The Tree of Life

The Past

Rani felt badly and she asked Kion to walk with her the next day. "I want to apologize about last night Kion, you were trying to help me and I pushed you away. Will you forgive me?" Kion stopped to face her, "Rani I will always forgive you and listen. Please know that I will always be here for you, no matter what." "I'm not ready to talk about...my parents, but I appreciate your support." Kion was about to say something when Ullu flew frantically toward them, "It's the tigers your majesties! They're back with a whole slew of them!" Kion and Rani raced to the battle and as they neared, they heard sounds of shouts and cries. "Rani, be careful!", shouted Kion as he tackled a tiger. 

The Day Pride, Night Pride and other stronger animals fought ferociously. Nikolai led the charge, aiming for Rani. Rani snarled, "You made a mistake Nikolai." Nikolai laughed, "Just like how you made a mistake Queen Rani? Or did you forget that quick?" "Rani don't listen to him!", cried Kion who was fighting another tiger. Nikolai was in her head now and Rani couldn't shake it. Kion realized what was happening and he shouted, "Everyone retreat! Bunga get Rani!" Everyone followed his orders and Bunga scooped Rani before Nikolai could sink his canines in her neck. Kion planted his feet and Nikolai became confused, why was the young king doing that? Did he really think that he could scare him? "Ha! Trying to scare me? Ooh I'm so scared!", Nikolai mocked. Bunga smirked, that tiger didn't know what was coming for him. Kion took a deep breath and the clouds gathered behind him. Nikolai's eyes furrowed, what was going on? Kion then let out his roar, a roar that gathered all the tigers and threw them away to who knows where. For a few seconds, the whole Tree of Life was quiet, in awe of the Kion and the roar. Then Bunga shouted, "Let's go!" As if on cue, cheers erupted and all the animals congratulated each other. Kion went over to where Rani was and nuzzled her, "Hey." Rani smiled, "We did it, Nikolai is gone." Kion winked, "Of course we did, we are the ultimate team." "That you are!", said Makini. The celebrations went on for the rest of the night, but farther away from the festivities a more meaningful moment was happening.

Rani and Kion slipped away after awhile to have their own private walk. "I think I'm ready Kion." "Are you sure?", asked Kion. Rani nodded, "Just please don't interrupt me, I don't think I can get through this if I have to stop." Kion nodded, "I'm all ears." Rani took a deep breath and began her story,

"I was about 10 when it happened, give or take a few years. My parents were rulers at the time and I was free to go where I pleased, as long as I stayed in the borders. Well one day I was walking near the border line when a young tiger met me,

"Hello there", Rani turned her head to see a young tiger. "Uh, hi. Can I help you?" The tiger chuckled, "Oh no, I was just taking a stroll. And you are?" "Princess Rani", said Rani cautiously. The young tiger smiled, "Nikolai at your service your majesty." "What are you doing here in these parts?", asked Rani. "My pack is traveling, but one of my cousins is hurt. We are staying for awhile to let my cousin heal properly." "Oh, well you could always bring him here to heal." "It's okay, he's healing fine. Though I wouldn't mind getting a tour." Rani smiled, "Follow me. 

"Rani sighed, "So I gave him a tour and we became fast friends, which would cost me down the road. He and I hung out the rest of the week, though no one else knew about him. Finally after 2 weeks passed, he betrayed me. That night I was walking with him when he said something strange,

"Rani, do you think we could have been friends if we grew up in the same world?" Rani was confused, "Nikolai we are friends, right now, in this world." Nikolai sighed, "I suppose we are. I have to go Rani, my parents need me tonight, we are leaving tomorrow." "So soon?" "My cousin is healed and the plan is set." "You will have to come back then." Nikolai smiled sadly, "Perhaps, but I don't think I would be welcome." "Why not, you'll always be welcome as long as I am here." "Well we'll have to see, goodbye Rani." "Bye Nikolai", Rani said as she watched him go.

Nikolai trotted back to where his pack was and met with his father, "Nikolai is it all set?" "Yes father...but do we have to do this?" His father growled, "The Tree of Life shall fall tonight, I am ashamed of your hesitation." He struck Nikolai across the cheek, his claws leaving a scar, "You will never hesitate, understand? You are a tiger, tigers kill and that's what you are." Nikolai narrowed his eyes, hate burning toward his father and everyone he knew, including Rani, "Yes father, I understand." His father nodded, "Good, now go." Nikolai bowed and stalked away, he was no longer the young tiger, his heart was now cold and icy. He would carry out his orders and become the most feared tiger in his pack.

Rani stopped, "The only way I know of this conversation is from a old tiger friend of mine. He wasn't part of the pack, but happened to overhear as he was trotting by. He told me years later...I think Nikolai was good, but his father made sure he wasn't." "I think you're right", said Kion speaking up for the first time. Rani nodded, "I wonder if he could ever be turned?" Kion shrugged, "Everyone has the chance, but only if they take it." Rani pawed the ground where they lay, "I'm getting tired and I...don't feel up to the rest of the story." Kion nudged her softly, "Let's get home Rani." They walked back where the animals had now all turned in for the night. The Night Pride was back on duty and the Tree of Life was safe for now.