The Lion Guard continued cheering Fuli on. "Go Fuli! Go Fuli!"
"Heh, thanks guys," Fuli said as she attempted to take a step in the water.
"Woo-hoo! Yay Fuli!" Kion cheered.
As they cheered her on and helped her, Kion began to feel a subtle burning feeling in his gut. When he opened his mouth to say something, he started thinking; I don't want to worry anyone. Besides, it's probably just a stomachache and it'll go away soon.
He closed his mouth and smiled, giving off the impression that all was alright.
"Fuli's doing great," Beshte remarked.
Ono nodded his head in agreement. "Affirmative!"
"You got that right!" Bunga did a Bunga styled summersault, splashing Fuli and Kion in the process.
"Ugh, seriously? It's bad enough I have to be in the water. Splashing it all over my face doesn't help," Fuli groaned, glaring at the honey badger.
"Oops, heh, sorry," Bunga chuckled nervously, fidgeting with his claws nervously.
Kion started to laugh, but immediately stopped and froze in place. The pure movement of his body hurt his gut.
After a while of everyone cheering her on and Fuli slowly but surely making progress, the cheetah stopped and looked at Kion, tilting her head. "Kion.. you alright?"
Kion opened his mouth to reassure her that 'I'm fine', but stopped himself. He had promised to Fuli he would be more open about things. He couldn't break a promise to her, especially that promise.
So he shook his head and answered honestly. "My stomach hurts a little, it's nothing too bad though."
"You sure?" Bunga asked. Beshte probably would have walked closer to see, but he likely didn't want to risk stepping on any of them. Anga and Ono flew closer to examine the situation.
Yeah, it isn't that bad!
Makini waded through the water to him. She lightly touched his shoulder with her hands and started guiding him towards land. "Let's get you back to land so I can take a look. The rest of you, keep helping Fuli."
The others nodded, though Fuli held a protesting look.
Kion felt the murky sand that squished between his pawtoes change to drier sand as he and Makini finally got out of the water. He felt a weight drop over him as they got out of the lake.
"Lay down please." The mandrill motioned for Kion to lay down. He obeyed and laid on his side.
"Hmm," Makini muttered as she grazed her hands down his underbelly, parting some of the fur to examine his skin. She turned back in the direction the others were in. "Ono!" She called, cupping her hands over her mouth. "Can you help me take a look at this?"
Take a look at what? Is it bad?
"Affirmative! I'll be right there!" Ono got off from his perch on Beshte's back and flew over to Makini and Kion. He landed next to to both of them. Makini parted some of the fur on Kion's underbelly to let Ono see whatever she might have been concerned about.
Ono leaned closer to get a better look. "Oh no."
Oh no? Is it bad?
"'Oh no' what?" Makini asked, leaning closer.
Ono turned back to her. "Don't worry Makini. It's nothing too serious. When Fuli healed his stomach with her powers it still left a cut. That cut is starting to get infected, probably due to him walking in a likely contaminated lake. It shouldn't be too much of a problem however, as long as he gets treated for it right away."
Phew...
He laid his head down momentarily. He heard pawsteps coming towards them. Probably one of the Lion Guard, he thought.
Though he was shocked when he heard a certain voice say; "Kion, are you alright? I heard some of what Ono said."
He looked up and saw Fuli roughly walkincg out of the water and onto land. He was shocked and at the same time his heart skipped a beat in fear. "Fuli stop! You're gonna hurt yourself!"
"What do you..." She cut herself off and gasped. She looked around her, taking in a breath of amazement. Her jaws formed a smile and she laughed in joy. "I... I'm walking! I'm actually walking!"
Kion smiled too. She's gonna be alright... And she's walking again! She's finally walking! He quickly got to his paws and gave her a nuzzle which she returned, earning a bunch of "awww"s from the rest of the Lion Guard who had followed her to shore.
"Now let's go back to the Tree of Life and make sure your cut really heals," she told him kindly. Kion opened his mouth to protest and say something like 'I'm alright. Besides, we should keep rehabilitating your leg,' but was stopped by Fuli gently shaking her head. "We've been out here all afternoon. We should get back to the Tree of Life."
"But I-"
Fuli quickly reached out the tip of her tail to gently touch his stomach. In a natural reflex, he flinched back in pain when she did. "See? You're not fine."
"Okay then..." He inched closer to Fuli's side to support her - she couldn't walk back all on her own, especially since she was only just making progress!
As they walked, the rest of the Guard following behind them, he began to think. This day, the sunshine, the singing birds... it was all the same as the day many, many moons ago they were in the same situation, only the roles were reversed.
XXXX
Another day. Another try. Fuli's paws shook with both weakness and fear. She looked at Kion who let her lean against him, doubting that she would be able to do this.
"Kion? I'm not really sure I can do this..."
"It's okay. I'll step away and you just start walking, kay? Now this time's the charm."
"O-okay..." Fuli gulped and flattened her ears nervously. Kion noticed and gave him a quick friendly nuzzle for comfort.
Quick as he could be, Kion stopped supporting Fuli and stepped away to the side, letting her try to balance on her own.
Her heart skipped a beat as she almost fell to her side, but abruptly caught herself. However, she must have put her paw down just the right way because pain shot through it and up her leg. She couldn't stand any longer and collapsed painfully onto her side.
Ugh, again! This is like the millionth time! I'm never gonna get this right... never! Queen Janna's right, I won't EVER be able to walk again... Kion should just give up and stop wasting his time on me! Fuli wasn't usually one to cry, but she was just so upset! She couldn't hold it back this time.
It all happened so fast that even Kion couldn't react fast enough to catch her. As quick as he possibly could, he rushed over to him, murmuring things anxiously.
"Fuli, are you okay? What happened? Does anything hurt?"
Fuli couldn't look up at her. They tried this a million times but it never worked! Why doesn't she just give up already? Janna was probably right...
Kion noticed her tears. "Don't worry Fuli. We'll fix this even if it's the last thing we do." Kion moved his head under hers and nudged her upwards. "And we'll keep trying until we do."
XXXX
"Okay, now we're going to see if you can go on a regular, normal sized walk," Kion said, standing right next to Fuli so this time, if she fell, he could catch her.
"Okay..."
"Are you nervous?"
"A little," Fuli admitted.
"Don't worry. We'll go nice and easy. Just a little walk through the meadows," Kion tried to reassure her.
"Okay..."
So they took their first steps on the small peaceful walk, and a few more steps on Fuli's way to healing.
XXXX
"Kion, you have to learn to focus, even when performing a difficult task," Nirmala instructed. "Now you must search among the ponds and lakes of the Tree of Life and bring back a nymphaea thermarum."
"Bring back a what?" Kion asked, tilting his head in confusion.
"Nymphaea thermarum," Nirmala repeated. "It's the rarest water lily in the lands. To prove you can focus and remain calm even when doing difficult tasks, you must find it all the while remaining calm and focused."
"How rare is this nymphenea thurmermum?" Kion asked, causing Nirmala to giggle at his mispronouncation of the two complicated words.
"Very rare. Only about ten or so are left. Now you must hurry if you are to find one by seven sunrises."
"Seven sunrises?! Augh..."
So he searched and searched and searched, trying his best to keep calm. Eventually he found one. Knowing they were rare, he carefully dug it up and was careful not to harm the roots. He brought it back to Nirmala who was impressed. And so he took another step in his journey to healing.
XXXX
"Ugh! This is so hard!"
"Don't give up, Kion. It'll all be worth it in the end."
XXXX
"Kion, Fuli, both of you don't give up. You will heal... in time. And Fuli, I was wrong about your leg never being able to heal, and I am deeply sorry. Even I do not know everything.
"Th-thank you, Queen Janna. All is forgiven."
"And thank you."
XXXX
"I'm bored," Kion sighed, laying on the grass.
"You could always ask for an extra healing session for the day from Nirmala," Fuli told him as she basked on a flat rock barely above him.
"But those are boring too! I wanna do something fun rather than just be reminded of my scar and always worrying when Jua will come back." Kion laid his head down on the grass and sighed.
"Speaking of Jua, what happened to her? I know she threw you off the cliff but.. did you see where she went?" Fuli asked, scooching down from the warm rock and on the grass next to Kion... without wincing in pain.
"No. I just remember being thrown off. I don't even know if she fell down too. I just remember falling.. and falling..." Kion shivered as the memories played vividly in his head. Fuli rested her paw on his shoulder in a comforting gesture. "I'm sorry, I wish I knew."
"It's alright. You were scared - how could you pay attention? Besides, if she ever comes back we'll be ready. My leg is nearly healed and she doesn't seem to be linked to your mind anymore so she can't control your thoughts."
"That must've been why I never thought to use the Roar around her. She must've been in my head, controlling what I could think."
"Must've been scary," Fuli remarked.
Kion nodded. "But enough about that... I don't really want to think about that right now," he said, to which Fuli nodded in understanding. "So is there anything you wanna talk about?"
Fuli sighed and nodded. "Janna seems to be growing weaker and weaker every day now. She always encouraged me with walking again and even admitted she was wrong about the whole thing. It's just... I'm worried about her."
Kion looked away momentarily. He didn't quite know how to respond to this, but he tried. "Fuli.. her time might come soon."
Fuli didn't seem surprised and bowed her head sadly. "I know. It's just... sad. All animals come and go in the Circle of Life, whether they are old or young." Her gaze wavered over to Kion as she said the word 'young'. "It's scary to think that everyone we know and love will take their place in the Circle of Life someday. So will we."
Kion nodded. "Yeah."
Suddenly, a noise sounded from behind them. "Kion! Fuli! We've been looking all over for you! They jumped up in surprise and saw it was Bunga calling them. "The Night Pride needs help fending off Makucha, Ora, and Chuluun!"
"Ugh, them again?" Fuli's voice didn't hold back any annoyance. "It's been forever - why can't they just give up already?"
"Well they're not. Now let's go!" Bunga shouted, already running off.
Kion looked at Fuli, concerned. "Are you sure you can handle a battle? Your leg..-"
"I'll be alright Kion. Don't worry." Fuli chuckled and booped Kion on the nose. "You look so cute when you're worried, you know? Now lets go - the rest of the Lion Guard and Night Pride are probably already there!"
She started running in the direction of the Mountain Pass. Kion was left flustered at Fuli's remark. She thinks I'm...cute? He snapped himself out of his thoughts when he saw Fuli was already way ahead of him, running towards the Pass.
He broke into a sprint, trying his best to catch up with Fuli. She seemed to notice and slowed down a little for him to catch up. She's gotten as fast as she ever was, he remarked to himself. It's a good thing her leg has healed well.
They met up with the rest of the Lion Guard and Night Pride at the top of the Pass. They heard screaming coming from the Pass and found that Makucha, Chuluun, and Ora were ruthlessly chasing a tiger and her cubs.
"I gotcha now!" Chuluun yelled as she chased the three cubs into the Pass.
"Leave those cubs alone, Chuluun!" Kion yelled, revealing to the snow leopard that he along with the whole Lion Guard and Night Pride were there.
Chuluun was obviously taken aback and surprised, judging by the nervous look on her face and her fearful reply; "I was just about to do that." She ran in the other direction as quick as a snow leopard possibly could.
"Night Pride, Lion Guard, together!" Rani ordered, looking from animal to animal. They all obeyed and ran down the Mountain Pass.
The roughness of the rocks and the speed they ran at caused Kion to scrape his pawpads on the rocks, though he didn't care. Saving the tigers was more important. They finally hit the bottom and bolted past the cubs and towards the enemies
"Kion, have Bunga and Beshte help the cubs!" Rani ordered as they ran.
"Right. Guys?" Kion looked back at Beshe and Bunga
"Got it."
"Zuka Zama!"
The hippo and honey badger stopped in their tracks and ran back to help the defenseless tiger cubs.
Everyone else continued running and got closer and closer to the enemies. They ran in so sqift and fast that everyone was shocked by their sudden apperance.
Kion jumped in front of the adult tiger that was being attack by the enemies. "Makucha!" He shouted.
"Kion?" He could barely utter the name before Kion tackled him.
"Nirmala, check on the tiger. Surak, Baliyo, with me," he heard Rani say.
Makucha suddenly threw Kion off of him. He wrestled with Makucha, both struggling to get the upper paw.
But Kion was distracted - in the corner of his eye, he saw Fuli jump on Ora, yelling; "I WON'T!"
Ora shook violently, trying to throw her off. "Get off!"
Oh no! Ora could bite her... he could paralyze her! He could paralyze her leg... if it's enough venom it could be permanent! I gotta help her! Gotta-
He was snapped out of his thoughts by Makucha's razor sharp claws meeting his cheek. He gasped in pain, but that pain was soon replaced by fury.
He lunged for Makucha but Makucha blocked him, raising up on his hindlegs and grabbing Kion's forelegs, digging his claws into them
Suddenly, Makucha's gaze wavered to something above them. Kion took this opportinuty to break out of the wrist lock and claw Makucha in the face, knocking him back.
The leopard quickly turned back around to face him. They both growled and held their ground, both not daring to move from their position. A few long, tense moments passed. Fury lit in Makucha's eyes and Kion could see he was going to attack.
Before the leopard could, Kion lunged for him and clawed him in the face, seeming to knock the breath out of him.
Makucha didn't move for a moment, catching his breath. "Enough! There's too many of them! It's not worth it!" He called out breathlessly before running away from the pass.
Ora shook Fuli off his back and ran towards the retreating Chuluun and Makucha. "Wait for me!" Luckly for Fuli, she landed safely on her paws.
"You win this time, but the next animal seeking refuge at the Tree of Life won't be so lucky," a voice said menacingly. They all looked up to see Mama Binturong staring coldly down at them before following her allies in retreat.
Kion smiled victoriously before rejoining the Night Pride and Lion Guard. Another battle won.
Nirmala approached the tiger, holding nothing but reassurance in her blue eyes. "Arama karo. Relax. You're safe now," she said calmly to the distressed tiger.
"Are you okay?" Rani added, her voice not as calm and soothing as Nirmala's
The tiger was still tense and her eyes were clouded with alarm and fear. She looked around, the aura around her holding nothing but fear. "Have you seen my cubs?!"
"Did somebody say 'cubs'? We got cubs!" The tiger turned her head around to see the voice saying that was Bunga, along with her cubs riding on Beshte as they walked towards her.
The cubs laughed and cheered happily as Bunga got off Beshte and helped the cubs down. They ran over to their mother, nuzzling her as she nuzzled them back.
"Mom!" One of the cubs cried out in joy
"Oh, you're safe," the tiger said, relieved. After a few moments that were only filled with a mother's love for her cubs, the tiger stopped nuzzling them and looked up at the Night Pride and Lion Guard. Out of the corner of his vision, Kion noticed Fuli walking up to him. "Thank you for your help. My name is Varya. I've heard the Tree of Life could be a safe place to raise my cubs. Is that true?"
"That's up to the queen," Rani told her politely, taking a small step forward.
"Then I need to see her," Varya told her urgently.
"Of course, Varya. We'll take you to see her," Rani told her, instantly putting a smile back on Varya's face.
"Rani! Rani! Queen Janna needs you and the Night Pride!" Ullu the owl suddenly flew into the scene
"Oh?" Rani said, momentarily looking back at Varya and her cubs
"Go ahead, Rani. Me and the Lion Guard will stay with Varya and her cubs," Kion reassured her.
Ullu shook her head. "That won't do. The queen asked for Kion too."
Kion looked up at the owl. "Me?" He asked, both confused and surprised.
"Go on. We can handle this, Kion," Fuli reassured him.
"Yeah. We got everything under control." Bunga crossed his forepaws proudly before getting tackled playfully by the cubs. "Ow," was the only thing he said after that.
Fuli rolled her eyes playfully before looking back at Kion, a smirk on her face. "Don't worry. I've got everything under control."
"Thanks, Fuli."
"Thank you," Rani added. "Let's go."
They ran through the mountain pass. Kion felt the cold snow under his paws and a freezing breeze blow against him. He didn't like it at all - he'd rather have the rough rocks back.
Luckly, they soon ran onto smoother rocks and nearing the end of the Mountain Pass. When they arrived, they saw a big crowd of many different animals gathered around the Tree of Life.
Rani slowed to a stop at the end of the Pass. "Oh..."
"What's going on?" Baliyo asked, confusion in his voice
"It's Grandmother Janna," Rani said softly.
"Something's wrong?" Baliyo asked.
Nirmala turned her head to him. Her expression was solemn. "It seems her time has come," she told him gently."
Kion was confused for a moment, but then a realization hit him. Janna was... dying? He turned to the Night Pride. "Oh. Rani, Baliyo..."
"No!" Baliyo shouted, backing up with his eyes lit with horror. "I don't want to go in.
"Baliyo, Queen Janna has asked to see you. You must go to her," Surak told him gently, his eyes full of sympathy.
"We'll be with you the whole time." Nirmala's eyes were fill with a gentleness and calmness that Kion found to be almost... familiar?
Baliyo turned to Rani. "Rani?"
"Surak and Nirmala are right. We need to go in." Rani walked over to Baliyo, smiling softly. A gentleness could be seen in her eyes that Kion had never seen before. "You can do this. I'll be right by your side."
Baliyo managed a small smile. "Night Pride together?"
Rani managed a smile as well. "Yeah, little brother. Night Pride together."
So they walked towards the Tree of Life. A deathly silence hung among them. No one spoke a word.
Am I really about to watch someone die? Kion asked himself silently. And why did Queen Janna want to see me? Shouldn't she only want to see her family when her time comes?
The crowd of animals parted to let the Night Pride through. The Night Pride walked into the Tree of Life, but Kion stopped at the enterance, looking back at the crowd of animals who all looked back at him with worried faces.
He turned around and continued on nervously, catching up with the Night Pride upon entering the Tree of Life. For once, the amazement that Kion felt whenever he entered the Tree of Life was all gone, replaced with a sorrowful feeling that Kion knew all too well.
"Hello? Grandmother?" Rani said softly as they walked through some drooping vines that called the Tree of Life their home. Janna was laying on the rock. Her gaze was unfocused and staring out into the distance. Makini was next to her, holding a bowl of water.
"Rani, princess, Is that you?"
"Yes, Grandmother. It's me." Rani walked closer to her grandmother who was too weak to even lift her head. "The whole Night Pride is here." She smiled bittersweetly at her dying grandmother as the whole Night Pride and Kion gathered around the rock she laid on.
"Hi, Grandmother," Baliyo said shakily.
"Hello, Queen Janna," Nirmala greeted sadly.
"Mother," was all Surak said. His voice was thick with grief and sorrow.
She's Surak's mother? I never knew... The sadness he must be feeling right now... Kion walked over to Makini, giving the Night Pride their space. "How is she?" He asked the mandrill.
Makini looked at him, then closed her eyes and shook her head solemnly.
"And is Kion with you as well?" He heard Janna ask.
"Yes, Queen Janna. I'm here." He quickly walked over to face her, Rani and Nirmala backing up slightly.
"I am glad to have seen the Roar return to the Tree of Life," she rasped.
Kion gulped as emotion and a flashback... a sorrowful flashback... overwhelmed him. "Me too."
"I would've liked to see your healing completed. But at least I know you're here. I hope you find peace. And perhaps..." She mustered up all the strength she could to reach out her paw and place it on Kion's right shoulder, making the Mark of the Night Pride appear on his shoulder for only a moment before disappearing. "...choose to stay."
How did she do that? And she wants me to stay...? But what about...?
"And these words next are meant for you and me only," Janna's voice rang in his head, shocking him. He looked at her. Her mouth didn't move at all. She just stared at him. Her voice only echoed in his head. "Now you must embrace who you truly are, no matter what. Remember who you are. And tell Fuli that she must embrace herself too and bring light to a truth that will cause water and flames to meet, scars and secrets to bleed, and the trees to blaze with fire."
What?! I've heard this before when I was trapped in the Sun Pride! But what does it mean?
Not wanting to attract any unwanted attention from the Night Pride, he quickly thanked the queen; "Thank you, Your Majesty, for everything." He bowed his head to the dying queen before him and backed away.
He go so overwhelmed in memories hat he could pay attention. All he heard were voices around him.
"Baliyo?"
"I'm here."
"Stay strong, sweet Baliyo. Your sister will need your strength, give it to her."
"Stay strong, all of you. Your cubs will need your strength."
"Yes, Grandmother."
"Yes, Sarafina."
"Nirmala. We are so fortunate you joined us all those years ago."
"Sarafina, I'm glad you joined us all those years ago. We'll miss you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"The healing powers of the Tree of Life belong to you now. Continue helping all who are hurting."
"Of course, I promise."
"And Surak, my son."
"Nala, my daughter."
"Mother."
"Mother..."
"Rani will lean on you for wisdom. Give it. But let her find her own way as well."
"Kiara and Kion will rely on you and Simba for wisdom and guidance. Give it, but let them find their own way as well."
"I will."
"We will, we promise. I won't let you down."
"You never did. Now remember that I love you all... and I will always remember each and every one of you, wherever the Circle of Life may take me..."
He was snapped out of his overwhelming emotions and thoughts when three words he had not heard since a long, long time ago were spoken; "It is time, Rani."
"I'm not ready," Rani told her grandmother, her eyes full of sadness and looking like she might cry.
"You are." Janna gave her a reassuring smile
"But..." Rani averted her almost teary gaze away for a moment before looking back at her dying grandmother. "I still have so much to learn."
"Rani, you have everything you need to be queen, and you won't be alone," Janna told her breathlessly as Rani started to sob, bringing her paws to wipe the tears from her own eyes. "The Night Pride will stand besides you. And Makini, your Royal Mjuzi, will help guide you."
Rani leaned closer and managed the last smile Janna would ever see. "I'll do my best."
"I know you will." She then took her last breath and she stopped fighting. She gently laid her head down on her forepaw. Then her eyes closed... for the very last time.
Tears welled up in Rani's eyes as she stared at Queen Janna.
No. Kion had to remind himself Janna wasn't the queen anymore.
The whole Night Pride broke into tears, nuzzling one another for comfort, except Rani.
Rani slowly walked up to Janna's body. "Goodbye, Grandmother," she murmured through tears, nuzzling her. The rest of the Night Pride all gathered around Janna's body while Rani walked away to a corner, crying.
Kion approached her, flashbacks and emotions running through him once more. "I'm so sorry, Rani."
"Thank you, Kion." Taking him by surprise, she buried her head into his chest and cried into his fur. Kion, still overwhelmed with emotion and sorrow, let a few tears leak from his eyes as well. They stayed like that for who knew how long. It all reminded him of memories he pushed to the back of his head, memories he wished he'd never have to think about again.
"She's never coming back.. is she?"
"No, sweetie, I'm afraid not..."
"But... she has to!"
"Kion, we've told you about death before. You know all animals take their place in the Circle of Life one day."
"B-but... she has to come back.. she has to! N-no... sh-she has to..."
"I'm so sorry. If there's anything I can do to help- Oh... um.. it's okay... everything's okay..."
"She's never coming back..."
"Shhh..."
"Never... she's never..."
"Shhh..."
"...coming back..."
After what seemed like eternity, Rani pulled away. "We have to tell them," she said through teary eyes.
The rest of the Night Pride and Makini turned away from Janna's body and nodded. They walked out of the Tree with puffy eyes and solemn expressions. They were met with the anxious crowd of animals, all worriedly awaiting news of their queen.
...former queen.
"Someone has to tell them," Rani murmured. The Night Pride and Kion exchanged glances that all said; 'I don't want to do it, will you?'
After a few moments, Rani sighed. "I'll do it." However, she was taken by surprised with Makini walking up to her and resting her hand on the young lionesses' shoulder. "Huh?"
"It's okay, Rani. This is the duty of your Royal Mjuzi." She placed her hand on her chest. "My duty."
Rani managed a tired smile. "Thank you, Makini."
"Shwari," the mandrill breathed to herself and walked to the front of the Night Pride and uptop the rock next to the Tree of Life.
"Animals of the Tree of Life," Makini announced, waving her hands in the air solemnly. "Queen Janna has completed her journey in the Circle of Life." She closed her eyes and planted her staff on the ground solemnly.
Gasps and murmurs came from the crowd.
"No..." Binga sighed.
"I can't believe it," Penguino gasped.
A baby goat bleated sadly and cried, only to be comforted by it's mother.
Makini picked her staff up and opened her eyes. "As is tradition, we will gather at the Willows to say goodbye to Queen Janna. The coronation ceremony, to make Rani the new queen of the Tree of Life, will happen at sunset."
The crowd respectfully nodded and began to disperse, though it was clear they wanted to stay and mourn their queen. However, they would have time to do that at her funeral.
Kion saw the Lion Guard arriving at the other side of the Mountain Pass. Fuli was sprinting towards him.
"What... happened..." She asked, completely out of breath.
Kion looked away, purposely avoiding her question.
"What.. happened?" Fuli asked again as she began to regain her breath. The rest of the Lion Guard had finally caught up and gathered around Kion and the Night Pride, eagerly awaiting an answer.
They won't be so eager once they hear the news, Kion thought darkly. He opened his mouth to tell them, but stopped himself. This isn't for me to say.
"Queen Janna has completed her journey through the Circle of Life," Nirmala told them.
Shocked gasps and murmurs broke out from the Guard, especially Fuli.
"What?!" She gasped. "No!"
Kion nuzzled her to comfort her. She leaned into the nuzzle, her breath fanning his fur as she began to speak; "She always encouraged us throughout the healing process... she never gave up on us..."
"Yeah..." He sighed. "And Fuli, we need to talk.. alone," he whispered very quietly.
"What do you mean?" She whispered back.
"I can't say here because someone might overhear," Kion told her. "But it's probably important." Kion began to walk in the other direction, motioning with his tail for Fuli to follow.
"Okay." Fuli began to follow him.
"Wait, where are you guys going?" Bunga asked, bounding after them.
"We need to grieve alone," Fuli quickly lied. She looked at Kion who shook his head in response.
He leaned closer to her, dropping his voice to a whisper once more. "They're our friends, Fuli. It's time they know. We can't keep this from them forever."
"But what if they say anything?" Fuli asked nervously.
"They're our friends. We trust them and they trust us," Kion told her. "If we can't trust each other.. then what kind of friends are we?"
"I get your point but-"
"Well we're coming with you!" Bunga declared loudly, interrupting their quiet conversation.
It looked like the others were about to protest or say 'leave them alone,' Kion spoke; "Okay Bunga, you guys can come."
"Are you sure-" Beshte began.
"You guys are our friends. Of course I'm sure," Kion told them, managing a smile.
"Zuka Zama!" Bunga threw his fists in the air.
Makini looked at Rani. Rani nodded. "You can go, Makini."
Makini nodded gratefully and bounded towards the others.
So they all walked away from the Tree of Life, Kion leading them through a dark forest with a lot of twists and turns. The forest looked gloomy and the area inside it was well hidden. Eventually they came upon a cave.
Fuli gasped and almost froze in her tracks upon entering the cave. "That's the cave where you..."
"I know. It's well hidden so no one is likely to overhear. It's the perfect place to tell you guys what Janna told me."
"What do you mean?" Beshte asked. "Queen Janna told you something?"
"What's it about? Is it about the Power of the Spirits?" Bunga asked loudly.
"Bunga, shh!" Fuli hissed. "We don't know who's around here. Anyone could be nearby!"
"I don't know," Kion answered a lot quieter than Bunga. "She was in my head.. she didn't say it out loud, it just... echoed in my head. I don't know... it's like what happened with Jua. She told me this; And these words next are meant for you and me only. Now you must embrace who you truly are, no matter what. Remember who you are. And tell Fuli that she must embrace herself too and bring light to a truth that will cause water and flames to meet, scars and secrets to bleed, and the trees to blaze with fire."
Fuli's eyes widened. "No... NO!" She ran like the wind out of the cave.
"Fuli, wait, come back!" Kion called out, bolting after her. "Why are you running?! And what is the truth that Janna spoke of?!"