For I Am Convinced

Chapter 11

As soon as Laval got back up, he glared at Leonitarus before glancing at his broken charm, worry seeping through him. Then he glanced at the other Lions, shocked expressions on them all.

Except for Longtooth and Lo-Katar, who quickly rushed over and helped him up. "Are you hurt?" Longtooth asked.

"I'm fine." Laval smiled, but kept his voice firm.

Leonitarus smiled smugly. "Well, my son. So this is where you've been hiding."

"You kept me locked up my whole life because you hated my dad?!" Laval's anger ripped back through and if Longtooth and Lo-Katar didn't keep a firm grip on his shoulders, Laval would've mauled the guard.

"Laval?"

The voice came not from one of the Lion Guards, but rather, a Thunderan soldier. Heads spun as the guard removed his helmet, a shock of red mane tumbling out. His teal eyes glimmered in joy to match his smile.

Laval's golden-amber eyes lit up. "Lion-O!"

In two seconds, both Lions reached each other, engulfing into a tight hug. A low rumble rose from both of them, a sign of happiness as Lion-O hugged Laval so hard, the latter was dangling an inch off the ground.

Lion-O pulled back a bit, smiling as his hands rested on Laval's shoulders. "Oh, Laval. Thank heaven you're okay. Are you hurt?"

"I was concerned for you!" Laval exclaimed. "Thundera! Holy Cavora, did you use the same passage I did?!"

"Of course. But I found another tunnel that led to a massive rock wall. A few days journey later, and I arrived in Thundera." Lion-O's teal eyes were bright and shining. "I'm happy you're okay. And that you found a safe place. I can see why you wouldn't want to leave."

Laval smiled, but before he could say a word, Leonitarus' purr reached their ears. "So both of my sons are together. Delightful."

"Touch either one of them and you'll get a whipping of a lifetime!" Tygra's snarl resounded as he brandished his whip.

"Not that it matters." Leonitarus turned around, facing the two Lions. "You two think you can stop me?"

"They aren't alone." Lo-Katar growled, brandishing his spear. Several other Lion Guards stepped forward, snarling. Thunderan guards also stepped forward, growling on all sides.

With a yell, Leonitarus charged both boys, arms extended to seize them. Suddenly, a blue pulse beam flew out of nowhere, it seemed, and struck the Lion Guard. Leonitarus tumbled to the ground, limbs and nerves completely numb.

Lavertus blew the top off the blaster, clearing the smoke. "That was for 17 years of grief." Several Lion Guards moved in and promptly chained Leonitarus, dragging him away.

Laval and Lion-O both turned to each other, as if unsure of what would happen now. Teal and golden-amber eyes danced in the lantern light, full of confusion. Helena and Scomper gingerly came bounding and hugged both of them, Scomper playfully teasing Laval about him getting taller.

Their reunion was interrupted by two pairs of soft feet. Then two voices, soft and full of surprise, relief, and wonder.

"Laval?" Lagravis began.

"Lion-O?" Claudus asked.

Both Lions turned toward the kings, a fire lighting within them, as if they were recalling something from long ago.

"Father?" Lion-O asked.

"Dad?" Laval parroted.

In one moment, fathers and sons collided in an embrace full of warmth. Claudus had to bend slightly to accommodate Lion-O's height, despite his son being tall himself. Lagravis tightly held Laval, bringing his hand up to the nape of Laval's neck, holding him tighter. Silver droplets rolled over four pairs of beautiful eyes.

Lagravis pulled his son back, eyes glimmering. "Laval, it's really you! I don't believe this, I thought I'd never see you again. And you were within the temple for all those weeks! Why didn't you tell me who you really were?"

Laval let his smile slip a little. "I was afraid Leonitarus would find me. And that if he did, he'd take me away again and I'd be alone again. All those years of being alone, afraid that I wouldn't be a worthy son, it did something to me." Laval took a deep breath. "I know I'm not perfect. I'm reckless and stubborn, but I'm brave and my heart's in the right place. I'm not perfect, but I'll strive to be the perfect son and prince that you want me to be."

Lagravis smiled, resting his hands on Laval's shoulders. "I couldn't ask you to be perfect. Unlike Leonitarus, it doesn't matter to me what you can do. Don't strive for the perfection you think I need. I'm already looking at perfection." Golden eyes softened. "Laval, I love you for you. Nothing will take my love away."

"For I am convinced," Laval whispered, eyes shining once again. For the first time, he truly felt loved by a parent. This realization was like a flood, sweeping him away in warmth and hope.

Lagravis turned to Claudus and Lavertus, eyes softening to a level apologetic. "I don't know where to begin, brother. You too, Claudus. I've wronged you both for so many years."

"I'm just glad Laval and Lion-O are safe. Had they not escaped, we wouldn't have known." The Lord of the Thundercats nodded at the two princes.

Lagravis' smile faded. "I just hope you can find it within your hearts to forgive me one day."

Claudus' eyes flickered to Lion-O and Tygra, who shared a brief hug before Tygra was introduced to Laval, Helena, and Scomper.

With a thick sigh, Claudus turned back to them. "I will forgive you, Lagravis, if you will forgive me for the harm I caused you by blaming my son's abduction on you."

"It will be done," Lagravis answered. He then faced Lavertus. "Brother--"

"I forgave you already." Lavertus let a smirk slip across his face. "As soon as I saw Laval in the manor, I forgave you. But now that he's here, the question is, will he take me as an uncle?"

"Wait, what?" Laval asked, eyes wide.

"Sure am, Laval. This here is my brother, but you can call him Dad." Lavertus roped Lagravis into a one-arm hug from the side.

Laval's smile, already wide, grew wider. "Really? I'll take you both!" He rushed forward, wrapping his arms around each of them. "This is the best day of my life!" The hope and joy within him blossomed into levels of unknown delight.

After years and years of searching, Laval was finally home.