The Tree of Life

Kopa and the Tigers

Kion and The Day Pride (Lion Guard's new name) were peacefully patrolling the lush land of the Tree of Life. The Pridelands and the Tree of Life were finally having hardly any trouble and peace lay through all the lands, but it would soon all change. 

"Kion, Day Pride!", cried Ullu. "What is it?", asked Kion. Ullu flapped her wings urgently, "There's a male lion being attacked by a group of tigers right inside the mountain pass. It seems the lion is trying to get here!" Kion frowned, "Then let's go!" They raced off and soon came to the mountain pass. The male lion was covered in scratch marks and the tigers had him backed up against the rock wall. Kion growled, "Fuli, Azaad (Now a member of the Day Pride), protect the lion and get him out of here. Beshte, Bunga and I will go for the tigers. Anga and Ono, help where you can." Kion charged, with the rest of his team behind him. The tigers and the lion looked up in time to see Kion pounce on the lead tiger. Beshte and Bunga also began to clear the tigers, while Fuli and Azaad protected the lion. Kion swiped at their leader, a huge male tiger who was fierce and violent. The male tiger backed up, "You think you can defeat me? I killed many lions years ago in this same area. In fact I killed the King and Queen." Kion growled, "You're the one who killed Rani's parents and so many others!" The tiger laughed, "Yes I did! And now I will end you!" He sprang and knocked Kion over with his immense body. As he did so the tiger's claws tore into the young king's side, making 3 long, red and bleeding marks. Suddenly Bunga jumped out of nowhere and landed on the tiger's head. The tiger now distracted, tried to shake the honey badger off. Beshte plowed through some other tigers and they scurried off. The leader tossed Bunga off and ran off calling, "I'll be back!" Kion grimaced in pain as he stood, "Well that was lovely", he said sarcastically. He turned to the strange lion, "You okay?" The lion nodded, "Thanks to you and your friends. I'm in your debt." Fuli frowned, "Let's get you two to the Tree to heal."

They made their way to the Tree where Makini was painting a new picture. She turned and gasped, "What happened?" Kion explained the situation and Makini quickly began to apply healing vines and leaves on Kion's side and to the other lion. The wounds began to close and the bleeding began to stop. Makini took them off, "It will be tender, but it will heal." Kion got up, "Thanks Makini." He turned to the lion, "Now tell me, what is your name?" The lion smiled, "Kopa." Kion froze, K-Kopa?" Kopa tilted his head, "Yeah, is something wrong?" Kion broke into a huge smile, "Kopa! I can't believe it!" Kopa eyes looked confused, "Do I know you?" Kion grinned, "It's me, Kion!" Kopa eyes widened, "Kion!?" The two lions embraced, leaving the others confused. Kion stepped back, "Everyone I would you like you to meet my brother!" Everyone was shocked to say the least, "Brother?", squeaked out Fuli. Kion nodded, "Yes. Kopa was believed dead after he disappeared a cub. Everyone thought he was killed, including my parents. So Kopa, what actually happened?" Kopa grimaced, "The tigers you met earlier kidnapped me. Luckily I escaped, but unfortunately I had to hide for years in the jungle to keep from being found. I tried to escape multiple times, but never succeeded. Just a few month ago I finally did escape and made my way here. I heard this place was a safe place, I never imagined you would be King." Kion smiled, "Actually the family is coming down in a week, won't they be surprised!"

They all talked for a few minutes until Beshte brought up a question, "Who were those tigers anyways?" Kion eyes widened, "What day is it?" "April 7th of course", answered Azaad. Kion's mind began to race, "I have to find Rani!", he raced off and left the other watching after him.

Rani felt tears slide down her face and she sniffed. Today was the day when her parents were killed. She had turned over the diplomatic duties to Nirmala, who had understood and had taken the day off. She heard footsteps and she turned to find Kion. He laid next to Rani and nuzzled her comfortingly, "I realized what today is." Rani tried to hold it together, but the tears came. She sobbed quietly and Kion comforted her by putting his head gently over hers. After awhile Rani gathered herself and noticed that Kion had 3 new scars across his side, "Kion what happened to your side?" Kion lifted his head and looked at her gently, "Rani do you really want to know right now ?" Rani nodded, "Who did it?" Kion sighed and told her all of what had happened, but left the part about Kopa being his brother. Rani was quiet the whole time and and when he finished, she shut her eyes and tears started to run down her face, "I'm having the worst day of my life." Kion nuzzled her, "I'm sorry Rani." Rani wiped her eyes and laid her head on her paws, "So who's the lion?" Kion smiled and told her the rest. After he was finished Rani gave him a small smile, "Well there's one good part of the day." Kion gently touched his nose to hers, "I would like you to meet him, if you're up to it." Rani stood, "Sure, maybe it'll distract me for a bit." Kion smiled and stood as well, "Come on, you'll like him."

Kion introduced Kopa to Rani and the 3 of them spent the rest of the day talking and catching up. Near the end of the day The Night Pride took over and the Day Pride went to relax. Everyone went their separate ways and Kopa retired to the cave they provided for him for the night. As for Kion and Rani, went on a walk. They wandered through the land, mostly quiet. Finally they stopped and laid down on their backs in the grass to look at the stars. Kion put his paws around Rani's side, holding her gently. Rani rested her head underneath Kion's neck, sighing happily, "I used to love gazing at the stars with my parents when I was little. It was my best memory of them, I miss them...", Rani trailed off. Kion smiled, "My sister and I used to watch them together and sometimes my dad and I." Rani gazed at the stars and said absent-mindly, "What is it like to have a mom and dad?" Kion smiled, "It's normal. They're both loving and they're always there for me." Rani looked down, "I wish my parents were alive, I know I would've loved it." Kion nuzzled her, "I know this is hard for you Rani, but I'll always be here for you." Rani gave him a smile, "Thanks Kion." Kion smiled, "I love you." "I love you too", said Rani closing her eyes. They stayed like that for a little while and then soon made their way to their lair in the Tree. They cuddled for a bit and then finally Kion felt her body relax and she soon fell asleep. Kion smiled and then closed his eyes too.