CH.19: Bringing forth peace pt 4
Makini did not leave Rani's side the entire time since Kion had delivered her. It was a long and strenuous process and Makini was pouring all of her sweat and training into keeping Rani from slipping away. The entire population of the Tree of Life were fraught with anxious nerves and few could sleep leading to some frayed and easily tense situations.
Also with Beshte gone and Nirmala still treating patients back in the Pride Lands they were down two members for the Night Pride. Chuluun was nearing her date where she would be delivering and Baliyo had barely slept once as he was at her beck and call. Time truly had past and Makini found herself nodding off when she heard something that kept her heavy lids from succumbing to a much needed nap.
"Makini…where am I?" Makini clapped with joy noting that Rani had indeed awoken a sight for sore eyes indeed.
"Your Majesty…you are awake…thank goodness. You had us all worried, in fact, Kion wouldn't leave your side for a bit but he was kind of called away for some rescue mission so he has been away for a bit. However I will send for him at once-."
"I guess I'm back home…which means…Kion got us here." Makini laughed a bit realizing she might have forgot to answer her question.
"Kion did his roar and transported you both here and the roar answered. I was a bit surprised when he appeared at such a frightening speed. However the Tree of Life has healed you…and honestly I haven't slept a wink-."
"Makini, please, slow down some…if not for my sake then yours. I feel like I've been sleeping for such a long time, but, last thing I remember was talking to Kion about his decision on staying in the Pride Lands-."
"I think it is a good thing he didn't decide to stay," Makini smiled as she saw Nirmala enter. She was a sight for sore eyes and she found herself misting up in the eyes. It was so good to see everyone back.
"Nirmala…have you finished your task then?" Makini watches as the older female walks in and she sits on her haunches a few feet from them.
"Everyone has been healed and tended to and most of them have found the strength to go back to their home or to what it was they were doing before the battle. Rafiki gave me permission to leave, however, there was something I needed to talk over with the King and Queen prior to my departure."
Makini looks to Rani but she was just as dumbfounded. The two females found Nirmala's attention behind her and that was when they saw…her. True enough Makini seemed to recall her name and only having met her a number of times.
"I would like you two to meet my mate, Zuri, kind of the reason I was gone for a bit. I wanted to make things official and I also needed permission to take Zuri back to the Tree of Life with me."
"It is a pleasure to be here…I hope it is alright," Zuri approaches as she bows her head and Makini looks to Rani who is just recovering.
"You are more than welcome to stay here Zuri…we would be honored to have you here. Also the fact that you are important to Nirmala, so, welcome." Makini watches as Zuri looks to Nirmala and the two of them share a look before leaving, no doubt for Nirmala to show her around.
"Wow your Majesty…you handled that so well." Makini joined her Queen who attempted to get up but Makini was there for her to lean on.
"Are we talking about the fact that two females are together or the fact that I am just recovering so going back to my job so quickly was quite a feat?" Makini opened her mouth and quickly closed it to which Rani laughed.
Makini took a bit before she realized her situation and laughed as well. The two of them laughed a bit before the room became quiet.
Rani studies Makini a bit but for some reason her mind had yet to focus since waking up so for now she let it slide, focusing her thoughts on reflection for now.
"My parents wanted me to rule with an open mind for there would always be things I would not understand but that all walks of life are welcome at the Tree of Life…so long as they are good and pure of heart. I keep thinking of back then how I was quick to banish Kion and you without even knowing your story, your struggles and what it took just to get here. I would like to think that I have…matured since those days."
"Oh yes your Majesty you have, I mean Rani…and I don't hold it against you what happened back then, and, I am certain Kion doesn't as well. Should I let the others know you are better?"
Rani nods her head but takes notice of something that she probably hadn't before but it was so much clearer now. "Makini…you are glowing!"
"Uh, I don't quite follow…lest I wound up with some fireflies on me, cause that has happened before-."
"Makini, there are no fireflies on you…in fact the term glowing applies to someone who is, well, pregnant." Rani hoped not to say this too loud to startle or embarrass her.
"I-I am? Huh, well, I have been having these uncontrollable urges to eat of late and come to think of it I have been throwing up…oh my god I am pregnant. Should I feel happy about this or distressed? Am I even ready to be a mother?"
Rani attempts to get up and stumbles a bit but even as Makini reaches out to her Rani stops her with a raised paw. "Makini…birth happens to be part of the Circle of Life, for much like death one is brought into the world…and at another their time comes to an end and are taken away. You should celebrate this news with Adnan for I am certain he will want to know."
"Oh yeah, I should tell him…thank you Rani. Should I tell Nirmala though?" Rani considers this and nods her head. It would probably be best to let the healer know and take it from there, it was mostly an observation on her part.
Rani watches Makini head off and she wonders if she will be like that one day when, oh, right…there was that. Rani looks distant then…given it was just her in there she ponders how she can tell Kion…or rather when she would tell him.
Akili was flying so high and abroad and honestly that battle in the Pride Lands was gnarly but also so extreme. He was flying alongside Anga who appeared to have warmed up to him, which, really was incredible. She wasn't much for talking so their flights were often quiet but even so their wings were practically brushing and at times he even caught her smiling.
"You have come a long way since being a misfit," he turned his head noting that she was speaking to him.
"Oh yeah, totally, I mean right on." He nods his head as right now they were floating with the wind guiding them along.
"And in that time I feel like we have gotten to learn more about one another…even grown accustomed to the others mannerisms; that is, well, you have grown familiar to me."
Anga was blushing which was also something rare but it was a good look on her. Anga and him had kept the skies clear and even fought against that Z fellow, guy who killed Zazu. Well…the fight had turned deadly but they won out against him, no idea where Z wound up…maybe he was blasted away by the roar of the Guard and such.
"Anga…I know I am still a new face at the Tree of Life…but…do you think it is possible we share a nest together, um, or wherever it is you nest?" Akili watches her as she swoops below him and she somehow winds up connecting their talons together.
"How far are you willing to fall for me? I haven't been prone to romance like the rest of my friends and I have held out this long, but, if you are willing to take the plunge…I want to test that and see just how far."
Akili felt their altitude drop quite quickly and they were already high up. At the moment their descent was almost guaranteed and he felt the two of them spinning end over end…lest one of them pulled out they would surely be markings on the floor below.
"Heh, so, it has come down to this right? Well I never did back down from a challenge and if you want me to prove myself…let us see who will pull out first." Akili saw the world around him turn many colors and he felt exhilaration set in.
"Well now…even with the speed of our descent and our predicament…you are certainly proving to be quite a match. However I have yet to separate so lest you find a way to push me away-."
"I have no intention of pushing you away; in fact, I intend to fall with you till the very end. The first moment I laid my eyes on you was the moment I was lost…spiraling as I am now, this feeling so similar to that day. I know I come off as a bit airheaded or down to earth but my heart is always in the sky, and, I am hoping there is enough room for the two of us."
Akili can see the ground coming close but that is when she kisses him, or, well what their kind did to share intimacy. He drew her closer to him with his wings and turning them at the last second takes the brunt of the fall with his back rather than both of them getting hurt. It truly hurt though, on his part, and he lay there after rolling a bit, she was atop him.
"W-Why would you do such a thing? You should have pulled up…or…should have at least let me take the fall as well-."
"Heh, well, that is the thing about love…sometimes you do crazy things…or hurtful things, ugh, if it isn't too much trouble…can you get off me now-?"
Akili heard her laugh and he raised a brow but she appeared to be blushing. "You fell for me, and, looks like I fell for you…" He laughs a bit as they nuzzle and lay there a bit, wings enfolded around each other as they share a rare moment of being grounded…together.
Fuli and Jax were out on patrol with Azaad who was earning his place among them. King Kion and Queen Rani had assigned the two an observatory role to ensure that Azaad would be fit to stay at the Tree of Life even after his act of violence. Fuli knew that Jax was increasingly tense so he often hung back ready to pounce at a moments notice.
"So…Fuli, about Azaad's behavior, I do wish to apologize for how things went down. I am very relieved that you survived your fall-."
"Azaad, the less you talk…the easier this will be. I get it…you went down a slippery slope…however you also have to understand that you hurt me deeper than any enemy we have come across. You should have been upfront with me about your discomfort or the very least talked it out longer than heading off and joining up with MD-."
"What would you have done in Azaad's place?" He looked at her and she can see that in those features he was entirely different than a long time ago when he was so free and her friend.
"I would never have joined him, never turned my back on what matters most. Yes I turned you away, but, let us not forget you left first. How long was I to wait? Also have you not forgot trying to bring down an entire mountain down atop Jax whom trusted you? How is it so hard to be friends when we were friends to begin with-?"
"You were never just a friend to Azaad…it was much deeper…I just never had the strength to come forward with said feelings. It may take quite a long time for Azaad to be ok with this, so, if it is silence you wish…silence can be granted."
Fuli swallows hard but knows that this might be for the best. Going back to what they once were, well, in her mind…might be troublesome. Azaad may never return to who he was and so long as he did what he needed to do…when the time was right he would either stay or leave, that would be his choice upon earning the trust of the King and Queen.
The rest of the patrol went as expected…nothing of consequence, perhaps a few disputes but otherwise they finished up as they sent Azaad to where he was being kept under surveillance. Fuli takes a moment as she and Jax walk hip to hip as their tails twine. She draws on his strength and he says nothing respecting what she must be going through.
The two eventually wind up a bit far up in altitude…both of them leaning against the other. "Fuli, I am ready to start a family with you…that is…if you want to. I am not pressuring you nor am I rushing you, but, if you wish to wait…I am not going anywhere-."
"YES, I mean, I want to start a family with you Jax. I am ready to be a mother…and I want to carry your cubs." The two of them share an intimate stare as the sun begins to set and Fuli knew deep down in her heart that while it was scary to think of…she also knew that life was precious and the greatest gift had to be motherhood.
"It is time everyone!" Baliyo calls out to any who will hear him. He was running around to anyone who would listen to him, that, or anyone who would open their eyes. Honestly he felt so excited in this moment and part of him also was scared. He was going to be a father…so much was riding on him and he got a few angry growls aimed at him but he was too active to notice.
"Yay, I am so happy for you brother, but…couldn't Chuluun have waited till morning?" Rani was clearly still drained from the whole Night Pride patrol but he was wide awake and eager so maybe Kion kept her up? He did want his sister to share in this experience and someday be a mother herself, but, there was something about her that seemed off. Part of him wanted to as and yet right now he had to put that aside.
"Alright now…a lot of you will have to wait outside." Makini stood there and Baliyo noticed she was holding her belly some.
"Oh, yeah I forgot about that…so…can I at least bring in Rani?" Baliyo looked to Kion who just settled down and went back to sleep.
"I don't see why not, um, but nobody else just because…well…Chuluun clearly wouldn't want that." Makini makes a gesture and Baliyo gently eases past her and Rani wasn't too far behind.
Chuluun was in a lot of pain and Baliyo did what he could to help out, though, given her pregnancy taking a toll on her sometimes he was not the one she wanted to se. Baliyo did not take any offense by it and there were times even he had to sleep on his own. Heh, he would look back and laugh someday but for now he just carried the weight of observing and waiting if he was needed.
"Baliyo…you did this to me!" Chuluun manages to call out in her birthing stage. He attempts to smile some but there is quite a lot of hate in her eyes.
"She is doing fine…just a few more pushes and deep breathing," Nirmala instructs. Baliyo notes that Zuri is there doing what she can to make the birth easier. He was happy for Nirmala that she had found someone.
"Ugh…fine…" Chuluun begins a few breathing and that is when it happens. The glory of birth…and…wow…that was a lot of…he suddenly feels dizzy and he falls down.
Baliyo eventually comes to and finds Chuluun nursing two cubs. Well…more like babies of sorts as they were so little. He felt a tad bit embarrassed for having fainted during the glory of birth but Chuluun for her part had this natural strength right now…even after the birth and how tired she must be she looked at him with love.
"Thank you for this Baliyo…and…sorry if I was rough on you all this time. Look at them, aren't they precious?" Baliyo walked over to her and licked her some and gazed down at the future.
"Hey Rani…you should…hey where did she go?" Baliyo looks back realizing that Rani was not there.
"Huh, oh, I think she left a little after they were born. I think she said she had something to tell Kion. I am so happy for you two though…and…I can't wait to give birth myself, though, I wonder how Adnan will deal with me getting all grumpy."
"I was not grumpy!" Chuluun says to which Baliyo, Makini, Nirmala, and Zuri share a look. "I wasn't grumpy…you four stop staring like that. Oh it is ok my babies…mommy didn't mean to be so, well, grumpy."
Rani had seen the happiness on Chuluun's face the moment she had given birth to her twins. It was a moment that made her realize she had to tell Kion now. It was not fair to him and as she left she whispered in his ear before setting off. Climbing up into the tree she sought a bit of privacy.
"Rani…what is up?" He joined her and appeared to be a bit more awake than he had been. Rani had her back to him as she saw the sun beginning to rise up shining on all who walked about.
"During the battle in the Pride Lands…I suffered an injury," Rani began drawing on that experience, admitting to herself that it had happened and there was no looking the other way or being in denial. "At first it was a shoulder injury but during my fight with Janja…it turned into something more internal…and as fate would reveal…something inside me took a turn and…I cannot carry cubs for you Kion. I am sorry…I wish I could go back to that day and…no, perhaps I would have done the same thing and now-."
Rani fought back tears as she let out a heavy labored breath. She was happy for Baliyo and Chuluun and they were in fact the first ones to give birth at the Tree of Life in so long but more than that the twins were the first ones to be born of royal status.
Kion approached her from behind and placed a paw on her back. "Rani…I didn't know, and, if you think this makes me love you less…you are wrong. You are my family Rani…with or without cubs of our own we will get through this together."
"How can you be so calm about this? I mean didn't you say you wanted cubs of our own-?" Rani sniffled some and looked back at him but she saw that he wasn't angry, wasn't upset…he appeared understanding and there was a glimmer of sadness but perhaps she had misjudged how he would react.
"Rani, even if you can't carry cubs of your own it doesn't mean there is no hope for us starting a family. If and when the topic is brought up again and both of us want it…we can explore that then, but, for now let us just enjoy the fact that we are home…with one another. Long as nothing bad happens neither of us will be leaving the Tree of Life lest it is Night Pride duty."
"I-I don't deserve you…any other male would have left by now or chose a female who could give them what they wanted." Rani bowed her head but Kion merely lifted it up and licked her.
"Rani…there will never be another lioness who will fill my heart with so much joy and happiness then when I am with you. Let us celebrate the fact that our love is this strong…and I can never be with anyone but you."
Rani threw herself at Kion and the two of them just shared in this moment…reveling in the fact that they were united on this and she held onto him long as she could.
Bunga had not shown for the birth of Baliyo and Chuluun's cubs as he was deep in thought. It was rare for him to be so contemplative and yet the parting of Beshte left him…divided. It felt weird knowing that he was all the way in the Pride Lands while he was here at the Tree of Life.
"Bunga!" Bunga started and fell into the water as he had been seated on a branch. Spitting out water he looked over seeing Binga.
"Hey now…what gives? Can't a guy just be moody for a little bit?" He waded back to the land and Binga dropped down in front of him and threw her arms around him.
"Bunga you had me worried! I thought you had left me to go to the Pride Lands…and…a part of me felt really sad and the other was wanting to chase after you and convince you to stay." She held him tight and Bunga held her close to him.
"Aww, I'd never do that to you…I mean I would certainly tell you if that was the case, but, honestly just feeling a bit down my best friend isn't here." Bunga wasn't sure he ever told Beshte this, but, somehow his bond with him was a bit different then say with the others.
"I get that…I had a best friend before you showed up. I think about her from time to time…but…I also realize that she would be bummed out knowing that I was bummed out. I had no idea that when I met you that you would be…my new best friend."
"I'm your best friend?" He blinked a bit. "Hold up…what about Baliyo?" He studies her a bit and she blushes.
"Baliyo is a good friend, but, I wouldn't go so far as to say he is my best friend. There is a lot of stuff I do that he can't really participate in…much of the time because he is sleeping or busy with other things, we hang out when we can…but…with you it is so exciting and fun and I am in love with you silly."
"Ohhh…yeah…there is that," he laughs a bit and she laughs with him. Honestly part of him was tempted to go back to the Pride Lands…but…perhaps his story over there was over. Beshte was doing something noble by looking after the hippos and taking over his father's role, while, well with him if he went back he'd just be goofing around and hanging out with Timon and Pumbaa and living it up…that wasn't living much…that was just…lazy.
Bunga appreciated being part of something greater and going from the Lion Guard to being a member of the Night Pride instilled something in him. He let out a breath as he eased from her but she kept holding onto him.
"Don't ever leave me Bunga…you are my mate, and, I want to be with you forever. I know that is a long time and such…but…we honey badgers have to stick together because there are so few of us…and-."
"Binga…I know where I belong, and, I think I am finally ready to put my antics behind me," he of course wound up passing some gas at that moment.
"A celebratory passing of gas, challenge accepted!" Binga also let loose some gas and together they let loose what they could as they laughed and tumbled into the water scattering many animals in their vicinity.
Kion was looking off into the distance and he looked over finding Ono, Anga, Fuli, Bunga, and Makini joining him. Makini had a bit more trouble getting to them but he didn't rush her any. "Thanks for coming…I hope I didn't pull any of you away from something important."
"Oh, um, kind of already finished…with my important stuff…so what did you want Kion?" Kion studied her not sure what she meant but perhaps it was better not knowing.
"I thought I should let you know about Rani. She gave me permission to tell you and right now she will be hanging out inside for a bit…till she feels better. During the battle she faced an injury and…she can no longer give birth. She is quite sensitive and it is best that nobody outside of us knows."
"I knew already, ooh…sorry Kion but Nirmala kind of let me know. Anyway it is perfectly natural…I mean not all species of animals can give birth, sometimes it is either because of an injury or they just don't have it in them-."
"Common knowledge really," Ono piped in causing the group to laugh nervously. True it was a truly sensitive manner but right now anything to help ease through the situation was best for them all.
"Was that all you wanted Kion?" Anga inquires. Kion noticed that she appeared quite distracted and he wondered if it had to do with her change in mood.
"I just wanted to check in on you guys…feels like it has been a while since we all chatted. So much has happened between Mheetu and Mnyanyasaji and we all seem to be drifting apart with our persona lives. I get that we are entitled to that, but, it shouldn't mean we stop finding the time to hang out."
Kion looked to Bunga who nods his head. "Yeah, Kion is right. I say we do something tomorrow…that is if everyone is available."
"I might be able to set something aside…" Anga appears to consider. Kion did not wish to rush this any but he was glad that they were discussing it.
"Hmm, I don't think there are any meetings tomorrow…given the events of Mnyanyasaji and his betrayed no longer bearing any sort of threat. Sure…count me in." Ono piped in.
Kion smiled over at his friend. He hadn't the opportunity to speak to him much given how much time he spent from the Tree of Life. He hoped to amend that situation but for now just having them altogether meant so much.
"No need to answer right now guys…but…I do wish you to know how much I appreciate you and what you have meant to not only me but Rani and the rest here at the Tree of Life. Looking forward no matter what happens…no matter how far apart we wind up due to personal stuff, this bond we have is never going away."
The group hug it out and after a bit more time they part ways as they each head to their significant other…more or less. Kion knew that Ono was the only one without anyone but he knew that not everybody needed a mate to be happy. Kion was the last to leave…his eyes going to seek out the stars and his eyes close a moment. There was a chill though in the wind and he worried about it till he sought out Rani to call it a night, perhaps it was just his mind playing tricks on him…
Authors note: The final chapter is coming up shortly…and…honestly this chapter was the one that took me quite a bit of time to write up. Ok that was a lie from 16 and on bringing this to a proper conclusion hung me up, but, on this day you will have five chapters in one…a first for me. Just how will it end, suffice to say another time skip will feature and a major character will pass and other surprises to wind things up, I realize this is a lot to take in and a lot of you have plans to bring in the new year, never fear, you'll be able to take it all in with the new year.