The Tree of Life

A Perfect Ending

"Not a step closer Nikolai!", said Rani growling at the familiar tiger. Surprisingly all Nikolai did was set something on the ground and back away, "Give this to Kion, it will heal him." "And why should I trust you?", asked Rani suspiciously. Nikolai sighed, "You don't have choice Rani, your mate will die if he does not eat these flowers. I know I have done a lot of evil and despicable things in the past, but I want to make up for it. I know this won't come close to the pain I've caused you, but it'll help a little. Please Rani." Rani took the flowers, "I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive or forget what you have done, but if you are right about these flowers, I will at least respect you a little." Nikolai bowed, "That is all I ask for Queen Rani." Then the tiger ran and disappeared into the meadow. 

Rani trotted back to the Tree where Kion was. She gave the leaves to Makini, explaining what they would do and how she got them. Makini immediately gave them to Kion who reluctantly ate them weakly. Rani waited impatiently for Kion to heal and gradually Kion did start feeling better. After the end of the week he was still sick, but much better. Kion's family returned back to their home and Kopa went with them. Kion still couldn't move around a lot, but he wasn't dying either which was good. A few weeks past and Kion grew stronger every day. 

One day 3 weeks later he and Rani were able to take a walk around the the Tree of Life borders. As they walked they mostly kept silent, each thinking their own thoughts. Kion glances at Rani who had her eyes narrowed and her face set into a frown, "Rani what are you thinking about?" Rani looked up at him, "Just a few things, that's all. Kion do you think that Nikolai is good now?" Kion thought over the question carefully and then he answered, "I think Nikolai is on the road to healing. He has good qualities and deep inside he wants to do what's right. I even felt this when we were fighting a few months ago. He has a long road to recovery, but he'll get there eventually." Rani nodded, "I agree." 

They finished their walk and Kion went to go talk with Makini about something and Rani had some animals she had to meet as queen. She sat down on the throne rock or whatever it was called and Nirmala brought in her first guest who was a monkey who had a broken tail. After asking a few questions, Rani allowed the monkey to stay and sent him to Nirmala for healing. A few other animals passed through with the same problems, broken bones, sicknesses and even one who was paralyzed and was hoping to heal here. By the time Rani got through all the animals, the day was drawing to a close and she was exhausted. The Night Pride went out on patrol and soon all the Tree of Life was in a peaceful slumber.

The next day brought a visitor from the Pridelands, Kopa. He said that Kion and Rani were wanted there for an important announcement. So Kion and Rani both traveled back to Kion's homeland with Kopa. Kion was greeted by Jasiri and Janaj who were both happy to see him. They got to Pride Rock and Simba and Nala were there along with Kiara and Kovu. "So what did we travel all the way here for?", asked Kion curiously. "Well Kiara here can do the honors", said Simba. Kiara steppes foward, "I'm pregnant." Cheers and hugs went around as the congratulated    Kiara and Kovu. "So when are the cubs due?", asked Rani. "In a few months", said Kiara. 

Later that day Kion showed Rabi around his old homeland. All his favorite spots and interesting places. They finally ended up in the Lion Guard den. Vitani and her pack were out, so it was just them in the old den. "Wow", said Rani looking over all the paintings of Kion and his guard. Kion chuckled, "Lot of good memories, some bad, but mostly good." Rani smiled, "You did a lot here, you saved them from Scar and a lot of their dangers as well." Kion joined her near the paintings, "I did, but now my loyalties are with you know and we have done a lot too." "That we have", said Rani. Kion smiled, "Come on, I want to show you the best place to watch stars." 

Kion led her to a meadow and they laid down. "This is where all the Kings take their sons to talk or be together", said Kion. Rani started at the stars, "It's beautiful." They watched in silence for a bit until Kion said, "I love you Rani." Rani smiled, "I love you too Kion. And maybe soon you can take our son here and spend time with him." It took a minute for Rani's words to register in Kion's head, but then it clicked, "We're going to be parents?!" Rani nodded, "I found out a few days ago." Kion laughed, "That's amazing Rani! You're going to be a great mother!" "And you will be a wonderful father." 

Kion and Rani went on to have a male cub who they named, Mufasa junior, after Kion's grandfather. They also later had 2 girls named Ananda, after Rani's mom and Siara. Kiara and Kovu had one girl named, Lily and a son a few years later named Drake. The Tree of Life and the Pridelands continued to flourish under the leadership of Kion and Rani and later Kiara and Kovu after Simba and Nala passed years later. Nikolai eventually ended up living near the Tree of Life, guarding it against any enemies. Kion and Rani were grateful and even invited him over for dinner every now and then. And so the legacy of the Tree of Life and the Pridelands will love on forever.