New Angles

Return To The Pridelands pt. 6

~Episode twenty: Return To The Pridelands~

~Part Six~

(AU; no Lion Guard competition; continued)

As they re-entered the Lair, the Guard felt the need to be quiet.

"Kion?.. are you-" Fuli found their leader right at the same time as the rest of them, and were immediately taken aback by how they found him.

Kion stood upon the rock, which he often claimed as his perch, gazing up into the cave's deformed ceiling with a subtle intensity to his expression. And as he stood there, the light from the hatch just beyond him, let in the sunlight in a heaping beam, which flooded down upon him. His brow bordered his eyes with a bold intention, leaving his scar well presented by the light of the sun.

The amber of his firm gaze reflected a shine that seemed to glow off the radiance of the daylight outside. The red of his mane and the gold of his complexion also seemed brighter, like suddenly the majesty of his chosen stance became his crowning glory. And because of the intense lighting, his well sculpted and muscly body gave them a portrait-worthy site; with each foot placed like he would in a roar. But held so nicely that way, as to leave a tender touch to their placement, which he held so effortlessly while he stood there.

The mark of the Guard almost jumped off his skin, even with the slightly dull shade of the lion's roaring head, compared to the bright shade of his hide. But still, the sun kept him showered with a brilliance that even though he may never notice, those that beheld him could look at him and be amazed.

What is that shape up there? Kion thought, having been staring at it for a while. Looks like it might be a loose stone,.. or maybe..

He breathed a tender burst of his roar that growled forth to loosen the stone, which fell and shattered on the floor near Fuli, confirming his first initial observation.

"Kion?.." Fuli addressed him again, now beginning to approach him.

And hearing her, he instantly looked down.

"Can we talk?" She asked, stopping just below him.

"Uhh,.. sure?" He answered, uncertainty ringing in his tone; even despite knowing that any time she asked him that; it was for something important.

Hopping down in three leaps, he landed beside her as she stepped over to face him.

"Everything ok, Fuli?" He asked her.

"You tell me." The cheetah answered forwardly.

Kion blinked, clearly taken aback by her counter-response.

"I'm.. not sure what you mean?" Kion replied lightly.

"You." Fuli emphasized. "We've noticed.."

"What?"

"You're not happy.. and we wanna know why." Fuli's expression remained soft, only slightly tending with each emphasis.

"What're you talking about? Of course I'm glad to be home." Kion returned.

"I'm not talking about that." Fuli shook her head. "I'm talking about how you're always a million miles away.. you're not as focused as you normally are. Where in the Pridelands are you?"

Kion's gaze lowered.

"I wish I knew." He sighed. And Fuli's gaze dropped what little intensity it had grown, as Kion strode away from her. And she couldn't help but gaze after him distraughtly, before glancing back at her friends.