lion guard: World War I

Chapter Four: Sacrifice

The air was thick with the smoke of battle, and the once-thundering roars had dwindled to scattered cries. Kion lay wounded on the battlefield, struggling to keep his eyes open, the pain from his injury radiating through his body. He could feel his strength fading, but he tried to focus, desperate to hold on.

Pride fought his way through the chaos, scanning for any sign of his friend. His heart pounded as he finally spotted Kion, lying motionless amidst the debris. Without a second thought, he sprinted over, crouching beside Kion and nudging him awake.

"Kion! Hang in there," Pride whispered urgently, his voice cracking with worry. "I've got you."

Kion's eyes fluttered open, a weak smile forming on his face as he recognized his friend. "Pride... you came back for me?"

"Of course I did," Pride replied, determination burning in his eyes. "I'm not leaving you here, no matter what."

But before Pride could lift Kion, he sensed danger closing in. A group of enemy lions was advancing, and they had already noticed the two young soldiers. Pride's expression turned grim as he realized what he had to do.

"Kion," he said quietly, his voice steady, "I need you to stay low. I'll hold them off."

Kion's eyes widened in alarm. "No! Pride, you can't—"

"You have to survive, Kion," Pride interrupted, his gaze fierce. "You're going to make it out of here. I'll make sure of it."

Before Kion could protest, Pride sprang to his paws, positioning himself between Kion and the oncoming enemies. He fought with everything he had, each roar echoing with defiance, each strike a testament to his loyalty. Pride knew he was outnumbered, but he didn't falter. His only thought was to protect his friend, no matter the cost.

Kion, too weak to stand, watched helplessly as Pride fought. Tears blurred his vision as he realized the sacrifice his friend was making. "Pride... no..."

With one final, powerful roar, Pride held his ground, buying just enough time for reinforcements to arrive and push back the enemy. But by then, it was too late. Pride lay motionless, his body still and his gaze fixed on the horizon.

As the medics arrived, Kion was gently lifted and carried to safety. His heart ached, and he fought to keep his composure, but the weight of Pride's sacrifice weighed heavily on him.

Back at the medic tent, Kion lay silent, the loss of his friend filling him with grief and gratitude. Scenic approached, placing a steady paw on Kion's shoulder. "He saved you, Kion. He gave everything so you could live."

Kion nodded, his voice barely a whisper. "I'll honor him, sir. I'll make sure his sacrifice wasn't in vain."

In the days that followed, Pride's memory lived on in Kion's heart, a constant reminder of courage, loyalty, and the price of friendship. Kion vowed to carry that spirit with him, no matter where the war would take him.
                                                                                             Weeks had passed since the battle, and though Kion's physical wounds were slowly healing, the ache in his heart remained. Pride's absence left an emptiness that no amount of time seemed able to fill. Finally, with the strength he'd gathered, Kion made his way to the memorial grounds, determined to say goodbye.

Standing in the quiet shade, Kion approached Pride's tombstone, tracing his friend's name carved into the stone. "Pride: A True Friend, A Brave Soldier." Seeing it in writing made everything feel so real, and the dam he'd built to hold back his grief finally broke. His body shook as he knelt before the stone, tears streaming down his face.

"I'm sorry, Pride... I don't even know where to start," Kion whispered. "You were always there for me. You saved my life, but... I wasn't able to save yours."

He lowered his head, the sobs he'd tried so hard to contain finally escaping him. "We were supposed to get through this together. You were like my brother. I miss you so much..."

As he spoke, the air around him grew still, and a faint glow appeared above him. Wiping his eyes, Kion glanced up—and his heart skipped a beat. There, among the clouds, Pride's face began to form, shining with a warm, gentle light that only Kion could see. Pride's gaze was kind and filled with pride, just as it had been in life.

"Kion," Pride's voice echoed softly, filling the air around him. "I'm still with you, buddy."

Kion's eyes widened, his tears falling faster. "Pride... I—how is this...?"

Pride's image in the sky smiled gently. "You don't have to say anything, Kion. I know what's in your heart." His voice was calm, soothing, as if he could see all of Kion's sorrow and was holding it for him.

Kion reached a paw toward the sky, his voice breaking. "I'm so sorry, Pride... I should've done more. I should've been stronger."

"Kion," Pride interrupted, his tone gentle but firm. "Don't blame yourself. You were brave, and you've always been strong. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way." Pride's eyes shone with warmth. "You're going to be alright, Kion. I know you'll make me proud."

Kion's heart ached, but hearing Pride's words brought a small comfort. "I'll try... I promise I'll live for both of us now. I'll be the lion you always believed I could be."

"You already are, Kion," Pride said softly. "Just remember, I'll be with you. Every step of the way."

The clouds began to fade, Pride's face slowly dissolving back into the sky. "Goodbye, Kion. You've got this... and I'm so proud of you."

As Pride's image disappeared, a sense of peace settled over Kion's heart. He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his grief lessen, replaced by a quiet strength. Looking back at Pride's tombstone one last time, Kion whispered, "Thank you, Pride... for everything. I'll make you proud. I promise."

With those final words, Kion turned and walked away, carrying Pride's memory in his heart, a constant reminder of the love, courage, and sacrifice that would guide him through the days to come.