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Chapter Text

High above the Crossroads, on a tall spire overlooking the center of the merged Realms a dark blue headed Eagle frowned and furiously tapped at a gold tablet held in his hand.

"I still do not know how people use these" He grumbled frowning at the jumble of letters appearing on the screen clearly signalling an error, He sighed. "These new devices will take some getting used to" He looked up when the loud sounding thud of a dragon landed close by, just on the runway where the jets took off to be specific.

"Ah, Sora" His wings opened and he dove down from the golden open window he was perched on, "I see you are here with the supplies we requested?" A pink haired girl sporting a dark colored hood and shoulder pads nodded patting the side of the box the dragon had carried up.

"Sure have Eglor" Sora folded her arms then looking curiously at the box of assembled junk and parts, "Can I ask why you needed all of these old weapons and parts?" Eglor chuckled flying up to take ahold of one of the many gold parts in the box, "Since the attack that while ago we figured we needed a way to provide support from above aside from our jets" he threw it to the ground where it made a loud painful clattering sound.

"So we are hoping to make blasters that'll reach all the way down to the Crossroads or precise enough to hit airborne targets" Eglor explained while inspecting a piece that looked like a long nozzle for a turret.

Sora hummed thoughtfully, "You know that's not a half bad idea" She said activating her powers to bring a few pieces out of the box to hover around her, "The Crossroads could use some defences now that the Forbidden Five are loose"

Eglor paused mid research tilting his head at her, "I dont know who these Forbidden Five are that your talking about Sora" He reminded making her mentally facepalm, "Right, Crossroads aren't really kept in the loop, long story short they are a really evil powerful group that we tried to stop at this tournament" She started while lowering the metal to the floor.

"But they got the jump on us and even though we technically won they still got away into the merged realms" Sora's face fell, "And...so did Arin" Eglor opened a wing tucking it around her back for comfort, while word didn't travel much around here the news that Arin had gone missing did pass around the Tribes that held residence.

"Perhaps Eris might find him on her travels" He suggested with Sora glancing to him a little, "She's still traveling?" He nodded with a small spring in his step, "Oh yes she is, we aren't worried though" Eglor chuckled tucking his hands behind his back, "She has always been one to explore" Sora chuckled back, "Can't say I blame her" She stretched her arms out and headed back toward Zanth, "If she comes back tell her I'll come visit sometime" Eglor gave her a nod as the dragon took off diving down toward the Crossroads out of sight.

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"Ummm Cole?" Frak asked his head buried almost under a stack of pies, "Why do we have so many?" Cole merely smiled proudly his hands full with his own stack of pies, "Because pies are awesome, plus we need some back at the Monastery" The snake sighed shaking his head opting to concentrate on not dropping the pies.

Frak eventually stopped placing the pies down, "Do we have to carry these all the way?" Cole frowned lowering his head in thought, "Good point" He perked upon noticing something, "Uhhh somethings eating our pies" Frak shot around and sure enough out of the pile he was carrying pies were being picked up in...mid air?

"Are they...floating?" Frak muttered his head dropping to the side as they both watched it disappear moments after, "Oh i see" Cole cleared his throat tapping the air near to the vanished pie.

The space rippled and a large dragon fizzled into the space causing Frak to scream and scramble backwards at the sight of it, "Relax" Cole laughed, "Its just Ajura" She snorted at the Earth Ninja eyes carefully watching him albeit calmly.

"Thats- the weird all elemental dragon I've heard about?" The snake whispered still hiding behind Cole. "She's harmless don't worry" He assured, "Well harmless unless you hurt Razar" Frak blinked looking around the area, "Who's that? I mean-" He shook his head, "Why's the dragon here?" Cole chuckled, "Come with me" He walked on ahead Frak following close behind through the narrow streets of the Crossroads to a decent sized garden like area out of the way of all the bustle and noise.

"Cole" Frak muttered shrinking closer to him, Cole paused in his tracks feeling eyes on him but wasn't concerned, infact a dragon appeared out of a nearby lake shaking water from its form and more appeared from hidden areas and one from a tree.

"Theres so many dragons!" Frak muttered but more in awe as he emerged from behind the Earth Ninjas back, "Why are they staring at us though" Cole smiled while stroking a gold one on its snout, "They haven't seen you with me before, they are pretty protective" the Snake shrugged acceptingly, "Fair point but who of?"

That was when Frak spotted some figures nearby gathered under the shade of a fallen tree In the shadow of its leaves that covered the sky producing a nice decent chunk of protection from the wind and rain. "Hey guys!" Cole yelled making Frak jump and the group to all look up.

"Dude!" A gorilla ran over on all fours skidding to a halt right by him, "Hey there Gorzan" Cole gave the Gorilla a fist bump, "Did i interrupt anything?" He ventured seeing the rest make their way over. "Ironically enough we just finished" a wolf grumbled arms crossed eyes narrowing at Frak behind him.

"Just a routine tribal leader meeting" a Lion added on holding a map in one arm, "Nothing too major" Cole smiled then stepped to the side, "This is Frak, he's staying with us now since the Tournament ended, Frak this is the Eight, you know the ones you heard Kai talking about" Frak perked up, "Oh yeah!" He leapt forward straightening upright, "I-I- it's an honour to meet you!" He stuttered causing all seven of them to laugh.

"You don't have to actually be formal with us or anything" A crocodile said where he was leaning on the Lions side, "We aren't that serious for being tribal leaders" He snorted rolling his eyes, "More or less" Cole patted Frak on the shoulder almost sending him tumbling over, "We aren't exactly eight either well not right now" the snake now noticed the lack of an eighth animal there, one missing?

Cole seemed relatively calm however, they all did. "Eris is still on her travels?" He asked folding his arms against his chest, "Sure is" the Lion replied resting a hand against his side, "Has been for a while, although if she's gone for this long it means she's enjoying it" the Crocodile laughed standing upright tail swishing around, "Lavals got that right, we're just lucky the Eagles can handle themselves or we'd have even more work to do"

The dragons all trudged past taking places behind each of the animals, "I've heard about you guys from Ras! I mean it wasn't great things he wasn't pleased about you" Frak rubbed the back of his head nervously earning a snort from the wolf, "He can be as mad as he wants" Laval gestured at him, "What Worriz means is good" As he said that each one was getting ontop of their dragons, "We better head back to our tribes" Cragger waved his tail upwards, "See you later! and bring more pies!" Each one took off into the sky going in different directions off the Crossroads.

Frak stared up with an open jaw at where they'd all been Cole smiling at him with a look that was obvious to anyone who could see it, "Pretty great aren't they?" He said snapping the snake out of his daze, "They are amazing!" He yelled springing alongside the Ninja who made for the exit slowly but surely, "Did they not used to be leaders?" Cole took in a sharp breath, Frak lowering his head slightly to it, seems like it wasn't for the best reason in the world.

"I'll put it the short way, where they all lived before the Merge got thrown into a lot and I mean a LOT of chaos and craziness after it happened, some people from here took over their land and leveled most of it for a city" Frak dug into a bag he was carrying until his hand hit a book he'd had in his possession for a long time.

Pulling it out he flicked through it to a page representing a large floating mountain and lands below it, "Is this it?" He asked, Cole inspecting it with a hum, "Definitely seems like it, where'd you get that from?" The snake shrugged letting him take it into his hands, "There was a person in the Crossroads handing a bunch of old books out, this was one of them"

"Although I kept hearing rumors about some Eagle that got turned to stone once, what's that all about?" Cole stopped in his tracks and looked around incase anyone was within earshot, "I'll put it the easy way, that was Eris, the Eagle they mentioned, and yeah she did almost die from it" Frak shuddered rubbing his hands on his arms.

"That sounds horrible" He grumbled shrinking his head in, "Oh it was, even more so for them but Razar basically had her dying in his arms at one point" Cole shivered himself, "Not something you should bring up infront of them though, isn't great memory wise" Frak nodded frantically, "Oh absolutely, I don't want to do that" He paused tilting his head to the sighting of jets flying over the Crossroads many buildings up to the large spire nearby.

"Eagle jets" Cole said walking past out into the bustle of the streets Frak running up to catch up with him, "Now about those pies"

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Laval groaned falling back into the throne catching the attention of Longtooth nearby, "Tired already?" He called turning around to face him, "More like bored, I mean it's great being a tribe leader but it's always paperwork and things to sort out" He huffed leaning forward resting his hands on his chin.

"I mean there's not as much now as there used to be" The other lion pointed out watching Laval lean back again with a heavy sigh. Longtooth did feel a little bit of remorse, at Lavals age he shouldn't have had to take over as leader of the Lions infact most of them from the other tribes shouldn't have had to.

"You know what" Longtooth walked up to him placing his spear down on the ground, "Go have some fun for a while i can handle anything that comes through" Laval perked up leaning forward, "Really? you mean it?" the former chuckled crossing his arms, "When have i ever been serious?" He laughed when Laval sprung up and ran out of the doorway, even getting a thankful nod from the Lion Beast who was there.

Naturally the Legend Beasts did what they could to lighten the load on the much younger leaders but there was only so much they could do, and realistically in Longtooths eyes, the Tribes seemed to be content in doing whatever here, no land to squabble over, maybe there were a few disagreements but those were quickly resolved.

"Right" Longtooth flexed his arms out, "Lets see what we can do"

Liji screeched slamming onto the very top of a rock wings flapping as she regained her balance, "Feels great to finally get out of that throne room for once!" Laval huffed resting on her head a little.

The dragon snorted adjusting herself a little on the rock towering over a waterfall leading down, "Think we'll find Eris this time?" Laval mused looking at the distant lands only receiving a snort from the below dragon.

"I know I know, she'll come back when she wants to" Liji blew steam out from her snout opening her wings for takeoff again, for her to pause as she was seconds away from leaping down by another dragon soaring past.

"Gotta be faster than that Laval!" Cragger laughed leaping onto the top of Creeks head, the dragon sporting as much as a smirk as her rider was, "Hey! no fair Cragger you didn't even warn me!" Laval slid down giving Liji the signal to take off flying in a circle around Creek. stopping just beside her after a few rounds.

"You got out of your boring paperwork as well?" Laval asked the Crocodile who shrugged but it gave the response away clearly as a yes, "It was boring okay! why do just us two need to do paperwork stuff" Laval hummed a little, "Technically Eris does as well, she's just not here" Cragger huffed crossing his arms. "Lucky for some"

The Lion on the other hand gave a low smirk, "Cragger guess what" The latter glanced over raising a brow in suspicion, "What" without warning Liji shot forward almost sending him flying off Creeks back, "Last one to the mountain peak gets to wash the tanks!"

"Wha- HEY!" Cragger grabbed onto the Swamp dragons back as she too raced after Liji catching up to her in a few swift movements of her wings, Laval only laughed back.

Riding on a dragon going who knows how fast in the air was almost like riding a Speedor through Chima exactly like the two did when they were younger.

Sure being leaders meant being responsible and growing up but they could mess around for a little while at the very least, just like old times.

Chapter Text

Laval hopped off Liji's back to the floor of the Forever rock, Cragger leaping off behind him, "Been a while since we were here last huh?" He chuckled earning a nod back from the Lion, "Glad to see it's not changed a bit"

Thankfully, thanks to a friends efforts the parts of Chima that weren't affected by the invasion had remained untouched, the Forever Rock and its surrounding area was one of those places. One because it was the Eights main hangout spot and the other....

To put it lightly, was a memorial area for Eris' former dragon, It was mainly a keep out zone but there were times where Laval had gotten word of Worriz chasing people out who weren't supposed to be there.

"Ugh, I'd really like to go over to the swamp" Cragger huffed leaning on the rock scratching at his dry scales, "Maybe we can stop by on the way home" Laval suggested while similarly leaning on it.

"We really should get everyone else up here sometime" Cragger scoffed, "When we all stop doing the boring tribal leader stuff for one minute" Laval hummed tapping his chin, "To be fair, only a few of the tribes actually have leaders, the wolves work as a pack, the bears sleep all the time unless there's a fight and the Ravens well...." He shrugged loosely, "They kind of pick business managers on whatever they are doing"

"Only reasons they have leaders is just for keeping the peace between tribes" Laval heard Cragger scoff amused, "Thats pretty easy when all eight tribe leaders are friends" He laughed louder pushing himself off the rock his tail slipping into a bag he'd brought on the floor.

Laval smirked knowing exactly what the Crocodile was about to do, he pushed himself off the rock steadying himself ready, "Lets see" Cragger swung his tail upwards, steadying an orb of chi on the end of it expertly, "If we've still got it after all this time" The Lion laughed back at him, "Sure, I won't go easy on you though"

Both were at a standstill, eyes glaring into each other for the slightest move. waiting until-

Cragger threw the chi orb into the air catching it again with his tail and easily dodging Lavals attempted take down, "Just because you have a tail doesn't mean you can beat me Cragger!" He called skidding around and managing to easily swipe it from his tail.

The two went in a pattern, from taking the orb back and forth to sometimes getting it into the little hoop attatched to the tree. With the two dragons watching closely from the hidden treeline keeping them concealed from possible danger.

A while then passed before the two stopped, leaning against the rock to catch their breath and the chi orb safely tucked away in the bag, "We've still got it huh?" Cragger chuckled slumping down to the floor Laval following shortly after, "By got it means we're still awesome at chi ball? then yes your right" He puffed out his chest a little.

They sat in silence for a while, the chirps of distant birds and the snoring of their sleeping dragon companions the only noises that could be heard, Cavora sat in the distance it's blue glow still visible and humming giving the floating land life.

Cragger grumbled waving his hand in his face, "Creek stop with the wind" He grumbled when a light wind gust hit his snout, naturally he just assumed it was her wanting to leave.

"If you really thought that was a dragon then you should probably get out of the Crossroads more" Both Lion and Croc looked up to see a large Eagle perched atop the rock staring them down.

And atop said Eagle was- "Eris!" Laval called seeing her there with the Eagle Beast, She giggled flying down to the ground catching an embrace from the two right as she touched down, Her wings curled around them in return, "You got new gear?!" Cragger exclaimed pulling back upon seeing the blue and white armor and blue hood she now adorned, "You could say that" Eris admitted patting her front.

Laval had to admit she looked different than when he saw her last, Her head feathers once pointed in three different directions were now bunched together and tucked downwards reaching behind her head, and even the golden crown she wore had changed to sport golden wings on it with the emblem of an Eagle in the middle.

"I could say the same for the both of you" She crossed her arms eyes scanning Lavals more fluffy mane, his golden armor stretching more across his arms and legs and his outfit now a dark blue, and Craggers spikes gotten slightly bigger on his head and tail, and his armor, silver padded stretched across his shoulders and down across his chest, the rest of his gear the usual crocodile dark green.

"Has everyone gotten a fresh look or were you two just the only ones who wanted to" Eris asked smiling when Liji and Creek walked over to greet her, "Oh yeah everyone did" Cragger said nudging Laval in the side, "We had to convince Worriz though" Eris rolled her eyes, "Let me guess, pack mentality?" Lion and Croc nodded in unison, "Pack mentality"

"After we did it everyone else just kind of followed" Laval made his way up to Eris' side while she greeted the dragons, "So, are you coming back with us? or was this just a passing by?" He watched her pause to take a deep breath, "Lucky for you, I'm coming back" She laughed although a little nervously, "I think I've left my tribe longer than I've needed to" She turned flying all the way to the Eagle Beast who was already waiting.

"SWEET!" Cragger using his tail swung up to Creeks back while Laval leapt onto Liji's, one by one they took off into the sky heading away from Chima up over the clouds that would lead them straight to the Crossroads. "Everyone is going to freak when they see you again you know that right?" Cragger said, Creek flying level with the Eagle Beast so they could talk, "I know i know" Eris rolled her eyes shooting him a slightly scary look.

She let her wings fall to her sides while she herself leaned on the Eagle Beasts back, "I just can't wait to see the library again, I got a LOT of information for it!" Laval and Craggers jaws opened at how packed her bag looked with papers, possibly even hundreds were inside.

"These Realms are more interesting than you think" Eris giggled her wings curling together out of excitement, "Well" Laval puffed watching her laugh, "Shes not changed" Cragger nodded slowly not taking his eyes off the excited Eagle.

Eventually the clouds parted and below was the many buildings of the Crossroads, They dove down slowly lowering until they reached the borders of the Lion city.

The Eagle Beast landed first, flapping her wings as she touched down Eris flying off her back just as the two dragons landed by her side. She spotted the telltale signs of markets down below the wall making her light up, "We're doing market day again?" She spun around to face Laval who chuckled rubbing the back of his head.

"Well we figured we probably should" He gestured down to the many stalls that weren't run by any of the tribes, "We even let some of the Crossroads sellers join in, the Ravens go crazy for their stuff" Eris' already overjoyed expression only widened enough for her to grab his and Craggers arms and practically fling them down with her to the grounds and the Eagle Beast quickly following behind.

They both stumbled a bit as Eris placed them down, mainly from the force they were swung away, "Eris i know you're excited but-" Cragger gagged shaking his head to rid the nausea, "A warning would've been nice" Eris chuckled pressing her hands together, "Sorry" She snorted nudging him in the arm, "You've had worse though than a little pull" The Crocodile groaned, as much as he'd hate to admit it she was technically right.

The three turned when the sound of footsteps were heard, the Lion Beast trotting up to the Eagle Beast with a snort and a purr which was reprociated by chirps from the latter. Eris meanwhile had started staring at the Lion temple, the new one anyways.

"pretty impressive huh?" Laval puffed out his chest in his usual lion pride, "Took us a while to get it all built though" She snorted gesturing at the Lion head carved in the wall, "I mean yeah, it makes sense it would take ages to carve that" A grey shape then smacked into her taking the Eagle down with a half surprised yelp.

"Riyu!" Eris called hugging the dragons head as much as she could while he raised his head off the floor taking her with him, "Sorry!" Sora skidded to a halt out of breath just close by, "He moves way quicker than i do" She gave Eris a small wave noticing her on the top of the dragons head.

"Long time no see Eris" She greeted now standing upright, "Likewise, Oh!" Eris dug into her bag pulling out a few odd looking gadgets and electronics, "I found these while out in the Realms, thought you might like them" She handed them down to the woman who perked up inspecting them further. "Wow Eris, these are some rare pieces you got" She tucked them away into the pouch on the side of her suit, "Where'd you find them?"

the Eagle crossed her legs tapping her chin, "I think it was a desert looking place? in a massive pile of junk that was in the middle of it" She shrugged crossing her arms leaning forward a bit, "Not sure how that stuff even got there" Sora hummed similarly her hands going down to her sides, "Well, next time you head out there I'd like to tag along if you don't mind" Eris nodded with a smile and a flap of her wings, "Hey i don't mind the company!"

"Eris!" Both turned their heads at Lavals call, he and Cragger were stood at the staircase leading up to the Lions throne room, "I'm going to call a meeting! you coming?" She flew upwards without a second thought patting Riyu on the snout as she passed, "Talk later Sora!" She called flying away leaving the woman and dragon to continue looking at the market.

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A loud crash shook the garage shaking the Wolf Beast from her slumber, she looked up her head tilting with a whine at the disruption, "Gorzan i already told you!" Worrizs furious yelling erupted from the room the noise erupted from.

"Wolf tanks need to be intimidating!" He snarled smacking his head on the barely complete metal, "I'm just trying to help you make your tanks dude" The Gorilla calmly responded, much against the formers angry temper, "I know you are but" Worriz sighed heavily his shoulders slumping. "Our vehicles are all grey and red not- pink!" Gorzan hummed swinging down from his originally upside down position.

"Awww but pinks just as groovy as that" He still placed down the bucket of paint and picked up the red and grey ones that Worriz had requested, At least until a roar echoed through the air catching their attention, "Great" The wolf huffed placing down a spanner he was holding.

"Groovy! a meeting!" Gorzan swung out of the room to the waiting Gorilla Beast outside, Worriz followed jumping onto the back of the Wolf Beast following the former outside into the bustle of the Crossroads.

The Wolf camp was just outside, the main path leading right down into it for ease of access, and an ideal path to watch for intruders. "So what do you think its about this time?" Gorzan asked, Worriz looked over at him suppressing a groan. He'd been wanting to hang out ever since they were 'battle buds' on the attack of the Ice Hunters fortress, and that was AGES ago!

"Probably just the normal tribe things Laval wants to go over" Worriz mumbled, "I do not think so yes?" Oh thank Cavora, someone else was here instead of him being stuck with Gorzan, "Razar dude!" Gorzan fist bumped the Raven as the Raven Beast flew down just above them, "I've never known Laval to call a meeting on market day yes?" Worriz frowned but in thought, That was definitely a good point. Market days never usually crossed with meetings.

"So whatever its being called for has to be important right?" Gorzan pointed out, Razar nodding back down, "Yes my friend" They soon reached the steps leading up to the throne room, spotting Rogon and Bladvic already waiting as they got all the way to the top.

Gorzan and the Rhino instantly started talking the moment they got close to each other while Bladvic did what he did best, sleep while their respective Legend Beasts all gathered on the stairway either sleeping or waiting.

The group of five soon started to make their way inside, well after Gorzan picked up Bladvic because the bear wasn't exactly going to budge unless someone woke him up. Inside the throne room was Cragger who was tending to the Crocodile Beasts armor.

"So what's the meeting about this time?" Worriz yelled as the group entered, Bladvic now awake as much as he could be. "Not anything too boring Worriz" Laval walked in then flanked by the Lion Beast treading diligently by his side, "And-" He paused his head looking around for something confusion coming to pass.

"Where did-" It clicked as quickly as he forgot, "Oh relax i didn't go that far" Eris then flew in from the hall exactly where he'd come from landing with a flutter of her wings by the table, "ERIS!" Rogon was there within a second lifting the Eagle up with ease into an almost bone crushing hug, She laughed back and managed to free her wings enough to wrap around him.

He placed her back down after a few minutes just in time for the rest to bundle over to join in with the hug, Eris only laughed struggling to even get her wings around them all, "I know! it's been a while!" They separated as quickly as they'd joined giving the Eagle some space.

"But, there's something i need to show you hence why Laval even called this meeting" She took off toward the table settled in the middle of the throne room pulling out a map from her bag and setting the first chunk of it onto the table.

She spread it out further and further until it covered almost the entire thing a broad array of drawings and scribbles all over the paper, "Woah" Cragger muttered his eyes widening at the sight, "Is that ALL of the places you went?" Eris shook her head pointing over at one section that was only halfway done, "Thats the Spirit coves, where uhhh you know what happened" Worriz growled at the memory, "How could i forget" He snarled.

"Plus there's also all the bits we missed" Laval spoke up catching everyone's attention, "Which is why I called in some others to the meeting"

As he said that Riyu trotted around the corner followed by the Ninja, "Heard you guys needed a fill in?" Sora scoffed smirking at Lloyd who merely sighed, "Oh its a fill in alright" He made his way to stand beside Laval arms crossed while he examined the large map present infront of them all.

"This is pretty well detailed Eris" Nya exclaimed running her hand over it gently to not accidentally rip it, "Even with our knowledge of the Realms, there's not exactly been a map with this much information" Eris giggled flinging out a light blue book in her hand, "I'm an Eagle, it's basically our whole thing" She opened the book she held in her hands all the way to a page hosting several symbols.

"Theres something I wanted you guys to look at though" She handed the book to Lloyd, he took it carefully staring at the page she'd opened it to, "Those are source dragon symbols" He looked to her, "Where'd you see these?" the Eagle frowned recounting her memories, "At a temple of some sort, way out in a forest far off from anyone and anything" the Ninja shared looks, nobody could tell if they were reassuring looks however.

"Its something we should probably investigate" Lloyd muttered, "But we have missing teammates to find first" Now that. that got the Eights attention, "Missing teammates?" Cragger asked, now noticing the absence of one in particular from the group, Sora sighed nodding heavily Riyu nudging her comfortingly, "Arin and Jay, both vanished after the Tournament of Sources, haven't found them since" She groaned pressing her hand against her forehead like she was developing a headache.

"I'm guessing that Tournament is the reason why the Eagles and Ravens were picking up strange energy readings from deep in the Wyldness?" Laval asked surprising the Ninja quite a bit, "You- picked up on all of that?" Cole stuttered, "Only bits of it yes" Razar spoke up, he was holding one of the papers in his hands and was inspecting it with his own eyes. "We didn't want to venture any closer though my friend, incase we disturbed something important or the wrong thing"

Nya dipped her head, "that's fair, but...now we have to warn you about the other thing" judging by the silence the other thing wasn't exactly good by any means, "Them" Wyldfyre growled her hands starting to flare with heat, "Uh" Cragger gulped wringing his hands together in nerves more than anything, "Who's them?"

"They are called the Forbidden Five" Zane spoke up this time addressing everyone in the room, "Up until recently there was only one on the loose, now there's all five" He projected a hologram of the Five onto the table, "We don't think they will be a threat at the moment but..."

"If they get word about your chi and how powerful it is" Lloyd continued, "Then your tribes could be a target" Worriz groaned loudly arms slumping down hanging below him, "Not again" Naturally everyone was sick of being targeted for their chi by now, and having the possibility of a group that they can't beat finding out about them wasn't exactly comforting.

"Tell you what" Sora leaned on the table tapping the Monasterys location, "We'll have the dragons keep watch over our location" Eris leaned forward tracing her own hand across to the Crossroads, "I can have the Eagles patrolling the borders of the Crossroads" Worriz then joined the two his own eyes scanning the many drawings. "And i can tell my tribe to patrol at night, we work better at night trust me"

Lloyd and Laval gave each other knowing looks, two different teams working together to protect their homes from being found by what could be a very very powerful enemy could be an unstoppable force.

Unstoppable was pushing it just a little, no it was pushing it a lot.

"Actually" Wyldfyres call interrupted them all, "Instead of trying to be all defensive, we go on the offensive instead, they wouldn't expect that would they?" Eris tapped her chin her expression raising as plans started to form in her mind, "Thats IT! Wyldfyre your a genius!" She zoomed over to a part of the map whipping out a pen.

"So if we stay defensive for a while, not too obvious but enough so we stay protected then they won't suspect anything" She tapped at a deep area that was barely scribbled, "This place is an easy trap, we need it it's there" Nya nodded, "We plan an offensive once we know a lot more than we do now"

Everyone gathered all nodded their agreement, It wasn't a solid plan. But it would hopefully keep any sights of the Forbidden Five up if they were to appear, and when...

Chapter Text

The meeting went on as usual after they set their plan in place, everyone reported on their tribes and Lloyd explained what happened at the Tournament, though Laval could see Eris rubbing her head like she had a headache.

The next moment she left the room still rubbing her head, it concerned him but the meeting was still running, "I'll go talk to her" Lloyd whispered quickly slipping out without anyone noticing.

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Eris huffed sitting down on the staircase hands still pressed against her head, She was getting her visions again, "Having trouble?" She opened her eyes in time to see Lloyd sit down beside her, "Sort of" She groaned gripping her head again, "Just my amazing visions coming back again" He silently watched the Eagle cringe her body recoiling a little.

"Come with me" He whistled, Jiro flying down landing at the bottom of the staircase, "What for?" Eris regained her footing and followed him down, "Theres someone who can help with combating visions, you've already met her once" Eris perked, "Rontu?" He nodded grabbing her helping hand up to Jiros back, "Yep, she helped me before, i have no doubt she'll be able to help you as well"

"If you say so" She leaned backwards as Jiro took off up over the clouds towards the Wyldness, The dragon then lowered it's head down chirping a few times, "What is-" Lloyd jumped when a green head poked through the clouds followed by the rest of a nature dragons body, "Oh! Gorzan!" Eris sat up upon seeing the Gorilla swinging from Jungles tail, "Did Laval send you or..." He chuckled flinging himself up to her back with expertise like skill.

"I came here on my own dude!" He called back, "Overheard you dudes going to see the dragons and I wanted to come see!" Eris giggled while Lloyd sat there confused, "You want to come see Egalt and Rontu?" The former nodded, "Sure! plus Wyldfyre asked me to give the old dragon dude this" He shuffled along to a bowl that was perched safely at the creak of Jungles neck, "Oh! the stew" Lloyd pressed his hand to his head.

"Should've guessed" Gorzan tapped the bowl a little watching the green gross liquid slosh around inside, "It smells strange though, what's in it?" the blonde froze coughing loudly, "You don't want to know, trust me" Eris and Gorzan shared looks and merely shrugged.

"IS THAT SERIOUSLY WHAT I WAS SMELLING!" Eris admittedly had to contain a laugh when she heard the loud yelling from Worriz when Beta broke through the cloud cover, of course he'd track the smell of the stew, it was strong enough for any wolf to pick up even from all the way up here.

"What?" She teased with a smirk playing on her face wings flapping at him, "You don't like the stew?" he scowled crossing his arms eyeing the bowl of green with narrowed really really narrowed eyes, "No, I don't" He snarled. Then...why was he here?

Of course he could just be here to...'keep watch' Eris knew Worriz would never ever admit it but ever since that freaky ghost happening, That nobody particularly ever wanted to talk about again. He'd been a lot more....let's just say watchful over them all?

It didn't stop her from teasing him about being protective over them though. "Right" Lloyd cleared his throat facing the front of Jiros head again now that more company had showed up, only for his attention to deviate again when he spotted a book that Eris was now reading. "What's that?" He turned around to inspect it as she glanced up.

"This?" Eris turned it around to show him the page she was inspecting so thoroughly, it had the scribbles of the same seven headed dragon symbol that was at the City of Temples... "I think it could represent those source dragons? but unless they all were one dragon then probably not" She handed him the book allowing him to take a further look.

Almost identical to the other symbol as well..."Eris do you know who wrote this?" He asked her handing the book back, "Not really" She replied tucking it away in the pouch on her side, "Its been in the completely ridiculous section for years, long before I was born" Lloyd frowned running through the possible answers in his head. "Hey!" Her call cut him off to something emerging from the clouds.

A large black and white dragon with dragon ivory horns had come through the clouds, the ivory was shaped exactly like mist as well, "Who's that?" Worriz called standing up on Betas back to get a better look, "Thats the Patriarch of the Shadow Caverns" She explained watching what looked like hundreds of serpent like black dragons circle around it. "I met him while I was on my trip, couldnt understand him but he didn't attack me so"

"Question" Eris opened her wings opting to fly alongside Jiro while she talked, "You said you talked to the Source dragon of Motion right?" Lloyd nodded, "I was wondering about the one we met" He frowned, she'd mentioned that before with that Source Dragon that was strangely showing itself to them, but..why? he was told they didn't like mortals...

"Why do you think it was on Chima?" She queried, "Was it hiding or something else?" Lloyd tapped his chin, "Source Dragons don't seem like the right beings to hide, so it had to be there for a reason" He sighed heavily, "Unfortunately I don't know that reason" Eris shrugged flying down and launching back up between Jungle and Beta, "We'll find it out! I'm sure there may be a clue in some old ruins" Worriz shot her a look that was mixed with him being annoyed and frustrated, "Eris we don't need to go on a explorers trip right now" He warned knowing well what the Eagle could do if nobody stopped her.

The clouds below opened up showing the many training grounds belonging to Rontu and Egalt, and the two were below as a matter of fact, just sitting there but noticing their approach, "Greetings Lloyd" Egalt cooed standing up as the three dragons landed at the top of the stairs. "And greetings to you three as well" Rontu added on dipping her head to Eris, Worriz and Gorzan.

"I see you bought more stew" Egalt rumbled when Lloyd took the bowl into his hands the three dragons taking their temporary leave elsewhere until they were needed again, "Wyldfyres request" Lloyd responded placing it down carefully to not spill any, "And smells horrible" Worriz scrunched up his nose elicting a laugh from Rontu, "Wolf noses have always been sharp ones" She gave a chirp walking around to sit next to them. "I've lived long enough here to know"

She did however look over to Lloyd, "What does bring you here however?" He nodded over to Eris, "Vision troubles, like mine" She hummed her eyes closing, "I see, well you've come to the right dragon if you want to learn to live with your visions" Rontu stood up waving her tail around in a motion to follow, Eris flew upwards giving a small salute, "Guess I'll see you boys later!" She flew after Rontu leaving the three with Egalt.

"Dude" Gorzan wandered over to a spiral looking yellow flower rustling in the wind, "Your flower buddies are so pretty" The dragon hummed eyes glancing at him, "We've been wanting to give more wildlife to this place, so we planted some flowers if that's the mortal term" Gorzan hummed resting his head on one of the bigger yellow petals, "Thats so groovy..." Egalt tilted his head.

"Gorilla thing" Worriz spoke up, "Apart of their Great Mellow, I wouldn't intervene Cragger did that once and his Tribe got kicked into next week" Egalt gruffly chuckled watching the Gorilla sit amongst the many flowers, "Noted"

--------------

Pixal let out a slow breath as her hands carefully connected the two wires together in expert like fashion, she knew what she was doing but it still required intense focus for even the most smallest mistake could mess up the entire systems.

"Okay" She shuffled herself out her feet stomping back onto solid ground, "That should fix your jet troubles" Pixal turned to the waiting Owl warrior, called Opal according to Zane, "Eris said you were handy" The Owl puffed admiring the rewired circuits and the fixed wings. "I do pride myself on being as helpful as I can" She chuckled spinning the wrench in her hand around, "Especially with technology"

Opal chuckled flying up into her jet, "Want a ride back to your funny sky house?" Pixal flung herself up to the wing of the jet in a single swift move, "I would like that thank you" She leaned forward taking ahold of the wing as Opal kicked the jet into action. With a few engine start ups later it took off into the cloudy sky hovering just near the break of the clouds.

"I do admire your vehicles technology Opal" Pixal said turning around to face the Owl, "It isn't something I've ever run into" the latter laughed loudly gesturing to the few systems infront and beside her seat, "All thanks to Chi, can do a heck of a lot" Pixal hummed drumming her hand against her chin, Maybe with the Tribes permission she could try this Chi on some of her own inventions to give them a boost as she has so heard.

But that wasn't her priority right now, the Day of the Departed festival was tonight and she needed to help the Ninja on what their plans were, "Everyone seems pretty busy down there" Opal chirped having noticed the commotion down below as they were flying over the Crossroads, "Thats because it is the Day of the Departed" The Nindroid responded, hanging onto the wing to also watch the preparations, "Whats that?" Opal questioned.

"Its a yearly festival where everyone let's off lanterns in rememberance of those that have departed" Pixal narrowed her optics zooming in on the many people that were helping to set things up, She was sure there were also Imperium civilians to. "although i have reason to believe that the citizens of Ninjago have spread the tradition to those of the other Realms" Opal smiled managing to take a quick look herself as the jet was leaving the expanse of the Crossroads, "Always good"

The Monastery soon came into view, the Owl slowing down her jet enough allowing it to hover just above the stairs, "If you need any more repairs don't hesitate to ask" Pixal offered to Opal, She nodded giving a salute her jet leaving in a loud boom back toward the Wyldness.

Pixal turned entering the Monastery, the frog she met- Frohickey was hanging up lanterns on the roof Riyu doing a good job at keeping him balanced while he did so.

"Ah! Pixal!" He slid down the young dragons back to the floor with a bounce, "Zane is inside as are the rest, they are awaiting Lloyds return before heading to the Crossroads" She gave him a thankful nod heading to the doors while he climbed up Riyus back again resuming his work.

She wandered through the hall getting halfway down before smelling the aroma of pies, walking into the kitchen She saw Sora in there surrounded by them. "Oh! Pixal!" She placed another onto the table walking over to her, "Fraks been helping make pies for the festival" Sora gestured to the delicacies. "We're going to take them down to the Crossroads for everyone" Pixal picked one up inspecting it closely, "These are well made Sora" She praised placing it back down carefully as to not ruin the woman's work.

"Thanks!" She giggled leaning on the wall one hand waving about glowing with pink, Pixal saw a small bit of tech welding together close to them, Tech elemental powers still baffled her now.

She made her way back into the hall right as the telltale sounds of dragons arriving back in the stables hit her sound receptors, Lloyd then entered the doors with a tired huff and a stretch of his arms, "Hey Pixal" He walked over to her with a grunt when he stretched out his back.

"Hello Lloyd" She greeted back carefully taking the empty bowl from him when he picked it off the floor, "Where have you been?" The man chuckled making his way to the sofa leaping onto it, "With Egalt and Rontu, I offered to get Eris help with her visions and took her to Rontu" Pixal tilted her head at the name, "Who is Egalt and Rontu?" She queried setting down the bowl on the counter.

"Dragon masters- or well teachers" Lloyd replied taking the drink when she handed him the mug, "Rontu helped me combat my visions once so I thought the same could be done for Eris" She briefly recalled overhearing the Eagle talking to her friends about those visions once.

"Hey Lloyd!" Kai bustled into the room carrying an assortment of boxes, "We're almost ready to head down to the Crossroads" Lloyd stood up with a grunt Pixal following him to the elevator open close by.

They stepped out into the stables where the dragons and other Ninja were waiting, boxes present on Zanths back, "I've got enough lanterns for there to be spares" Nya wheezed pushing the box securely onto Jiros back, "You know, if anyone needs spares" She took a moment to catch her breath then flinging herself up to his back as well.

Pixal stepped back to allow each dragon to take off out of the stable exit once each Ninja had taken places on their backs, except for Zanes ice dragon which stomped over to her with him nodding down.

She smiled leaping up behind him giving the dragon the signal to follow the others up and away from the Monastery.

"So this....Departed day" Wyldfyre spoke up leaning on Heatwaves head staring around the sky, "What is it exactly?" Kai cleared his throat, he was sat behind her keeping the boxes balanced to not let them fall down to never be seen again, "Its a festival to commemorate the ones who've died or are lost, we've celebrated it in Ninjago for years" She hummed tapping her chin, "Thats...actually not a bad idea" Her eyes widened seeing the distant lights flickering into focus through the darkening sky.

The dragons slowly lowered down through the clouds down and down until the Crossroads was visible below, decorated all over in softly glowing lanterns and lights, each flew through the many glowing buildings over the streets and to a open area just outside.

"Alright" Lloyd slipped off Jiros back to the ground, "Everyone take these boxes straight to whoever needs them, Sora i-" He paused seeing the girl stumbling around with the stack of pies in her arms Zanth watching her go with a tilted head and concerned chirping, "Its okay!" She called despite the clear stumbling, "I got it!" Riyu chirped following slowly behind to be a barrier incase the pies fell.

Everyone slowly followed carrying boxes to the stalls that mostly needed them.

Lloyd, after saying his goodbyes to the person running the stall turned to look out over the busy streets, There were people everywhere, he saw civilians from Imperium, Inhabitants of the Wyldness, He even saw a lot of the Tribal members mingling with everyone.

But...no sign of their eight friends which was strange. Luckily he spotted one who could know where they were, "Eglor!" He ran over to the Blue Eagle who had turned around on his approach, "Hello Lloyd!" He placed the lantern he was holding on the ground, "I must say, for our Tribes first Day of the Departed it is very interesting" the blonde smiled.

"We figured you'd all like it, but I have to ask" Eglor chuckled stopping him halfway through, "They are in Chima" He said catching Lloyd off guard, Chima? why up there instead of down at the festivities? "After we were explained to as to how it worked the eight of them took off just an hour ago, Eris told me where they were going" He hummed tucking his wings in, "She took lanterns with her for everyone, I'm guessing they went to the Forever rock for their own time"

That did make sense, Lloyd could tell that was the Eights personal area, if they wanted to be anywhere on a night like this it would be there, "Thats understandable" He spotted a few of the Crossroads mech racers talking to a few Eagles, "Ah, not to worry Eris said they'd be back after the lanterns are sent on their way" Eglor added on.

"Although the Legend Beasts did go with them, I'm not sure how they'd all get up but" He shrugged nonchalantly, "They have their ways"

"Lloyd!" Both turned on Cole's call, he was there with Geo, Bonzle, Fritz and Spritz holding some....Cragling mud? "Thanks Eglor" He said to the Eagle quickly making his way over staring at the jar, "Thats cragling mud right?" His eyes scanned the stalls, no jars of mud anywhere in sight. "There are Craglings about believe it or not" The Earth Ninja replied holding up the jar with a chuckle, "It tastes great!" Bonzle hummed watching the liquid slosh around inside its container.

"Depends on your taste" She muttered crossing her arms, "I know dragons love it" Lloyd smiled then spotted the telltale signs of lanterns floating upwards into the night, Cole clearly did as well considering he packed away the jar, "We should go start setting ours up, See you later Lloyd!" The group made their way through the crowds all of them starting to gather lanterns.

-------------------

"And....there!" Eris let out a heavy breath tucking in her wings again after so much work, Sure they went on fire everytime she flew but they weren't supposed to light lanterns.

But its not like they had any other fire source to use, "I think we should come up to the Forever rock more often at night" Cragger suggested taking a seat beside Laval near the rock, "All the rocks are really cool to lay on" Rogon mused from where he was infact laying ontop of one.

"That sure and it's just really peaceful" Laval added on, "I dont think its ever been this quiet" It was true, with being away from the noise and bustle of the Crossroads it was really nice.

Even with Mount Cavora in the distance, the sounds of the built city didn't even reach this far it was a blessing really.

"So these Lanterns" Worriz said holding his own with a mostly confused expression, "Eris you said its apart of this departed tradition?" The Eagle nodded to him, "Exactly, I was told these lanterns are released into the sky to remember loved ones who've passed" All eight of them grew silent a solemn one.

Each one of them had lost someone close to them over the past while, some lost parents while others lost close close friends. and it wasn't like any of them could forget the memory of seeing those they loved either dismembered or broken.

Being here at the rock helped some of them relive the memories of being with their loved ones like a grounding pillar, a soothing one.

"So...that's why they do this groovy festival?" Gorzan said after a time of silence, "I like it" In the distance orange specks started to appear floating up into the sky. Each of them all made their way over to the middle of the rock settling down in a circle, and in knowing silence each of them released the lanterns letting them catch the wind and float slowly up into the sky.

The Eight of them sat in silence for a long long time, only watching the lanterns in the place they all once called home.

----------------------

Lloyd had found Sora sitting on a perch overlooking where all the lanterns were being set off, she had her own but more were beside her.

"Everything okay?" He asked taking a seat right by her, "I guess" She sighed patting the lanterns beside her, If Arin was here i know he'd set some off for his parents but..." She took a deep breath shaking her head, "He's not" Riyu cooed sadly nuzzling her side to try and comfort her, Lloyd rested his own hand atop her shoulder.

"I know you miss him" He said, "And...i do as well" He picked up one of the lanterns, "But we can still honor them in his place right?" Sora smiled only a little but it was still a smile, "Yeah..." She sighed as if a weight was being taken off her bit by bit, "He'd appreciate that much" Both let go of the lanterns watching as they floated into the sky bobbing along until they joined the mass making its away across the night.

There was so many it could probably be seen from space more than likely, It caused Lloyd to think how many truly lost things in the Merge, like Arin with his parents, the Ninja team being separated and Jay forgetting them all, Master Wu vanishing....

Sora clearly noticed his look and nudged him out of it, "Come on don't do all that now" She stood up stretching her body out, "Theres a contest down there i intend on winning" She ran off back inside where Lloyd watched her go.

Was that contest she was on about the one where you had to...arm wrestle a Gorilla? Okay yeah he should go try stop that before Sora can't do her elemental powers anymore.

Chapter Text

Kai yawned leaning against Heatwaves side, the dragon in turn was fast asleep and he just so happened to be passing for Wyldfyre to put him on dragon watch.

It still baffled him, Dragon watch? what even for? it wasn't like anyone was actively hunting these guys, and nobody would do it during an active festival with everyone in the Crossroads here.

He groaned folding his arms, "This is sooooo boring" He raised his hand letting fire flare into it just to keep himself entertained at the very least, "Uhh Kai?" Nya walked over hands on her hips, "Why are you out here with the dragons?" He scoffed sitting up straight leg kicking over the other, "Wyldfyre put me on some stupid dragon watch, don't even know why" The woman merely rolled her eyes pulling him up by his arm.

"At this point your best bet is just to leave her be, and try not to take up some crazy thing she puts you on?" Heatwave then raised his head upon spotting something approaching in the dark prompting both Ninja to look out as well.

Emerging out of the night were the eight Legend Beasts, each tribal leader on their backs, "Oh hey guys!" Kai ran over as the Beasts stopped to rest with the dragons each member getting off their backs, "Been up to Chima?" Nya asked earning a nod by Eris, "The Forever rock actually, I did promise Eglor we'd come back after the lanterns were released so" She chuckled rubbing her arm, "Here we are!"

Kai slid over pulling the Eagle right into his side, "Thats great because I have something amazing to show you" Nya rolled her eyes as he dragged her away to some building hosting a sign and flashy lights, "Anyways, Cragger!" The Crocodiles head shot up on hearing her yell, "Theres a noodle shop you might be interested in!" He chuckled rubbing his hands together, "You are speaking my language" He mused Laval rolling his eyes, "You really like noodles don't you" Cragger raised his hands in defence to the retort.

"Hey, they are good okay? Haven't seen you try any" Lion and Crocdile walked off still loudly arguing over the noodles, the rest following albeit slowly either talking to each other or silently walking. Well- everyone except for Bladvic who was....still asleep on the Bear Beasts back.

"Um" Nya rubbed the back of her head making eye contact with the Bear, "Should I..." It merely shook it's head in a silent ask to leave Bladvic be, She turned and left at his wish back into the Crossroads where it had only gotten more and more busy, More people from more Realms arriving she assumed.

There were stalls littering the streets, most were food stalls hosting all sorts of foods from the different Realms, some were shops offering just about everything from basic needs to strange weird artifacts (although that was normal)

Riyu ran up into her chirping catching her a little off guard, "Hey Riyu" Nya rubbed his head noticing he was trying to pull her somewhere with his mouth, "You want me to follow?" He nodded once then took off through the crowd, She ran after him without a second thought, because if Riyu wanted to show someone something it was usually extremely important.

He was waiting for her after she'd fought her way through the busy crowds to find he'd led her to a small secluded area of the Crossroads, one void of any people at all, "What is this Riyu?" Nya asked rubbing his head with her hand while staring at the empty space, "Theres not anything here" He snorted starting to chirp into the air.

Nya caught sight of a shimmer seconds before the ripple of some dragon was seen, "Oh! it's a dragon?" Walking forward she could sense it now she knew it was there, A completely invisible dragon was new to her though unless it was another like Ajura that could borrow elemental powers.

Riyu cooed nudging the rippling dragons head, Ah she saw it now, the dragon was nervous and scared of all the noise and bustle, Perhaps it had been stopping for a break then getting swept up in the festival.

"You poor thing" Nya rubbed its head feeling a low coo rumble in its throat, "Where did you come from huh?" Riyu started roaring to which she looked for him around the back of the dragon, he was sat there by a very visible thorn of light green in its side, "Oh..." The woman knelt down running a hand over the thorn, "Thats not a nature dragon thorn...this is something different" Riyu chirped running around in a circle flapping his wings.

Nya was about to say how she wasn't sure to take a thorn safely out of a dragon until her eyes locked onto exactly the person who could help.

"Gorzan!" He perked up hearing Nya call him, running over on all fours he skidded to a halt. "What's up Nya dude?" He asked following her into the space, "There's a dragon who has a thorn in its side and I'm..." She laughed her hand rubbing the back of her head, "Not a dragon medic" Gorzan smiled stretching his arms out, "dude you came to the right Gorilla, Wyldfyres been teaching me all these neat tricks to help our dragon dudes" The woman smiled stopping in her tracks allowing the Gorilla to start inspecting the thorn Riyu sitting next to her chirping nervously.

There was several minutes of waiting in nervous silence amid the distant noises of people and the festival music, all until there was a pop and the shimmering of the dragon into visibility.

It was a pale light blue dragon with large plates running down its back and tail as well as sporting two crooked horns on its head, "Hey what's going on?" Eris flew over then with a bowl of noodles in one hand. "Oh!" She noticed the dragon and quickly placed the bowl down.

"Where'd you come from?" Nya chuckled rubbing it's head while walking around, "It has the powers of invisibility, he had a thorn stuck in his side so he was always invisible" Gorzan nodded stroking the dragons side where he'd rubbed in some green ointment.

"He'll be groovy and good to fly in no time dude" He said stepping backwards, "Just needs rest" Eris hummed tapping her chin, "Can you fly?" She asked the dragon, he opened his wings giving a single flap, "Great! you can come stay in the Spire, we're working on some stables for passing dragons to stay in" She took off up towards the distant spire, the dragon chirping and taking off to follow her.

"Stables?" Nya exclaimed tilting her head, "Oh yeah dude" Gorzan turned to face her, "Eris got the Eagles to start making some stables for the dragons ever since the Spire was done" The woman bit her lip, "Still misses Magma, Fissure and Tornado huh" She hummed looking up at the huge Eagle structure just visible in the distance.

"She seemed to like this one, so....maybe?" She mumbled, Gorzan shrugged, "I dont know dude, she's met quite a lot of dragons when they've passed the Spire, hasn't taken to them at all" Nya took a deep breath, Well then...she didn't know that...

"I really hope she'll find a new partner soon" The woman mumbled, but mostly to herself out of anything.

-------------------------

Eris landed down with a flutter of her wings into the stables, the dragon landing with a thud beside her, "This is our stables! our..." She frowned, "Incomplete stables but it's sort of done!" it chirped and snorted leaping into one of the rooms and settling down on the hay.

She meanwhile flew up to the top of the stables where a small library was, None of the Eagles built it, she did it herself with the help of some Golden chi from the falls delivered personally by Pixal.

Though all the books were put in here themselves, from the new library, every single one was the ones salvaged from the spire.

And popped up on a podium was Ewalds head piece, the only thing Eris could salvage from when he- when he died.

She shook her head tearing her eyes away from the podium to the books she now held in her hands, "Alright..." She took a deep breath, the entire reason she'd sought these ones out was because she hoped they'd provide more insight on these Forbidden Five that were currently on the loose.

Realistically any help was good help, even just information was more than enough. And So she flew herself down to the stables, settled down on a hay bale and got to reading them all.

"Eris?" She glanced up just as Ajura landed through the doorway Razar flying off the dragons back as she stomped away to closely investigate the stables, "What are you doing up here?" The Eagle tapped the open page and leant back with her other hand, "Trying to find any bit of information on that Forbidden Five" She gestured to the many books nestled by her side, "I'm hoping some of these may have answers" The Raven leaned in yellow eyes scanning the pages.

"I suppose it could work yes" He reached behind him pulling out another book, this one behold a symbol in the front of apparent dragon horns, Eris perked up taking the book when he offered it, "Where'd you get this?!" she beamed while flicking it open scanning the pages like rapid fire.

He chuckled shrugging nonchalantly, "You could say i borrowed it from that snakes shop yes?" Eris rolled her eyes at him nudging him slightly with her wing, "Glad to see you've never changed from your usual" Her wings flapped twice, "Raven ways"

She turned her attention back to the book flicking page after page. all held the same symbols of the Source Dragons but most had its writing either blurred or...erased.

It was almost like whoever wrote these pages wanted the information on the Source Dragons gone for a reason.

She ran her hand over the page, felt old and tattered definitely from way before Chimas time, "This entire book is just erased" She mumbled catching the nearby Ravens attention, "Someone definitely didn't want anyone learning about the Source dragons" He crossed his arms looking at it himself.

"Then why make the book?" He said, "Surely it was a waste of time yes" Eris then stood up flying over to Ajura the dragon ready and waiting at the edge of the wide open stable door. "I dont know but there's a picture of what I think was the spiral mountain in here"

Razar, knowing what she was indicating flew up to the dragons back, She flew up after him settling down and flicking open the book again while Ajura spun around taking off out of the doorway.

----------

It took mere minutes before Ajura touched down ontop of the Spiral Mountain both birds flying from her back to the ground below, "I know the fire wings were here once" Eris muttered scanning the page with the Mountain on over and over again, "But what else could be here?"

Razar flew to the mountains very edge glancing to the spiral that led up to where they were standing now, Perhaps there were symbols etched in the stone of the mountain? or something was underneath? Not like they had any way of moving an entire mountain to the side.

The two were so engrossed in trying to find answers that they didn't notice something moving in the trees, but Ajura did and it started to put her on edge.

"Ajura?" Razar flew over to her stroking her snout right as her scales were one by one turning into a deep red color, "What is it?" He followed her gaze out to the moving trees, and they were getting more and more visible. "Eris?" He called trying to get the Eagles attention which was easier said than done, "Hold on a minute Razar" She waved him off closely eyeing the book in her hands, "I think i-" He pulled her up by her arm earning a vicious death glare that was quickly replaced by concern.

"What is that...?" She whispered, though right as she did large tree like creatures crashed through them screeching and roaring, "WHAT IS THAT!" She screeched again shooting up alongside Ajura after the dragon did in panic of the sudden appearance.

"Are those trees?!" She yelled watching the tree like things roam about roaring and sniffing the ground, "Walking trees yes" Razar added on tapping his beak.

"Uhhh Razar" Eris tapped his arm, he followed her gaze to where the city was stood.

A city that was entirely gone.

It had vanished entirely like it never even existed.

"I think we better call for backup" Eris mumbled flying away to send out a call to the rest of the tribes.

----

The Tribes arrived within a few minutes of the call, minus the ground tribes and even the Owl tribe had answered it.

"Whats- Sweet CAVORA!" Worriz yelled noticing the large bit of land now free of the once metal palace that stood there. "I know right!" Eris said back turning to the empty area, "One moment it's there, next minute it's gone and these tree freaks show up"

One of the Owl jets flew a little closer, Opal climbing out of its cockpit arms crossed, "Can't say it's anything my Tribes ever seen, and we live down below" Everyone watched the trees stomp around for a few mere moments, "Should we be glad the giant city is gone or..." Cragger piped up Creek flying over so he could speak clearly, "I'd say yes" Worriz grumbled overriding Laval before he could even open his mouth.

"Awww dudes" Gorzan layed on Jungles back hand reached out to the tree creatures, "Maybe they just need some hugs and love" Eris' face scrunched those things didn't seem like the hugging type, especially not with the destruction they caused just getting here. "Even with the city gone these...things are still here" Laval said watching them himself with a slightly narrowed gaze, "That means Chima isn't safe until we can figure out if they really are a threat"

"In that case!" Eris flew up onto the Eagle Beasts back who'd tagged along with a few of Eagle Jets that had also joined, "I'm going to the Ninja, if anyone knows about weird tree demons it's them" The Beast took off the Eagles following in due course.

Cragger coughed leaning back, "I guess the rest of us are the lucky ones and get to figure this out?" Laval crossed his arms, which only meant one thing.

"Lavals got an idea!" Rogon called leaping into a standing position on Rinos back, "I love it when he does" Worriz just growled at the Rhino instead, "If there's any tribe that can access Chima without these things"

The Wolf deflated his ears dropping upon the realisation hitting, "Oh no...you don't mean..." Laval chuckled flicking out his hand to Dreamer nearby who held a sleeping Bladvic on her back, "Its the Bears" The Lion confirmed, "They are the only ones who can do things beyond our way of thinking" He nodded to Dreamer the dragon chirping back to him.

"Lets just hope these things haven't upset the Bears sleep" Laval took a sharp breath, "Or we may have a Bear upset on our hands"

Chapter Text

Eris returned within the hour with the Ninja in tow with their many vehicles and Jiro flying with them.

"Wow" Lloyd leaned over the side of the mecha that was being ignored by the tree creatures, "You weren't kidding when you said they were big tree creatures" Kai scoffed fire flaring in his hands, "So we just burn them right?" His efforts to go and do just that was interrupted by his sister throwing water at him dousing the flames.

"No, we don't do that, these things could be important to this place" She warned then flung herself onto Creeks back when she offered her wing down.

"Oh and we located everyone in the city" Sora added on sitting atop Riyus back, "They've been moved to the Crossroads" Eris perked up smacking her hands together turning to them, "Maybe Pixal knows?" Then the Ninja looked at each other in an odd confusion.

"Uhhh hate to break it to you guys but she's been missing since the Merge" Kai spoke up giving her instant pause as did everyone else as it clicked, "What?" Cragger raised his arms, "You guys saw her the other day!" The Ninja only glanced confused at each other, "Negative" Zane piped up, "We haven't seen her in years" Lloyd perked up eyes trailing to the display on the mecha, "Trouble at the Realm of Madness, we better check it out" He looked towards Laval, "Can you handle this for now?" The Lion gave a singular bump of his fist against his chest, "We can handle it! no problem" The blonde dipped his head in thanks and the Ninja group took off away into the trees and sky.

"Did they hit their heads or something?" Worriz grumbled after the group had vanished from sight, "We all saw her the other day" Eris frowned her wings twitching while she was in deep thought.

"Actually" She spoke up, with the seven turning to look at her, "I think i know who can help"

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"You say they have lost their memory of this Pixal?" Egalt rumbled, Eris nodded. "Yep, it's weird because we all saw her the other day at the festival, and now the Ninja don't even know where she was"

Rontus brows furrowed, "That is concerning, and you said she's also vanished correct?" She got nods confirming it, Egalt however growled staring at his dragon equal, "There is one power i know of that could cause this" He snorted shaking his head yellow eyes closing, "The Elemental Power of Mind, although to cause something as removing a memory of someone would require the user to be extremely powerful"

"The Ninja mentioned someone they know has it yes" Razar said flying up to Rontu, "They saw him at the Tournament of Sources" The dragon stared at him then at the others, "As far as we were told he is an ally to them, he would not do such a thing" Egalt growled shuffling his feet. "Which means this was done by someone or something else"

"Great" Worriz huffed shaking his head from side to side, "First a crazy bat, second a bunch of ghosts and now we have to deal with some mind control freak!" Rontu hummed narrowing her eyes a little, "You'll have to catch us up on what we've missed by the sounds of it" Egalt let out a small chuckle a smirk playing at his lips. "Indeed"

Though the purple dragons expression turned to one of somber, "But, it is dangerous with the Forbidden Five loose and regaining their powers" She stalked around the training grounds perimeter like they'd spring out from nowhere and attack, "It is best you all return to your Tribes, me and Egalt will watch your home in your stead" A harsh cough from the latter interrupted her.

"Perhaps i shall go alone" She mumbled as the eight made their way to the waiting dragons to leave. except for the Raven who flew back over holding a bowl in his hands, "Ah, more stew from Wyldfyre?" She asked taking it carefully into her claws, "Actually it was Gorzan who made it yes" He responded as Rontu slid the bowl to the side of Egalt. "She taught him how to do so"

She dipped her head, "Wasting sickness is a terrible disease" Her eyes trailed over her companion, "I am glad more are learning of its existence, that there is awareness" Rontu gave him a brief nod after handing him back the empty bowl, he flew back to the waiting dragon that took off promptly after he'd settled onto her back.

"I hope the Forbidden Five don't get to them" She mumbled seeing the dragons vanish over the mountains then turning to Egalt, "They wouldn't dare set foot in the Crossroads" He scoffed wings flaring outwards in his usual show of dominance.

She frowned however one of concern instead of argument, "I only hope you are right Egalt"

---------------

Eris flew off Ajuras back patting the green dragons snout as she left back toward the Raven junkyard, only to be met by the sight of Egalt pacing around. "Egalt?" She tapped him on the shoulder making him jump, "Ah Eris- sorry but we heard that Chima is back to normal?" He gestured to the mass of Eagles flying around the rooms and libraries of the Spire all in talks or excited exclaims.

"It is but" She dragged a hand down her face, "Theres weird tree creatures now" He frowned studying her expression for a moment, "Tree creatures?" His hand rested against his chin, "I have not heard of such a thing inhabiting Chima before" She shrugged arms crossing over her chest, "That whole city is gone as well, it's just like Chima healed itself!"

Egalt gave an exhale yet didn't comment, "Are we able to return?" Eris cringed a little, right the bad news. "Not exactly" She murmured bending down and picking up a crate full of unused golden chi that was brimming inside it, "With those tree things it's not safe for anyone to go back" She turned and gave him a puff, "Unless you want to be the one to disobey a Dragon that's been around for centuries"

The Blue headed Eagle coughed into his fist wings crumpling a little, "Well, no but i was only asking" He flew forward to catch up with her as she made her way inside the storage room, "We were also told to stay in the Crossroads" She added on dumping down the box beside others dusting her hands off, "Why is that?" Egalt quried, a mix of question and slight distrust there, "Forbidden Five is why" She snapped back sensing his rising temper. "Unless you want to be beaten up by them?" The former rolled his eyes snatching up a book.

Eris just shook her head prompting him to fly away obviously towards a library to cool off, But it now gave her the chance to do that thing she'd promised Gorzan she'd do for him, and maybe she'd check up on how that crazy plan of Lavals was getting on.

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"Still can't believe Bears is your plan" Cragger said walking beside Laval up the stairs leading to the Bear village. "Its the best plan i have!" the Lion retorted then nudged his friends side, "I could just improvise if you wanted" That only earned a scowl from the Crocodile, "No, no way" He groaned hands holding his head like his scales would pop off, "Even when your a leader you've never been good at improvising Laval!" The Lion just laughed nudging him in the side jokingly which despite it all he still accepted.

The two got to the top where Bladvic was already briefing the Bears flanked by Dreamer and the Bear Beast, "Laval! Cragger!" He cooed seeing them arrive, "I was just..." He yawned shaking his head slightly to stay awake, "Briefing the bears on what we needed to do" Laval looked across the gathered Tribe.

Despite all of them looking the same old tired laid back they usually were it seemed that Bladvic had gotten the point across, which now seemed to be happening considering they were all flopping down one by one. "What did you say to them?" Cragger asked watching the display with a brow raised, "Just asked Bladvic to go into their strange dreamworld and see what Chima is like in there" They paused when Dreamer started glowing a soft pink which rippled across the tribe.

"Or...whatever she's doing" Laval muttered, must be....dragon stuff? yet she's never glowed pink before that was a first.

Of course now it meant nothing was really happening apart from the sounds of snoring Bears which left the Lion and Crocodile at an impasse, "Do we go?" Cragger suggested tail smacking impatiently on the ground, "Not like we were really needed" A horn sounded in the distance that clearly made the Crocodile antsy, "Whereas I am actually needed" A grumble followed by a nod from the Bear Beast gave them the answer they wanted.

"Guess he'll come get us if the Bears get anything" Laval did give him a thankful nod then followed Cragger back down the stairway.

The horn had come from the Rhino Quarry, or what was half a Quarry, and there were Rhino's all gathered around some strange colored rock in its middle. "What is that?" Cragger yelled flinging his hands at the rock, "Uhhh good question bro" Rogon responded looking down with him which only meant the Rhino Beast was too far away to give an intelligence Boost to the Rhinos.

Realistically it could've helped right now.

"Hm" Laval narrowed his eyes recognising the markings on its back, "Kinda looks like a-" The ground around it shook and rumbled catching everyone in the Quarry off guard, even more so when the strange colored rock crashed out of the ground gave a roar then took off into the air.

"Oh so it was a DRAGON?!" Cragger yelled trying to shield the blasts of wind from its wings while it hovered in the air, "Just sleeps in the ground now!" Rogon perked up then walking forward right by the dragon which slammed down to the floor, it's heavy rock, marble like body shining in the sunlight. "I remember this guy, he's really friendly!" The Rhino chuckled rubbing his cheek on the dragons side.

"We let him sleep in the Quarry but we forget he's there sometimes" He chuckled with the two other animals just staring at him, "I'm going back to my Tribe" Cragger groaned turning and walking away without another word.

Laval on the other hand had an idea, "Hey Rogon?" He asked the Rhino when he stood up from the dragons side, "Think you could help me at the Temple with a uhhh rock issue?" Rogon spun around hand saluted at his head the other down at his side, "Yes sir!" He shouted marching along with him down to the leading away path. "Rogon you don't have to say sir" The Lion reminded, He hated it when people called him sir. Well not hate more like it was a little bit annoying.

"Oh yeah!" Rogon chuckled deeply smacking his head, "Forgot" Laval snorted shaking his head, Rhino's. Despite their strange ways he still liked them for it. Plus Eris would have his mane as a cape if he said anything remotely bad or insulting to Rogon or about Rogon, and he preferred to have his mane safely on his head.

Speaking of the Eagle he could just about hear a jet approaching them from the direction of the Spire.

Sure enough it was Eris with the jets claws carrying a rope holding a crate in the air, "Hey Laval!" She hopped out the side of the cockpit, "Just got asked to do a supply run to the Ice Tribes, you coming?" The Lion perked leaping over into his own tank, "I'll come too bro!" Rogon called now sporting his signature cycle that he'd used for the Outlands once, Though they hadn't seen it since then.

The Eagle Jet led the way out of the entrance to the Crossroads heading west toward the so called 'Never Realm' naturally they'd only visited it once since it was way too cold to go frequently unless you were built for those conditions.

Which in hindsight not many were.

"Didn't we get told to stay in the Crossroads?" Laval asked her through the vehicles built in comms (Sora's handy work was to thank for that). "Yeah we were" Eris' laugh was heard much louder through the radio than her own Jets cockpit, "But nobody else wanted to go out because of this Forbidden whatever threat" She gestured down to the crate being carried, "Besides, Fangar, Maula and Vardy need these supplies evil warlords or not" The Lion bit back a retort, while there were reasons otherwise she was technically right.

They couldn't leave the three Tribes cut off from supplies and the Chi that they needed. He just hoped they didn't run into the Forbidden Five while they were away from any possible help.

"If they show up I'll throw rocks at them!" Rogon proclaimed earning a laugh from both Lion and Eagle, Though Laval couldn't help but feel there was something coming, something that wasn't exactly good.

Chapter Text

The Never Realm was only known for one thing, being constantly cold, all the time.

Naturally for an Eagle who had wings that could be lit on fire whenever she flew that wasn't too bad but when there wasn't any flying? it was the direct opposite.

It was just lucky that She'd brought along all of their winter gear the old Tribal Leaders had gifted to them made exactly to combat the Realms piercing cold conditions.

"How far in are they again?" Laval called up to her shaking her from her thoughts, "They shouldn't be too far" She called back down narrowing her eyes to scan the distance, the tribal camps should be visible soon at least.

They'd passed a few formling villages already and some dragons that lived in the harsh conditions.

"There it is!" Rogon pointed forward to where a host of tribal flags could just be seen representing the three ice tribes. Eris slowly pulled her jet to a halt coming to an easy stop outside the entrance with the box gently landing on the snow.

"Supplies are here!" A screech sounded and a Yellow headed vulture landed down with the Vulture Beast following, "Hey Vadia" Laval greeted the Vulture warrior with a wave she reprociated with her wing, "Hey Laval!" She patted the Beasts side it picking up the box Eris and Rogon had just unhooked from the jets claws, "Take it everything's going well?" the Lion asked her.

She nodded flying onto the giant Vultures back, "Vardys been trying to set up patrols with Maula, it's..." She coughed, "Easier said than done" Eris scoffed crossing her arms as they walked into the Vulture camp, "I'd believe that" She spotted in the distance the Sabertooth and Mammoth Legend Beasts resting on a group of rocks, content at the very least.

"You three won't believe this but-" Vadia opened her wings throwing them upwards, "We even found other Tribes out here!" Eris blinked in surprise, Tribes? living in this cold wasteland?

"We're not sure if they've lived here the whole time or if they moved here after that Merge but they do live here!" She flew up and round using her wings like a surfboard almost, "Theres the Snow Leopard Tribe, the Polar Bear Tribe Oh! and some Tribe called the Barnacle Geese" She shrugged flying back down to the snow, "No idea what those are but they are flyers"

Eris noticed Rogon staring off into the distance at a bit of land not attached to the Never Realm, "Rogon?" She flew over landing next to him following his gaze, "Is there something out there?" The Rhino hummed crossing his arms, "I think so Eris, but i have no idea what" That was all She needed to know. "Laval!" She called to the Lion who was mid talk with Vadia, "Yeah Eris?"

"Rogon thinks there's something over there" She threw her wing in the direction of the Rhinos staring, "We should probably go check it out" Laval nodded running to his tank giving a quick wave goodbye to Vadia the Vulture moving to get the rest of the supplies inside.

The three drove across the snow all the up to the chunk of land Rogon had mentioned just to find there was....nothing there. Just trees more and more trees.

"Awwww bro i thought i saw something here" The Rhino snorted head banging on the panel of his Rogon Roller, "Its weird" Eris landed her jet leaping out of it down to the ground, "Rogons instincts are usually on point" Laval just shrugged leaning against the window of his own tank, "Maybe they were wrong just this once" He regretted that statement the second Eris glared at him so harshly he thought she'd set his mane on fire.

"The Rhino was correct" a deep voice boomed, through the trees emerged a dragon one with a pattern of horns atop it's head, "I'm not surprised the Lion is the one to not believe him" Eris gasped flying upwards recognising the way that whenever it spoke it's eyes glowed, and the colors and the horns-

"Hey aren't you the big dragon from ages ago?" Rogon asked the dragon laughing loudly, "I'm surprised you still recognise me in my smaller form" It nodded however, "But yes, however back then you didn't exactly know who I was" It stood up wings opening wide, "I am the Source Dragon of Strength, one of six Source Dragons" Eris' smile grew wider flying around him.

"I thought Lloyd told me you" She cleared her throat, "Hated mortals? so why even speak to us at all?" the Dragon snorted staring at her, "I admit i despise mortals as do a majority of our council but" He eyed the three of them, "You all interest me, and that's not an easy task you know, I'm not one to be easily interested" He stared at them like he was studying them all, "Where are the rest? I thought they'd be here" Eris pressed her hands together flying down to the ground, "They are back at the Crossroads, for safety" She explained.

The Source Dragon chuckled looking up into the sky, "Not for much longer" The three followed his gaze in time for the rest of the dragons to land down one by one, "A warning would've been NICE!" Worriz gagged holding his stomach atop Betas back. The larger dragon smirked, "It appears they sensed my arrival"

"Appears doesn't cover it" Cragger slipped himself off Creeks back trudging over to Laval, "Why are you even here?" the Source Dragon puffed his chest out, "I am here about those powers you all posses" Worriz and Razar glanced at each other, "You mean that weird aura power?" The wolf asked confirming the Source Dragons question easily, "Yes" He cooed, "Like elemental powers those aura powers come from us" His claws pressed against his chest, "However, the Illumination caused them to spiral out of control so to speak, the way they are now is not how they truly are" He stomped into a standing position opening his wings out wide.

"In turn I'll take up training each of you to gain those powers, just like the golden chi" Worriz scoffed, "Who could forget that" The former smirked at him, "I see you are just as stubborn as last time wolf" the Source Dragon stood up lowering to their height, "Meet me at the dragon masters training grounds in two days time, i have important matters to discuss with the rest of the council" The Source Dragon growled, "Such as our alliance with the rest of the....mortals" He snarled the last word like it was a curse to say.

"Should we uhhh" Cragger cleared his throat motioning to the distant red clouds as the Source Dragon vanished into thin air, "Go back before that gets here?" Laval frowned nodding, "Agreed, let's go" Razar on the other hand patted Ajura prompting the dragon to face a different direction, "Razar?" Laval quried the Raven.

"I need to go query something with our dragon friends yes? we will come back as soon as we are done" Ajura screeched taking off before anyone could object, It then prompted Beta and Jungle to go after her as well, "Okay then" Cragger scoffed rolling his eyes, "Guess we'll just meet them back at home"

----------------------

Ajura landed down onto the concrete floor first with Beta and Jungle shortly following behind her, "Oh sweet!" Gorzan jumped off his dragons back, "Have we come to help Egalt?"

"Actually no my friend" Razar watched Rontu trudge over her expression lowered into more of a calm stance, "What brings you back so soon?" She asked sitting down infront of them all. "We had the amazing visit by the big strong dragon" Worriz stated plainly only confusing her and everyone else.

"He means that groovy big dragon of strength" Gorzan said for the wolf, Rontu jerking back in surprise, "The Source Dragon of Strength? visited you?" her claw tapped at her chin, "That is most unusual but you said someone similar had before correct?" Razar ran his hook hand over his feathers, "Actually, it was him yes, he seems to...." Worriz scoffed shaking his own head. "Like us apparently, hates 'mortals' but likes us, weird side he's got" Rontu closed her eyes like she was meditating the little lanterns on her horns shining blue for a mere second.

"He also said he'd train us with those groovy powers Razar and Worriz have" Rontu opened her eyes leaning forward more, "the auras? hmm, understandable but strange, the Source Dragon of Strength isn't one to be helpful" She stared at them closely, "But if he has before then I have no doubt he has a reason now" Razar dug into the pockets on Ajuras attached bag, "I did find this" He pulled out a chain like weapon holding it out for the purple dragon to inspect.

"Hm" Her eyes narrowed, "This is a weapon from one of the Forbidden Five, Zarkt to be exact" She raised her head to the Ravens eye level, "Where did you find this?" Razar pressed his hand against his hook, "My tribes junkyard yes, it appeared one day we do not know where it came from" Rontu shared a glance with Egalt who'd just stomped over.

"Take it to the Ninja" He commanded gruffly, "Tell them to lock it away, that weapon is dangerous in Zarkts hands" Razar nodded flying to Ajuras back the dragon already ready to depart, "All three of you be careful" Rontu called to them, "These distant storms mean the Forbidden Five are growing in power" Egalt nodded to her words, "If any of you run into them, do not engage just run, you aren't yet strong enough to combat them" The two dragons stepped backwards signalling the other three to shoot into the sky while the storms raged in the distance.

"We aren't strong enough!" Worriz yelled when the dragons broke through the cloud cover, "What does he mean we aren't strong enough!" Razar cringed at the wolfs angry outburst, Worriz didn't like being told he wasn't strong enough to fight something. Even by an old dragon.

"He does have a point dude" Gorzan said, Jungle flying that bit closer to Beta, "Our Ninja pals have those super groovy powers, we don't" The wolf rolled his eyes scoffing in the process, "So? we've fought creepy things!"

Razar turned around walking all the way to Ajuras tail his wings keeping him from getting blown away or falling off, "I believe these are much much stronger than anything we've fought my friend" He pressed his hook against his armored chestplate, "And i do not want to meet these Forbidden Five in person"

Worriz just crossed his arms in mostly anger, "That training with the big dragon better be worth it" He scowled ears twitching signalling just how angry the wolf was becoming, Razar didn't say anything only flew back to Ajuras front patting her neck to tell her to head up to the Monastery.

First they needed to deliver the weapon to the Ninja for it to be secured, after that they needed to tell the others what they were told by Rontu and Egalt.

Though.....Razar briefly recalled Lloyd informing them that he'd met a Source Dragon personally once, He'd ask the Green Ninja about the Source Dragon of Strength, and hopefully he'd have some answers as to why it was here.

Chapter Text

The day had come for the training with the Source Dragon of Strength, the Eight were already at the training grounds waiting for his arrival.

"So do you two know what training with a Source Dragon is like?" Cragger asked Rontu instead of the sleeping Egalt, "No" She responded, "No mortal has ever trained under a Source Dragon before, we do not know what this kind of training entails" The Crocodile sighed heavily, "Right"

"Awww dude I'm sure it'll be totally groovy" Gorzan said to him, Jungle was fast asleep curled around him her chest moving up and down slowly, "I'm sure the dragon dude won't be too harsh on us" Egalt laughed gruffly wings tucking upwards even amongst his coughing, "Source Dragons aren't known for kindness, especially towards mortals" He scoffed red eyes narrowing at the eight, "I'm surprised you even managed to get an audience with him"

As if on que after he'd said that a flash of light emerged as did the Source Dragon, "Good your all here" He grunted, "Two of you I understand already have this power unlocked halfway" Razar nodded nudging Worriz in the side when he said nothing, "Yeah yeah" He growled, "Thats us" the dragon hummed staring at the two nonchalantly, "I can sense both of yours originate from my fellow Source Dragons, Flow and Focus" He took a deep breath.

"Uh, Source Dragon guy?" Cragger called up, "Just call me Strength" he responded gruffly, "Yeah sure, okay Strength" The crocodile cleared his throat, "How do you even know this stuff?" Strength laughed loudly lowering his head down to Craggers level, "I'd know the energies of my fellow Source Dragons when I sense them little reptile" He stood back up wings stretching out to an impressive length.

"If any of you want to get these powers open and in control then you will need to follow what I teach you" His sight settled on Eris, "Although you are already rather good at that" She laughed nervously rubbing the back of her head, "I've had a lot of practice" He rolled his eyes, "I see why Motion is always sending visions to you and that green one"

"If that had been anyone else calling me that I'd be offended" Lloyd stepped out through the trees followed closely by Riyu, Strength growled narrowing his eyes at him more than the dragon, "Hey relax" He raised his hands, "I'm just here to watch is all" The dragon snorted, "Fine"

"Now" He stood upright wings tucking back into his sides, "To get control of these powers you need to concentrate" He growled, "And i mean concentrate. No distractions"

Lloyd meanwhile had made his way to Rontu and Egalt the two dragons perched at the top of the stairs watching it all happen, "Couldn't help but watch i presume?" the former chuckled as he arrived in between them both, "Hey I was curious" He gestured down to the group, "Not a common occurance for a Source Dragon to just show itself and offer training" He whistled standing on his tiptoes for a second, "Especially this one"

Egalt gave him a croaked chuckle, "Strength may be a harsh Source Dragon, but if he sees potential he'll train that potential" He gestured with his talons to the ongoing training, "Like them" Riyu chirped and cooed to Rontu as she listened, "Any help against the Forbidden Five is help in my eyes" They grew concerned though, "But they are not as experienced as you Ninja, they're Island was isolated for centuries, all of these threats are almost new to them" Lloyd had a sharp breath hit him, She was right.

These Eight had barely seen a little bit of what he and the Ninja had encountered over the many years, He'd admit he wouldn't want them to see what they had to fight because frankly, some of it was borderline terrifying even to him.

Surprisingly though Strength looked impressed with them, Maybe there was some hope for the Council of Source Dragons to trust mortals after all, Which is what he would hope for if the Source Dragon just wasn't picking favourites.

"You" Lloyd didn't even see the dragon walk up to him standing just above him like a tower, "You were the conduit Energy was mentioning correct" The blonde man nodded slowly slightly taken aback by the Source Dragons size, "Uh- yeah I was" He stuttered, the dragon grunting turning back to the group, "The Gorilla is an interesting one, very.....used to my methods" Riyu chirped and cooed at him.

"Is he now?" Strength turned his attention to them his eyes tracking their movements slowly and precision like, "Interesting, thank you little dragon" He stood up stomping back over to command the group on what to do next while they composed themselves, "You think he'll be a little....harsh?" He asked Rontu who merely laughed loudly at him flames coming from her a few times at how hard she was laughing.

"He could be" She said after calming down enough for the flames to diminish, "But he's a strange one" Rontu winked at him, "Best leave him to it"

However a figure leapt down from above brandishing some staff, "Hm?" Rontu stood up straight her eyes narrowing, "Who's that?" Lloyd asked but the dragon didn't say anything simply flew over to the newcomer Riyu following with Lloyd right behind him.

"Stranger" She boomed, "Who are you and why have you entered our training grounds" Just behind her the group had stopped and were watching them, even Strength had.

The strange was an animal of some sort, a black furred canine shape with pointy ears, "I'm here to speak to Egalt" They demanded back, Rontu narrowed her eyes slightly, "And why are you here to speak with him" The dragon in question had raised from his position and slowly trudged over, "Jak, it has been a while" The canine smiled, "Likewise old pal" Egalt turned to the watching group, "This is Jak, an old pupil of mine when I lived with my dragon tribe" He chuckled hoarsely.

"He happened to stumble across us, I was impressed with how he managed to reach the Northern Spiral so I trained him" Rontu dipped her head to Jak as she approached, "I have heard much of you, it is good to finally meet Egalts pupil"

Riyu cooed running forward nudging the canine happily, "Woah hey!" Jak stuttered against the dragons snout, "Easy there big guy!" Lloyd ran forward patting Riyu getting him to walk backwards away from the constant nuzzling he was giving the poor canine, "Sorry" Lloyd laughed rubbing the back of his head, "He gets excited meeting new people"

Jak noticed the boy and gasped, "No WAY! your the Green Ninja!" He shot up so fast nobody even saw him move, "My tribe has heard stories about you and the Ninja!" The Eight behind him all snickered.

"Someone has a fan" Eris giggled flying nonchalantly over their heads, Lloyd crossed his arms raising a brow at her, "Happens more often than you think Eris" She just shrugged flying back over to the group. "And- woah" Jaks jaw dropped only now spotting the huge dragon watching him, "Who is THAT" Strength scoffed his chest puffing out, "I am the Source Dragon Of Strength, I WAS training until we were...." He coughed, "Interrupted, maybe you can take your pleasant reunion elsewhere?" Egalt laughed once lowering down for Jak to climb on, "We shall go further into the training grounds" He took off into the air leaving them to it.

The dragon composed himself properly for a brief moment, "Continue" He boomed to the group. Lloyd in his own opinion thought the training was a bit....vigorous, mainly because Strength chose sparring before any proper training was done but....realistically he wasn't going to try and argue with a Source Dragon that didn't like mortals to begin with.

He stepped back whistling for Ajura, the serpent like dragon stomped over kneeling down allowing him to reach inside the attached bag and pulling out a scroll scribbling something on it.

A small little glowing dragon flew to him seemingly out of nowhere chirping, "Take this to the Monastery please little guy" He handed the scroll into the little dragons waiting talons before it chirped flying away right as Riyu screeched catching Eris as she was flung over. "Oh Hi!" She giggled patting the dragon on the head as thanks when he carefully lowered her to the ground.

"Uh Eris?" Lloyd queried spotting that the rest of them looked a bit....worse for wear, "Is all of this necessary?" The Eagle looked down at her battered armor then at the others, "I know it LOOKS bad" She argued turning to face him, "But we aren't exactly going to learn to fight if we don't at least get a little beaten up" He bit back his words because in she was absolutely right.

It was how he and the Ninja learnt lessons and ways to combat their enemies, maybe it'll apply to the Eight as well.

Riyu chirped beside him, the blonde only sighed patting the dragons scales, "I know Riyu, but Eris seems confident enough that he can help" He crossed his arms and took a deep nervous breath looking out to the darkening now normal red sky, "Thats the best we can do for now, especially with what's coming"

Chapter Text

Frak stumbled out into the dragon stables a huge stack of pies in his arms as be made his way to the waiting dragons.

"do you have to bring that many?" Sora questioned leaping down to help him secure them into the basket, "Yeah!' He said back, "Rogon said he likes my pies so I wanted to bring as many as possible" He pressed his hand against his chest, "And as one of the pie chefs of the Monastery i aim to do just that"

"Besides" He leapt up onto Zanths back, 'Training for this long they are bound to be hungry" Sora rolled her eyes leaping up with a few steps to the dragons back, "If you say so" She gave her a signal the dragon taking off out of the Stable exit.

Jiro and Heatwave followed her as since the threat of the Forbidden Five was so large they needed to have the extra firepower just incase.

"So what do you think training with a Source Dragon is like?" He asked walking up to Zanths head, "Considering Lloyds scroll said it was the Strength one then" She inhaled sharply, "Probably really strict" Frak hummed looking over the edge as they passed over the mountains near to the training grounds, "Woah what's with all the colors?" He yelled prompting Sora to look over too.

He was absolutely right, there were a whole mix of colors down below which was SO weird because it wasn't like the powers she or the Ninja possessed.

Zanth flew down landing on the ground just on the stairs leading down to the main area, "Got my scroll?" Lloyd said walking up helping to bring down the supply of pies the two had brought. "Sure did" Sora patted the wooden box as it was lowered, "A full supply of pies ready for whoever and whatever to eat" Frak bounced forward bowing gracefully, "Courtesy of my amazing cooking skills of course"

Howling from below interrupted any further talk and made them all walk to the edge of the stairs, "Isn't that the weird aura powers?" Sora asked the blonde, Worriz leaping past below surrounded by the grey aura and the large silhouette of a wolf, "Yep" He replied keeping his eyes closely on the wolf warrior even as he leapt away to a further away course.

"The Source Dragon of Strength is convinced these guys have powers similar to ours, well its made of elemental powers anyways" He sighed arm resting on his other that was leaning his hand under his chin, "I know we've seen Worrizs and Razars before, but theirs look even more powerful than before" Sora nudged his arm, "Maybe its the training? You always kept going on and on about how training buffs up our powers"

"Oh!" Frak butted in his hands glowing with the telltale sign of his active Quake powers, "Like this!" Soras eyes widened, "Frak WAIT-" It was far too late to stop the serpentine as he let the powers rumble into the floor causing the entire surrounding area to shake and shudder.

The shaking caused Eris and Razar to lose their concentration and fly higher to not get thrown about, "What is the meaning of this" Strength growled stomping over promptly making Frak stop his rampant use of his power, "O-Oh sorry" He nervously laughed stepping swiftly behind Sora for protection, "My bad" The dragon scowled his eyes narrowing at the snake, "Mortals" He scoffed stomping away his tail almost snapping into the trees as he went.

"Yeah dont make him angry" Eris suggested flying over their heads, an orange aura shining around her figure, "He's really short tempered" She flew off toward where the dragon had gone to, "Uhhh maybe we should go back to the Monastery" Frak suggested even though he was already stepping toward Zanth.

Sora just sighed shaking her head, then noticing the eight of them coming over, She couldnt help but cringe at the sight of some of their armor either singed or battered. "Is all of....that" She gestured to it, "Worth it?" Cragger scoffed throwing his hand out, "Oh yeah totally" the storm in the sky crashed loudly as it had been for days.

"That doesn't look good" Sora muttered, "Agreed" Laval added on turning around, "Hey should we-" The Source Dragon was gone, vanished as is typical fashion for the great beings.

"We should head back" Lloyd warned leaping onto Jiros back, "Before that storm gets worse" Eris however stared directly at Laval and Cragger with a look they both knew well. "Eris is going to investigate some areas" the Lion said while preparing Liji for the flight, "Is that safe?" Frak asked gesturing to the red storm in the distance one that was growing in intensity.

"This is Eris we're talking about" Cragger reminded leaping onto Creeks back the swamp dragon already ready to leave, "I'm more worried about whatever runs into her"

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Eris had mostly taken off because she needed to find the source of these storms, and also because that training was getting a little intense for her tastes, Sure she liked to battle but it was extreme.

Now she was sat on the Eagle Beasts back after calling for her aid, the Beast had arrived relatively quickly more than eager to join her trip.

"Now..." The Eagle opened the map- well mostly incomplete map of the Merged lands as they hadn't exactly explored the entire land yet.

"I dont think we've been here before" She muttered seeing the land was like a desert covered in dead trees and rock Caverns and statues, "What do you think is out here?" She asked the Eagle flying below her, "More dragons? weird strange creatures?"

The Beast screeched her head glancing in the direction of a figure down below, "Is that..." Eris narrowed her eyes, it was- HIM.

"Stay up here" She commanded to the Beast while pulling out her trusty now upgraded with a special kind of steel Sora called Chronosteel Eglaxxor, "He's mine" She dove down her wings fanning out catching the wind in time allowing her to tackle the figure to the floor.

"Well, look who it IS" The Tiger scowled not resisting to the blade up against his neck and the furious Eagle behind it, "Shut it Ras" She spat, the aura now burning like flames around her, "Why are you out here then" The Tiger laughed scowling in he face, "Thats not of your concern Eagle" He snarled.

Eris stepped to the side avoiding a sudden tornado of gold and red, twisting around using Eglaxxor to throw herself into the air avoiding it again, "Sneak attacks aren't your strong suit Ras" She mused her golden eyes narrowing at the recovering Tiger.

"Wait a second" the second person with Ras paused taking off his mask, "Eris?" She paused herself guard lowering a little, "Arin?" It immediately shot up again, "Why are you with HIM, you know what he did to my Tribe" The boy appeared to cringe, Right yeah so he did remember.

"I know I know!" Arin stuttered throwing his hands out to the both of them, "But he said he'd help me find my parents" Eris blinked Eglaxxor lowering, "Your...parents?" She eyed Ras who almost seemed injured with the way he was favoring his side.

A sigh left her beak and she holstered Eglaxxor onto her back the Eagle Beast landing beside her similarly angry, "Fine, but I've got my eye on you" She scowled at Ras but only following Arin along.

"Eris?" Arin asked her, he admitted he was slightly unnerved with her current piercing glare and tense posture like at any moment she'd spring and attack everyone in sight. "I know what Ras did to your Tribe was really bad, and-" He sighed, "I know me working with him is the last thing you wanted to find out" Eris glared at him, "Im not talking about it" She snarled instantly shutting him up.

Alright, Arin thought, Thats a definite no go subject. Now for the other one.

"Whats with the dragon?" Eris shot up, "dragon?" She turned and to her surprise that dragon from the Spires stables was following behind them, "Oh, its you" Eris walked up to him stroking his snout, "Found him in the Crossroads with the others, he was injured" She giggled when a snort of air hit her feathers.

"Thought you'd left buddy" The dragon chirped nuzzling her chest, "I think" Arin walked to her side, "You've got a new dragon buddy" Eris paused her eyes scanning the dragon, "I-you think so?" She whispered eyes sparkling, Arin smiled sadly knowing she was thinking of her previous dragon partner. "My time with Riyus told me a lot about dragons, I definitely know this one likes you a lot"

Eris smiled resting her head against its snout, "Yeah...that sounds good" The dragon chirped throwing her up to his back, "A name..." She hummed, "How about Phantom!" the dragon cooed bouncing around happily, "He likes that" Arin giggled as she slid back to solid ground, "The others are gonna love this" She smiled catching the boys attention, "Your here without them?" He asked much to his surprise, "Came to do some investigations after having to train with a Source Dragon"

Ras perked at her sentence a smirk growing onto his lips, "You trained with a Source Dragon?!" Arin laughed almost bouncing around her, "Thats so cool!" The tiger nearby growled, "Arin your training-" He coughed making Eris raise a brow, Oh so he was injured, wasn't that something.

The boy froze up shutting off and walking away confusing her greatly, He was just- what in Cavora-

Eris' eyes trailed to Ras who seemed to be smirking despite his injury, He had to be doing something to Arin to make the once happy boy so closed off and dark.

She'd find out why and get that Tiger to stop, whether he liked it or not.

Chapter Text

Eris sat atop a dead tree, eyes narrowed looking down on the makeshift camp housing Arin and Ras. Phantom was invisible somewhere and she'd sent the Eagle Beast back to the Tribe incase of an attack.

To say she still wasn't thrilled about hanging around with this...Tiger of all people was an understatement but someone had to keep an eye on him.

Though his injuries were making him slow and not much of a threat right now. Good.

"Hey Eris?" She looked down seeing Arin offering a chunk of meat he'd cooked over the fire, "Want some?" Eris nodded flying down to take the chunk, "I know your still not thrilled about working with Ras" He muttered, She only scoffed throwing out her wing, "Im not 'working' with him" She retorted, "Just keeping a close eye on him" Checking the tiger wasn't listening She pulled the boy to the side.

"Look long story short me and the others are training under the Source Dragon of Strength" Arin almost choked after she said that if it wasn't for her steadying him, "But you can NOT let Ras find out about the others training, I dont care if he finds out i am but I'm not letting him go after my family got it?" She eyed the boy for a response.

"Okay okay I got it Eris" Arin said trying to calm her down, her feathers were heating up, a sign of her getting a bit too worked up over the subject, "Thank you" The Eagle stepped back taking a deep breath to calm herself.

Phantom chirped nuzzling her back emerging from thin air, "I think it's kind of cool having an invisible dragon" He said stroking the dragons snout, "Imagine all the cool stuff you'll be able to do!" He chuckled, "You can make it look like your walking on air" Eris giggled back, That was a good idea on his part.

"Arin" Ras growled, "Back to training" The boy nodded without argument, standing up and making his way over to him while Eris simply watched carefully.

She didn't like this 'training' very much, it was focused on anger more than anything else, Chima almost saw firsthand what happened when power was used out of anger instead of being used wisely.

If she could take Arin away from Ras and back to the Monastery she would, but he seemed too intent on finding his parents that she couldn't find it in her to.

Phantom chirped to her, She sighed rubbing his snout, "I know boy" She mumbled, "How about we go patrol the area" He nodded leaning down letting her climb on before taking off into the nights sky.

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"It seems pretty abandoned out here" She murmured as Phantom trudged along the ground, "Nothing for miles and miles" Her eyes narrowed spotting a claw mark on the ground, "Thats interesting..." She opened her wings flying down to take a closer look. "Almost like...." The Eagle dodged the shape of a claw like weapon being slammed down them dodged another more sudden kick.

The attacker was an orange and black striped tiger one that looked angry until he saw her closer, "Skyborn- i mean Eris" He stepped back letting his guard down, "Been a while Tormak" Eris giggled crossing her arms, "Hmph! it has hasn't it" The tiger mused, "I must say these new lands are interesting to say the least" He looked her up and down, "You look very different now, I am assuming a lot has happened in my journey away from Chima"

She took a deep breath, "You could....say that" Her hands pressed together, "Chima was turned into a giant city, that city is gone and its back but there's big tree things now, There was a big fight with some bats and then after all that we had to move the Tribes out of Chima to a safe place our friends call the Crossroads" She sighed dragging her hand down her face, "Theres a LOT more"

Tormak chuckled shaking his head, "I can only presume you and your friends have taken up leadership of your Tribes?" Eris blinked, How did he know that? "Your attire" The Tiger gestured to her armor, "It is one of a leader, I can only guess the former leaders have..." Eris' expression fell, "They....passed on" She mumbled not wanting to exactly remember that day.

The tiger seemed to understand and moved the conversation on, "You have a dragon?" He questioned gesturing to Phantom, "Oh! we all have dragons" She flew up to him patting his head, "Laval and the others do?" Tormak asked mostly in surprise, "Thats not even the part of it" Eris looked around. "We're all training under a Source Dragon" The tigers eyes widened, "I have heard of the Source Dragons" He muttered staring at her in disbelief, "You are all training under one?"

Eris nodded, "The Strength one to be specific he's a.....strict teacher" Tormak chuckled deeply, "Hmph, but why is he training you?" The Eagle perked up, "Oh, its for this" She flew up and a flare of orange fire like aura erupted around her, "What is that?" the tiger muttered as she flew back down the aura vanishing from sight, "We dont even know yet" She replied, "Its some sort of elemental power from the Source Dragons, but Strength is being REALLY secretive about it"

Tormak hummed, "Take me to your camp" He asked, "I believe we will be better suited to talk there" Eris nodded flying back towards its direction while he followed below. At least if Tormak was here Ras wouldnt try anything unless he wanted to be on the opposing side of a Tunnel cat.

-------------

It went....okay, Ras didn't seem happy to have another person on his group but Tormak quickly shut down his complaints with a stare.

Arin on the other hand was more than excited to see an ancient warrior firsthand, "How old exactly are you?" He asked walking around the Tiger curiously, "I was immortal" Tormak responded simply, "Until the Phoenix left i now age just like everyone else" Arin hummed thoughtfully, "Wait! does this mean your like, thousands of years old?" the tiger grunted, "Technically yes"

"That.Is.AMAZING!" Arin yelled much to Ras' growling, "Arin" He scowled making the boy pause, "He was merely curious" Tormak snapped back, "I see no wrong with that" Ras scowled leaning back with a cough.

Wow. Eris thought. He really put Ras in his place.

Her eyes went to the distant red storm, it seemed to be getting worse overtime, She just really hoped they never ran into one of the Forbidden Five out here being so far away from any possible backup.

"Eris" Tormak nudged her to the side, She followed him while Arin went to care over Ras under Phantoms watch. "I had word that you had a family member survive" She nodded only once, "My mom, She went on a whole trip after the fight had ended" the Eagle giggled, "I guess she's really enjoying her trip" Tormak nodded agreeing with her words, "These lands are interesting yes but there is one i advise you avoid" He dug into his pocket pulling out a map.

Handing it to Eris she opened it to be greeted with a whole page of scribbles and weird drawings, "I only know it from this map, it is called the Land of Monsters" Tormak explained his eyes narrowing at it, "But judging from this alone it is highly dangerous" Eris shuddered just thinking of what could even be in a Realm called the Land of Monsters. "Agreed" She whistled summoning a little glowing dragon from seemingly nowhere.

"Take this to Laval" She asked it, "Tell him its a no go land" She gave it the rolled up map and it took off into the skies, "An interesting way of communication" Tormak muttered having seen the whole thing, "Its something the Ninja taught us" Eris said, "I would like to meet these Ninja" The tiger then announced, "I have heard their names mentioned across the lands, but havent met them in person" Eris sprung up.

"Of course!" She whistled and Phantom emerged from his cloak, "Arin" She called the boy over, as much as she didn't want to leave him here with Ras, she had to take Tormak back to the Crossroads, "Be careful with Ras" She warned, "I dont trust him" The boy frowned, "I know Eris, but hes the only one" She sighed patting Phantoms back as she leapt on.

He roared and took off into the sky away from the camp.

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Phantom flew over a few different lands, but it was still a long way back to the Crossroads, "Perhaps we should stop for now" Tormak suggested, "So your dragon can rest" Eris noticed the way the dragons wings were getting a bit sluggish, "Agreed" She perked up seeing a spot nestled in some giant trees, "Down there" Phantom nodded diving down and into the giant carved hole in one of the trees.

He chirped as he landed lowering to let Eris and Tormak off, "Wait" He held up his hand giving her pause, "Theres something here..." Now that he mentioned it...where was that noise coming from?

One by one Mountain dragon after Mountain dragon appeared from other holes in the wall, an entire tribe it looked like, and they'd just entered their territory.

Eris froze and was about to grab Eglaxxor when a smaller green dragon ran forward chirping, Hold on...was that? "Eridany?" She gasped kneeling down, "It is you!" the little matriarch chirped running up to the Eagle leaping into her arms.

"You know this one?" Tormak questioned, "Oh yeah!" Eris giggled nuzzling the baby, "Sora introduced us to her a few months ago, she's the Matriarch of the Mountain Dragons" The tiger eyed the baby, "She is rather young to be a Matriarch isn't she?"

"That is why I am here" a large brown dragon stomped forward towering over them, "I am Leafblade, I am the Matriarchs voice until she grows older" He kneeled down, "It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance Leader of the Eagles" Eris shared a look with Tormak of mostly confusion.

"How do you-" She stuttered out, Leafblade stood up eyes watching them both, "Our Tribe knows of your home, the Island suspended in the sky, we often stop there when we pass, but mostly unnoticed except for one Tribe" Eris smiled, "The Gorillas?" It was an easy guess, the Gorillas would definitely be the Tribe to accept the dragons passing by.

"Yes" Leafblade continued, "The Gorilla Tribe have always treated us kindly, and i understand it to has a new leader as do the rest" Eris nodded, "There was an incident of sorts, all of our Tribes have new leaders" The dragon sat back wings spreading out, "Very well" He threw one out to the back of the tree, "You can rest with us tonight, as per the Matriarchs request"

Eris smiled at Tormak who seemed a little nervous but he nodded anyways following her to the back,a small little area able to suit them for the night, "I should ask Gorzan about these guys when we get back" She mumbled tucking her wings behind her, "I didn't know that the entire Gorilla Tribe looked after these guys" the tiger chuckled watching her think.

"The Gorillas have their interests" He said back, but Eris was just stuck in thought, had more Tribes of Dragons visited Chima? and mostly...why?

Chapter Text

Eglor grunted bringing over a pile of books to the Lions original war table, "I gathered all of our books from the completely ridiculous section, anything about a five i could see i grabbed" He puffed, "There were....a lot"

Cragger scoffed staring at the pile, "I'll say" Kai muttered standing next to him arms crossed, "These aren't going to fall down are they?" Eglor scoffed folding his arms right back, "No they aren't" The Eagle grumbled even while leaving the room.

"One of these is bound to have information on the Five" Eris said patting the top of them, "I've found loads of strange things in the completely ridiculous section so there has to be SOMETHING" Nya however was tapping her arm, "I thought Egalt said they'd erased all mention of the Forbidden five from words or mention" She gestured to the books, "Would there even be anything in here?" She looked up at the Eagle who shrugged, "Im not sure, it sounds like maybe Chima was spared from that so maybe there's some writings that made their way to our library" She flew down to the floor tucking her wings in.

"But with how many there is this could take a while" Nya simply smirked cracking her knuckles, "Then you came to the right Ninja, im an expert at finding out information from scrolls and whatever things you put infront of me, I'll have this done in no time" Eris gave the Water ninja a grateful smile, "Great" Kai grumbled shaking his head, "Nya's going to be here for a while" He nudged Cragger who looked just as bored than anything, "Wanna go find the noodle stands in the Crossroads?" the Crocodile had a growing smirk on his face simply at the mention of the word, "You had me at noodles" The two instantly bolted out of the gate before anyone could stop them.

"Has anyone seen Worriz and Gorzan lately?" Rogon asked suddenly making the group aware of their absence, "Sora and Riyu haven't shown either" Lloyd muttered his frown only deepening, "I wouldnt say im worried its just strange" He glanced out to the distant buildings, "Really strange"

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What Lloyd didnt know however was that they were all actually just....

"Up top Riyu!" Sora yelled, the dragon shooting up and grabbing the watermelon that Gorzan had chucked, one of many that sat in a pile next to him that Worriz was constantly refilling.

The four of them had gone all the way to a jungle hidden deep within the Wyldness, that hadn't been touched by anything or anyone. Not to mention it was filled to the brim with watermelons. "Tell me again why im doing this?" the wolf asked not being happy with constantly having to get watermelons again and again and again for some ridiculous game.

"Because its fun dude!" Gorzan chuckled launching another into the air, "We dont get much now so we came here!" Worriz growled, He hated this as much as the next person but with this came a probable attack, at least that's what his wolf instincts were telling him and they were never EVER wrong.

Even the Wolf Beast sat behind him was on edge, and if a Legend Beast was alert it was never a good sign, except nobody besides him was noticing it.

All of them paused when an Eagle screech filled the air, moments after the Eagle Beast fluttered down Eris leaping off her back, "Next time you guys run off during a meeting could you at least tell us?" She screeched her wings fluffed up and angry, "Everyone noticed you were gone so I had to come look for you" She sighed dragging her hand down her face.

"Sorry dude" Gorzan cooed hanging upside down from a tree branch, "We were just having a groovy time in the jungle!" Riyu chirped in time with his comment a watermelon balancing on the dragons head. Eris however raised a brow, "With a dangerous force on the loose?" Worriz suppressed a scoff walking to his waiting Beast stroking her fur to try calm the tense Wolf down.

It wasn't until she shot up alert did he grab his weapon startling the others, "Worriz whats-" Sora was cut off by him raising a hand for silence. Eris and Gorzan quickly retrieved their own weapons from their backs, they both knew if one of the group got out a weapon then it was for good reason, especially if that person was Worriz.

"Sora head back to the Crossroads" Eris ordered, "We'll be right behind you" The girl nodded climbing atop Riyus back the dragon taking off quickly, just as they left a swarm of bugs crashed through the trees buzzing and clicking, "It HAD to be BUGS!" Worriz scowled trying to bat them away but they were agile an dodged his swings.

The Legend Beasts had more luck repelling them away with their fire roars creating a sort of fire bubble preventing the bugs from getting any closer, "Bugs dont swarm in such huge numbers" Eris murmured looking at all the raging insects outside of the protective barrier, "Somethings up" Worriz rolled his eyes sarcastically placing a hand on his hip, "Oh really? the massive red clouds dont say otherwise?" He pointed upwards, where the sky was previously blue was now a dark red stormy setting, lightning crashing down in areas.

"Dudes how do we get out of here?" Gorzan asked, "I dont think i can convince these bug dudes to leave us alone" Worriz left Eris to deal with the Gorillas question while he treaded to the edge of the barrier looking out of it. Amongst the bug swarm he swore he could see....eyes? and something in there?

He scrambled back when a sword hit the barrier followed quickly by some robed insect humanoid thing stepping up to it clearly furious, "What is THAT!" Worriz screamed scrambling up again, Eris shot over snatching a book up from her satchel resting against her side.

"Hold on..." She muttered flicking through the pages as fast as she could go, "Oh..." The Eagle paused on one her eyes widening. "Oh no..." Worriz froze hearing the sudden fear in her voice, "What is it" He muttered meeting her now terrified gaze, "Thats one of the Forbidden Five..." She muttered now making him freeze turning back to the smirking figure outside.

Both the Eagle and Wolf Beasts screeched and snarled at the Insect like humanoid smirking at them mocking them from the outside where they couldnt go.

"That?" Worriz exclaimed swinging his sword in its direction, "That THING is one of those freaky five?!" Eris nodded her gaze still not breaking from the humanoid insect, "It is, I dont know the name but the drawing in this book looks exactly like it" She broke the eye contact and flew to the Eagle Beasts back, "We need to get out of here" She patted the Beast on her back prompting the Eagle to let out a massive column of fire that erupted into a sort of tunnel way cutting through the swarm of bugs.

"This way!" Eris called as the Eagle Beast dove down it, the Wolf Beast followed with Worriz and Gorzan on her back.

The bugs buzzed and screeched trying to get at them but most ended up burning when reaching contact with the fire, "After this im going to hate bugs a whole lot more than I already do!" Worriz yelled, Eris on the other hand was dead set looking down the tunnel for the telltale signs of the Crossroads to come into range.

But almost as if commanded the bugs all vanished into thin air, making both Beasts skid to a stop. "They left?" Gorzan exclaimed head tilting confused, Eris on the other hand frowned wings tensing. "We should keep moving, we need to tell Laval about this" Worriz frowned scowling throwing his sword onto his back, "About the insane bug person that just tried to kill us!" His only response was a raise of the brow by the Eagle.

"There you are!" Riyu dove down Sora leaping off before he'd even touched the ground, "Did you get caught in that bug swarm?" She asked shuddering hands gripping her arms, "Eugh, freaky" Worriz scoffed while the Beasts started to slowly trudge toward the distant view of the Crossroads.

"You could say that" the wolf grumbled his fur standing on end just thinking about it, "We had a run in with one of the Forbidden Five" Eris said bluntly, Sora staring at her in shock for just a moment, "Seriously?! out there?!" The Eagle nodded solemnly patting her satchel, "The book i have doesn't have names or details only doodles, that's how I knew"

"But whoever it was overpowered us easily and would've probably gotten us if it wasnt for the Legend Beasts" Eris pressed her hand against her forehead, "Things are already tense i dont want Laval to call another emergency meeting over this" Sora clicked her fingers catching her attention, "Come back to the Monastery, talk with the other Ninja" She nodded to Worriz and Gorzan, "And you two as well, any witnesses are good information"

Surprisingly, at least to Eris the wolf didnt argue only guided the Wolf Beast in the direction of the very distant mountain hosting the building.

Though the encounter disturbed her quite a bit, if only one was able to render them powerless, what if they ran into the entire group?

"Worriz, Gorzan" She spoke up in a tone that had them both straighten instantly. "Im telling Laval to activate Protocol Silver." They both stared at her then nodded, She turned standing up on the Eagle Beasts back.

To Sora's surprise it wasnt a usual Eagle screech she was so accustomed to hearing, it was more deeper pitched and sounded almost like a hawk. "What does Protocol Silver mean?" She asked after the noise died down.

Eris faced her, eyes narrowing slightly. "It means we secure the Crossroads, arm every single border, nook and cranny with some tech the Squirrel Tribes been helping us build" She crossed her arms. "In other words its our Tribes call to action if we think a threat is imminent"

The Eagle watched the sun set over the distant shapes of the Crossroads buildings, "And i really think there's one coming"

Chapter Text

Cragger groaned dragging his tired feet along the ground on his way to the Lion Temple, "First i can't get any sleep" He grumbled, "Now Eris calls and decides to activate the Protocol!" He screamed in frustration smacking right onto the back of the waiting Crocodile Beast.

"Cragger!" The Lion Beast skidded to a stop by the reptiles side, "Im going to help secure the borders" Laval called over to him, the Crocodile raised his hand upwards, "I've got the river" He said back despite it being muffled with his head flat on his own Beasts back.

---------------------------

Razar followed the Raven and Eagle Beasts in the air as they flew along the outer edges of the Crossroads, He'd admit without Eris, Gorzan and Worriz here to help assist with the protocol it was going to be a lot harder than usual.

What he did appreciate was the Ice Tribes briefly returning from the Never Realm to help with securing everything, the first thing was to ensure the Crossroads was protected from any outside harm that could come its way.

A screech from the Eagle Beast gave him the signal to stop, She was periodically signalling to the waiting Eagle jets so they could set up the protective barriers.

Razar then heard the Raven Beast screech and dive down toward something or a lot of somethings in the sand nearby, He frowned quickly following pulling his bladed weapon out ready.

The ground was almost erupting when he landed grip tightening on the staff of his weapon, "Wait!" the sand erupted and strange beetle people scampered out, "Please lower your weapon" One chirped, Razar narrowed his eyes but did so.

"And who are you?" He asked eyeing the walking bugs carefully, "Im Boreas" One said, it looked like a red beetle adorned with golden armor holding a staff, "We are the Beetle Tribe, one of many Insect Tribes that reside together underground" He dipped his head in greeting.

"Though have we come at a bad time?" Boreas' attena twitched noticing the bustling activity as urgency, "Well yes my friend" Razar started, "We are fearing an attack so we are setting up protection for ourselves and everyone else" Boreas' eyes went wide for a moment, "Maybe we can help? we know many a thing about protection" The Raven thought on it for a moment. He hadn't heard of this sort of Tribe before but then again...

"Come on then yes! we have work to do" Razar took off leading the way toward the Crossroads the Beetles following him. Boreas chittered to the ones following him and they all split off in different directions, "I have instructed them to assist with preparations" He smiled, "Your home will be safe i assure you"

"Razar!" The Raven saw Laval below and dove down to meet him right on the Lion Temple bridge, "Who's this?" The Lion asked head tilting the insects way, "I am Boreas" The Beetle chirped stepping forwad bowing slightly, "I've offered my Tribes assistance" His mandibles clicked together a few times.

"I can send a message to our allied Tribes, they can perhaps help as well" Lavals eyes narrowed in thought his foot drumming against the floor, "More help would be pretty good, would they get here in time?" Boreas chirped happily wings flickering in tune with the noises, "Yes! they will not take long at all" He swiftly turned flying away to summon the extra aid.

Razar watched him go almost not noticing Laval tap his shoulder, "Where'd you find these guys?" He asked the Raven who chuckled nodding his head to the distant sands, "There yes, they offered help, which we do need do we not?" The Lion couldn't disagree, with three tribal members away the Protocol wasnt progressing as quickly as he'd hoped, even with the Ice Tribes pitching in.

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"Im no expert but im fairly certain the member you encountered was Drix" Nya grunted dumping a book down on the table they were all surrounding, "We dont know much but according to what you said he seems to control bugs" Eris herself dumped a few pages she'd made on the table as well.

"Eglor is going to love all this new information for our library when I take it back for him" She shuddered despite that, "Wish it didnt take dealing with thousands of bugs to do so" She smiled when Frohickey walked up to her holding a glass of water, "Thanks Frohickey" She dipped her head taking the glass carefully in her hands.

"Hey, didn't you say you were from the Wyldness?" She chirped as he was serving the Ninja with similar glasses, "Oh yes well" The frog tapped his cheek, "It is all a bit blurry now, its been such a long time" His tounge lashed out to catch a fly that had buzzed by, "Perhaps i may remember again someday so I can tell you!" Worriz grumbled a little but ultimately didnt say anything.

"Eris" Lloyd said a stern expression on his face as he looked over the papers, "You said something about a Protocol Silver?" Eris nodded placing the glass down on the table, "Its like an emergency alert but for our Tribes" She started to explain while she bunched up a few of the gathered papers lying about. "I explained it a little earlier but in more depth its a call to arms" She gestured with her wing to the Crossroads picture on the map.

"Because we arent in Chima anymore it means protecting wherever the Tribes reside, in our case now it means....." the blonde ninja nodded slowly his face narrowed and tense. "The Crossroads, well its not exactly something I can argue against, any protection for the people living there is good" He paced around the table past where Gorzan and Wyldfyre were eating some leftover fruit.

"Do you mind if we come check it out?" Eris perked up grabbing her satchel swinging the belt over her head, "Of course you can! I've always wanted to show people how it's worked!" Worriz groaned his hands covering his face, "You've got her going now" He grumbled ears twitching showing his annoyed state. "You get it as well?" Kai whispered stopping right next to the disgruntled wolf. "All the time" was the latters response.

The fire ninja chuckled nudging his arm a little, "Glad we got that in common at least" Worriz turned his head in the direction of Gorzan who was to no surprise still feasting on the berries, "Gorzan!" He yelled catching the Gorilla off guard with the way he jumped. "We're going back to the Tribes" Gorzan smacked his chest a few times springing up and onto the waiting back of Heatwave, "Awesome dude!"

To both of their surprise Wyldfyre leapt up behind the Gorilla, "Im only coming to see if theres more of those berries" She exclaimed crossing her arms, "Im not interested in whatever Protocol you guys keep talking about" Kai rolled his eyes sitting atop Zanth who was trudging her way toward the exit leading to the skies of the Monastery. "Sure Wyldfyre, you keep saying that" The dragon took off before she could retort back only leaving her fuming instead as Heatwave followed close behind.

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Laval stood back as the Bear, Rhino and Raven Beasts all trudged onto the bridge, the respective Leaders hopping off their backs onto the floor below them.

"Any sign of the freaky Five people?" The Lion asked, his gaze sweeping across all three of them, "No..." Bladvic yawned eyes drooping slowly, "The Bears cant...see them in our dreams either..." Nothing new there, Laval knew the Bears had been trying but hadn't had any luck as of yet. "We have checked every possible entry and exit point of our rocky and not rocky establishment, there was no personnel on any" Razar chuckled shaking his head, "He means theres not any sign of them at the Quarry my friend" He did gesture with his wing toward the west however.

"There was a strange structure being built by our new friends yes, I am not sure what it is" Laval followed his gaze out to the flat land stretching out of the Crossroads, He could just about see it from here. It was some sort of large tower with a metal rod on its top.

"It is an amplifier!" Boreas fluttered down his antenna clicking together, "Our other friends the Hornets build them to protect their homes, they thought it would be useful for you" Lavals eyes brightened when he saw it flicker to life and bathe the forcefield already present a bright blue. "I cant complain about the extra shields, thanks Boreas" The Beetle lowered his head.

"It is nothing King of Lions" He chirped. "We must return home for now, but we are only underground, Razar knows how to reach us if we are needed" He took off toward where the Hornets were buzzing about.

"What now Laval?" Cragger asked after the Lion had stopped his staring that he often did, "Now?" He was about to reply until a roar sounded making them all look upwards.

Laval smiled seeing the telltale shapes of the Ninjas dragons getting closer, Looks like Eris and the others had come back, "How about we get to phase two?"

Chapter Text

The Crossroads had now been completely secure by the Tribes, and now that it was the Tribal Leaders could do something they'd needed to for a while.

And it was to hopefully take back Chima from the strange tree creatures, except first they'd need some more information which was...hard to come by.

"Your dragons move painfully slow" Cragger grumbled a little at the remark from the red haired girl stood atop Creeks back. "Well im sorry that not everyone has fast dragons like yours" He snapped back tail whipping around agitated as he was.

"Heatwave was built for speed!" Wyldfyre argued back poking her hand at his back, "Yours was made to live in swamps and swim all day, not fly long distances" Cragger groaned smacking his head on the scales of the dragon beneath him.

"Yikes" Laval mumbled, Lloyd nodding slowly in turn. "Yeah Wyldfyre can be a bit....biased when it comes to other people's dragons that arent any of ours" He took a deep breath, "Sometimes a bit too much"

"Okay its not like im complaining" Zanth flew up beside Liji with Sora on her back holding onto one of her back fins, "But why didn't we just take the Monastery portal?" Lloyd sat down to face her, "The gateways cant sustain a lot of people going through, taking a whole load of dragons would overload it entirely" He explained.

Eris swung down from above this time, legs wrapped around seemingly thin air wings dangling casually below her head, "Makes sense, there are a lot of us" Worriz yelled angrily from the back of the group, "Can you PLEASE tell Phantom to stop doing that! its freaking me OUT!" The Eagle merely stuck her tounge out at him, "He likes it Worriz leave him alone" She retorted.

"I like this one" Kai chuckled behind a sleeping Bladvic and an equally sleeping Dreamer, who was somehow still flying like normal despite being in a comatose state. "Wish i could do that" Riyu roared from the front of the group just as the City of Temples came into view.

Each dragon landed on either a roof or the pathways before their riders got off from their backs, "Isn't this where you got your mech you talked about?" Eris flew down to Cole and Geo while the rest made their way toward the main temple building where the extensive library was held.

"Oh yeah" Cole gestured to the podium just outside, "Over there, it responded to my elemental powers, it was my mom's" Eris' eyes brightened and her wings flickered a little. "You had a parent with an elemental power as well?" He chuckled nodding rubbing the back of his head, Geo chuckling as well. "Guessing you have one too Eris?" The latter asked.

The Eagle nodded several times, "I do! she's called Emanis, used to lead my Tribe before my dad did, she has something she called the elemental power of Solar? kind of like fire but different" She hummed wings twitching with fire. "She went off on a trip around the Realms, guess she's enjoying herself as she hasnt come back yet" Cole patted her back encouragingly. "Im sure she'll come back eventually"

They were interrupted by Dreamer slamming down fast asleep on the ground followed by Bladvic falling from her back causing all three of them to cringe when he hit the gravel floor, "Ouch" Geo muttered shuddering a little. "Hes fine" Eris waved it off, "Hopefully, Bears are pretty resilient" Still she flew over and nudged him slightly, the bear grumbled flinging his hand about, "Hes fine" She giggled flying up again over the two's heads toward the temple entrance.

"So Wyldfyre" Cragger piped up as the group walked along the long hallway of the Temple, "Your boyfriend should have the info we need right?" The girl growled a little staring him down with pierced eyes, "Yeah, but only I get to call Roby my boyfriend! he's mine got that!" The Crocodile shrugged a smirk playing at his jaws, "Sure sure, whatever you say"

"Wyldfyre!" a man dressed in red clothing and black spiky hair ran up to them, "Roby!" Cragger snickered as she jumped into his arms. "What are you laughing at?" Sora asked the Crocodile who stared right at her. "Oh uhhh nothing! nothing dont worry about it" He turned back and cringed at the lovey dovey stuff that was occurring right infront of them, without any actual regard for them being there.

"Are they always like this?" Laval whispered to Lloyd who unfortunately nodded a less than pleased expression upon his face, "Unfortunately yes, happens everytime we've come back here after the Tournament" He dragged his hand down his face. "Hey um guys? we're sort of on a mission here" Wyldfyre frowned at him growling. "And I am saying hello to Roby! go do your mission or whatever im staying here" Eris and Razar then flew back over from the door at the other end a book in the formers hands.

"We went in and looked while you were all...." She shuddered watching the display, "Watching that..." the Eagle shook her head flying down handing the book to Lloyd.

He opened the book flicking through page after page after page, "There is a lot of ancient texts in here, any of you dont happen to know ancient texts do you?" Lloyd looked around at the eight who all shrugged or shook their heads, "We lived on an isolated floating chunk of rock" Cragger remarked tail flicking to and fro. "What do you think"

"Wait" Nya stopped the man's page flicking, "Is that the tree creature?" On the page was a scribbled drawing of the exact creatures that were roaming around Chima. except it wasnt very well drawn, like whoever did it was doing it in a hurry. "Thats definitely it" Worriz growled folding his arms, "Does it say anything about getting rid of them?" Laval piped up right after.

But Lloyd merely shook his head, "No, if what the only text i can read says, they cant be physically defeated. Whereever they are found they are apart of the land, even if you do they'll just regrow" Everyone groaned. That wasnt great information.

"Dudes!" Gorzan ran up to the front. "Instead of fighting, how about we try and make friends with the tree dudes!" It was quiet. "Thats-" Kai paused the words circling in his head, "Actually not a bad idea, if you go by Lloyd's, everyone has good in them plan" The blonde man stopped and turned his head to Kai. "When have I ever said that!"

Nya snickered this time, "Harumi" Lloyd sighed shoulders deflating, "Okay you've made your point" He shook his head then turned to Gorzan, "Well, if you think it'll work its worth a shot" The Gorilla jumped up, "Groovy! let's go!" He ran out past everyone and the couple. "You guys stay here we'll go solo" Laval suggested going to run past the others, "Is that a good idea?" Sora called to him as he got further away, "Its worked in the past!"

Riyu snorted in disapproval as they all left, "While they do that" Lloyd said, "We should head back, get ready for our mission"

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Eight dragons flew through the sky toward where the Wyldness was located, All of them tried to ignore the ominous red storms on the horizon because frankly they looked horrifying.

"Is there even a plan Gorzan?" Laval asked tapping Liji's back asking her to move up to Jungle. "Totally dude" The Gorilla replied holding a pink flower in one hand gently stroking it. "And the plan is?" Worriz added on raising a brow. "Just talk to them dude, if they can understand us we can ask them to stop" The wolf stared then groaned loudly smacking his head uselessly on Betas back.

"Thats not a plan!" he yelled throwing his hands in the air, "Thats a conversation!" Eris smacked him on the head with her wing in passing. "Like yours have worked in the past" She remarked. "Remember the waterfall incident?" Cragger grumbled to himself tail smacking Creek's scales. "I'd rather forget"

Ajura screeched at the very front of the group, scales turning a deep red which had them all go completely silent, when she turned that color it never meant anything good.

"Was the sky always this dark and gloomy?" Rogon asked looking around at the now pitch black sky with no bright blue setting in sight.

"I'd ask more about THAT" Cragger pointed down to the spooky houses now littering the land below with an odd yet familiar green mist covering it.

The dragons all dove down land one by one on the roofs but the group staying on their backs. "Eris?" Laval turned his head to her already seeing her staring at her map concerned. "This isnt somewhere I've been, or where the Njnia have been" She looked up and around, "But it looks like that freaky place we got possessed once"

A loud screaming echoed across the land an echoed phantom sounding one, in tune to many many others. "I..." Cragger gulped. "Do NOT like the sound of that"

Chapter Text

"I thought we said we wouldnt come back to this place" Worriz growled lowly as the dragons flew low over the haunted buildings and lands. "Its not like we came here on purpose" Eris remarked back. "We just got turned around or something"

A creature suddenly shot up snapping at the dragons making them all screech in panic. Eris nodded to Razar the two shooting off their dragons and grabbing the others before they fell off the panicking dragons.

They touched down on the ground quickly away from the creatures prying eyes. "Some late visitors then" Eris had to drag Cragger back when he nearly bolted at the sight of a ghost like person stood on the roof above them.

"Its alright im not here to harm you" It jumped down swinging a blade behind its back. "Although it does intruige me as to why living have ended up in the Spectral Lands"

"Last time we ended up in a freaky place everyone got POSSESSED!" Worriz yelled a visible growl in his tone. The Ghost like person hummed. "I see....well I will not do so, I am Morro, I protect the Spectral Lands you find yourselves in" Eris hummed tilting her head. "My job is to help protect people who have moved on and help them depart" He gestured with a sword to where a few creatures growled. "Those are some of them"

"Uhh yeah we know what they are" Cragger scoffed, "They freaked out our dragons!" Morro turned right as each of the eight dragons landed one by one on the roofs and ground around them.

"Hm" He patted the snout of Phantom when he lowered down, "Its been some time since I've seen any dragons" Morro hummed softly. "I presume you need help finding your way out of here" A few of them nodded giving him all the info he needed to know.

"Very well" Morro gestured to follow. "This way, I will lead you to a way out" Eris flew forward all the way up to him as they walked through the barren ghost like land. "Could I ask you a question?" She queried hands pressing together slightly. He chuckled shrugging. "Ask away" The Eagle smiled. "Do you happen to know someone called Lloyd? I think he mentioned you once a little while ago, told me you used to be an evil ghost?"

He chuckled head shaking and his hand going up to rub the back of his head. "You could say that, its a long story really but yes I do know Lloyd" His brow raised curiously. "You know him?" Eris flew up around the ghost. "Know him? we're friends with him! and the Ninja" She rubbed Phantoms snout when he lowered his head from flying right above them. "they helped us and our tribes out when we were forced from our home, and taught us a few things as well"

Morro felt a smile tug at his lips. "Glad to see he's not changed from when I last saw him, same old Lloyd" His brows then furrowed, "Though your wolf friend said you were all....possesed?" Eris shuddered prompting Razar to fly up in her stead. "Yes my friend" He answered while comforting the clearly uncomfortable Eagle. "By a group of ghosts at the Spirit Coves yes" Morros frown only deepened, "Thats...concerning, ghosts should not be able to go that far from the Spectral Lands" the blades of his weapons tapped the ground below him.

"Oh we dealt with them though" Cragger piped up this time with his own smirk. "We sent them packing" Morro didnt comment only continued walking until they reached a section of the Spectral Lands that cut off to a barren brown desert of some kind. "There is the border leading to safety" He said pointing his blades. "Your dragons should be able to take you home from there"

Eris watched the others start to head over but she remained with Morro, "Hey do you want me to tell Lloyd your here?" She asked head dropping to the side, to her surprise however he shook his head. "Its for the best if you don't, the Merge changed a lot and im not sure if he'd still remember me or what I did" He bowed to her blades clutched in his other hand. "If you ever need me, you know where I am"

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"Well that was something" Laval sighed, relieved that the dragons were in open non phantomy air again. "Come on bro it wasnt that bad!" Rogon argued from beside him. "We didnt get possesed again I'd already call that a win" Cragger scoffed watching his tail swinging from side to side off Creeks neck.

Worriz on the other hand was dead silent no growls no annoyed groaning just his eyes narrowed at the horizon and his arms crossed. "What's wrong Worriz dude?" Gorzan asked noticing the wolf's tense posture.

Yet he didnt even reply only growled lowly. Even as the dragons started ascending upwards breaking through the cloud cover right next to the floating mass that was Chima.

All eight of them slowly flew down until they one by one landed in the great stretch of earth overlooked by the Lion Temple. "Its been a while since I saw that" Laval leapt off Liji's back marvelling at seeing his home again after so long.

Though stomping surrounded them the tree creatures charging ahead roaring and growling. Everyone reached for their weapons, well everyone except. "Hold it dudes!" Gorzan rushed forward placing himself between the two large groups.

"We were going to try talking to them remember?" They all seemed unnerved but lowered their weapons regardless. Jungle stepping forward in their stead covering Gorzan in the case it went south.

The tree creatures glared but didnt make any further moves. "You dudes protect our home right?" Gorzan walked up to them hands pressed together. One of the trees nodded slowly. "We do the same, it's totally groovy, my Gorilla tribe lives in the trees in a totally groovy forest" Each of the tree creatures glanced at each other then at the rest of them behind him.

One in particular seemed to shake its leaves and branches as it stared, but it suddenly knelt down into a bow. And so did the rest one by one. Including the ones that had emerged behind the others.

"Uhhhh Gorzan?" Cragger muttered hands gripping his weapon for dear life. "What are they doing?" Jungle chirped happily nudging the Gorilla clearly understanding what it meant. "They like us dudes!" Gorzan announced swinging onto her head with ease. "W-Seriously?" Eris stuttered out. "Just like that?"

A much bigger tree creature with spikes covering its arms and head stomped forward making a series of noises. "He says they respect anyone who protects this place, when they attacked us before they thought we were intruders" The tree creature rumbled again.

"Plus he senses some totally groovy energy in all of us" Gorzan added on. Eris' eyes widened- The Elemental energy Strength was talking about...

The tree cooed again to him. "Oh! He says his name is Baari, and they are all a group of tree protecters called Traikarians" Gorzan patted his arm happily, a green aura forming around him, only Eris noticed much to her brief wing twitches. "So, could we possibly move our tribes back into Chima?" Laval asked Baari walking forward to him.

Baari rumbled a few times looking to Gorzan, "He says we totally can, he and his tree dudes will help protect Chima alongside us" The group all exchanged excited looks. They were finally able to move back home, where everything was and where all the chi was.

"Wait a second" Cragger piped up, "Some of our tribes members like it in the Crossroads, what do we do with that?" Laval hummed tapping at his chin at least until Eris sprung up into the air. "I know! how about we let the ones who want to come back to Chima come back and let the ones who want to keep living in the Crossroads stay" She gestured to Baari and the rest of the Traikarians.

"Baari and the Traikarians can keep watch over them all for us!" The six of them slowly nodded muttering to each other, with an approved rumble by Baari. "Alright then" Laval smacked his hands together gesturing to Liji to give the signal to the waiting Tribal members.

"Wait" Worriz suddenly growled lowly eyes scanning the air. "What?" Cragger yelled. "What is it?!" the wolf only reached for his weapon. "There's something coming" The group all reached for their own weapons while Baari roared a command to the waiting Traikarians.

Bursting through the trees were a horde of mutated half melted looking spider beetle bugs. almost moving like zombies. "WHAT IS THAT!" Cragger yelled scrambling onto Creeks back as she roared at the approaching horde. "Fight first ask questions later!" Eris yelled back swinging Eglaxxor around in her hands.

She noticed the red lightning from the sky buzzing and flickering on the bugs as they swarmed the land below their feet.

Except they were fast, as in REALLY REALLY fast. "These things are disgusting!" Worriz snarled slamming his blade into the head of one sending gross green blood everywhere. "And I thought the Crawlers were bad!"

"Who wants to assume that these guys were dragged up by the ominous red storm?!" Laval said leaping onto Liji's back as a torrent of golden fire erupted from her jaws burning and killing many of the bugs. "It wouldnt be out of the question" Eris grabbed his hand flying upwards as one leapt at him from behind. "Its one thing after the other!"

One of the bugs gave a screech slamming its pincers into the ground. Eris and Razar suddenly dropped out of the sky with the former managing to throw Laval over to Liji.

Ajura screeched darting forward catching them both on her back. "What happened?" Laval asked stabbing another bug through with his sword. "I dont know!" Eris yelled trying to take off again but simply couldnt. "We cant fly!"

Baari, seeing the battle being lost roared into the sky. "PROTECT THE EIGHT CHOSEN!" A sea of Traikarians emerged from the surrounding forests easily overwhelming the bugs.

The bugs screeched as they were crushed and torn apart by the hands of the creatures, one by one until the battlefield was drenched with bug blood and corpses. "Oh gross" Cragger panted leaning on his sword. "Whatever that was" Eris sighed flapping her now useless wings. "Stopped me and Razar from flying, I just dont know how long it'll last" Baari cooed to Gorzan who nodded slowly.

"Our groovy tree dudes says its best if we go back home for a while, they'll stay here incase the bugs come back again" The group all shared conflicted glances but one by one commanded the dragons to fly away leaving the Traikarians to the cleansing of the now ruined landscape.

The ride back was quiet, the arrival to each individual tribe was worse. the Tribal members all started slowly gathering at the sights of their injured leaders, The Legend Beasts especially took action ushering them into privacy before they could be swarmed by the concerned tribal members.

"What happened out there?" Longtooth asked, assisting the Lion Beast in resting Laval down on the throne. "You dont want to know" He sighed taking his headpiece off while Liji was taken care of by the Lion Elders. "Long story short, Chima isnt habitable anytime soon" He rubbed his hand on his head.

"We'll need help on this, can you call Boreas?" Longtooth dipped his head. "It'll be done" He sprinted off past Tormak and a black haired woman dressed in a white and blue outfit. "There was a complications?" The tiger asked taking note of the Lions bandaged injuries. "Freaky bugs came out of the ground in Chima and attacked us" Laval said cringing when he moved his arm.

"Completely whacked out Eris and Razars abilities to fly as well, we had help but they were crazy powerful like they were controlled by the storm" Tormak took a glance out at the red skies crashing lightning that followed.

"Bugs?" the girl pulled out a scroll eyes scanning it. "We've never heard of storm powered bugs in the Cloud Kingdoms library" Laval blinked looking at her a little confused. "This is Euphrasia" Tormak said gesturing to her. "She came to the Crossroads for some supplies" She nodded giving a little wave. "I...may have gotten stranded here, the storm isnt letting me make my way back to the Cloud Kingdom"

The Lion nodded sitting up a little more, "Well your welcome to stay here, we have more than enough room in the Temple" Euphrasia perked up with a smile. "Oh! thank you, its a really nice temple I will say" Tormak hummed crossing his arms gaze drifting to the red skies outside "I must leave for now, I need to see if anyone else is stuck outside in the storm" He pulled out his tiger claw attaching it to his wrist.

"If I find any i will take them to the other tribes" He then sprinted out while the Lion Beast nudged Euphrasia gently. "You said you had a library?" Laval asked her following them down the hall to the Lions main living area. "Yes we do! it has information the writers of destiny have been writing for decades" She chuckled rubbing her arm.

"I do like reading them sometimes, now that i have more freetime as the Elemental Master of Wind" The two lions watched as she levitated into the air flying alongside them with surprising ease. "You should definitely pay a visit to the Eagles" Laval chuckled opening the door to one of the rooms. "Eris would go crazy over that"

Euphrasia went to respond but a loud bang of red lightning interrupted her and made Laval tense. This was going to be a long day.