For I Am Convinced

Chapter 1

Deep within the Outlands beyond the world of Chima was an especially treacherous forest filled with extra-dangerous predator plants and looming trees that creaked like the roar of dangerous animals or the Legend Beasts, depending on who was asked. And deep within this forest was a manor built with tan stones and red bricks in a manner like someone from Chima would build. No one could see this, of course, even if they were brave enough to go inside the forest. The manor was hidden by mountains on every side with only one cave that led to the manor. The entrance to this cave was coated in vines and on top of it, the master of the manor (having dabbled in Chi energy manipulation) had added an invisible wall around the manor to keep intruders out -- and most importantly, its youngest resident hidden inside.

The youngest resident was a Lion who for most of his life had never seen another Lion other than his father-figure, Leonitarus, and a Lion who could be considered his brother, Lion-O. The young Lion, named Laval, had grown up within this protective bubble knowing only Leonitarus, Lion-O, the Hyena servants/guards, and his two best friends (A Scorpion named Scomper and a Hyena named Helena).

As a young Lion, Laval had learned much from his father-figure including combat skills, a bit of driving (strictly within the yards of the manor), and basic school studies. The stuff all normal kids learned throughout their lives.

But there were other things that Laval had learned throughout the years just by keeping his eyes and ears open. He'd learned that the Hyenas were not often happy under Leonitarus and that they took every chance they could to just leave for a split moment. He learned that leaving was absolutely forbidden to all who lived in the manor. He learned that those who did were punished by beatings, broken bones, or worse. Though no one explicitly stated it, it was clear who did the beatings and it was he who made all the rules in the manor.

There were plenty of rules about the manor (such as no sliding down the stairway banisters and no running with a dagger blade in your hand), but the biggest rule (the one that no one should break at any point in life) was "No leaving the manor under any circumstances."

In all his life, Laval had never questioned that rule or any of the other rules his father had laid out. He never had to.

Until life gave him a chance to do just that.

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Despite having a large manor and grounds at his disposal to run around and hang out in, Laval often sought comfort in his bedroom. A quiet octagonal shaped space located in the western wing with bright sunset orange walls covered in carefully painted golden stars that slowly led to a twilight purple ceiling, Laval could be found there when his duties were done, channeling something new Helena had taught him: art.

Carving and painting were his favorites. So far, he'd carved out a map of Chima (based on one of the books he read) and tribal figures to match. He'd left the map on his desk and would sometimes add a new figure to his tribal gatherings (as long as Leonitarus brought new wood for him to use). As far as paintings went, he carefully painted anything; ranging from scenes in the manor (such as a kitchen fire) to brighter and beautiful places (such as a peninsula surrounded by a creek with cherry blossoms hanging over it) he had never seen, but had only heard of in conversation and pictured in his dreams.

This was what he was doing today. As he stood before an easel, wearing a paint-smudged dirty-white apron over a light blue wrap-style kilt with a dark blue belt around the waist (no shirt), he smiled. Golden-amber eyes carefully traced the brushstrokes in neat shades of orange and yellow across the canvas. He put his brush down on the nearby table for a minute to wipe a hairline bit of sweat away from his face and tuck a loose strand of red mane back behind his ear.

Scomper (a silver scorpion with orange eyes and a toothy grin) clomped over, his black-diamond-designed tail swinging as he moved. "Wow, Laval. Helena has taught you well. This looks amazing."

"Thanks. It's almost done," Laval smiled as he added the finishing strokes, eyes fixated on the colorful canvas.

Helena, a scruffy gray Hyena with bright green and gold eyes, came over too. "Oh, Laval. It's so beautiful. I can feel the warm sun! I can hear the wind through the trees! I can even smell the faint flowers!" Her smile beamed like a ray from Laval's painting. Behind her, Lion-O's teal eyes glimmered with pride as he nodded in agreement.

Laval smiled wider as he turned back to the masterpiece. They weren't wrong about what they said.

He'd painted a view from the top of a round mountain at sunset with trees and another mountain in the distance. The sunset bounced off of everything, down to the tree leaves (a rich emerald green) to the mountain gaining a rich earthy red color. It was so real Laval could practically step through the painting and be there.

"One day," Laval began wistfully, "I'm going to stand on a mountain top just like this one and see nothing but fiery skies and forests for miles and miles. I'll feel the wind in my fur as I spin, arms wide to embrace the setting sun." He smiled. "I'll be there one day. Just beyond the mountains."

The friends nodded as Lion-O rested his hands between Laval's shoulder blades. Ever since he was a cub, he'd wanted to know the world beyond the grayish-brown craggy mountains that surrounded the manor. The mysterious world beyond the wall. Every time, though, the answer was a firm "no" and the reason was either "Because I said so" or "The outside world is too dangerous for a cub like you. You must stay here where you're safe".

Helena twitched suddenly, jerking her head back and around. "Laval! He's coming! I hear the Speedorz!"

Laval's mind raced into near panic. "How much time do I have?" If he had some time, he could quickly put his supplies away. Of course, he'd be cutting it close again, but since when had he ever not cut things close?

"Just go!" Scomper commanded as he gathered up the galaxy-purple jar crammed with paintbrushes and the loose paint tubes resting on the table near the canvas. "We'll put your art stuff away!" Helena nodded as she gathered up the palette and raced out the door to rinse it clean.

Grinning with relief, Laval pulled off his apron and tossed it at Scomper as he bolted for the bedroom doors. "Thanks guys!" He closed the black wooden double doors and sprinted down the hall. Lion-O followed him.

Maybe this time they could make it to the main entrance and still be presentable without having to skid to a dead stop before their father. That would certainly be a nice improvement.