: So long, electric bill.
Arin: You're an Elemental Master, Lucy!
After that day, Sora and Monkey Wretch started modifying their electronics so Lucilia wouldn't overload them. Good news was she could still touch water, so she was still able to bathe. But even with her new blessings, Lucilia wanted one thing: Her family. Little did any of them knew, their adventure was about to begin.