A/N: Thank you for the reviews. Ch 21 coming at ya. Enjoy and as always see ch 1 for disclaimer.

Ch 21 The Power of Love

"We can't say for sure if you will be allowed to return Kion," Ahadi said, looking at his great-grandson. Kion was about to say something. But just then a very bright light appeared and Ahadi and Uru looked over. "We have to go Kion," Ahadi said, looking at Uru, who nodded.

"Go where?" Kion asked, wrinkling his brow in confusion.

"Don't worry dear one," Uru said, giving her great-grandson a nuzzle. "All will be revealed shortly." With that Uru and Ahadi vanished, leaving a very confused Kion to wonder what was going to happen.

TLKTLKTLK

Meanwhile back at Pride Rock Simba had regained consciousness. "Oh Simba you had us so worried," Nala cried, nuzzling her mate.

"We thought we were going to lose you for a minute there buddy," Timon chimed in.

"I'm sorry I worried you guys," Simba said, a hint of guilt to his voice.

"We're just glad you're awake now," Pumbaa said with a smile.

"I have a feeling I won't be the only one," Simba said, smiling down at his still unconscious son. "You're gonna be just fine my brave boy," Simba whispered, nuzzling Kion while oblivious to the worried looks his family and friends were exchanging.

"Daddy that's not..." Kiara began. But she was stopped by Nala putting her paw on her daughter's shoulder and shaking her head. But Simba had heard Kiara's comment and responded.

"I know you guys probably think I'm losing my mind," the golden King said. "But trust me I have it on very good authority that Kion will come back to us. Rafiki can back me up." Simba looked at the old mandrill when he said this part. But it wasn't Rafiki who responded.

"Ah yes!" Busara piped up, surprising everyone. "De Great Kings and Queens are tinking vedy hard about dis. But nothing has been decided just yet."

"So we could get Kion back?" Nala asked, her blue eyes lighting up.

"Like I said my dear," Busara said. "Nothing has been decided just yet. So I would not get yer hopes up in case dey do not grant yer wish."

"So a bunch a dead lions are gonna decide if Kion lives or not?" Bunga asked, scratching his head in confusion.

"None of this is making any sense," Fuli chimed in, with a shake of her head. Just then the young cheetah felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking over she saw Busara standing there.

"Ah de Great Kings and Queens are indeed a mysterious group," the female mandrill declared as she put her arm around Fuli and Bunga and pulled them close.

"Ah yes dey are indeed," Rafiki said suddenly appearing beside Beshte and Ono. The wise old monkey guided the young hippo and egret towards their other friends. Once they were close enough Rafiki and Busara put their arms around the Guard members and looked up. Then suddenly Rafiki spoke again, "Have you four been praying to de Great Kings and Queens?"

"Uh well actually no I uh haven't," Ono stammered, slightly embarrassed.

"Yeah me either," Beshte admitted.

"Well its not like they'd listen to us," Bunga put in.

"Yeah," Fuli chimed in. "I mean don't they just answer lions' prayers?"

"De Great Kings and Queens are not just lions you know," Busara informed the group of youngsters. "Dey are all de leaders from all species of animal. Dey answer all de animals prayers."

"Yes dat is vedy true," Rafiki said with a nod. "Are you all willing to try." Rafiki looked at the young animals when he said this part.

"Of course we are," Fuli declared.

"Yeah we'd do anything for Kion," Ono put in.

"Den do it," Rafiki said, poking the Guard members with his stick.

"Ok ok geeze we're doin' it," Bunga muttered, rolling his eyes.

"What should we say?" Beshte asked.

"Just say what is in yer hearts," Busara said.

"Ok here goes," Beshte said, taking in a deep breath. "Um Great Kings and Queens please spare our friend Kion. He's so badly needed here and he does so much good for everyone he meets. The Pride Lands need him. And...well...I...need him to. He's one of my best friends. I...I don't know what I'd do without him. So please don't take him. Please." With those words Beshte felt the tears come out of his blue eyes and he allowed them to come down his face, knowing no one would think badly of him for crying.

"Ok I guess I'll go next," Ono said softly. "Ok here goes: Oh Great Kings and Queens of the Past I humbly ask for you to spare our friend Kion. He has so much to live for: his family, his friends. Especially his Guard. And I'm not saying that to be selfish. Because like Beshte said Kion does so much good for the Pride Lands and I...I don't think we can do it without him. He's such a good lion. Always sees the best in just about everyone. So please find it your hearts to let him live. Thank you." With that Ono took a shaky breath as the tears soaked into his feathers.

"Ok my turn," Bunga said. "Hey there Great Kings and Queens, Bunga here. But I guess you already knew that. And you already know my buddy Kion is real bad off. And Ono and Beshte pretty much already said Kion's great leadership skills. But what you may not know is that Kion's been my best friend ever since I can remember. He's like my brother. Please don't take my brother from me. I...well I...need him here. He...he always keeps me in line and all that stuff. So just don't take him alright? Thanks." Bunga stopped there as the tears that were coming down his face prevented him from saying more.

"Ok Fuli your turn," Beshte said, turning towards his cheetah friend.

"No I'm good thanks," Fuli said.

"Oh c'mon Fuli we all did it," Bunga said with a roll of his eyes.

"Yeah there's no judgement here," Ono put in.

"Don't you want Kion to get better?" Bunga asked, giving Fuli a look.

"Of course I do!" Fuli shouted, startling her friends. "I'd give anything for Kion to be alright," she continued in a much softer voice. "But I've gotta be realistic here. Kion's most likely not gonna make it. I..I just don't wanna get my hopes up in case it doesn't work."

"You never know until you try," Ono said gently.

"Yes I do know," Fuli snapped, causing Ono to jump. "I know praying doesn't work. It didn't work when my parents died and it won't work now. So why even bother trying?" By now Fuli's voice cracked and she angrily wiped away the tears that were escaping her forest green eyes. Busara put her arm around the young cheetah and gave it a comforting squeeze. "I..I don't think I can take losing someone else I care about," Fuli whispered as the tears fell. "Kion's gotta get better. He's just gotta." With that Fuli began to cry softly. Her friends went to her and comforted her the best they could. But it was hard to do this when they also needed comforting. Busara and Rafiki watched the scene with great sadness. The father and daughter looked up, both of them silently praying that Kion would be spared.

TLKTLKTLK

Meanwhile on the other side Kion was anxiously awaiting news about his fate. Just then Ahadi and Uru reappeared. "Great Grandfather what's going on?" Kion asked, approaching Ahadi and Uru. "Have the Great Kings and Queens made a decision?"

"Yes Kion we have," Uru said with a nod. But the brown coated lioness said no more.

"Well?" Kion asked trying not to snap. "Do I get to go back?" Ahadi and Uru looked at each other then back at Kion. Then they said

A/N well there you have it folks ch 21 complete. Hope you all enjoyed it. Let me know in a review please.