The Lion Guard- Resurrection and Return

Chapter 24: Lost in Time

Rani: H-How?! Where have you been?

Varya: It's a long story, so I better start.

Varya sat down and her cubs rested beneath her paws.

Varya: When you were a young cub, your parents and I were great friends. I was like a sister to your mother, the queen, and we would help each other a lot. Life was great until one day, when everything would change forever. The day... your parents died.

Rani began to tear up after hearing that. Varya took one look at her and went to comfort her. She placed a paw around Rani for comfort and hugged her lightly.

Varya: I remember it as if it were yesterday. That dreadful night, I was sleeping with my cubs in my den. Then, I awoke to the sound of screaming and the smell of smoke. I carefully exited the den, without waking the youngens, and what I saw terrified me to the very depths of my soul. There was a great inferno, larger and more devastating than any other fire I had ever seen in my life, and it had the Tree of Life ablaze. In the midst of the scene, I saw your father lying motionless on the ground and your mother at the mercy of one unknown male lion. There was another one present, but he was engaging the Night Pride. However, the other lion slit your mother the queen's throat. I ran to help your parents and the tree, but by then, it was too late. Your parents had completed their journey in the Circle of Life. I was about to help the Night Pride fight the intruders when I heard screams of terror that I knew right away. Realization struck me and I dashed to my den where I saw two lions cornering my young cubs and were about to kill them. I fought them off but I was clearly outmatched and was about to die when...

Varya trailed off after that. She then began to lightly shed tears of her own, and so did her cubs.

Rani: When what?

Varya: When my mate, Kito, hit the other lion away. He then told us to run away, out of the Tree of Life territory. I was about to protest, but I knew he was right. I grabbed my cubs and dashed to the mountain pass. Kito trailed us and was checking back to confirm our escape. We made it out of the mountain pass, and I was about to question what we were going to do when I noticed the absence of my mate. I told my cubs to stay put and I dashed to the mountain pass. When I was there, I heard scream of pain and agony that I would notice anywhere. I turned a corner and saw my mate struggling with three lions in a gory battle. The lions seemed unphased, but Kito was covered in scrapes and deep cuts, which leaked blood like a river. I was horrified and was about to interfere when Kito stopped me. He said to me "Go! I'll be fine! Save yourself and our children. I love you and I always will. Remember me and that I will always be with you. Now Go!" As I ran away in tears, I heard the agonizing and blood piercing screams as my mate was mangled and killed. Thus, my cubs and I fled and became nomadic. We never stayed in one place too long, for we feared that the same lions may return. However, we soon let go of that fear and tried to find a permanent home.

After the storytelling by Varya, it was Rani's turn to comfort her. Rani offered her support and Varya gratefully accepted. They stayed there for a while when Varya popped a question.

Varya: What are you doing here? You aren't at the Tree of Life.

Rani: Long story short, Scar was resurrected. The same lions who murdered my parents have returned alongside him and they have an entire army planning on destroying the Tree of Life. Kion and the Lion Guard arrived beforehand for healing. Kion saved the Tree of Life once. After that, he was kidnapped, and I was abducted soon after. We were held hostage for a while until we escaped due to Kion glowing with a bright light. I think he possesses some mysterious power inside him that allows him to destroy things.

Varya looked at Rani with a shocked look on her face.

Rani: Anyways, Kion and I were fleeing from Scar's army when we crossed paths with you and you know what occurred after that.

Rani tried her best to hold back tears.

Varya: What's wrong honey?

Varya gave her a sympathetic and maternal look.

Rani: I'm just worried for Kion. My grandmother said that he was our only hope to defeating Scar and saving the tree. I just hope we can save him soon.

Varya: I saw Kion and I can tell that he is a great lion. I have also seen the way you and Kion fought side by side and you guys are a perfect duo.

Rani: What do you mean?

Varya: Haven't you noticed yet? You too should be together!

Rani: W-W-What! Surely not!

Varya: It's obvious you sincerely care for him Rani. Just admit it.

Rani rolled her eyes in defeat and sighed.

Rani: Fine. I do have a crush on Kion, but he doesn't like me back. We're only just friends.

Varya: Suit yourself.

Both felines sat in silence until Varya resumed the familial conversation.

Varya: How are you going to get home Rani?

Rani: I don't know. I don't even know where I am let alone how to get back!

Rani broke down in tears once more.

Varya: Don't be hopeless honey. I know the way to the Tree of Life from here.

Rani looked up from her position into Varya's eyes, her eyes filled with hope and potential.

Rani: You do?!

Varya: Indeed. My cubs and I can guide you there. Besides, we might consider revisiting our old home.

Rani gave her a huge hug, filled with love and gratitude.

Rani: Thank you so much Varya!

Varya: You're very welcome sweetheart. Now let's get going! We must hurry if we are to arrive before Scar.

And so, Rani, Varya and her cubs journeyed toward the Tree of Life, in hopes of defeating Scar and unlocking the key to defeat him.

Finally, another chapter is out. I deeply apologize to everyone for the +3 week wait. I was super busy with school and stuff and I was conflicted on several plots. But now I am back on track!

3k reads is crazy! Thank you all for the support on my book. If you want to give me any feedback or suggestions on plot twists, book ideas, or new characters, feel free to message me or comment!

Until next chapter! Peace!