It was very kind for Kion and Rani to give Okove, the African wild dog pup some of the adolescent zebra meat that they both found and killed. Granted, Okove was a little disheartened that he didn't get to have this as his kill, but his parents gave him a confidence booster, telling him that he will make the perfect kill one day, and be able to hunt large animals like zebra (although it was best for an African wild dog to hunt those mammals in packs so the prey can be outnumbered). Akilah and Veya were both flattered and grateful that the two lion cubs gave their youngest son some of the zebra meat for him to eat.
After all, poor Okove was out learning to hunt for hours, and he didn't really get to catch and eat anything today. "So Kion, what brings you out here in the Back Lands?"
Kion blushed and replied: "I'm just going on a date with Rani, and wanted to visit her home. I haven't been to the Back Lands in a little while since before I killed Inuwa. But i'm doing alright after that. But, i admit, i'm still... a little scarred after all that evil just happened in my home, and my family." he bowed his head. Indeed, Kion was still a little traumatized after all that he had been through recently.
The patriarch Akilah went up to him and said: "I know how you feel. But remember. Me and my family fought against that demonic lion together. We fought gallantly, and you are a true hero."
"Yes." Veya added. "You have accomplished something that no lion cub your age has ever done before."
"What you did was really cool!" Okove said with joy. "I wish I had the roar like you do. All I can do is squeak."
His parents made a small laugh and his father remarked: "You don't need a roar to be an excellent hunter like any other painted dog is. It takes inner strength and persistence, Okove. You never stop pursuing the prey that fits you."
"Your dad's right, Okove." Rani remarked, encouraging the pup herself. "I kinda... don't like to say this but, painted dogs are way more successful in hunting than lions are. You'll get up there one day."
"Thanks, Rani." the pup smiled. "But I also want my brothers and sisters to stop making fun of me, and saying i'm small."
"Oh come on." said Veya. "Your eldest brother and sister always look out for you, and they love you so much. Besides, your other siblings don't tease you as much as they used to anymore."
"Your mother's right, son." Akilah smiled warmly. "They will not tease you anymore since we talked to them."
Okove smiled and he said: "Thanks, dad. I just want to be as good as they are."
"You are." said Kion. "You're just as amazing and cool as your brothers and sisters. It's like what your mom and dad said: you just need more practice with your hunting."
"I'll take your word for it, Kion." Okove said, hugging the lion cub. "Thanks."
"And thank you for giving some of your meat to our son. He was starving." Veya added. "And we wish we can stay here to talk to you guys a little longer, but we still need to teach our son how to hunt."
Akilah nodded his head in agreement, and added: "I concur. We will talk another time. And don't worry, we will still be in touch."
"OK, Akilah. See you guys later." Kion said before the three wild dogs went off to find more food for Okove's size to hunt down. By the looks of the pup, he would probably have to hunt some smaller animals like small lizards or rodents that could be hiding in the ground. Eventually, young Okove will become one of the most successful hunters in his pack when the time comes. Over in the far distance, there was another lion pride that both Kion and Rani recognized all too well, and Rani immediately ran over to where the other lions were "Wait! Wait for me!" Kion tried to catch up to her.
He finally caught up to her when she stopped in front of her regal parents and he was catching his breath. Boy, Rani was running almost as fast as a cheetah would run with a quick spurt to catch it's prey "Rani. You're back." said Jinjin.
"And Kion too. I am so glad you can visit us again." Maya added. Both the leaders of the Night pride were happy to see both their daughter and her boyfriend. "Me and Jinjin were worried about you after the whole... events that happened before."
"And don't worry," Jinjin added. "We will not talk about it if you wish not to. Me and my wife can always change the subject and talk about something else."
"No, it's OK. I'm fine now. I mean, I did something so amazing and awesome. I never even imagined I would have used a powerful roar to vanquish Inuwa out of existence."
"Indeed, it was impressive." Jinjin smiled. "Although after that, Rani feels a little more unsure about being the queen of the Night Pride when she takes over." he frowned and looked at his daughter in concern.
Rani frowned back to him and said: "Look, it's not that I don't want to be queen." she said. "mom, dad, it just sounds so overwhelming to be the queen over this pride. What if a lion in our pride accidentally got killed by a herd of scared buffalo running away from a crocodile? Or what if a cub gets struck by lightning?"
"Oh, nonsense, sweetie." Maya retorted. "I highly doubt that a lion would get struck by lightning. Besides, it is your destiny to become the queen of the Night pride."
"Yeah, but look. I'm not ready to be queen. There's gotta be someone that can... look after me. It's flattering, but i'm... scared, OK?" she bent down in embarrassment. "I might go down as one of the worst rulers in the history of this Pride in the years to come. Someday, one lion might say 'Ugh! Rani is the worst!' or 'She is nothing like her amazing mother and father!'. They might even call me a joke."
Kion looked concerned about her girlfriend, and realized that she is going through a lot of pressure right now. She was probably thinking of this long before Inuwa came and tried to take over both the Pride Lands and Back Lands at the same time. It was understandable though. Being a king or a queen can be stressful, even if one is the greatest ruler in history. On one paw, Kion was glad that he doesn't have to be king of his own pride, but on the other paw; he was feeling concerned about his girlfriend and wanted to cheer her up and make her less stressed.
"Don't say that." said Jinjin. "While there will be a lion that might not like you, there will always be a mass majority of the night pride that will love and support you. Besides me and your mother of course. You will always have the Night Pride to back you up in case any situation arises.
"Listen to your father, daughter." Maya added softly. "You will do great as a new queen of the Pride Lands."
"But... you don't know that! Gah! I'm just under so much pressure right now!" Rani suddenly ran off into the grass with great speed.
"Rani! Come back!" Jinjin and Maya looked very surprised by his daughters' reaction like this. Was she hiding all of that emotion deep down and didn't talk to them about it? Probably.
Kion himself looked quite surprised by that sudden reaction and said: "Don't worry, your majesties, I'll find her!" then he ran off to look for his worried girlfriend.