The Lion Guard- Resurrection and Return

Chapter 25: Back, But Not Quite

Rani, Varya, and the cubs were headed in the direction towards the Tree of Life. During the journey, Rani had been constantly conflicted on her feelings for Kion. Did she really like him? If so, does he like me back? Ughhh, I don't know.  All these thoughts rang in her head until they reached their destination.

Varya: Does this place look familiar?

Rani: Thank you so much Varya! I can't thank you enough!

Varya: Anytime honey. Now, let's reunite with our friends and allies.

Meanwhile...

Tree of Life

The Night Pride, or what was left of them, were patrolling along the outskirts of the Tree of Life's domain. Even though it's in broad daylight, everyone agreed that they needed as much security as possible to ensure the disability of any possible infiltration. As they were patrolling, they were approached by a familiar white owl.

Ullu: Hoohoo! Night Pride! Night Pride!

The Night Pride were confused as to the owl's sudden excitement and anxiety.

Surak: What is it Ullu?

Ullu: I spotted some familiar looking animals outside the pass.

Baliyo: Who are they?

Ullu: You might want to see for yourselves.

The Night Pride ran to the mountain pass and when they arrived, they were dumbstruck. In front of them was their missing leader and heir, and a long lost friend.

Nirmala was brought to tears and so was Varya. They both rushed at each other and hugged each other tightly. Likewise, Baliyo surged forward to meet his supposedly lost sister and embraced her with much love and protection. They both embraced as if it were their last day alive. Surak embraced both Rani and Varya and shed a few tears as well.

When everyone settled down, Rani looked ever so slightly confused as to Nirmala's strong reaction upon landing eyes on Varya.

Rani: Nirmala?

Nirmala: Yes Rani?

Rani: Why were you extremely happy when you saw Varya?

Nirmala froze and took a deep breath.

Nirmala: Back at the time when your parents were... alive, Varya and she were extremely close friends. So close that some mistaken them as sisters. (Not by species) I was especially close with your mother long ago and so was she. That connection brought us together and our bond grew as strong if not stronger than siblings. However, that connection was destroyed and torn apart on that dreadful day. I was worried about her and her cubs. Her mate was found dead in the mountain pass soon after the inferno died down. His body was mutilated and much of his skin and fur was torn off. 

Upon hearing this, Varya broke down crying, tears pouring out in rivers. Surak whispered comforting things to her while Rani used the same method that was used on her by hugging Varya. 

Nirmala: Everyone mourned the death of the King and Queen so then Janna stepped forward to reclaim the throne as you know. Speaking of Queen Janna, she has never been the same since you went missing. She's been worried sick, and she's become so weak and desperate that she even tried to stand up to go find you. We are worried that she may not have much time left.

Rani stopped all of a sudden upon hearing Nirmala's words and then dashed through the mountain pass towards the tree, faster than a cheetah. She didn't even realize she ran past Fuli and Beshte, who just emerged from behind the entrance.