The Realm Hero Chronicles: Round 2

Chapter 41: When You Cried

A/N: Okay, there will be a bit more graphic violence in this chapter than usual, so be warned.

Also, shoutout to my Amino people! The opening bit of this chapter was my first oneshot ever written for Legends of Chima! Love you all!

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The throne room was silent. Too quiet for virtually anybody that knew where the sounds came from about 90% of the time.

King Lagravis was no such exception to this, having spent years listening for even the slightest footfall (a skill like that prevented even the most stealthiest sneak out). So the fact that the throne room was this still was nothing short of both relieving and nerve-racking.

"Laval? Where are you?" The Lion King asked. He spun to his left.

What he saw startled him.

Laval (a clearly older one -- that golden harness an obvious sign) dueled an angry black-clothed figure. Blood ran freely down each other's fur and splattered on the floor. Snarling and yowling, the two combatants traded blow for blow. Swords clanged and purple energy swirled like that of a storm.

Laval clearly had the advantage, almost destroying his opponent with bursts of energy and slashes that cut deep.

Just when it looked like Laval would win, his opponent stabbed him right in the stomach.

Laval crumpled to the floor (a gold bracelet clinking) as his opponent disappeared. Lagravis rushed over, knelt, and gathered his bloodied son into his arms just like he did when Laval was a cub. He silently prayed that Laval would be alright (even with his slashed arms and legs and the stomach wound).

No heartbeat. No pulse. No breathing. Nothing. His son was dead, just like that.

"L-Laval?" Lagravis whimpered as thick tears slipped down his cheeks. "Why?"

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As soon as Lagravis woke up, he bolted down the hall to his son's room. He didn't doubt the dream, but he had to be sure.

Why Laval? Why did he die like that?

He nearly collided with the door frame, he was so anxious and so distracted. He straightened up and peeked inside the bedroom.

Sure enough, the cub was sleeping soundly. A wisp of a red mane fell slightly in front of his eyes as quiet breathing filled the moonlit room.

Certainly too young to be wearing a harness and not a gold bracelet to be seen. No cuts or bruises anywhere. Just an innocent Lion cub carefully tucked in bed and living his own little dream world.

Lagravis smiled lightly. He had no reason to worry. Laval was fine.

He crossed the floor and tucked the red wisp back with its matching brethren. Then, with the little Lion Prince still bundled in the blankets, he held his son and paternally kissed his right temple. Laval smiled faintly in his sleep, as if he knew what was going on.

As long as Lagravis breathed, Laval would be safe. He wouldn't die on the watch of his father. No one would hurt the Lion Prince! Not on his watch!

Little did Lagravis know that this promise would not be kept.

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