The Lion Girl of the Merged Realm

Chapter 7: This May Sting a Bit

Due to several dominating factors in our alterations, things are going to go differently then they did in the show. Still, consider the End of the Crawler Tribe Arc mine and Kai's Christmas gift to you all.


Cragger looked down the hole, hoping Laval and Lucilia were okay.

Cragger: No!

Eris: (Calling out) Laval?! Lucilia?! Are you two okay?!

No one responded. Before anyone could assume the worst, Scorm called out.

Scorm: Surrender now. You cannot beat us. We have more soldiers. More weapons. And most of all… (Holding an Orb of Chi) More Chi!

The Crawler Tribes cheered at their alleged victory.

Bladvic: You know, he makes a very convincing argument.

Cragger: (Angrily determined) We'll. Never. Surrender!

Gorzan: But, dude, where do we get more Chi?

Cragger thought deeply. Meanwhile, Rinona was still at Lavertus', having been left behind for her safety.

Rinona: Lavertus! You sure we can't do anything to help our friends out?

Lavertus: Nah! Never! Not if Crominus is there.

Rinona: What do you have against the Crocodile King anyway?

Lavertus: He ruined everything for me! If it wasn't for Crominus, well…

The Exiled Lion couldn't find the right words and sighed, knowing it was time to come clean. He began to tell his story as a flashback played.

Lavertus: I was in love with a young Crocodile Princess named Crunket. But a Prince from one of the other royal families also loved her. His name was… Crominus. And he was very, very jealous. So Crominus obtained the seeds for a very rare and powerful flower. It is called the Persuader Plant. And it will only grow in a certain part of the Crocodile Swamp. One sniff of that magic flower and I had to do everything he said.

Crominus: I command you to stay away from Princess Crunket.

Lavertus: The Persuader Plant spell worked for a while… But sometimes love is more powerful than magic. But Crominus had another plan.

Crominus: I command you to steal all the Chi.

Lavertus fell under the influence of the Persuader Plant again. He soon was in the Throne Room of the Lion Temple, stealing multiple orbs from the Sacred Pool of Chi and placing them in a sack. He soon snapped out of the trace when armed guards arrived.

Lavertus: And I had no choice. Crominus knew I would be exiled for this crime. And if I ever told the Lions how a Croc made me steal Chi, the Tribes would battle for sure. (As Crunket gave him her scarf) My sweet, sweet Princess would get dragged into the hostilities. I could not let her get hurt. So I kept my secret and went into exile for my love. Crominus eventually married my princess and became king. He got the girl and the Tribe. All I got was… This scarf.

Rinona: That's awful. I'm so sorry you had to live through that.

Lavertus: I haven't lived since that day.

Rinona: I understand, but you can't let some old grudge stop you from helping us. If you really want to fix this, take all that Golden Chi in your secret room there, (Pointing to the Golden Chi) save my friends, and finally, confront Crominus about this. Make him understand your sacrifice!

Rinona's words didn't hit deaf ears. Meanwhile, everyone else were still trapped in their spot.

Cragger: We can't stay here! We've got to see if Laval and Lucilia are okay.

Crominus: My son's right! We're not losing anyone today!

Worriz: Even if we could climb down, the bugs will follow us.

Crominus: (Bringing out his crossbow) Then let me teach you kids how I brought the pain back when I was your age!

Sprawler: Lead on, Sire!

Crominus: Good! Cragger, Worriz, Razar, Sprawler you four and your Legend Beasts are with me! Eris, get down after the Lion Siblings! The rest of you stay by the hole and guard it!

Cragger: Doubloon, you better come with us!

Crominus and his team charged at the Crawlers. Crominus demonstrated his marksman skills by not missing a single shot and fighting with years of experience behind him.

Worriz: (Clashing with a Scorpion) Wow! Your dad is a legend, Cragger!

Razar: (Fighting against the Bats) Indeed, my friend.

Crominus: (Fighting like a demon on a warpath) You kids taking notes?!

Sprawler: (Spins and shoot his webbing at three Scorpion soldiers while fighting with his scythe) Certainly, sire!

Sparratus: (Charging with his daggers, one of which being his prosthetic fang) I'll squish you, Traitor!

Doubloon Spinjitzu kicked Sparratus away from Sprawler.

Crominus: (Straining) Perfect! Keep your guards up and protect each other!

While Crominus led the attack squad, Eris flew down the hole. Further she went down, the less light she had but that didn't stop her. She soon found the duo dusting themselves off after breaking through a Spider web that slowed their fall.

Eris: Laval, Lucilia! (Landing) You two okay?

Laval: (Straightening out his back) Yeah, we hit a Spider web on our way down. Thing snapped after we tried to move off it.

Lucilia: Lucky it was there.

Suddenly, the trio heard a Lion roar.

Lucilia: (Gasping) The Lion Beast! He's close!

The trio arrived at the Lion Beast stranded on a small island in the middle of a pond. The Legend Beast roared in fear of drowning.

Laval: No chains, no guards… Just water. Just like every other Lion, you can't swim.

The Legend Beast growled in confirmation.

Lucilia: (Looking around for a solution) No rocks to make a bridge. And Eris is too small to fly him safety.

Laval: Too right. (To Eris) You go help the others, Eris. We'll handle things from here.

The Eagle Princess nodded and flew back to help the others.

Laval: Don't worry. We'll save you. (Showing the last Orb of Chi) I still have one Orb of Chi left.

Lucilia: We'll be over there in no time.

But the Lion Beast roared to his disciples something important.

Laval: What? This Chi won't help? Use the Chi that's inside all of us? What does that mean?

Lucilia: I don't know, big brother, but maybe this time Chi isn't the answer.

Meanwhile, Crominus and his attack force were still fighting strong under his leadership. He then saw a Scorpion about to sting his son.

Crominus: CRAGGER, BEHIND YOU!

Cragger turned and blocked the tail then swatted the Scorpion away.

Cragger: Thanks, Dad!

Crominus: Don't mention it! (Pointing to the assault vehicles) Hijack one of their vehicles! Worriz, Skull-face cover him!

Doubloon frowned at the nickname but nonetheless nodded and saluted. Keeping Cragger safe as he made his way to an assault vehicle, Worriz and Doubloon managed to get Cragger to one and allowed him to climb to the driver's seat.

Cragger: (Grabbing the driver) My turn!

Cragger threw the driver out and assumed control. He drove the vehicle towards the others to form a makeshift barrier.

Gorzan: (Seeing the odds change) Dudes, we're winning!

Suddenly, Eris came up from the hole.

Eris: Laval and Lucilia are okay and they found the Lion Beast.

Everyone sighed in relief that the siblings were okay. Meanwhile, Laval looked conflicted on what to do but pocketed the Chi, trusting his Legend Beast.

Laval: I hope you're right about this "Inner Chi" Lion Beast, 'cause I need something to help me swim.

Laval walked to the water and Lucilia followed.

Lucilia: Remember what Cragger said.

Laval: Oh, yeah. Water is like friendship. It only pulls you down when you fight it.

Taking a chance, the siblings plunged into the water and, for the first time, started actually swimming.

Laval: Hey! It's working! I'm floating, right where I want to go!

Lucilia: (Swimming) Daddy will be so proud!

Back with the others, Cragger bailed on his hijacked vehicle after it got too damaged. Crominus signaled for the others to join the fight. Despite losing the vehicle, the Heroes pressed their attack. Then Plovar flew around Cragger, having formulated a plan.

Plovar: (Flying) Time to bee-yoo-tify!

Cragger: Not now, Plovar! My teeth are fine!

Crominus: (Shooting) Mine, too. Get to safety, Plovar!

Plovar: In a minute, sire. And I wasn't talking about you, just leave her to me, Craggy-wag!

Plovar flew towards Spinlyn, leaving Cragger confused on what his dentist is planning.

Spinlyn: (Directing one of the assault vehicles) Attack hiss, please. We shall destroy, then devour! (Noticing Plovar) What are you doing, pest?

Plovar: Why, Queenie darling, I am fine-tuning the greatest weapon ever, your ravishing beauty.

Spinlyn: (Falling for it) Oh. Continue, please.

Plovar: Except… Without the proper beauty supplies, I fear Scorm's statement about it being ineffective might be right.

Spinlyn: (Stunned) What?! But he can't be right! Get me those beauty supplies, or else!

Plovar: Okay, then. (Flying ahead) Follow me.

Spinlyn: (Following the bird) Oh, beauty before battle.

Meanwhile, the Lion Siblings were trying to convince their Legend Beast to swim.

Laval: Come on, Legend Beast. You can do this. You saved me once when I was sinking in that Creek in Chima. Now, it's time my sister and I helped you.

Lucilia: (Petting him) I promise, we won't leave your side.

The Lion Legend Beast felt reassured by the Lion Girl's words and carefully puts its paw into the water.

Laval: Just use that Inner Chi you were teaching me about. Oh, yeah. And have a little faith in the wisdom of two good friends. Let the water lift you up and carry you where you want to go.

Lucilia: Please, our friends are fighting right now and they'll need our help.

Following his disciples' words, the Lion Beast started swimming to shore. True to their promise, the pair stayed by him till they got to shore. Meanwhile, Plovar was putting his plan into action. Plovar had led the Queen of the Spiders to a part of the cave with a giant pond of mud.

Plovar: Haven't you ever had a mud bath?

Spinlyn: (Stepping into the mud pool) Well, no. (Struggling) It's very… Sticky.

Plovar: That's how beauty mud works. It sticks, and then it pulls the beauty right out of you. Try going deeper.

Spinlyn: (Following Plovar's instructions) Am I more beautiful yet? Because I don't think I can move.

Plovar: (Seeing his plan working) That's the most beautiful part. (Leaving) See ya!

Spinlyn: (Seeing the trick) Why you pest!

Spinlyn hissed loudly which caused one-third of the Crawler Tribes' force to pull from the battle to come to her aid, except for Sparratus who slipped out of the cavern and turn his back on his tribe.

Spinlyn: Get me out of here! NOW!

But that proved to be a big mistake. Three of the Spiders jumped into the mud puddle and they, too, became stuck.

Sparacon: Uh… I think we're stuck, too.

Even with the Spiders preoccupied, the Bats and Scorpions continued their attack without their Arachnid allies. Then Rogon realized something.

Rogon: (To Worriz) Alas, this subterranean chamber is just a concave geological entity!

Worriz: Huh?

Rogon: We're in a giant rock. (Taking aim) And I know everything about rocks!

Rogon started firing at the stalactites above them and making them rain down upon the Scorpions and Bats. He then opened fired on Scorm's statue, much to his horror.

Scorm: NO! Not the Great Scorpion!

The King of the Scorpions rushed over to try and hold up the statue as the Scorpion Tank fired at the heroes. Everyone ran for cover. As the Scorpion King struggled to hold his tribute together, he heard the sound of Lions roaring. Everyone watched as the Lion Siblings, riding their Legend Beast, thundered into the fight.

Crominus: That's a lesson right there, son: Reinforcements!

Cragger: (Smug) Ready to give up yet?

Scorm: (Beyond furious while grabbing a blaster) Ready to be trapped in here forever?!

Hearing those words, Doubloon scowled and wasn't about that happen. He threw his bo-staff aside and drew out his two skull cutlasses. Doubloon rushed at the Scorpion King and tried to fight him, only to receive a low-level shot to his right shoulder. Then Scorm opened fires at all the entrances, sealing them up.

Eris: He's going to bring the whole cave down with that thing!

Sprawler: She's right! We have to leave!

Grabbing Doubloon, everyone ran for the exit but Scorm just blasted it shut.

Worriz: (Stopping) Whoa! Not that way!

They ran for another one but Scorm blasted it shut, too.

Laval: (As the Lion Beast) ONLY ONE EXIT LEFT!

Scorm took aim, ready to have his pathetic revenge.

Laval: If he blocks that tunnel, we'll be stuck in here forever!

Lucilia: I wish we had reinforcement!

As if on cue, friendly blaster fire nailed closed to Scorm, making him shoot the ceiling and caused rocks to fall onto his allies.

Gorzan: Whoa, the tunnel is fighting back, dudes!

Laval: It's not the tunnel. It's… LAVERTUS!

Lucilia: YES! My wish came true!

The WindShadow soars in and starts firing upon the enemies, but Rinona is seen driving it.

Eris: Actually, it looks like Rinona is flying this one. (Sees Lavertus hanging by a rope) And Lavertus is…

Lavertus lost his grip and fell to the ground.

Eris: Falling?

Crominus: (Stunned) I don't believe it's him!

Bladvic and Gorzan helped Lavertus to his feet as he stared at his former love rival.

Lucilia: RINONA, DOUBLOON IS HURT! MOVE THE WINDSHADOW CLOSE TO US SO WE CAN GET HIM ABOARD!

Rogon: LUCILIA IS RIGHT, SISTER! A MEDICAL EVACUATION IS REQUIRED!

Rinona: (Moves in closer) I'm on it!

Eris: (Realizing what Rogon just called her) Wait! Did you just call Rinona your sister?!

Rogon: (As he and Razar escorted Doubloon to safety inside the WindShadow) This is the common nomenclature for one's female sibling. Is it not demonstrated by our Feline and Reptilian companions correctly?

Eris: U, yeah, but she said she was your special friend, so I thought that meant girlfriend, which made me all… You know…

Lucilia: (Saving Eris' tail feathers) Never mind that! We got to get Doubloon out of here!

Eris: (Laugh in relief) Thanks for reminding me, Lucy! Commence medical evacuation, Rogon's sister!

Rinona: What are they yapping about? (Narrowly avoids a shot) WHOA!

Elsewhere, Sparratus was trying to flee down his escape tunnel but the cave was collapsing too quickly.

Sparratus: MASTER, I CALL FOR YOU TO SAVE ME!

In a instant, Sparratus vanished into then air. Lavertus saw the cave was coming down fast.

Lavertus: (Bringing some Golden Chi out) Time to raise the roof!

Lavertus focused the Chi's power on the ground below them. Scorm attempted to shoot the WindShadow but Rinona took evasive action and flew towards the exit with Doubloon holding on with his uninjured arm. Scorm then fired at the ceiling, making more rocks fall. Rinona screamed on having no time to dodge but Lavertus saved her by creating a stone column to shield her.

Lavertus: Everyone, out!

Riding their Legend Beasts, the heroes sped towards the last exit as Lavertus made more columns to shield them from the falling rocks.

Sprawler: We're gonna make it!

Lucilia: Just a little bit further and we can save Chima!

Lavertus: (Straining) I don't know how long these will hold so… GO! NOW!

The Lion Siblings stopped while the others got out, realizing the cost for their escape will be.

Lucilia: Exile or not, you're coming with us!

Laval: She's right! We're not leaving you, Lavertus!

Lavertus: (Smiling) Yes, you both are. (As the Crocodiles realized the cost as well) And so are you, Cragger.

Crominus: (Dismounting the Crocodile Beast and walking towards his rival) As for you, we have unfinished business, you and I, don't we, Lavertus.

Lavertus: (Firmly, as the power of the Golden Chi fade) Yes, we do.

Cragger: Dad, what are you doing?! We gotta get out of here!

Crominus flinched when Lavertus moved at him, thinking he was gonna be punched. But instead the Exiled Lion whispered something to Crominus then handed him the scarf. With a heavy heart, Crominus climbed back aboard the Crocodile Legend Beast.

Cragger: Dad? Is everything okay?

Lavertus hit both Legend Beasts and they ran towards the exit.

Lavertus: (Tears of prides streaming from his eyes) Both of you tell my brother, your dad, I miss him greatly, my kittens.

Lucilia: (Not hearing too well) What?!

Laval: Huh?

Lavertus: (Brings out more Golden Chi) FOR CHIMA! And for my sweet, sweet Crunket.

Lavertus put his helmet on, accepting his destiny as the rock fell around him)

Laval: Lavertus! ShadoWind!

Lucilia: NO!

Cragger: Can't stop. I's all coming down. Come on, you two. This is what Lavertus wants and Doubloon still needs medical attention!

Sprawler: (Pulls on Lucilia's arm with a heartbroken expression) We can't let his sacrifice be in vain.

The last of the heroes got out just in time. Looking back, everyone saw Scorm managed to clear out a small opening.

Scorm: This isn't over, Lion and Creature! (As they came up to Scorm) I'll find a way out of here. And then, I'll grab all your Chi.

Drawing both his sword and their last Orb, Lucilia thought her brother was going to kill Scorm. Instead, he spoke wisdom worthy of their father.

Laval: You know, I learned something today. These orbs aren't everything. There's a little bit of Chi inside all of us and…

Scorm: (Cutting him off) Oh, just stop blabbering and gimmie the Chi already!

Laval: You really want it? (Gives him the Chi) You just have to ask.

Scorm: (Speechless and confused as he takes the Chi) W-W-What are you doing?

Lucilia: What we normally do with Chi: Share.

The Lion Siblings jumped back as the hole collapsed.

Laval: Use it well, use it wisely.

Sprawler approached the collapsed tunnel. They won and he was free. Crominus approached the boy.

Crominus: You okay, Sprawler?

Sprawler: (Smiling at the sky) I'm free. I can live in the Bright Lands now. I can live in peace.

Crominus led Sprawler to the WindShadow and he took a seat next to Doubloon. Everyone turned towards Chima, longing to go home to their loved ones. At the Lion Temple, Lagravis spotted the Conquering Heroes heading for him.

Lagravis: Laval?! Lucilia?!

Lucilia: (Calling out) Daddy!

With great pride in his heart, Lagravis roared loudly into a special horn to signal the other Tribes they've return victorious. All across Chima, the Tribes cheered for victory. Lagravis came to greet them all.

Lagravis: This is one of the happiest days in the history of Chima! All of Legend Beast have returned! And so have my children.

The Lion Siblings hugged their father. Sprawler helped Doubloon out, hoping to find him a healer. Crunket arrives with a huge smile upon seeing Crominus.

Crominus: (Hops off the Crocodile Beast and walks over to his wife) Oh, my queen. Words cannot express the joy I feel to see you again!

Crunket: Who need words? Just hug me!

Hearing those words, the rulers of the Crocodile Tribe hugged. Sprawler approached them after two Lions took Doubloon to be treated.

Sprawler: (Kneeling) Your majesty.

Crominus: You remember the boy? His name is Sprawler. And we owe him much.

Crunket: Indeed, we do.

Cragger: I kept my promise, mom.

Crominus walked over to Lagravis.

Crominus: I owe you an apology, Lagravis.

Lagravis: Me?

Crominus: Yes, when last we spoke, I said some things. I greatly misjudged your son, your daughter, and all the Lions. They are truly among the most noble Tribe in all of Chima.

Lagravis: That, Crominus… (Shaking his friend's hand) Was the best apology ever.

Laval: Hey, we couldn't have done this without that rockin' Croc Cragger.

Lucilia: I just wish our victory didn't cost us a hero.

Crominus: Your daughter is right, Lagravis. Perhaps the one we owe the most to is… (Shameful tone) Lavertus.

Lagravis: What! You saw my brother?

Laval: (Shocked) Whoa! So, it's true?

Gorzan: (Shocked) Dude! That means your uncle is ShadoWind! Sweet.

Lucilia: (Tears up) All this time, he was me and Laval's uncle…

Falling to her knees, Lucilia started crying heavily in her hands. Seeing Lucilia this heartbroken made Gorzan's shocked expression turn to one of sadness. Crominus looked at the Lion Princess and his shame & guilt just grew stronger.

Lagravis: What're you talking about? Lavertus has been in exile for years, for stealing our Chi!

Crominus: That's not exactly what happened.

Later, the rest of the Tribes came to greet the Heroes. Doubloon met up with everyone with his arm in a sling. Sprawler tried his best not to be spotted by the rest of the Tribes but it was hard. Crominus had come clean and revealed to everyone the crime he truly committed.

Crominus: It was all my fault, and I feel terrible for what I did to him. Those Persuade Plants have brought us nothing but trouble!

Crooler: Oh, I wouldn't say that.

Lucilia, still heartbroken, took the time to start beating up Crooler with Worriz and Razar's help.

Crominus: (Ignoring his daughter's pleads for help) I never realized until today how truly noble Lavertus had been.

Laval: But… What did he whisper to you in the cave before it collapsed.

Crominus: (With his daughter limping away) He said he hated me all these years. But then, he met this extraordinary young Crocodile here.

Cragger: (Surprised) Who? Me?

Doubloon spun his head to show his happy expression and nodded.

Crominus: Yes, if Lavertus and I continued to fight over Queen Crunket, then one of Chima's greatest heroes may have never been born.

Cragger: He called me a great hero? (To Laval) Did you hear that? Huh? Huh?

Laval: Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever.

Crominus: Lavertus now understood the true purpose of his exile, his sacrifice. (Bringing the scarf out) Then he handed me this scarf and said keep them safe.

Crominus placed the scarf around his wife and she began to cry. Her heart broke over the loss of someone she held dear to her heart. Lucilia whimpered in despair and let out a roar of sadness. The sound echoed through Crominus' heart.

Crominus: Please, please, please! (Kneels to Lagravis) Forgive me for what I've done, Lagravis! I'll do anything to make it up to you. I'll pledge my servitude forever!

The Lion King gave a small frown as he shook his head. He knew his brother wouldn't want that.

Lagravis: No. (Kneels to Crominus and places his left hand on his right shoulder) We shall exist as equals and allies, in peace. (Helps the Crocodile King up) That is what Lavertus would've wanted.

Doubloon nods in agreement. He knew his friend well and wanted to honor him the right way.

Lucilia: Daddy's right. There's been enough hurting today… Unless it's to Crooler.

Crominus: (Chuckling) Agreed. Let us now save Mount Cavora together! (Holding his hand up with Lagravis) FOR CHIMA AND FOR LAVERTUS!

Sprawler: (Smiles and places hands on his chest, turns to Queen Crunket) Your majesty? Is… This what joy and freedom feels like?

Crunket: Yes, Sprawler. Now you can enjoy it.

Some of the Tribe Members drew their weapons, thinking they should lock Sprawler up, but Crominus stomped his foot in front of the boy.

Crominus: (Sternly) Put your weapons away at once! All of you!

Several Tribes Members grew shocked and chattered among themselves in confusion.

Crominus: This boy helped our heroes save the Legend Beasts and helped my wife and I escape! I said I'd personally see to it he's reward and I meant every word!

Sprawler: Thank you, sire.

Near sundown, the heroes, including Sprawler, were beneath where Mount Cavora hovered in the air. Lagravis approached his children.

Lagravis: So, tell me, you two. How did you ever beat those powerful Outlands Tribes?

Laval: Sometimes it's not about power, Dad. Sure, they were stronger, and had more Chi. But in a way, not having Chi liberated us.

Lucilia: It taught us to use the strengths we had: Our wits, speed, power, and heart.

Laval: Lucy's right. We had to rely on each other, and on our inner strength, our inner Chi.

Lagravis was deeply proud the wisdom his children had gained from the ordeal.

Lagravis: Yes my children, there is a little piece of Mount Cavora in all of us.

Sprawler: Even me?

Lucilia: Yes, Sprawler. You deserve it like the rest of us.

Laval: That's why the Legend Beasts never drank the Chi Water in the Great Story. They knew that. And as promised, they showed it to us... When we needed it most.

Sprawler: The Great Story?

Lucilia: (Smiling) You'll learn it later.

Then, the Legend Beasts all started roaring, howling, and screeching as they all stepped forward and rushed off as they started glowing with Chi power and floated up to Mount Cavora as the heroes all watched in awe as the beasts all entered the mouths of their respective head-carving, which started glowing before the Chi water starts flowing down from the Lion Temple to the near outskirts, and they all cheered.

Eris: Wow! But whatever happened to the Legend Beasts?

Laval: Don't know. But I'm sure they'll be back when we need them the most. Just like the Great Story says.

Meanwhile, the Source Dragons converse with each other

Life: The Test is over. Our Champion has passed.

Energy: Are there any objections with the results?

None of the Source Dragons denied Lucilia passed their test.

Strength: It would appear the child is stronger than I thought.

Motion: Incredibly so. But I did sense a disturbance. Apart from the young Spider, another member of the Dark Tribes managed to escape.

Life: And our test has now transcended to a secondary test.

Energy: No matter. She will be ready.

Sparratus looked around his surroundings. His master had saved him. The next thing Sparratus saw was a mechanical apparatus. Sparratus watched as his Master surgically insert mechanical spider appendages to his back painfully.