The Lion Guard- Resurrection and Return

Chapter 21: Imprisoned

Rani awoke to darkness engulfing her. She was unsure of where she was or what to do. She tried to get up, but her legs didn't allow her too. At least the venom wore off though.

Rani: Where am I? How did I get here?

Rani grasped her head with her right paw, holding it tightly.

Cheka: I think we can answer those questions for you.

Rani: What?! Who's there?

Rani then heard the sound of something hard being pushed aside. Then, a blinding light pierced the darkness of Rani's environment, and she could see her surroundings. She observed that she was in a cave or large den that had a rock blocking the entrance. There was nothing in the cave but her and a few leaves scattered around.

At the entrance, two lions with dark fur entered the cave and stood in front of Rani. On their countenances were looks of pride and dominance.

Rani's face immediately paled, and tears started to form in her eyes. Despite these feelings, she growled and tried to stand, however, she immediately collapsed due to her energy levels.

Rani: What do you want with me?

Cheka: We wanted to answer your questions and furthermore allow to "permanently" visit your friend.

Rani: Haven't you already tortured me enough?!

Uovu: Ehh... Not really.  Both lions smirked evilly and dragged a struggling Rani who was flailing and screaming in terror.

She was dragged into yet another cave and thrown against the floor. Then another huge rock was pushed in the way, blocking the entrance and allowing darkness to emerge once more. However, a little sliver of light passed through, illuminating the dark cave.

She saw another horrifying sight with the dim light piercing the darkness. She saw another familiar lion lying down next to her. The lion was covered in cuts and scratches and some dry blood. The lion had golden fur and a fire red mane which Rani could only identify as one particular lion.

Rani: K-Kion?

Kion didn't move to her voice and just lay there, motionless.

Rani started to panic and saw that he was barely breathing. He was taking very short breaths and at short intervals.

Rani started thinking of what to do next. She was thinking for a while until she thought of the only reasonable thing to do at the time. She lay her head on her legs, curled up into a ball, and soon fell asleep.

The next day she woke up and luckily, there was still some light illuminating the darkness of the cave. She looked to her side to see Kion still motionless.

She sighed and was thinking about going back to sleep when Kion shifted and slowly opened his eyes. She gasped as she saw him awake and stared at his muscles and his mane. It was beautiful!

She snapped out of it and concentrated on the current situation.

Rani: How are you feeling Kion?

Kion looked up and saw one of the last animals he would ever expect to see.

Kion: W-What are you doing here? What happened?

Rani sighed and reluctantly explained the situation.

Rani: It started a day or two after you went missing. Scar led an attack on the Tree of Life from south entrance. In the midst of the battle, I was bit by a komodo dragon and immobilized. Taking the advantage, the dragons dragged me away and brought me here. I blacked out before I was able to comprehend where I was being transported to. What's your story?