The Tree of Life

A Family Reunion

The next week Kion was on patrol with the Day Pride when Ullu alerted them, "King Kion, your family is coming!" Kion nodded, "Fuli take over would you?" Fuli nodded, "Yep, we'll be there in a bit." Kion walked to the entrance of the Tree of Life and met them, "Hey guys, good to see you!" They were hugs and greetings and then Kion led them to the Tree, where Rani came out and greeted them. Kion decided to put his plan in action, "So everyone, I have someone you would like to meet." He stepped and revealed Kopa, "Everyone this is..." "Kopa!", Simba and Nala raced to the lion and hugged him. They had recognized him, even after not seeing him since he was a cub. Kion chuckled, "Well that went well, huh Rani?" He went to nudge her, but found her gone.

Rani raced off and didn't look back. Seeing Kion's parents reunite with Kopa, it brought back so many memories of her parents. Kion's parents were a lot like hers, reminding her of their absence. Rani heard Kion shout behind her, "Rani, wait!" Rani slowed, but kept jogging. Kion caught up to her side, "Rani, what's wrong?" Rani halted, "What's wrong!?" Kion looked confused, "Rani, what is it? I don't..." "Of course you don't!", interrupted Rani. "You can't know what's it like to not have parents Kion. You can't help me on this one." Kion's face softened, "Rani..." Rani shook her head, "I need to be alone Kion, please." "Rani please..." Rani growled angrily, "I said let me be Kion, can't you see that I want to be alone. Or are you that blind to my feelings!?" Kion bowed his head, "I'll be here if you need me." He watched as Rani walked off alone.

Rani made her way to the lake and sat. She stared at the sky, "Dad, mom you there?" The figures of Sahasi and Anada, her father and mother appeared. "Rani", said her parents warmly. Rani felt tears come, " really miss you guys a lot."

Kion excused himself from his family and went to a secluded hill to talk with his grandfather, "Grandfather?" Mufasa's figure appeared, "Kion, what brings you here." Kion sat and swiped the ground, "I'm failing grandfather. I've failed Rani and I don't know what to do." "And what did you do to fail her?", asked Mufasa. Kion sighed, "She wanted to be alone and told me to leave her. I tried, but she said I must be blind to her feelings." Mufasa sighed, "Kion, Rani has never told you her whole story has she?" "No, what story?" "I will let her tell you in her own time. But let me tell you this, her anger toward you is really focused on someone else." "Who?" Mufasa began to fade, "In time Kion, in time." Kion watched as his grandfather disappeared and he stood to head back.

Kion mainly stayed quiet while his family talked and laughed. Plus they were catching up with Kopa and didn't notice that he was mostly silent the whole time. While Kion was in deep thought Kiara nudged him, "Hey little bro, something wrong? You haven't spoken once." Kion gave her a slight smile, "Just some things on my mind." Kiara nodded, "I understand, being a ruler can be tiring." Kion sighed, "Yeah it can be."

That evening everyone went on their own way. Rani had not returned and Kion went looking for. He found her staring at the sky and he slunk away without her seeing him. He walked back to the Tree to find Makini painting a new picture, "Hey Makini, watcha painting?", asked Kion curiously. Makini turned and smiled, "You and Rani." Kion smiled sadly, "Looks good, you really are doing a great job." Makini grinned, "Thanks Kion, how are you and Rani doing anyways?" Kion shrugged, "Could be better, but it'll work out somehow." Makini nodded and decided not to push, "I see. Well I better get to bed, night Kion." Makini waved and left him in the Tree. Kion curled up on the rock he and Rani shared and fell asleep.

Her parents and her were sleeping peacefully in the tree when a sound of alarm arose. Her parents jumped up and her mom herded her toward the opening. What met them outside was blood. The Nightpride were battling white tigers who were pressing forward ferociously. The lead tiger looked up and snarled, "There they are, kill them!" The tigers turned their attention on her and her parents. Surak, her uncle suddenly picked her up and fled. Rani looked back just in time to see her dad being mauled by the lead tiger and her so called "friend", biting the leg of her mom...

Kion woke up to someone whimpering and saw Rani curled up next to him. She had come in when he had fallen asleep and now she was crying out softly. Kion gently nudged her awake, "Rani, wake up." Rani started and began to hyperventilate, "Where am I!? Who are you!?" "Hey, hey slow down. You're safe", Kion nuzzled her gently and Rani began to sob, "My parents..." Kion gently licked her and comforted her as she cried. Rani gained her composure and laid her head in-between Kion's paws, "Thank you Kion." Kion smiled gently, "A bad dream?" Rani nodded, "Something like that." She didn't say anything else and Kion let it go. He watched as she fell back to sleep and finally closed his eyes to go back to sleep.

The next morning the lions all had breakfast together. Kion's parents had to go back along with Kiara and Kovu. Kopa was staying at the Tree of Life to heal and get back on his feet. Kion made sure he got a permanent cave and then went on patrol with the Day Pride. Most of the day was peaceful and calm, but trouble was brewing outside the kingdom...

"Is the team ready?", asked the lead male tiger. "Yes, Nikolai", said another tiger coming up. Nikolai growled, "It's time to end Rani's reign along with her husband. Just as I betrayed her all those years ago, I will do it again." His eyes shone with an evil glint and he grinned, the pieces were falling in place at last.