Rani cried out in anger, pouncing at the unsuspecting golden lion, sending both of them flying before they hit the ground.
''Lion! Who are you?!'' She demanded, glaring at him.
''What?'' Kion opened his eyes, meeting hers for a split second. ''Who are you?'' He frowned.
''I'm Rani, leader of the Night Pride.'' She answered, holding him down against the ground.
''Night Pride?'' Kion asked, trying to move.
''We protect everyone at the Tree of Life from those who might cause them harm. Like you and your- roar.''
''I'm sorry...'' He looked her in the eyes, his ears falling back. ''We're really not a threat. I can explain.''
She looked at him, trying to determine if he's being honest or not. But in his eyes, she caught an apologetic glint. Maybe he does feel guilty, she thought before replaying the memories of him attacking her younger brother Baliyo and then roaring at him. For all she knew, he could be hurt right now, or even dead! But then she remembered her grandmother's advice to hear others out if they're willing to explain themselves, and not to jump to conclusions. Reluctantly, she got off him.
''Fine. Explain.''
Kion got up and faced her with an apologetic expression. ''I'm really sorry about the rockslide. My friend Bunga didn't mean to cause it, it was an accident.''
Rani looked at him, not knowing whether to believe it or not. ''What about you attacking my little brother? AND roaring at him? He could be seriously hurt!''
Kion pinned his ears against his head before looking at her again.
''He... attacked me first. I only fought back to defend myself. And, I'm really sorry about using my roar. I couldn't control myself, but I promise I won't do it again.''
She looked into his eyes again, remembering what her grandmother used to say.
Eyes are the window to the soul.
His eyes had a guilty glint to them, staring back at her. It didn't look like he was faking it. It looked genuine.
''Rani,'' Kion began, choosing his words carefully. ''My name's Kion. I and my friends have been on a very long journey.'' Fuli joined him by his side. ''We need to get to the Tree of Life to get help. I need help.''
She gave him and then Fuli another look before sighing.
''Very well.'' She raised her head. ''We will allow you to enter.''
''Oh,'' His lips curved into a smile. ''Thank you.''
She turned around to face the rockslide. Following her gaze, he spoke up. ''But first, we'll clear the pass.''
Then she suddenly realized she almost forgot about Baliyo.
''Ullu?''
The owl came flying and landed next to her.
''Go check on Baliyo and stay with him.'' She told her.
''Yes, Rani.'' She replied and took off flying, over the pass.
Rani stood back and watched them push aside the smaller rocks and then moving on to the bigger ones. After a good two minutes all the rocks were pushed aside and the pass was open again.
I'll be updating this randomly. If I don't feel like writing at the moment, it might take some time. But I promise I won't forget about this fic.