Disclaimer: Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu and Legends of Chima are both own by LEGO Company.
Down in the earth's bowels, a new breed of Serpentine rose from the ground. Born beneath the ground like the myths of old, these new warriors took their first breaths, accustoming to their new world. Scales of red, scarlet, and gunmetal looked around in confusion, their gaze finally settling on their masters.
"What have you done?" Aspheera asked, intrigued and bewildered at what she had witnessed. "Wonderful, aren't they? Behold, my new army, born from the same stock as the Great Devourer!" Pythor declared confidently, proud at what he had achieved.
"Not them you fool! The power from your staff! What is it?!" the old usurper demanded to know. "Ah, yes. I learned much from the vermin on the surface. Including the power of Chi!" he exclaimed, slamming his staff and creating a light show as a power move, unintentionally wasting more of the orb's power.
"The power of nature, contained within a crystal ball? Fascinating!" Aspheera admitted, curious at what this new power might do for her. 'Yes! And it is with this power that my conquest shall begin!" Pythor declared dramatically, turning to his legions once again.
"Rise, my Snake warriors, rise and claim your legacy as mighty Vermillion warriors!" Pythor cried out with glee, admiring his handiwork. His new legions, much like Aspheera in appearance sans their scales, looked on in attention, taking every detail in. Locking eyes on Aspheera, they walked towards her, standing in attention.
"Wait, where do you think you're going!" Pythor asked in outrage, as his creations seemed to dismiss him. "Well, it seems like they know a true ruler when they see one!" Aspheera replied proudly, delighted with the turn of events.
"This might prove useful to me. My powers are not what they once were, without the aid of my staff I am limited in what I can do. But with your strength in numbers, my destiny is at hand!" she declared, rallying her new forces.
"Now, my pale friend!" she said, emphasizing the pale part, "You shall make more of these warriors, enough to ensure this entire Realm is under my rule!" she told him, asserting herself over him.
Pythor, however, was unamused, "Sorry to disappoint you, "your highness", but this orb is nearly depleted. If you wish to lay waste to this place, you'll need to find more!" he told her, unfaced by her treats. "Luckily for you, I know exactly where to find some!" he said to her deviously, "All I ask in return is for Chima to be mine!" he informed her, extending his hand towards her, "Do we have a deal?"
Aspheera thought about it for a while, and she admitted that she could use the help. She hadn't had a loyal servant since whatshisface, and he had proved to be just as conniving as herself. "Very well, General! Aid me, and this "Chima" shall be yours!" she told him, shaking his hand, matching grins on their faces.
Everyone was buzzing with excitement in the Lion Temple as the tribes gathered once again. The merchants set up their stands in a hurry, prepared for the events to come. For this wasn't only a market day, it was far more special than that!
On this day, the Sacred Pool had collected enough water to produce precious Chi orbs, and after many days without it, it was finally the time to collect. Members of every tribe gathered around, excided for the ceremonies to begin; for at long last it was Chi Day!
"Woo, I can't believe this is happening!" Mei cried out excitedly, setting up shop while Chan leaned unamused in the corner. "What's the big deal? It's just another market day?" the Hypnobrai asked her eccentric friend, not quite as exited as her.
"This is not JUST another market day! This is going to be the first Chi Day since our people became part of Chima! It's a monumental occasion! One step closer to true coexistence between our peoples!" she said, matter-of-factly, not comprehending how she couldn't see just how important this moment truly was.
"It's not like we'll be getting any chi. Why should we care?" Chan asked, feeling a little cheated on the matter. However, before Mei could give a retort, another voice stepped in.
"That's were you'd be wrong, missy!" Arcturus exclaimed amusedly, slithering closer to his grand niece's stand. "Great uncle Arcturus!" Mei cried out with glee, rushing forwards to meet him with an embrace. "Woah, you get bigger every time I see you!" he said jokingly, letting go of the hug, "How've you been Mei, did your get together bare fruit?" he asked sweetly, giving her a large smile.
It was always surreal to see this more casual side to Arcturus. To most, he was known as a great general who led their tribe in the hardest of battles, a person to be obeyed and respected unquestionably. So, seeing him as a sweet and caring grunkle was quite the shock.
"Sooo, what was that about getting Chi?" Chan asked awkwardly, to bring the moment to an end. "Right! -cough- As of today, the Serpentine tribes will be included into the monthly distribution of the Chi." he explained, his professional mask falling back into place.
"It would seem that the falls have produced an unprecedented number of orbs, so Lagravis has decided that we should be made part of the festivities as a reward for our contributions during the Dark Tribes crisis." He finished, glad to have some good news for a change.
"And, as of today, we shall also be taking place in the day's speedor race! So, I hope you girls can make some time to cheer us on!" he added, a small, amused laugh escaping him as he turned away.
"By Ouroboros! Can you believe this Chan?! Oh, I wonder who they'll pick to race! We must go see them!" Mei cried out rapidly, the usually composed girl beaming excitedly, only stopping to regain her breath.
"Riiight? Are you okay?" Chan replied cheekily, laughing at her friend's excitement. "I don't have to get you a drink, do I?" she asked sarcastically, much to Mei's chagrin.
"Oh, stop that!" she said, punching her on the arm. I'm just really excited!" she told her with a giddy grin. Well then, we better finish setting up fast!" Chan told her, inwardly just as excited as she was.
Meanwhile, atop the great stairway, Laval and Lagravis were hard at work distributing the fruits of their labor. "Use it well, use it wisely!" said the old king, gladly giving away another bag of Chi to the animals of Chima.
"We truly have been pleased, haven't we son!" he asked Laval, looking on as yet another happy tribe walked away. "We sure have a dad!" Laval responded, for once glad to perform his royal duties. "Yes, it seems things are finally changing for the better!" Lagravis told his son, a small laugh escaping his lips.
It seemed like the worst was finally behind them, as a new era of peace and cooperation steadily grew nearer. Between the overabundance of orbs, far more than they expected, and the integration of the Serpentine tribes into the larger world, it seems as if war was long behind them.
"Yeah! Plus, the race crowd is the biggest it's been in moths!" Laval said excitedly, before a more sombre tone fell in, "Though, it won't be the same without him." He said, Lagravis knowing who he meant instantly. "Yes, his absence will be felt. But if I know my brother, this is exactly what he would have wanted!" he reassured him optimistically, pitting his worries at ease.
It had been a shock to discover the mysterious rider ShadoWind had turned out to be his long-lost brother, Lavertus! He almost didn't want to believe it, but it made too much sense not to be. To learn he had been lost to them had almost broken him, but he knew his brother wouldn't have wanted this. He gave his life for the prosperity of Chima, and as king, he would make sure it came to be!
"Now, you better get ready! Chima's in need of a new champion!" he quickly told his son, drawing his attention away from gloom. "Right! Don't worry Dad, I'll make Uncle Lavertus proud!" Laval said, rushing down to work on his speedor.
"You already have, son! You already have." Lagravis said to himself, proud of who his son had become.
As this was going on, near the edge of the forest, a new group lay in wait. Three serpentine bodies, two a deep orange while the third a crimson red, poised for the perfect moment to strike!
"Hey, Blunck. Should we strike now?" asked the one with deeper orange scales and heavy plate armor asked his companion. "Don't know Raggmunk. But we better do it soon, I'm starving here!" the other orange snake with lighter armor, now identified as Blunck, replied impatiently.
"Quiet, you dolts!" the last of their party, the red one, budded in, knocking their heads together. "We'll strike once the coast is clear, we can't risk being spotted!" said the red one, her feminine voice fierce and commanding, as she quickly took charge of the situation.
"Right! Afcourse Machia!" both answered nervously, knowing just how aggressive their sister could be. Machia wasn't someone to take lightly, something plainly seen by the way she held herself.
Her long, marron neck held high, looking down at her opponents; her steel snake-head pauldrons glistening by her side, while her gapping maw emblazon breastplate and steel plate skirt painted the perfect picture of ferocity. Larger and smarter than her brethren, she held her self with poise and dignity of a true serpentine warrior!
And like the ambush predator she was, she waited still, waited for the coast to be clear. "Now! Go, go, go!" she commanded, rushing forwards as soon as everyone had left the premises. Running up the stairs as fast as they could, making their ways inside the temple before anyone could spot them.
Meanwhile, down at the starting line, a certain Fangpyre was having an important discussion. "Are you sure your up for this?!" Silvia asked for what felt like the millionth time. "Yes! I'm ready to win this thing!" Lasha, the pilot, repleid eagerly, if not slightly annoyed.
"I'm not talking to you, I'm talking to my baby!", Silvia retorted, referring to the speedor he stood atop. "This is my masterpiece! And I won't have it be ruined by your reckless driving! So, you better be careful with her!" she demanded from him, showing her fangs threatening, while she patted the chariots side.
"We did they have YOU in charge of this again!" Lasha asked exasperated, not believing what he was forced to deal with. "BECAUSE our leaders want us to make a good impression! Wish means an eye-catching ride!" she said proudly, whipping the speedor for added shine.
"All competitors to the starting line, the race is about to commence!" the announcer cried out, signalling for the racers to gear up.
"Alright! Gotta get going! Will she hold up!" Lasha asked in a hurry, his eyes narrowing in attention. "She's probably the slickest ride here, the question is, can you handle her?!" Silvia replied in a challenging tone. "Oh, you bet I can!" Lasha said confidently, driving towards his spot!
Up by the podium, Lagravis stood up, ready to address the people. "Citizens of Chima! Welcome to the monthly Speedor race!" he announces enthusiastically, "I know it has been some time since we have held this competition, but this one proves to be the most exited one yet!" he said, as the crowd sheer from bellow.
"As you know, we have recently gain new allies," he said, referring to the Serpentine, "And after all we have gone through together, it is only fair that they too enjoy in the festivities! So, in the spirit of cooperation, give it up for our first Serpentine racer!" he announced, pointing towards Lasha's spot on the starting line.
Lasha bowed, wide grin on his face as the crowd cheered for him. "Woo! Go Lasha, you can do this!" Nerium cheered from the sidelines, her voice a whispered compered to the surrounding uproar, but it was the though that counts.
"Settle down, settle down!" Lagravis spoke one more, calming everybody down. "Yes, this is indeed a momentous occasion, not only for what we have gain, but also what we have lost." he said, his voice taking a more solemn tone. "As the mysterious rider we have all come to love, ShadoWind, will not be making an appearance." He revealed, much to the audience's surprise.
"It has recently been revealed to me that ShadoWind was none other than my exile brother Lavertus, who gave his life away so that the legend beast could return to us!" he revealed, the crowd left speechless, while those already in the know looked down in remembrance.
"And while this news is shocking, it is not time for mourning, but time to celebrate! My brother loved to race, so let use honour his sacrifice by crowning a new champion!" he proclaimed, his spirit once again lifted with anticipation, as the crowd erupted into cheers once again!
"Bring fords the golden chi!" he ordered, as the elders brought the massive ore in, gently setting it on it's pedestal. "Let's see what the Golden Chi has instore for use this time!" Lagravis announced, as whisps began flowing from the orb into the ground, changing the terrain around them. Massive walls of stone burst forwards, stalagmites jutted from the floor, and large, cavernous tunnels sprung on the field. "The Chi has chosen, the Maze of Mayhem!" the king finally announced, as the racer readied their engines.
"Well, you heard it here first folks!" Equila announce, talking to the skies. "The Maze of Mayhem, a test of skill and reflexes that will put our racers to the test! How will be the winner, will it be a returning champion, or will the newcomers take us by surprise!" he explained dramatically, flying over the attentive crowd. "Tune in folks as we bring you live coverage of the event!" he finished, moving closer to the track for a better look.
While this was happening, our marauding trio was hard at work sneaking through the temple, making sure no room was left unchecked. "Well, have you found anything?!" Machia asked her companions, fully knowing the outcome. "Nothing, I've checked every room in this floor." Raggmunk replied in exasperation. "Noting in the kitchens, well, except for these tasty morsels." Blunk told them, enjoying a mouthful of hors d'oeuvres.
"Useless, both of you." Machia said under her breath, "They have to have some orbs for themselves, check the rooms, I'll search the throne room!" she ordered, splitting off from her bumbling brothers.
"Urgh! I can't stand her! She thinks she's sooo much better that us!" Raggmunk cried out, peeved with his lot in life. "Yeah, we're literally just as good as her." Blunk added, unaware just how wrong he was, "I know, let's prove her wrong and make it out with the biggest lot of Chi ever! It has to bee in the king's room, where else would you keep your loot!" he reasoned, the two nodding as they left in search of the room.
Meanwhile, Machia had made her way towards the throne room, the Sacred Pool of Chi mere meters from her. Apprehensively, she made her way towards it, surprise by the lack of security. "Those foolish beasts, even with multiple wars for the stuff they still leave it unguarded." She muttered to herself arrogantly, only to be met with realization.
The pool had been left unguarded cause it was empty, only the glistening mineral water left to reflect her look of surprise. "Urgh." she grunted softly, running her fingers through the crystal-clear waters. The lingering power of the Chi still precent on the liquid, so with a sigh she cupped her hands and took a sip, the room illuminating with a red glow. The effect near instant, as the power of nature surged through her body, not as much as a proper orb, but enough to revitalize her.
With her nerves clear she stopped to think, the waters wouldn't be enough, she needed something else if she wished to impress her masters. Without many options left for her, she decided to make her way towards the courtyard, determined to steal some chi right from beneath their noses if she had to!
Back on the courtyards, the racers where ready to take off, the first race of this new era ready to begin. "Yo, snake boy! Don't think we'll go easy on you just cause your new!" Worriz said, getting in early with the hazing. "I'd be offended if you did, furball!" Lasha replied with his own insult, ready for the race to begin and show these upstarts how is done!
"Ohhoho, feisty! I like that! Make sure you keep all three eyes on the road, I'll make sure to wave as you eat my dust!" Worriz retorted, the wolf exited at the prospect of putting the newcomer on his place. Not missing the slight jab at his injury, the scared Venomari merely smirked, now knowing exactly who he would embarrass first.
Unknown to them, Lasha wasn't anyone to scoff at, the old scout having a passion for speed and had proven to be a master behind the wheel. He had already proven this during the war to his peers, and the rest of Chima would learn it soon enough! As the other competitors arrived on their spot, he blocked them from his sight, his attention completely focused on the road ahead.
"On your marks, get set, GO!" Equila announced from the skies, as the crowd waited on anticipation. And as soon as the mark was given Lasha shot out, making his way to the front of the pack in record time, making to stall just enough to give a certain wolf a dust bath.
"And their off! In an unprecedented turn of events, newcomer Lasha has made it to the front, with Worriz of the wolf tribe fast approaching!" Equila announced rapidly, his eyes struggling to focus on the action as his heart soared from the spectacle. "But wait, Laval is nearing both at third place, all three fighting for the coveted lead spot! And just in time folks, as our contestants have just entered the maze!" the eagle explained, as he witnesses the racers embark on the perilous labyrinth of stone, while the crowd grows wild.
"Go, Lasha! You've got this!" Nerium cheered for her fellow tribemate, along with her friends. "Yeah, show them who's the fastest one in this race!" Silvia shouted from her side. "Woah, Silvia! I didn't think you of all people would be- you're cheering at the ride, aren't you?" Chan asked, realizing what was going on.
"Woah! You're the best, mamma loves you!" Silvia continued, not hearing a single word her friend said. "That answers that? So, what about you, why aren't you cheering?" she asked, turning over to Mei, the Anacondrai barely containing the exhilaration on her body.
"What? You know I can't, what if uncle is watching!" she replied panicked, "I can't let him see me like that, it would be sooo embarrassing!" she bemoaned, not wanting to even imagine what her uncle would think about her.
Meanwhile, on the leader's box, Arcturus and the rest of the Serpentine leaders where busy bragging to the others! "Yeah, in your faces! We are number one! Yeah, first place baby! Serpentine, Serpentine, Serpentine!" Arcturus and the others began to chant, while the other leaders looked on with a mixture of amusement and annoyance.
So busy where they with their showboating that they failed to realize someone was approaching them from behind. Machia had made her way towards the courtyard, using her Chi enhanced speed to traverse the distance undetected. She had figured if anyone had position over the tribe's Chi supply, it would be their leaders!
With this thought in mind, she had made her way here, towards the leader's private seating box. But even from a distance, she could see her hunch was correct, unfortunately it would be near impossible to steal it undetected. They where guards stationed around them, primarily Serpentine, but some lions also stood watch, bit ceremoniously and as a precaution from recent events.
"It would seem the surface dwellers aren't as naive as I though!" she whispered to herself, debating how to proceed. She could pretend to be a part of the serpentine guards, and make her way like that, but it was too risky. They most likely knew all the members in their guard and would question where the newcomer came from.
No, the best course of action was to take advantage of the situation and the mammals short-sightedness. There, standing atop a pedestal stood her price, a massive orb of golden Chi! A price worthy of her masters, but how could she get it?
It was only guarded by two guards, lions at that! One with a dopey expression on their face, and the other looking up there in age, and probably weaker than her because of it. If she could get to them undetected, she could overpower them and get away without being seen, the ruckus coming from the box further helping in her ambush!
Back on the maze, Lasha had just made it past the first stretch of the race, the labyrinth. The massive maze of stone walls and dead ends was a test of both patience and skill, as the racers where force to backtrack till they found the way out. All except for Laha, all the time spent in underground tunnels haven giving him an unparallel sense of direction, his senses homed to the point of pinpointing even the smallest detail.
He had been the only one who hadn't needed to make a back turn, but that didn't mean he could get cocky. The persistent wolf, Worriz, and the lion prince where still right behind him, nearing closer by the second!
"Well, glad you're still on the race, pup! I was beginning to worry I wouldn't have any fun!" Lasha mocked, eager to restart their little back and forwds. "Just keep talking snake breath, I'll just make watching you lose all the better!" Worriz retorted, revving up and reaching the next stretch at the same time.
"Well folks, looks like they'd enter the marshlands. Better strap on, cause they're in for a wet ride!" Equila announce, careful to avoid the water. "This track while test how they handle the terrain while avoiding a gauntlet of natural obstacles." he explains, as the other racers made their way in with a splash.
"All right, home turf advantage!" Cragger cried out in delight, taking the opportunity to rise on the rankings. "Look out Laval! I'm coming for you!" he cried out with amusement, once he had reached the fourth spot. "You can try buddy, but I'm in it to win!" Laval cried back, upping his speed and dredging the croc in murky water.
Not that Cragger complained, he could use the refreshment, he just smiled and gave chase. "You won't stop me with that Laval!" he said, the two friends' neck in neck as they fought for the third spot.
All the while, another rider was enjoying the terrain, Lasha's clan had evolved to adapt to swamps and wetlands, so the change was more than welcomed. "What's the matter puppy dog! Don't like getting wet!" he mocked once again, the hazing starting to get to Worriz.
"OH, I'll show you wet!" he cried out, flooring the pedal and overtaking him on the lead, a huge wave erupting behind him. "Yeah, how do you like that!" he boasted, before loosing control on the mud and swerving away until crashing on a log, sending him flying towards the water.
"Not bad, but next time keep an eye on the terrain!" Lasha said as he passed by, with Laval and Cragger right behind him, leaving a mad Worriz to slam his fist on the mud.
"Looks like Worriz is down! We'll see if he can make up for lost time, as the racers enter the next stretch of the race, the Cavernous Crawl!" Equila announced, as the rest of the competitors entered the dark tunnels.
"The cave is too narrow to look inside, we won't be able to see the action till they make it out! So, take the time to make your bets, get your refreshments and use the amenities!" he added, taking the time to land for a rest. "Thank the lords, my voice is killing me!" Equila told himself while he took a sip from a drink.
Back on the temple, Raggmunk and Blunk were still ransacking the king's room, clothing and other belongings scattered around the floor. Undeterred on their quest, the two serpents continued searching through the mess, determined to find their prize.
"Aha, finally!" Raggmunk cried out suddenly, pulling a single orb from within a drawer. "That's it? A single orb?" Blunk asked in disappointment, walking over to his companion's side. "Yeah, well? What about you!" Raggmunk asked indignantly, "You haven't found anything! And what are you wearing!?" he pointed out, annoyed by his partners lack of urgency.
"Ou contraire my good friend! I've found the jackpot, this rocking robe!" Blunk said proudly, showing off the white bathrobe he had put on. "Be serious for a minute! If we don't succeed here, there's no telling what our master's might do to us!" Raggmunk told him with worry, concerned with the future of their career. "I am taking seriously, it's cold down there!" Blunk said, defending his actions.
Raggmunk just slapped his head, dumbfounded by his brother's actions. "Fine. Let's just find Machia and get out of here, this hole things been a bust!" he said defeated, turning around to leave the room.
Meanwhile, Machia was mere moments away from putting her plan into motion. All she had to do was wait for the crowd to start cheering once again, once they were sufficiently distracted by the noise and subsequent showboating, she would move in for the grab.
The guards wouldn't be a problem, she was looking forwards to dealing with them. So, she waited, waited till the announcer spoke up again. "There you have it folks, the contestants are out! The final stretch of the race is just ahead of them, a perilous test of skill as they duck and weave around a field of randomly popping spikes! Auch!" the announcer said, signalling Machia to commence.
Not wasting her opportunity, she made a sprint towards the pedestal, insuring neither her quarry nor the audience could see her. But she wasn't quite fast enough, as one of the guards spotted her.
"Hey, what's that?!" asked Leonidas, before being knocked out by a hard kick to the head. "What the..." Longtooth began to see, before a sharp sting hit his right shoulder, the last thing he saw before falling where fangs in his flesh and faint red scales.
Machia looked on at her handywork with pride, her venom didn't have any special properties like the other Serpentine, but it was extremely toxic, befitting a Basilisk warrior. She didn't inject enough to kill him, that would have raised suspicion, but enough to make sure he would remember anything once he woke up.
Grinning in satisfaction, she looked up towards her prize, the glimmering orb of Golden Chi just within her grasp. It was only at that moment that she realised she had no idea how to get it. Spotting the two poles standing next to the guards she hazard a guess, she couldn't use both at the same time, so she needed an alternative way to reach it.
Lumping her victim's bodies atop of each other, she jumped on them and clinked into the pole, climbing the rest of the way. Once she grabbed the orb she jumped on, the uncourteous lions breaking her fall, "Thanks boys!" she said, running away with the orb.
Back on the raceway, Lasha was still on the lead, his kinds of superb nigh vision and heat sensors allowing him to maintain his spot withing the caverns. However, Laval was coming fast behind him, with Worriz not far behind that!
He just had to hope that Silvia was as skilled as she claimed, cause this thing was going to be pushed to it's limits if he wanted to beat this. The next challenge was surprising to say the least, a field of shifting stalagmites randomly jutting from the ground. He would need to serpentine if he wanted to make it through, fortunately he WAS a snake.
Keeping all eyes on the road ahead, he turned and maneuverer the chariot around the stone spikes, dodging everyone in front him while keeping an eye for any new ones. The others having a considerable harder time getting through.
"This is it folks, the final stretch! How will be crowned the new champion of Chima. The spunky newcomer or the old-time racers!" Equila announces vicariously, upping the drama with every word.
Meanwhile, Lasha was nearly to the end, before Laval seemed to overtake him from the side. "Sorry, but I'm winning this!" Laval said, determined to make his uncle proud. "I like you moxxie kid! But I'm winning this thing for my tribe!" Lasha declared, knocking him out of the way, while using the appearance of a new spike to launch himself over.
"And the winner is..." Equila and crowd waited in anticipation, seeing how would cross the finish land, "Lasha! The Serpentine have won their first ever race!" he announced, the crowd growing wild, especially the other Serpentines, as Lasha got of his ride with baited breaths.
Crying in victory, he raised a fist to the air, taking in all the screams with satisfaction. Soon enough, the other racers crossed the line, each settling into their spot. Laval, having crossed second, got of his ride and walked over to the snake.
"Hey!" he said, caching his attention, "That was a pretty gutsy move you did back there!' he said, outstretching his hand. "Thanks, you did pretty good yourself!" he said, shaking his hand with relief.
Worriz, having to be satisfied with third place, also walked over to the winner. "You did well new guy! But I warn you, next time I'll be the winner!" he said with a smile, crossing their hand in an epic handshake as they stared at one another. "I'll look forward to that." Lasha replied, disengaging from the shake, before walking over towards the victor's platform.
"Lasha of the Venomari tribe! You have raced well on this day!" Lagravis said, beginning with the ceremony. "For your efforts, you shall be rewarded not only with our most precious resource, but with the title of Champion!" he said with gravatas, "You have made your people proud!" he said with a smile, extending it to his son further behind.
"Now, claim your prize! Behold, the Golden Chi! Use it well, use it wisely!" he declared, as the gathered turned their attention towards the podium, only to gasp. "What?! Where's the Golden Chi?" Lagravis asked in a panic, noting the empty podium and the nocked down guards laying at its foot. While all around the whispers of uncertainty spread around the people. What had happened, did someone steal it, and who?
Meanwhile, outside the temple, the trio of vermillion serpents had gathered. "Well, took you long enough!" Machia complained in annoyance, leaning against the massive orb. "Yeah, well... We were leaving no stone unturned! And we found some chi, what were YOU doing?!" Raggmunk demanded, holding aloft his single orb with pride.
"That's it? You searched all the rooms and found that!" she asked in disbelieve, "It would appear I was actually putting in some effort!" she said arrogantly, showing off the massive orb of Golden Chi.
"Is that Chi?" they asked baffled yet mystified by the orb's glow. "Yes. A powerful one I reckon!" she exclaimed, "It was guarded on the courtyard, and I still manage to get it right beneath everyone's eyes!" she bragged, feeling well about her accomplishments.
"Yeah, well... I still got this comfy robe!" Blunk butted in, still proud of his find. "Right? Now come one! It won't be long before they figure something is wrong! We must make it back to the lair, asap!" Machia ordered, the others falling right behind her as they ran away from the temple.
Later, on the temple, the elders were gathered, each more than unpleased with the events at hand. "This is an outrage! We demand that the orb be returned at once!" Skales demanded, looking at the others with mistrust. "What makes you think any of us has it!" one of the elders asked, offended.
"It's obvious you lot couldn't bare to see one of us whit it, so you stole it to keep it from us!" Skales accused, still seething at the indignity. "And what make's you are so sure you were going to win?! Mavy one of you stole it, to make sure your tribes had the uber hand!" the wolf elder Wakz, accused back, pointing his clawed hand at the Serpentine's face.
"How dare you!" Skales began indignantly, before being interrupted by Lagravis. "Enough, you bickered like children! Let us hear what the guards have to say!" he said, the others backing off and nodding at his reasoning.
"Longtooth, Leonidas, approach!", he commanded, his trusted guards marching forwards. "Tell us, what happened?" Lagravis asked, kindly yet firmed. "Well, sir. To be honest, were not too sure!" Leonidas spoke first, unsured but unwilling to lie to his king.
"One minute we were at our post, the next we were on the ground, fast asleep!" he tried to explain. "I do remember a brief flash of red, sir! But I can't remember what happened before that." Longtooth added, hopping to provide some useful information.
"A flash of red, eh?" Acidicus asked, giving an accusatory glance towards the Fangtoms' direction. "What are you implying, old-timer?!" the two headed serpent asked with offend, narrowing his eyes at the Venomari leader. "All I'm saying is that certain members of your tribe were concern that their effort would be overshadowed by our rider. Perhaps they decided to take maters into their own hands?" he pointed out, still glaring at his two headed companion.
"It was a dual victory, everyone knows that! Besides, those look like bite wounds, if he had been bitten by one of us, he would have turned already" Fangtom I pointed out, while the other one inspected Longtooth. "I see! I apologize for my brash actions, still there is a chance someone here is responsible!" he pointed out, still justified in his suspicion.
"Enough! I will not have our newfound peace be threatened by something so pedantic!" Arcturus jumped in, tired of the baseless accusations. "Lagravis, is it possible that the orb just dissipated before being use?" he asked.
"It would be unusual for it to do so. But the rate of production was unprecedented, it could be likely that the orbs wouldn't be as powerful as normal. Plus, the field it made today was complex, it's possible that it could've dissipated on its own?" Lagravis explained, still unsure but wanting the issue to be resolved.
"Then we have nothing to discuss about, will just have to pay closer attention during the next race! Now go, we should inform our tribes before there's a panic." Arcturus said, the others leaving their sits slowly, unsatisfied but unwilling to pick a fight with the Anacondrai.
At the end, only he and Lagravis remained in the room, "Do you really thing that's what happened?" he asked genially, valuing the lion's council. "No. But until we can really find out what's going on, it would be best to keep things on the downlow." Lagravis explained, understanding the need to be silent at the moment.
"I'll alert my guard to stay vigilant, we'll find out what really happened today. And we'll stop it, I promise you!" Arcturus said sternly, before he too left the room. "I hope so." Lagravis said softly, looking through a window at the peaceful land below, wondering just how long it would remain that way.
Meanwhile, deep within the earth, another meeting took placed as the trio had finally made it from their expedition. All around, their brethren laid working, Cobra Mechanics and Boa Destructors homing their skills. Sparks and hammering echoing the cavern, as ancient weaponry was being worked on in the first time in ages.
"Ah, well look who's back! I trust your mission was a success!" Pythor asked confidently, slithering towards his new warriors. "But of course, General Pythor! Behold, the fruits of my labor!" Raggmunk declared proudly, presenting his orb to his maker.
"That's it? Where's the rest! I sent you to find me a hoard of Chi and you come back with one orb!" he yelled, his patience at an end. "And you, what are you wearing!" he said, turning to Blunk.
"Oh, ah, a gift! For you, my liege! To help you with this dreadful weather!" Blunk said in a panic, quickly taking the robe off and handling it to Pythor. "You idiot! Get out of my sight!" Pythor said, dismissing him quickly. "At least its soft." he mumbled to himself, slightly rubbing the fabric.
"Perhaps this will be more to your liking, General" Machia said, presenting her find, the Golding Chi illuminating the cavern. "What is that?!" Aspheera asked, the self-proclaimed queen making her presence known.
"Golden Chi!" Pythor replied with reverence, his hands hovering around the powerful orb. "Can it be used to strengthen my army?" she asked, slithering next to him. "No, it's to powerful to be plugged. But it can command the very earth we stand upon. Reshaping nature itself to our own designs!" Pythor told her, his mind already racing with possibilities.
"The power of an Illumination, on the palm of my hand." Aspheera said absentmindedly, before turning back to her soldiers. "Well done, Machia! I expect great things from you!" she praised, much to the others chagrin. "Indeed, your effort will be must useful to use, Commander Machia!" Pythor added, promoting her in one felt move.
"Commander!?" Blunk and Raggmunk cried out simultaneously. "It is and honour, my lieges!" Machia replied with a bow, but not withing flashing a smirk to her companions.
"As it should be, now as for the two of you! I will give you one more chance to prove yourselves!" he said, snatching the orb from Raggmunk's hand, "You will go back out there, and you wont return without at least a bag full of Chi!" he threatened, pointing his staff at them. "Fail me again, and you shall be replaced by your younger brothers!" he said, placing the orbs at the end and making a new batch of warriors from the remaining eggs.
Both warriors look on in worriedness, as they witness their competition from before them. "Better get to it." Commander Machia said smugly, passing them as she went to stand next to her General.
"Yes, mam!" they said bitterly, turning to gather supplies before leaving for their mission. The fires of competition set ablaze within them, as only one thought crosses their mind. They wouldn't fail, no matter the cost!
Author's Notes:
Happy New Years, everyone! I hope you have enjoyed this chapter, and that it served as a good introduction for some new characters, well some new versions of some old characters anyway! I know some where worried that I would just copy the Vermillion, but rest assured that aside from name and certain traits they are completely unique.
Like always, fell free to make any art about this story as you'd like, so long as you give me some credit. I look forwards to see what you all create, and remember, if you want your characters to take part in this make sure to leave a message.
Like always, thanks for reading, happy holidays, and have a happy new year!