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Jan 30, 2023 17:07:11 GMT
Post by The J on Jan 30, 2023 17:07:11 GMT
This is a story that was written on the original LEGO Message Boards in late 2014. While it was initially only written by Eris00, it later became a co-write when HyperSonicOne joined in writing it. Therefore, at the beginning of each chapter(?), I will denote which author wrote which segment. This is also one of the only stories I've found on the archives that was there in its entirety...I'm pretty sure. 
(By Eris00)Prologue The eagle flew nameless. She left her grief, her pain and her name, who she truly was, behind on the rocky, rain pelted cliff. One thought, however, remained in her head as everything else was washed away, like the water that fell relentlessly upon her. Protect, fly, safety. She was barely aware of the of the mewling creature in her arms, wrapped in a blanket made from her own down. She simply flew, no destination in mind. Forever, she seemed to fly, as the rain beat down, making her wings numb and icy. The only thing that kept her from flooding her wings and dropping like a stone in the sky was the small babe. She dared not look, she feared for what she might see. Finally, the eagle found a small opening in a great mountain, so high it seemed to float. She alighted down, and as she set the bundle down, a bit of cloth was knocked away, revealing the babe’s face. The eagle’s face paled, and like the air let out of a balloon,slowly, then all at once, she remembered. With an anguished sob, she fell to the ground and let go of consciousness.
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Jan 31, 2023 16:43:52 GMT
Post by The J on Jan 31, 2023 16:43:52 GMT
I swoop out over the rocky terrain of the fangs, reassuringly play with IceFyre's bowstring, and pull my cloak tighter around me. The wind threatens to blow it away, and though I doubt anyone is here, that is a risk I dare not take. Just one wingbeat at a time. As the barren rocky ground turns lush and filled with trees, I smell them. I may look eagle on the upper half, but I have the nose of a Lion. I try not to breath through my nose as I circle down and set my satchel of weapons on the ground, massaging my sore shoulders. I know what I am here for, I just hope that I have what Worriz will want.
I risked entering the Lions’ armory more than I should have. Had Leonidas hit my cloak with that spear-- I shiver and shed the memory away, pull down my hood, bring my wall up once more, and stride forward. I will need to appear confident, if I am to leave with what I want, or leave at all, for that matter. I don’t get more than five steps past the scent line when Winzar appears next to me and beckons for me to stop. I oblige, with grudging respect. The wolves may seem unorganized and insane, and they certainly are, but they take the safety of their own above all. Something inside wishes I was a part of that, but I give that something a sharp whap and send it flying off into la la land.
“Do you have it?” Winzar's voice is gruff and demanding. I expected worse.
“Why else would you think I'd be here for? Worriz will like them.”
“And have you figured out an appropriate price?”
I grin. He has no idea. Instead I say, “Yes, Winzar. Now will we stand here all day, or proceed forward and actually accomplish something?”
I swear he smiled.
About 5 minutes later, I lean casually on IceFyre as Worriz watches his troops in some sort of battle practice. Several perfectly fine annoying quotes were wasted, and I FINALLY manage to get his attention.
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Jan 31, 2023 16:48:17 GMT
-last edited on Jan 31, 2023 16:53:15 GMT by The J
Post by The J on Jan 31, 2023 16:48:17 GMT
(Forgot to say, by Eris00:)
“Ahem, the cloak is getting rather stuffy, and I kinda need my mysteriousness here. So, anytime, Big W, anytime.” That gets the appropriate reaction.
“WILL YOU JUST SHUT UP?!”
“I think you can figure that out, Big W.”
“Urrrgh! GO AWAY!”
“Fine. Say bye to 21 fine Chi-Spears. Your elite guard won’t be very--”
“Oh. It’s you.”
“NOW you notice. Too late.”
I take off, but Worriz turns and calls for me to stop.
Lazily, I arc around and land a few feet from him.
“Sorry.” He ever so slightly dips him head.
I resist the urge to shout 'everyone, record the time and date! Stop the press! Worriz has ADMITTED he’s wrong!!'
Instead, I simply blink my acknowledgement, neither accepting nor rejecting his apology.
He leads me to the wolves’ meeting hall, the ONLY -I do mean ONLY- respectable place that didn’t reek of motor oil, and some other stuff I care not to mention.
“Show me, show me show me show me!!!”
“Big W,--”
“Don’t call me--go on. Heh-heh.”
“Mhhmm. Ok, here’s what I got.” I let the canvas slide away, and the glint of metal reflects in Worriz's eyes. He lets out a wolfy howl of triumph.
“Ok, Eagleless-”
“Oh-I like that,”
“Ahem. Anyway, name your price. These are indeed top of the line. My guard will be pleased with them-Especially Windra.” His old eyes take on a dreamy look. I snicker quietly. Worriz’s crush has been old news among CHIMA, from the day he took over the pack, a young, ambitious (some might even say evil) wolf, to now, as the old wolf hunched ever so slightly, alought the same gleam was ever present. I have heard some chimians say that he looks startling like Wakz-- whoever he was.
“Well…” I must approach this carefully. “What about one weapon for many?”
He studies me carefully. "Very well. Come."
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Jan 31, 2023 16:52:23 GMT
-last edited on Jan 31, 2023 16:53:50 GMT by The J
Post by The J on Jan 31, 2023 16:52:23 GMT
(By Eris00)
The one I want is in a big elaborate showcase. Ruh-Row. Big elaborate showcases are NEVER good. Still, I walk over and make a big bowing gesture. Worriz pales.
“No-nonononoNO!” He stammers. I look over him calmly.
“Too bad, cause I’m taking it.” Before he can blink, I grab IceFyre and pull the string taut to his neck.
Once I’m sure he’s out cold, I slip the double sword into my bag, careful not to touch it, then take off towards the door. I’m stopped by Winzar, who is coming to help deliver the weapons out. Drat. I left the spacers in the armory. I try to block his view, but he sees and charges me. Sometimes I think that Wolf is part Rhino. I run back into the armory, letting my cloak drop. Winzar freezes and gasps.
“You--”
I don’t hear the rest as I spring towards the closed and locked window. Turning my shoulder, I shatter it. Something only a Lion, Gorilla or Rhino could probably do. Taking to the skies, I race away before anyone can break out the big guns. Literally.
Later, back in home sweet eagle head, I look at the sword closer. Yes, it’s the same one. I close my eyes and touch it, and maybe it’s just my imagination, but I swear I hear Elgor's last scream. He died for me, an outcast, a-a mutant, and now I am one step closer to avenging his death.
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Jan 31, 2023 17:10:04 GMT
Post by The J on Jan 31, 2023 17:10:04 GMT
(By Eris00)
The next morning, I fly out to find some breakfast. Maybe some vole? I have had squirrel for the past few days, and I desperately need something different. Those tails do NOT go down well! To much fuzz. I crane my head, listening, and I hear a faint twang. Uh oh is my last thought.
I wake up probably five minutes later, wrapped in a giant net, (thankfully my cloak is still on) and a silver dart to my left. Security overkill. That can only mean one thing.
"Ughh. WHAT do you want, lions? Besides all that noblest animal of CHIMA blah blah blah SAVE IT! Lemme go." I say this all without looking at the lions that I know are three feet away on my left.
"You were on sacred ground . We must take you to the--"
"Gods of Cavora, that is THE LAMEST excuse I have EVER HEARD."
So, yet another five minutes later, I am now before the King of the Lions, Lionel. A lion elder comes up and shouts,
"Hail, King Lionel, son of--"
"Yeah yeah put a sock in it already," I grumble. The elder glares at me. Man, I am making friends everywhere today, aren't I?
The young king motions everyone out of the throne and chi room, until it is just he and I. Then he does the most ridiculous thing I have eve seem anyone do. He begins to laugh so hard that I just barely mange to stop him from falling into the chi pool. I wonder what would have happened if I hadn't pulled him out. Then, he mumbles a thanks, stragglers back up to his throne. He grins coldly. Huh? A pit dread forms inside me
"Now, girl, show me why you always wear that cloak!"
"How do you know I always wear it?!" I challenge. Another cold grin.
"I have eyes everywhere."
Now the question I dread. "Why should I?!"
"Because, girl, while you were helping me with my 'laugh attack' I have invited some-ah, how to put it- unsatisfied guests."
And out from the shadows step Worriz, Windra, Winzar, and the 21 elite guard, using the very weapons I stole from here.
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Jan 31, 2023 17:15:14 GMT
Post by The J on Jan 31, 2023 17:15:14 GMT
(By Eris00)
“Come on! We can work this out like normal people--oh wait, none of you are normal. My bad.” That probably wasn’t smart. I really couldn’t help myself, though. I glare at the prince’s sneer, trying to figure out why it seems so aggravatingly familiar.
“You forget one thing. I can fly.” I use the last reserves of my Lion strength and shoot up. I can escape.
A streak of blood red light misses me by a hair. Windra. I veer to the left. Why did I leave IceFyre?! My fingers go to my chi in my pocket. No. not yet. Right, left feint, right c’mon almost there… one bullet gets to close and rips off my cloak. I screech. All my instincts disappear and I chi up.
The world slows down as I fly so fast my vision blurs. Back home, grab weapons, back out. Measuring- and boom. I fold my wings and plummet back into the temple. Wind rushes past me as I drop. For the first time, I really make contact with Worriz’s old sword. The outsides take on a chi blue, and the insides become pure gold. It's the same one, all right.
I land lightly, and don't even pause as I run Windra up against the wall, my blade inches from her throat. Her eyes are wide with fear. My first rule of life? Don’t dish out what you can’t take. Using my chi-strength, I hoist up Windra, rip her gun from her, and throw her to the opposite side of the room, towards the door. She slumps, out cold. Worriz breaks formation and runs to her, cradling her head in his hands. He motions to the rest of the guard, and… they all leave?
I walk up to the King. My chi is gone, but I feel just as strong. Anger fuels my power now.
“Wh-What ARE you?”
“A Gryfon. And don’t you--” I never saw it coming. The club does it's thing and clubs. I crumple as the world goes dark. The last thing I hear is Lionel.
“Yes, Gryfon,” He spits the words. "That’s right. KNEEL!"
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Jan 31, 2023 17:33:12 GMT
Post by The J on Jan 31, 2023 17:33:12 GMT
(By Eris00)
Dirty Socks. That’s the first thing I register as I come--oooooww. Holy Cavora, that smarts. My head has officially exploded.
“‘E’s up.” A gruff voice calls from the other side of the bars. The free side.
“Thank you.” Soft, silky, smooth, and absolutely disgusting-- DUH-DUH-DUHHHH. Uno Lionel-io.
“What you want, pretty boy?” The contempt is more than evident in my voice. I say ‘pretty boy’ as it’s the vilest, most awful swear word in the Chimaen language. Give me part-rhino Winzar ANY day of the week.
“Ah, Gryfon, but it is not about what I want, but what you want.”
“Ok, pretty boy, lost me there.”
“I figured. Uneducated. It’s a wonder you-”
“Shut up and tell-”
Lionel’s eyes narrow. A grin/sneer (a snig? A snig it is,) lights up his face. Suddenly, my head is whipped back, and a blade pressed against my neck, ever so slightly digging. Ah. So THAT'S where big strong guy went.
Lionel leans forward, the snig more evident than ever, and whispers, "See, it's about what you want. I am willing to bet you want to stay alive."
The knife eases. Ok, I can give this one to him. (I kinda have to.)
"Well, played. Now, cut it out. What do you want. No more games, JUST TELL ME!"
Of course, Lionel cerainly doesn't do anything CLOSE to that. Big windup, all that classical Lionel-io stuff.
"Weeell... We have never seen anything like you, Gryfon."
"So... what are you asking me to do..?"
"You must have lived in groups! Bring the rest of your kind back!"
"Why." Not a question, but a statement. My voice doesn't seem like mine. The knife darts closer, I give it a wary eye.
"Because, Gryfon, you are strong, but quick and fleety, too. If we put together an elite guard of Gryfons...CHIMA would be ours!"
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Jan 31, 2023 17:39:46 GMT
-last edited on Jan 31, 2023 17:40:11 GMT by The J
Post by The J on Jan 31, 2023 17:39:46 GMT
(By Eris00)
The door clangs with a final-seeming, well, clang. I listen as Strong Man and Lionel’s pawsteps fade, make sure they’re REALLY gone, then set to work. I need to get out of here.
'CHIMA will be ours.'
What is wrong with him?! I have never heard of a lion that thinks so evilly, so cruelly, so--I don’t even have words. That’s a first. I begin to search. There’s got to be a crack SOMEWHERE.
I can tell from the air, which seems unusually clean, that I must be on one wing of the temple. -Maybe under one of the great front walls?- So--I can rule out the side with the door, and the other two sides (craning my neck through the bars shows me the I have a cell on either side of me), SO, it’s got to be the back wall. Focusing all my energy on that wall, I scour it with eagle-eyesight, and a lot of insults, too.
'CHIMA will be ours.'
Why? Why, oh why why why? The strongest king of CHIMA. Controlling all the chi. You want more? Maybe he’s being manipulated? No… he did not have the cold eyes of one. I have heard of Cragger. Lionel is not being a Cragger. He is acting of his own accord--AHA!! A small bit of rock crumbles away, and I wince as sunlight seeps in, fighting away the darkness.
I work like a madman, widening the gap, and praying Pretty Boy Lionel, or, even worse, Strong Man don’t come for more interrogation. After what seems like forever, I sit down, my paws bleeding, mud caked, raw, and dry. The gap floods my cell with light, and I think I can fit. A streak of black crosses my vision. I see a young girl lion running like the devil in my direction, a satchel at her side. Black like a shadow. Who would be chasing her?
“Hey-Kid!”
The girl freezes, and slowly pivots to me. “Wha-”
“Okay, Kid. Let’s get this straight. I am a Gryfon. I am part Lion, part eagle. I need you to get me out. Please. I can explain later.”
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Jan 31, 2023 17:58:12 GMT
Post by The J on Jan 31, 2023 17:58:12 GMT
Since it appears HyperSonicOne only wrote two or three chapters in total, and me writing "(By Eris00)" on every post is kind of interrupting the flow of the story, I'll just specify who wrote each chapter starting from the first chapter written by HyperSonicOne. 
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Post by The J on Feb 2, 2023 18:14:09 GMT
The Lioness stares at me, eyes wide with...fear?
“Lionel?” she whispers. Could she…? I have to hope. I nod. Without a word, she comes over and begins to help.
“Eh? What’s that light?” No. Not right now. NonoNO!
“Move faster!” I hiss. The girl simply grunts. Soon, the door is ready. I stand by it and leap. A pain shoots up my ankle. I roar and lift off the ground, glancing down. The Lioness has run a few meters back. Back in the cell, Strong Man grips his hand. It’s twisted at an unnatural angle. A quick look down, my ankle is likewise. Strong Man must have tried to grab me as I jumped. I alight down beside the Lioness. I can see now that she isn’t that small, actually about my age.
“You got what I think you have?” I gesture to the bag. She nods.
“Good.”
Backing up, with freedom just behind us.
Strong Man comes running from our hole in the wall. “Hey-get back to your cell!”
“Why would I do that, hmm?”
“Errr--I’ll call troops--What are you doing here, Lakota? I thought you were getting-”
“NO!” The girl screams at him.
Done with her outburst, Lakota spits at Strong Man’s feet. Wow. Major Bad vibes here. Strong Man takes a step back, and his expression calms down. Around us are a troop of lion soldiers, most with guns. If I fly, I probably die. (Hey-that rhymes!) Walking up to Lakota, I slip my hand into her bag, and draw out two orbs of chi.
Silently, I pass one to her, and she takes it gingerly.
“We have to fight. On my word.” I whisper. Strutting up to Strong Man, I say, “So, where’s big baddie Lionel himself?!”
“Do not disrespect our King like that!”
“Yawn… NOW!” Springing into action, I reveal the chi in my paw, then plug up with a roar. Then, I do something that is my only chance for escaping, and run BACK into the hole.
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Post by The J on Feb 2, 2023 18:18:22 GMT
“Wha--?” Strong Man is body checked as I barrel past, stumbling and landing hard, with a glazed look in his eyes. Man, that was satisfying. As I had hoped, the door was open, and… Bingo. On the wall across from me, IceFyre and Worriz’s sword hang. (I do need a better name… I’ll work on that.) Snatching them, I turn to find some uneasy-looking guards.
“For CHIMA!” the one in front cries.
“Idiot,” I mutter, and launch myself at them. The first one looks up in surprise. I flick my wrist at the last second, so that the blunt side of the sword (one of the sides-I guess technically, there’s four) conks him out cold. The second one gets his fur frozen as I fire a bolt. When I get really mad, the Ice in IceFyre really shines. With a yipe, the other two race away. I consider telling them to come back and play, but that might make me sound like some zombie child.
Lakota is holding her own outside, and has taken down the majority of the lions. Barreling in, I ran into one that was coming up for behind, sending him flying into the wall, then getting stuck in giant cobweb decorations. If I wasn’t busy trying not to die, it would be hysterical. After taking out two more, Lakota and I close in on the last, then let him run. Grabbing Lakota, I fly like I never have, diving down only to let her pick up a fine chi-spear, and a blaster. The strain is insane, though. I’ll never do it.
An idea hits me. Isn’t there a landing platform for eagles? Yes! And is it this wall? YES!! Ding ding ding! Catching a strong draft, I one-eighty, and sweep back, shouting my plan to Lakota all the while. When we land, the perfect craft is waiting. A small eagle jet. [See the chi temple set’s eagle-ma-bob. Like that.] Without a word, Lakota lands, rolls, hops, and starts it up. Spreading my wings, I easily keep pace with her as we take off, Strong Man's curses fading away behind us.
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Post by The J on Feb 2, 2023 18:25:39 GMT
The once comforting and pleasant wind now bit against me, fighting me back. I desperately wanted to hitch a ride, but Lakota was the only one that the craft would hold. Two chimians would NOT do too amazing, get my drift? And, if that wasn't enough, I could hear just hear the whirling blades of sky lions behind us. Joy. So, you see how relieved I was when the sun went down. Almost instantly, I folded my wings and dropped. After killing a few trees, (sorry, not) I came to an awkward landing in a small clearing I hadn't noticed before. Same with the pleasant looking house in the corner, at the edge of the trees. With a much softer landing, Lakota came down beside me, then pulled a few sticks out of my feathers. "Because the forest certainly doesn't need them..." "Grrrrr..." "Oh-hey! This is a nice place!" "Really. You JUST noticed that. No-lemme guess...you TOTALLY knew that." "Geez, Gail, who put a scorpion stinger under your pillow." "Maybe Lionel-Oh Cavora, Lakota, I'm sorry. Today has been, ermm, a word of choice, but I'm going to say lame, okay?" This gets a faint smile. I really am sorry, but I feel like strangling myself. I am really bad at apologizing. "My, my, nothing like two young'uns bit keyring*." Spinning around, Lakota gasps. I just stare. An eagle is in front of us. Well, not exactly. He's standing over in a small gardening bed, holding a watering can. But not just ANY eagle. If that crown isn't an optical illusion or something, he's a member of the royal family. "Allow me to save you the trouble. My name is Telan. I am from the royal family, Gail. Is that right? Yes? Anyhow, right now I should be king, indeed. And I would be, too... until Lionel destroyed my life. Come inside. I shall tell you my story, and you tell me yours.
*Editor's note: I genuinely have no idea what that is supposed to say. 
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Post by The J on Feb 2, 2023 18:33:05 GMT
The house is very cozy, getting just enough space and coziness to make it not seem cluttered, or airy. Hard to describe, but I guess here goes nothing. The carpert of the living room was a light creme, and the furniture was a rich ruby. In the back of the room was a firehearth, which was made with rough shone, as if a rock was coming out of the ground. The sofas surrounded it in a loose semicircle, with a coffe table in the center, small enough to let you walk around without hitting the fireplace or chairs, but big enough to hold stuff. I was amazed.
"Make yourselves at home, young'uns." Gesturing to the sofas, Telan walks over to the far one, lightly sits down, and waits for Lakota and I to get settled.
"So, you have come from the chi temple, no?"
"Hm. Not one of my best moments." Inside my head, I cheer Lakota on. She sounds like me!
"Well, since you are weary, no doubt, I shall tell you my story first." And, with a deep breath, Telan closed his eyes and began to weave words into magic. I didn't even know how spot on I was with THAT preception...yet.
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Post by The J on Feb 2, 2023 18:39:16 GMT
"I was a young eagle, just like the rest. Spent most of my time in the library, but sometimes Elgor would convince me to come test his inventions. I am proud to say that every single one I touched ended up working. I had a knack for that. In time, though older, Elgor became friends with me, the Crown Prince. Then...Elgor became...different. He started leaving for long periods of time, usually when I needed him most.
"As I grew older, my brother, Erak, and even my little sis, Eris, grew jealous of me, and sought the Head of Council for themselves. Finally, Erak found my weak link. Ever since I was young, I had a power. I could harness creation, and twist it to do...stuff. Here is how my life fell apart: Elgor was gone one night when I heard a swishing sound. Looking out from a nearby window, I saw a dark shape diving away from the spires. Elgor. Without a second thought, I took off after him. After a lot of diving and hiding on my part, I saw him come to a stop.
"A creature clothed in black, had to be a bird, flew down from a tree and embraced Elgor. They talked for a while, and suddenly, the cloaked figure froze. Without a word, it turned and dove for cover. Elgor was a second late, and was caught in lights by three lion tanks, and a small wolf speedor. Out of nowhere, he was surrounded. In the light, (which wasn't much, twilight had fallen) the speedor came up, and whoever was there shouted something. I think he said,
'This is the one, Lion!' A loud voice came on.
'Creature, come with us. You have troubled the Chimian race for long enough.' Elgor flew in terror. Without a word, the wolf speedor came up behind him..."
For the first time, Telan's voice cracked. "They killed him. Elgor. I lost it. Revealed my power, got captured, and fled to here. Using my powers, I have lived safely."
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Feb 2, 2023 18:51:41 GMT
-last edited on Feb 2, 2023 18:52:20 GMT by The J
Post by The J on Feb 2, 2023 18:51:41 GMT
Editor's note: The next couple posts switch to Lakota's point of view.
Silence fills the room. Gail looks absolutely stricken. Every last trace of cockiness, out the window.
Clearing my throat, I let out the most pathetic attempt at speech ever. "I gues--*cough*hack*--Ahem! I guess I'll go next?"
No response. Gail looks relieved, Telan looks a bit better. I guess the weight off his heart by telling that tale was great. Clearing my throat once more, I decide what to say--and what not to say.
"I started out living like your average lioness, never seen, being what made the place run. We kept it from falling apart, while the males got all the glory. In short, I hated it. I burned for adventure. Secretly, I got the head for the Windshados, and elite speeding team, to help me learn to fight. Lavertus, that was his name, had survived the Outlands, and he knew his stuff.
"I never got to learn the art of speedoring, though, because he tragically died out on a raid that played a key role in defeating the Hunters. He will be known as a great lion in decades to come, and a warrior in the bravest way. When Lagravis also passed on, peacefully, the unexpected happened. Laval disappeared. He had gone off in search of Sir Fangar, to defeat him for the last time.
"Only a few moons later did a young lion stumble up upon our steps, holding Laval's crown, and Sir Fangar's icy harness. He claimed both were dead, and, even more shockingly, that he was Laval's son. Most of us suspected who the mother was. Upon being questioned, Eris denied anything and everything. After returning, she was never the same. Fits of insanity plagued her, and eventually, she too disappeared. So now Erak was the Eagle leader."
Telan stiffens.
"So, losing power fast, the lions had to accept the young lion in. His name was Lionel. By now, I was a skilled warrior. He saw this, and we became good friends."
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