Chapter 2

Alright, I give you the second chapter of Return of the King of the Tree of Life, it took nearly three weeks to write and edit for any mistakes, but it's finally here. So, read and enjoy the chapter


After being told that Baliyo was on the edge of the Outlands, Jasiri thanked Mzingo and told him he could go home. After the vulture left, Jasiri turned to Kion and asked him if they should go and meet up with Baliyo. Before Kion could even get a word in, Asante excitedly said that they should, asking if they could. Kion backed up Jasiri's statement, saying it could get really cold out in the Outlands at night. Jasiri agreed with them and the three headed out to meet up with him, Madoa, Cheezi, and Chungu deciding to tag along with them.

They all made it to where the Backlands best led into the Outlands and waited for Baliyo to arrive. As they waited, Asante excitedly got onto Kion's back and climbed onto his head since he was the tallest and watched out for Baliyo. Asante was the most excited out of the other five to see Baliyo for obvious reasons. He had been the one to bring her to her parents after her birth parents died. She had been so young since than that she remembered no one from the Tree of Life, but him and only barely.

The only things she remembered about Baliyo was that he was a lion, despite not really knowing what a lion was yet back then, she also remembered he had brown fur and a kind voice. What else she knew about him, she knew from either her parents, the rest of her family, or her father's friends. So, not knowing anything about Baliyo personally, she was excited to find out for herself. Everyone stood there for a while waiting for Baliyo, but he hadn't shown up yet, Kion wondering if he had laid down somewhere for the night to continue in the morning. Jasiri said it was a possibility and that maybe they should wait to meet up with him in the morning.

They were all turning to leave back to their den, until Asante, still watching from Kion's head, shouted out.

"Wait, I see someone coming this way!" Asante said.

Everyone turned their heads to see what Asante was talking about. They saw a distant figure making its way towards them. As it came closer, they could make out more of the figure's features and they could see it was Baliyo.

"Well dad, is it him?" Asante asked, nearly unable to hold in her excitement.

"Yeah, it's him, Asante." Kion confirmed.

Kion felt as Asante jumped with excitement at the prospect of her finally getting to meet Baliyo. Not wanting to make his daughter wait any longer, Kion began to make his way towards Baliyo, but as he did, Asante leaped down from his head and began rushing towards Baliyo. Jasiri laughed as she walked up next to Kion.

"Well, I can see she's excited to meet Baliyo finally." Jasiri said.

"Duh, obviously." Kion replied.

Kion, Jasiri, and the others ran to catch up with Asante as she ran towards Baliyo. In Baliyo's case, as he saw the others running towards him, he got into a fighting position, not recognizing it was them until he saw Kion and Jasiri.

"Oh, Kion, Jasiri." Baliyo breathed, easing up.

"Hay Baliyo, it's good to see you." Jasiri greeted.

Baliyo was about to replay until he noticed a very small figure running ahead of all the others. He looked down, seeing a striped hyena with grey-white fur with black stripes and medium blue eyes. She stopped about a foot in front of him and looked up at him like he was the most amazing thing she'd ever seen. Baliyo almost immediately knew who this stiped hyena was and a smile grew on his face because of it.

"Asante, is that you?" Baliyo asked.

"Yes." Asante immediately replied.

Baliyo leaned down to get a closer look at Asante.

"Do you know who I am?" Baliyo asked.

"Yes, you're Baliyo; the lion who brought me here from the Tree of Life and gave me to my mom and dad." Asante said.

"Yes, I did." Baliyo replied. "And look at you."

Baliyo took a moment to circle around Asante twice to get a good look at her. She was only just over two months old since he last saw her four months ago and it was great to see her now as an older, but still very young cub.

"You're all… grown up." Baliyo said, happy to see Asante looking strong and healthy.

"Almost." Asante replied.

Baliyo smiled at Asante again before looking over at Kion, Jasiri, and the others.

"How'd you all know I was here?" Baliyo asked. "It seems like you were waiting for me."

"A little birdy told us it saw you walking towards the border." Jasiri said with a laugh.

"Yes, and we decided to come and bring you to the clan's den since it can get really cold in the Outlands at night." Madoa said.

"And Asante really wanted to meet you." Kion added.

"Yeah, and I've got so much I want to tell you about since you first brought me here. My friend Kweli, she's a jackal and Dogo's daughter. I made friends with her when I stepped in and stopped some lion cubs and other animals from bullying her until Aunty Vitani came in. Speaking of Aunt Vitani, she, mom, Aunty Madoa, and grandma Nala started teaching me hunting lessons about two months ago and I'm really good at it. I caught my first mouse a couple weeks ago. There was this cranky, old cheetah a while ago, who was being mean to me and my friends for accidently ruining his hunt, but I got him to leave us alone. Earlier today, me and my friends were playing bad hyena attack and I wore red leaves like a lion's mane and mom and dad joined us and I got to fight mom and save dad, well techniquelly, I didn't save dad since mom killed us all." Asante began explaining her life story since Baliyo brought her to Kion and Jasiri four months ago.

Asante was doing so, so excitedly that she was talking too fast for Baliyo to keep up with her and process it all. Jasiri and Madoa couldn't help but laugh along with how Asante was so excited to see Baliyo and to see her barraging him with her life's story. Jasiri could see that Baliyo was trying to politely interrupt Asante, but he was just unable to and so Jasiri decided to step forward.

"…Oh, and you won't believe this. Just a few days ago, Gozi came to me and he asked me to joi…" Asante tried to explain until Jasiri placed her paw over her daughter's mouth.

"Easy there, Asante. Now, I know you're excited to see Baliyo, but please, slow down a little and don't overwhelm him." Jasiri said before releasing her daughter's mouth.

"Yeah, and it's late. So, why don't we go back to the den, get a good night's sleep and you can tell Baliyo all the stories you want tomorrow in a more slowed down way." Kion suggested, walking next to Jasiri and Asante.

"Okay, mom and dad." Asante said, before turning back towards Baliyo. "Sorry Baliyo. I've just been told so much about you and want to tell you about me and I want to get to know more about you for myself."

Baliyo offered Asante another smile.

"It's okay Asante. I would really love to get to know more about you myself. It's been so long since I last saw you as a much younger cub." Baliyo said.

"Well, you two will have plenty of time to do just that. Now, let's get back to the den." Jasiri said.

"Yeah, c'mon Baliyo." Kion encouraged, turning around with the other to begin their way back.

Baliyo didn't follow them however and just stood there.

"Actually, Kion, can I talk to you for a second? Jasiri to?" Baliyo asked.

Everyone turned back towards Baliyo as he said that.

"Sure; About what?" Kion asked.

Baliyo opened his mouth to talk, but then glanced down at Asante. What he had to say, he didn't want to say it around Asante.

"Uh, can I tell it to you in private?" Baliyo requested.

Jasiri nodded and turned towards her sister and Cheezi and Chungu. Madoa knew what Jasiri wanted and walked towards Asante. Madoa leaned down and scooped Asante up with her head, who slid down onto her back.

"Come on Asante, let's give them a moment." Madoa said.

"And while you're at it, why not just go back to the den." Kion said. "We'll be right behind you."

Madoa nodded and began to make her way back to the den with Cheezi and Chungu. When the four were gone, Kion and Jasiri turned their attention back to Baliyo.

"So, what is it you wanted to tell us, Baliyo?" Kion asked.

"I, I Uh, Uh, I." Baliyo tried to say, but found it difficult to say.

"Is something wrong?" Kion asked, noticing.

Baliyo didn't respond this time and just stood there with a near blank look on his face and his mouth moving, but no words coming out.

"Baliyo?" Jasiri asked.

Still the brown lion silently stood there.

"Baliyo?" Kion said, starting to get concerned.

Baliyo still didn't respond, but Kion and Jasiri saw tears form in the corners of his eyes and begin to roll down his face. Seeing this increased the concern that Baliyo's long silence had already brought. Kion was about to step forward and ask again if something was wrong, but Baliyo beat him to it when he quickly blurted out.

"Rani's dead!" Baliyo quickly said, desperate to get saying so over with.

Kion and Jasiri both gasped at hearing that, having not expected it.

"Rani's dead?" Kion asked, almost not believing it.

Tears flowing more freely now, Baliyo nodded.

"Yes, we found her at the frozen lake, lying there dead." Baliyo explained.

Kion and Jasiri looked at each other, shocked and then back at Baliyo, who was wiping tears away with his paw and forelegs. Feeling pity for his brother-in-law, Kion stepped forward, followed by Jasiri and they both embraced him. Baliyo embraced them both back and the three stayed there for a little while before pulling away.

"Kion…" Baliyo began to say before Kion interrupted him.

"You don't have to say anymore tonight Baliyo. C'mon, let's all get to the den and get some sleep so we can talk more tomorrow." Kion said.

"Okay." Baliyo agreed.

Baliyo had been walking for a long time in the scorching hot sun of the dry season and was about to lay down for the night until Kion and the others had come up to him and he'd prefer to talk more in the morning. The three began to make their way to Jasiri's clan's den, soon catching up to Madoa and the others as they did. Kion and Jasiri hurried up next to them, Baliyo staying behind as they did.

"Oh, you finally caught up with us." Madoa said when she noticed Kion and Jasiri.

"Yeah." Jasiri simply replied.

Madoa noticed the less lively tone in Jasiri's voice and noticed Baliyo was following a good distance behind them.

"So, what is it Baliyo wanted to tell you two?" Madoa asked.

"And why does he look upset?" Asante asked from Madoa's back, having noticed Baliyo's expression.

"We'll tell you later." Kion said, wanting to get back to the den first.

Everyone soon got back to the den, where Nne was waiting for their return while the rest of the clan went back to sleep. When they entered the den, Madoa pointed Baliyo in the direction of a two-day old carcass that still had some good meat on it if he was hungry. Baliyo said he wasn't, but thanked her anyway before going to find a spot to sleep.

"Baliyo, we'll talk tomorrow." Kion assured him.

"Yes, thank you, Kion." Baliyo replied.

As Baliyo laid down, Madoa, Cheezi, Chungu, and Nne gathered around Kion and Jasiri at the mouth of the den.

"So, what did Baliyo talk to you guys about?" Madoa asked in a hushed tone, glancing over at said lion.

Kion sighed before revealing it.

"Rani's dead." Kion revealed.

"What?" Madoa exclaimed.

"Yes, he said they found her dead at the frozen lake." Jasiri said.

Madoa, Asante, and the others looked over at Baliyo. No one could believe it, that Rani was dead.

"Rani's dead, but how?" Madoa asked.

"Don't know, he didn't say anything other than that. I told him we'd talk tomorrow though." Kion said. "C'mon, let get back to sleep."

Everyone nodded and found a spot to lay down in the den. Kion, Jasiri, and Asante went to the back chamber where they slept. Kion and Jasiri laid side by side next to each other while Asante laid next to Kion's other side. As he laid there, Kion couldn't help but think of the fact that Rani was actually dead. Even though he'd moved past everything that happened and barley ever even thought about her, right now he couldn't stop thinking about her or wrap his head around the whole situation.

He didn't exactly know his full thoughts on the news, but what he did know was that he felt bad for Baliyo and Surak and Nirmala back at the Tree of Life. Those three had gone through as much as he had ever since Rani revealed her true feelings about him and unlike him hadn't seemed to have caught a break and none of them deserved to have this happen to them.

"Hay dad." said Asante's voice, pulling Kion out of his thoughts.

Kion turned his head towards his daughter.

"Yes, Asante?" Kion asked.

"That lioness, Rani. She was the one you were married to before mom, right?" Asante asked, despite knowing the story.

"Yes, yes she was." Kion said with a slight sadness in his voice.

"Is she really dead?" Asante asked.

"I'm afraid so Asante. This is something Baliyo wouldn't lie about." Kion said.

"Okay." Asante said.

"And I'm sorry you're first-time meeting Baliyo had to be like this." Kion apologized.

Asante didn't respond and just silently laid there against him for a few seconds.

"So, what are we gonna do now?" Asante asked.

"Well, tomorrow your mother and I are gonna talk to Baliyo a little more about what happened and let the pride know." Kion said.

"What about after that?" Asante asked.

"I don't know, we'll figure it out." Kion replied.

"And what about Baliyo? Do you think he'll stay for a bit?" Asante asked.

"I'm sure he will. He came all this way, so he might as well and like he said, he'd like to get to know you now that you're all grown up." Kion said, offering his daughter a smile.

Asante laughed lightly at her father calling her grown up despite still being far from it.

"Besides, I think getting to know you might make him feel a little better. You think you can do that for him and your mom and I?" Kion asked.

"Yes dad." Asante nodded.

"Good girl." Kion said.

Kion leaned enough to kiss his stripped hyena daughter's broad head.

"Sweet dreams Asante, love you." Kion said.

"Love you to dad." Asante said.

Kion then turned towards Jasiri, who had already fallen asleep. He kissed her on the head and then began trying to fall asleep himself.


When morning came in the next few hours, Kion and Jasiri woke up early. They both greeted each other and stood up to stretch out, making sure not to disturb Asante, who was still asleep. They exited their part of the den and into the main chamber. Jasiri went over and checked the carcass she and the clan had caught a few days ago, two of Janja's old clan and one of her clan were up and eating from it. Jasiri checked it and other small scraps they had and summed up that the clan should go hunting later in the day as it got cooler.

She peeked out into the den's main chamber and saw Baliyo wasn't in there. She asked the three eating if they had seen him, one of Janja's boys saying they saw him get up and head out a few minutes ago. Jasiri thanked him and told Kion. The two headed out and saw Baliyo drinking from the clan's watering hole. Kion and Jasiri looked at each other before walking over to Baliyo, stopping a fair distance behind him.

"Baliyo." Kion called out, making sure not to startle him.

Baliyo lifted his head from the water and looked back at Kion and Jasiri.

"Hay." Baliyo simply greeted, turning around.

"Do you wanna talk more about, well, you know?" Kion asked.

Baliyo nodded.

"Alright, follow us." Jasiri said.

Kion and Jasiri led Baliyo out of the area where the clan's den was to Flat Ridge Rock, where Kion and Jasiri liked to go and talk or to just be alone sometimes. Baliyo had seen this area the first time he came to the Pride Lands. It wasn't any place special, but it was to Kion and Jasiri with it being a factor in how they met and it being where they got married.

"Alright, let's talk here." Kion said sitting down.

Jasiri and Baliyo sat down around Kion so that they could start. As they sat there, Kion thought about how to start the conversation.

"So." Kion began carefully. "So, uh, Baliyo, I know this is a stupid question, but how are you holding up?"

"Considering… well… everything, I'm as okay as I can be I guess." Baliyo said.

"Rani's actually dead, how, when?" Jasiri asked.

"Just over a month ago, we found her lying dead at the frozen lake with her throat torn out." Baliyo explained, struggling to do so.

Kion and Jasiri flinched a little at hearing that.

"Her throat torn out?" Jasiri replied.

Baliyo nodded in response.

"But how, how did this happen?" Kion asked.

Baliyo than began to explain the events of that night. They had all gotten up early, an hour before dark and wished all the animals going to sleep a good night and greeting a good night to any nocturnal ones waking up. They had split up so that they could cover more ground in their patrol, Baliyo with his uncle and Nirmala with Rani so she could talk to her about her sessions at the Lake of Reflection, which she had been doing for a while. After meeting up an hour later, Nirmala had Rani go to the lake. She had been gone for a couple hours, meeting back up with them well into the middle of the night.

Baliyo told them everything that Rani said to them when they asked about her reflection. As he did, Kion had to fight back his urge to growl angrily hearing that, feeling that doing so would be inappropriate and disrespectful to Baliyo, his family back home, and to the dead. However, what shocked Kion and Jasiri the most was hearing how it ended with Surak slapping Rani across the face for her disrespect and refusal to take responsibility for her actions. Kion and Jasiri looked at each other, only being able to imagine how bad the Baliyo, Nirmala, and especially Surak felt. Their last interaction with Rani being with them fighting and Surak slapping her, that was a last moment together that no one wanted with their friends or loved ones.

Baliyo ended his explanation of the events with how they went looking for Rani not too long after and found her dad at the frozen river.

"Baliyo, I'm so, so sorry this happened." Kion said when Baliyo finished.

"Yeah, me to. It must have been horrible" Jasiri said.

"It was." Baliyo said, very depressed.

Kion sat there for a little bit, fidgeting his paws.

"Do you have any idea of who or what did this to her? Did you, Surak, and Nirmala look?" Kion asked.

Baliyo shook his head.

"We were so distraught when we found Rani, Kion that we couldn't think straight. We took her body and brought her to the tree and let everyone know. We didn't even think to look around for who or what might have done this until late the next day. So, whoever killed Rani was most likely long gone by then." Baliyo said.

"What did you all do afterwards then?" Kion asked.

"We buried her and I started by journey here a few days later." Baliyo said.

"Well, Baliyo, thanks for coming to tells us and I wish you coming to visit us and Asante could have been happier." Jasiri said.

"Yeah, me to, but a visit to come and tell you isn't exactly what I came here for." Baliyo said.

"It's not?" Kion questioned.

"Yes. Kion, I came to ask you to come back to the Tree of Life." Baliyo said.

"You want me to come back to the Tree of Life?" Kion questioned, not expecting that.

Baliyo nodded.

"We did bury Rani next to our parents and grandmother, but we haven't had the funeral yet and Uncle Surak, Aunt Nirmala, and I all agreed that we'd like you to be there for it." Baliyo explained.

Kion just sat there, stunned by Baliyo's request for him to return to the Tree of Life for the funeral. Not really knowing what to say or do, he just looked over at Jasiri, who was also surprised. Baliyo noticed this and spoke.

"Kion, we know what Rani did to you was beyond horrible and that it might have made you not want to return to the Tree of Life weather if she was there or not. We're not asking you to forgive her for what she did or anything and it doesn't have to be for her, if it helps, please at least do it for me, Uncle Surak, and Aunt Nirmala. The three of us would really appreciate it if you came for the funeral." Baliyo said.

Kion just stared at Baliyo, thinking about what his answer would be. In truth, over the past nearly two years since he left Kion had thought about temporarily returning to the Tree of Life. He always felt bad a little bit about leaving the way he and his friends did. There was no doubt he was going to confront Rani, but he didn't want a physical fight to be started by him or his friends and he didn't mean to claw Rani across the face or leave without he or his friends saying good bye to the friends they'd made there. Now seemed as good a time as any to return, even though he felt bad that it was because Rani was dead now.

"Of course, I'll come Baliyo." Kion said.

For the first time since he'd revealed Rani's death last night, Baliyo smiled, a sad one, but a smile none the less. He got up and walked over to Kion, throwing a foreleg around his shoulders.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, Kion. I was hoping you'd say yes." Baliyo said.

"I wouldn't have said no even if I wanted to." Kion replied.

Kion glanced over at Jasiri, who smiled at him, obviously having wanted him to say yes. When Baliyo released Kion from his hug, he turned towards Jasiri.

"Jasiri, if you want, you're welcome to come as well; Asante to." Baliyo said.

"The Outlands is her home, but I'm sure she'd love to see the place she was born and the other lions who helped raise her before Kion." Jasiri said.

"Uncle Surak and Aunt Nirmala would love to see her to. They've missed her since I first left with her." Baliyo said.

"Then come on, let's go get her and head to Pride Rock." Kion said. "Best to let the pride know about Rani and give anyone the chance to come to the funeral with us if they want."

Jasiri and Baliyo nodded in agreement, heading back to the clan's den. When they got there, they saw Asante playing with Cheezi, Chungu, Wema, and Tunu. When she saw him, she immediately ran over to Baliyo, looking up at him in amazement like she had last night. Kion and Jasiri smiled at again seeing Asante amazed at meeting the lion who brought her to her parents. They left her with Baliyo and went over to Madoa, explaining their conversation with him to her.

They told her that they'd probably be leaving in a few days and that Madoa would as Jasiri's sister and the clan's second-in-command run the clan when Jasiri left, which Madoa was prepared for, having done so when she first left for the Tree of Life. Kion and Jasiri than gathered Asante and Baliyo and began heading for Pride Rock in the Pride Lands. As they traveled, Asante told Baliyo about her life ever since he brought her here, going at a much slower, yet still fast and excitable pace, from last night so that he could keep up. Baliyo was happy to hear that Asante had a good life here with Kion and Jasiri, just like he knew she would. Baliyo was than surprised to hear that Gozi had recently gotten his roar and had formed his Lion Guard.

"Really? Gozi got his roar? When?" Baliyo asked.

"Just five days ago actually." Kion said.

"Just five days ago?" Baliyo exclaimed in surprise at how close he was to being here when Gozi discovered his roar.

"Yeah, he and Umoja were playing in the Outlands until they got attacked by a clan of hyenas that had just arrived." Jasiri explained.

"Are they okay?" Baliyo asked worriedly.

Baliyo hadn't encountered many hyenas in life, but from the ones he had, he knew hyenas could be savage and unforgiving animals to fight against if they choose you as their enemies and knew the damage their bone crushing teeth could do. He had seen an animal whose leg had been turned to mush because of them.

"Don't worry, they're fine mostly. Umoja did get a nasty bite to a leg, but nothing too serious." Jasiri assured.

"It makes him moody though, but he's getting better. He was able enough to play with us yesterday." Asante said.

"Umoja's leg is only the half of it though." Kion cut in.

"Huh?" Baliyo asked.

"It's who's in this clan that concerns me the most." Kion said.

"Who's in the clan?" Baliyo asked.

"Janja, that bad hyena that my dad use to fight and kidnapped others like Aunts Madoa and Vitani when he and mom got into their relationship." Asante answered.

"Janja's back in the Pride Lands, leading a new clan?" Baliyo exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, though techniquelly, the clan is led by it's matriarch, Hatari, whom Janja is married to." Kion said.

"Ooohhh. With how bad you and Jasiri have told me, he is, Gozi and Umoja especially, sound like they were lucky to get out of there alive." Baliyo said.

"They are and so is Asante, because she and Gozi were attacked the next day by the entire clan when Gozi ran away after telling us his doubts about leading the Lion Guard." Kion said.

"Gozi's having doubts about leading the Lion Guard?" Baliyo questioned.

"He did, but not anymore after I talked to him." Asante said, getting ready to explain the story. "You see…"

Jasiri however cut in before Asante could tell the story any further.

"Okay, that's enough sweetpie. Don't tell Baliyo all your life stories in one day, save some to tell him later." Jasiri laughed. "Besides, we're almost at Pride Rock."

Asante looked ahead to see they were almost at Pride Rock. She hadn't noticed with how focused she'd been on Baliyo and filling him in on her life since he'd left her with her parents.

"Asante, why don't you go ahead and let the others know we're arriving with Baliyo?" Kion suggested.

"Okay dad!" Asante said, sprinting off towards Pride Rock.

Both lions and single hyena all smiled as they watched Asante running towards Pride Rock.

"She's a sweet kid." Baliyo complimented.

"The sweetest." Kion agreed, nodding.

"Is what she said true, about her helping Gozi with his doubts of leading the Lion Guard? Why was he having doubts anyway?" Baliyo asked.

"Long story short, he was worried about having his roar being taken advantage of and what happened with the Lion Guard before his happening to him. We'll explain the rest later." Kion said.

"Okay." Baliyo replied.

As the three got closer to Pride Rock, they soon saw Asante rushing back down with Kiara, Kovu, Vitani, Gozi, and Umoja, who was being carried on Kiara's back because of his leg and he didn't look pleased about it. All of them looking happy to see Baliyo had returned to the Pride Lands, but not yet knowing why he had come.

"Uncle Baliyo! Hi!" Gozi shouted down to them.

"Hay Gozi!" Baliyo shouted back up to the young cub, happy that he remembered him.

Asante rushed ahead to her parents and Baliyo.

"I told everyone that Baliyo is here just like you said dad and they all looked happy to hear so." Asante said.

"That's great, good girl." Kion said, petting his daughter's mane.

Kiara, Kovu, their children, and Vitani all then gathered around Baliyo and the others, greeting them all and welcoming Baliyo back to the Pride Lands, which he was happy to hear. Baliyo took special interest on Gozi and Umoja, who was being helped off his mother's back by Gozi and Asante.

"Umoja, Gozi, you two look so much bigger than last time." Baliyo commented.

"Not by much, we were only five months old when you saw us." Gozi said, being careful not to drop Umoja.

"Right, and how old are you two now, ten months?" Baliyo.

"Wow!" Umoja exclaimed as he almost fell, before getting on solid ground. "Nine and five days."

"Not for a couple more hours, a few minutes, and seconds if you want to be precise." Jasiri joked and then laughed.

Everyone took a moment to laugh at Jasiri's small joke as well before Baliyo turned back towards Gozi.

"So, I hear a lot has happened since I was last here, especially recently… Gozi, the fiercest and leader of the Lion Guard." Baliyo said.

"Oh, you were told about that?" Gozi replied.

"Yeah, I also heard that Asante helped you with your feelings about it." Baliyo said.

"She did and I feel a lot better than I did about it before. Busara was right about telling me to make her a part of my Lion Guard." Gozi said.

"Wait, she's a member of your Lion Guard!?" Baliyo asked, not expecting that.

"Yeah, she is. You see, I had originally asked Busara to joi…" Gozi began to explain before Kion cut in.

"Uh, sorry to be cutting in on everyone's story time lately, but we actually came to discuss something serious." Kion said.

"Discuss what?" Kiara asked.

Kion and Jasiri both looked at Baliyo, who nodded at them.

"Everyone… Rani's dead." Kion said.

"What!?" everyone who hadn't heard exclaimed in unison.

"Rani's dead, how, when?" Kiara asked.

"Let's gather the pride so that we can tell them all at once." Kion said.

Kiara nodded and then everyone headed back up to get the rest of the pride. When they got up on Pride Rock, the rest of the pride was just as happy to see Baliyo as everyone else was. By the time he left the Pride Lands on his first visit, Baliyo had been able to get into the good graces of most of the pride and other Pride Landers who gave him a hard time for his guilt-tripped part in Rani's manipulation of Kion when both lions had found it out. However, when he came back his second time and brought Asante to Kion and Jasiri, it helped the rest of the pride and Pride Landers, especially Simba, in not giving Baliyo the cold shoulder, especially now with how everyone loved sweet, little Asante. The entire pride gathered around, greeting and welcoming Baliyo, who while overwhelmed with all the attention, thanked each of them.

Kiara than stepped in, telling her parents and the clan they needed to discuss what Kion told her. So, the entire pride backed up a little to give Kion and Baliyo space to talk. Baliyo tried to speak to tell everyone about Rani, but found doing so difficult to do again. Kion stepped forward for Baliyo's sake and told the pride everything Baliyo had told him and Jasiri, himself. The entire pride was shocked to hear that Rani was dead, their thoughts about her true intentions of marrying Kion hadn't changed from when they were told nearly two years ago, but that didn't stop any of them feeling sorry for Baliyo and his family back home.

I didn't matter what Rani did, bad or not, they all agreed no one deserved to go through something like that. Everyone offered their condolences to the Night Pride lion and apologized for the way they treated him when he first came to the Pride Lands and for the second time, the ones who had still acted cold towards him than. Baliyo thanked them all for it, saying he and his family back home would appreciate it. Kion than told the pride that Rani's funeral had not yet been held and Baliyo and the rest of the Night Pride wanted him there and that he, Jasiri, and Asante would be going. Baliyo had finally spoken up, offering anyone who wanted to the choice to come for the funeral.

Kiara immediately stepped forward, saying that she'd come, Kovu, Gozi, and Umoja to. Nala stepped forward as well, saying she and Simba would also be willing to come if Vitani would look after the Pride Lands while they were gone like last time, which Vitani agreed to without a second thought. Baliyo thanked them all for it, saying it meant a lot, only for Simba to reply that they're still family, so of course they would. Everyone than disbanded, going to do their own things for the day. Kion and Jasiri told Asante to go play with Gozi and Umoja while they found Kion's friends a let them know everything as well.

Asante agreed and told her parents she'd see them later while she ran off to play with her lion cousins under Kovu's watch while Kiara and Nala formed the hunting party. Kion, Jasiri, and Baliyo then went to look for their friends. They found Bunga, Binga, Fuli, Azaad, their children, Beshte, Ono, Anga, and Makini all at a cliffside. Everyone seemed to have been surrounding Bunga, who had a look of pain on his face, a few leaf bandages here and there over his body, and his left arm being held firmly by Makini while Binga stood back looking worried in contrast to Busara, who shook her head with a hand on her face and mouthing something that sounded like 'Dad, you're an idiot.' Kion, Jasiri, and Baliyo got concerned by the looks on everyone's face and hurried over to them.

"Guys, what happened?" Kion asked.

Everyone turned to Kion when they heard him to tell him, but were surprised when they saw Baliyo with him and Jasiri.

"Baliyo, you're back!" Bunga said as he began to stand up. "How's it goin- OW!"

"Sit down and don't move!" Makini said sternly, pushing Bunga back down into a sitting position. "I haven't popped your arm back into place yet."

"Pop his arm back into place?" Baliyo said.

"Oh, this should be good." Jasiri said, unable to keep the smile off her face from what she knew was going to be an interesting story.

"What happened?" Kion asked curiously.

"Oh nothing, except for my death wishing mom and dad deciding to do one of their a million ways to die stupidly stunts that involves jumping from a high cliff to go for a joy ride on a vulture." Busara exclaimed with a small hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"What?!" Kion exclaimed, confused.

"What she's saying is that Bunga and Binga decided to wait on that cliff for vultures to arrive and jump at and try to grab onto them as they flew overhead." Fuli explained.

"Binga was able to grab hers, but Bunga missed his and fell. Some scrapes and no doubt some pretty big bruises and a dislocated left arm." Ono further explained.

"He's lucky he didn't get any worse than that!" Makini stated.

"Why didn't anyone grab or catch him?" Jasiri asked.

"No time for anyone to do so." Azaad explained.

"I would have caught him, but I only came across them after it happened shortly before Fuli got here with Makini." Anga said.

"And oh man did it hurt, but Zuka Zama was it fun!" Bunga shouted. "OW!"

"No. it wasn't fun dad! It was dangerous and stupid; you coulda died!" Busara said.

"Ah, but I didn't. Haha." Bunga pointed out, winking.

"Oh yes, the Pride Lands will tell tales and sing songs of Bunga the Deathless for thousands of generations to come." Anga said in a theatrically sarcastic tone.

"Huh. I'd give up my favorite watering hole for a year to hear one of those." Beshte said.

"Me to." Fuli said.

Makini finally got Bunga's arm in the right position to pop it back into the place. She counted to three and then popped Bunga's arm back into place, Bunga shouting in pain as she did.

"There we go, all back into place." Makini said after she was done.

"Oh, thanks Makini. I feel so much better now." Bunga said, standing up to stretch his arm and practice his left hook.

"You're welcome, just don't do anything stupid to make it happen again or frankly anything to hurt that arm for a while." Makini said.

"Hay, no promises." Bunga said with a laugh.

Busara sighed and shook her head even more in response. With the Bunga situation now handled, everyone turned their attention to Baliyo, greeting and welcoming him back to the Pride Lands.

"Thanks, you guys, it's good to be back and see you all again, especially you Busara and Mbio." Baliyo said, happy to see them all again before his face falling as to why he came. "Though, the reason why I came back isn't good."

"How come?" Ono asked.

Before he could even try to explain, Kion once again stepped up so that he didn't have to say it.

"Guys." Kion began with a sigh. "Baliyo came to the Pride Lands to tells us that Rani has died."

"What!?" everyone exclaimed.

Kion told everyone the same story Baliyo had told him and Jasiri and what he had told the pride and about returning to the Tree of Life for the funeral. Everyone immediately said that they'd all go to the funeral for Baliyo and his family as well, which he gratefully thanked them all for, happy to hear that so many were willing to come despite Rani's manipulations of all of them apart from Kion. After they all did, Busara and Mbio asked where Asante was, having planned to meet with her, Gozi, Umoja, and later Kweli before Bunga and Binga's stunt. After letting them know she was at Pride Rock with Gozi and Umoja, Mbio and Busara ran off to meet them, telling their parents they'd see them later, Busara telling her parents, her dad especially not to do anything dangerously dumb. When the kids were gone, Kion's friends asked if he and Jasiri wanted to hang out for a while.

Kion asked Baliyo if he wanted to hang out with them as well. Baliyo thanked them for the offer, but said that he thought he wanted to be alone for a little while for now. Kion told him that he and the others understood and that they'd see him later. Baliyo nodded and then walked off, everyone watching him as they did. When the brown Night Prider was out of sight, everyone looked at each other, expressing their surprise and Rani mysteriously being killed by someone with no idea of who it could have been.

Kion didn't say it, but he thought about at some point, maybe even after the funeral, he'd ask Baliyo about it again. Maybe there was something he saw that day that could give a clue to as what or who killed Rani that he just couldn't remember right now or maybe there was a clue he could find there himself that could give him an idea.


So, Kion and Jasiri spent the day with their friends, having fun together and talking about their younger day. It had felt like a long time since they had done this ever since Kion got married to Jasiri and helped her rule the Outlands and most of them had children. However, as the day went on, the all worried about Baliyo. They all felt truly sorry for what happened to him and his family with Rani and wished there was a way to make it better, but knew all they could do was return to the tree of the funeral. By the time it was midday, it suddenly hit Kion and Jasiri that they hadn't eaten anything since they joined in Asante and her friends' game yesterday.

They bid farewell to their friends before heading back home. When they got there, they ate from the scraps of the left-over carcass and afterward, Jasiri decided that it was time the clan went out to find some more scraps or to go on a hunt. She, Madoa, Wema, Tunu, Cheezi, Chungu, and Nne all gathered up to go look for some scraps in the Outlands or to hunt if they couldn't find any. As they did that, Kion went to check on Asante and the other children at Pride Rock. As he got there, he found Asante and her friends playing stalk and pounce, with Timon unfortunately being the one getting pounced on and grumbling about it while Kovu stood back, laughing and Pumbaa watching Busara messing around with leaves, folding and tucking them in on each other.

When Kion asked the kids of they were having fun, they said yes with Timon grumpily saying he wasn't and complained about being the one to be pounced, saying he thought that was Zazu's job apart from being the majordomo. Busara however told Timon that he was the best for pouncing practice as he had the perfect scream for it to make it seem real, which everyone laughed at, except for Timon who sarcastically thanked his adoptive great niece. Kion asked Busara what she was doing, and she told Kion she enjoyed their first game of bad hyena attack with him and Jasiri yesterday, especially where she used her vine lasso on Chungu, that she wanted to make a leaf hat for the next time they play and Pumbaa was helping her pick the best design as she had already made twenty. Kion looked next to Busara and saw a bunch of leaf hats folded and tucked into many different shapes, he wished her luck in finding the perfect design before turning back to Asante and the other children. Kion walked over to Asante, who had Timon by the scruff and was mock shaking him.

He told her that her mother and the clan had gone scavenging or were now hunting and if she was hungry. Asante said she was and Kion took her home after saying bye to her friends and the others. By the time they got halfway home, Kion and Asante came across Jasiri and most of her party dragging half a gazelle carcass while Cheezi and Chungu carried smaller scraps. Kion helped them drag home faster; Asante helped to, but her efforts didn't do much. When they finally got their haul home, the entire clan sat down and began eating.

As they did, Asante asked her father where Baliyo was. Kion told her that they told his friends about Rani and afterwards, Baliyo wanted to be by himself for a while and thought he'd be back soon to eat something or he'd find something for himself. Asante than asked when they were going to leave for the Tree of Life for Rani's funeral, Kion said in a few days, wanting to give Baliyo some time to easy up from his long journey and for his father and for him and Jasiri to let each of their subjects know they'd be gone for a while and why. Asante nodded before saying that she knew what Rani did to him and doesn't know exactly how she contributed in raising her for the first month of her life, but that she felt bad about what happened to her, Kion telling her that that was okay. Asante then said she also felt bad for Baliyo and the rest of his family, but that she couldn't wait to meet Surak and Nirmala and to see the Tree of Life.

Kion smiled and told Asante that she'd love it there and that there were so many exotic animals there that she couldn't possibly imagine and that there might be even new ones there from how long it's been since he's left. They finished eating soon after and just stayed around the watering hole until Baliyo arrived a few hours later. After being given a go ahead by her parents, Asante ran over to Baliyo, who greeted her and asked her how her day was. Asante told Baliyo about her day while he ate from a few of the scraps the clan had brought earlier and about yesterday when she mentioned Busara's hat making being inspired by yesterday's game of bad hyena attack. When Asante was finished, she than asked Baliyo about the Tree of Life, what it was like there and what kind of exotic animals there were and if there were any new ones since her dad left only for Baliyo to smile at her and tell her to wait and see as it'd be more exciting and magical that way.

Later when the sun set and everyone settled in for the night, Kion and Jasiri asked Asante how her first day meeting Baliyo was. Asante said that she loved it and it only made her more excited to see the Tree of Life and meet the rest of the Night Pride. Kion and Jasiri said they were happy to hear that and that they think Asante's company made Baliyo a little happier. Asante saying if that was so than she was glad and when Jasiri asked if she could keep doing that for him, Asante said she could. So, over the next few days, Asante basically begged Baliyo to come along with her and her friends as they played, and with encouragement from Kion and Jasiri, did so to watch over them.

Cheezi and Chungu also went with Baliyo to 'help watch over' the children as they would say, but really it was Baliyo doing so as the only responsible adult among the three. He watched over them all as they played bad hyena attack, mostly with Cheezi and Chungu playing as the bad hyenas while the others were playing either the chased or the Lion Guard. As they played, Busara kept practicing her vine lasso skills and had tons of fun with it, though she wished she had her leaf hat to go along with it. Asante even convinced Baliyo after a couple of days of him watching them play, to join them in the game like her parents did, him leading the Lion Guard also consisting of Umoja and Busara while the others ran from her, Cheezi, and Chungu. Baliyo just found himself being unable to refuse and accepted, which Asante jumped for joy at.

When he, Umoja, and Busara jumped in as the Lion Guard to save Gozi, Kweli, and Mbio, he even combined Kion's Lion Guard and the Night Pride's battle cry.

"Alright team, with strength and respect, Lion Guard defend!" Baliyo shouted.

"Eh. Not as good as our it's Lion Guarding time battle cry." Mbio said.

"I kinda like it." Kweli replied.

The three then jumped in to face Asante, Cheezi, and Chungu. Umoja and Busara with her lasso worked together to easily wrangle up Cheezi and Chungu like cattle while Baliyo easily took care of Asante. Baliyo flipped Asante onto her back and placed his large paw on his chest, pinning her to the ground. Asante smiled up at Baliyo and laughed. Baliyo smiled back down at her and out of pure urge, began tickling Asante's tummy, who immediately began laughing and begging him to stop.

Baliyo stopped when he felt satisfied and they went back to playing their game. The next day, Kion and Jasiri even joined the game along with Baliyo again. Later that night, Baliyo asked Asante about Gozi's Lion Guard. He already knew that Kweli and Mbio were on it as the smartest and the fastest and Ono and Beshte's friends, Ona and Mtoto were also on it as the keenest of site and strongest, she was its bravest, and even though Busara wasn't on it, which surprised him at first, but that everyone seemed to view her as a member still even without a title. He had also been told of why Gozi was having doubts about leading it and their fight with Janja and Hatari's clan, but didn't know any specifics.

Asante happily told Baliyo about the fight, from Hatari and Janja attacking them, the others coming to save them, Busara accidently farting in Hatari's face, telling Baliyo that if Busara asked, she said Busara clocked her like she said to, her saving Gozi, and then her dad and mom coming in to save everyone. She told him about Gozi using his roar for a second time after Kion's encouraging words and how furious Hatari was with Janja afterwards from him keeping Gozi's roar a secret. Asante skipped over the next part, telling Baliyo the other stuff that happened afterwards to save the best part for last, Kion and Gozi merging their roars together to create some sort of Super Roar of the Elders, which sent Janja running, screaming like a little girl and shouting for his mommy. Baliyo immediately burst out laughing, saying he'd give anything to have seen that. Asante agreed, saying that it was the funniest thing she'd ever seen.

While on the topic of discussing Janja, Asante talked about how she'd been told about what happened to make Janja going back to being bad, from his and her dad's fight after they left the Tree of Life to their fight in the Lair of the Lion Guard. She'd even been told about Janja's proposal to Jasiri and how Janja described himself as strong, smart and handsome and that Jasiri at least admitted she did think Janja was handsome, but Asante personally said that she was not ready for how ugly Janja would look up close and it wasn't because of all his scars. Baliyo laughed at that and Asante continued that she thought her uncles Cheezi and Chungu were cuter than Janja, which brought out more laughter from Baliyo. A couple days after that, Busara had finally made a leaf hat design she liked, which was shaped like a cowboy hat, and showed it to everyone and played bad hyena attack while wearing it.

While on the Lion Guard team, before they jumped down, Busara jumped onto Baliyo's back, who was on the Lion Guard team and readied her vine lasso.

"Let's kick the bad hyenas and light some fires!" Busara shouted.

The day after that, it had been a week since Baliyo arrived in the Pride Lands to inform everyone about what happened to Rani and Kion had decided he and anyone who wanted to come would leave for the Tree of Life tomorrow. So, the next day, everyone gathered up, ready to make their long journey to the Tree of Life. Coming with Baliyo, Kion and his family were Kiara, Kovu, their kids, Simba, Nala, Tiifu, Zuri, Kion's guard and their kids, Cheezi, Chungu, Timon, Pumbaa, and Makini while Vitani, her guard, Madoa, Nne, Gozi's guard, Dogo and his wife, Kwabora, Rafiki, and Zazu came to see them all off on their journey. They all talked to each other for a bit, before they departed. Simba and Nala were talking to Vitani and her Lion Guard about them going to the Tree of Life.

"Vitani, are you sure you don't want to go to the tree with the others in our place?" Simba asked Vitani to make sure.

"Yeah, it's a very beautiful place and all the animals are very fascinating to look at." Nala said.

"Tempting, but no. Someone's gotta stay and look after the Pride Lands and lead the Lion Guard while your away and I'm the best suited for that. Besides, it seems more fitting for the king and queen of the Pride Lands to be at the funeral." Vitani explained.

"Okay, but you're really missing out." Simba said.

"Maybe next time." Vitani responded.

As his grandparents talked with Vitani, Gozi was talking with his guard members who were staying in the Pride Lands while he was away.

"Okay, so you three know what to do. Kweli, keep your eyes and ears open for anything suspicious in the Outlands and report to Aunt Madoa if anything comes up." Gozi said.

"You got it Gozi." Kweli replied.

"Ona, if Tazama is unable to perform her duties for any reason or if my Aunt Vitani just needs an extra pair of eyes, you be that for her." Gozi said.

"I'll be your aunt's flying ace." Ona laughed.

"Mtoto, if there's any heavy lifting or death hug with your trunk giving that my aunt needs, you're her elephant, okay?" Gozi said.

"Yes sir!" Mtoto replied.

Gozi and Mtoto than slapped their paw and trunk together and then bumped their nose and trunk together.

"Boom buddy!" Gozi and Mtoto both shouted as they did, before Mtoto did the same with Beshte.

Gozi than laughed with the four of them about giving them orders for while he was gone. Meanwhile, Jasiri and Kion were talking with Madoa about her leading the clan until they got back.

"You sure you'll be okay while we're gone Madoa?" Kion asked his hyena sister-in-law.

"Yes Kion, don't worry. I can lead a clan just fine, I did so when Jasiri went to warn you about Zira. Besides, I got Nne and Tano and Linzi back home to help me." Madoa assured him.

"I know, it's not that. I just worry about Janja and Hatari's clan coming after you all." Kion said. "Janja knows where we live, their clan's about twice the size of ours, and I still got a feeling in my gut that they haven't left like some have thought."

Madoa just laughed at that.

"Well, don't worry Kion, we have precautions for just in case and we can all handle ourselves. Besides, if Janja does come after us, I'm ready for round two." Madoa said, tapping on her head where she had hit it during her and Janja's fight when he kidnapped her.

"That's true." Jasiri said, chuckling at the thought of her sister kicking Janja's butt. "I do wish you could come with us though so you can properly see the Tree of Life since last time you were there wasn't… the best of times to visit."

"Next time." Madoa said.

"Well, look after yourself Madoa and be safe until we get back." Kion said.

"You to." Madoa replied.

Madoa then looked towards Cheezi and Chungu and smiled at them.

"And you two wonderful, big hearted cuties look after my sister, niece, and Kion. You're the only ones I trust to do so, okay furbrains?" Madoa said with a small laugh at the end.

Cheezi and Chungu both smiled back at Madoa for giving them the task of looking after Jasiri, Kion, and Asante that she only trusted them with and for calling them wonderful, big hearted, cuties, and furbrains. They both moved forward and each gratefully licked Madoa's cheeks at the same time.

"You can count on us Madoa." Cheezi said.

"Yeah, we'll make sure they get back to the Pride Lands safely." Chungu promised.

When they pulled away, Madoa just stood there stunned with a look of surprise on her face as the insides of her ears were going visibly red along with the skin under the fur of her cheeks, which she placed one of her paws against. Jasiri and Asante both laughed as they saw this. Madoa soon smiled from Cheezi and Chungu's gesture and soon began giggling from it. When Madoa got a hold of herself, she looked down at Asante.

"And you little one, you have yourself a good time at the Tree of Life." Madoa said down to Asante.

"Little one? But Baliyo's been saying that I'm all grown up since he arrived." Asante playfully argued.

Madoa closed her eyes and chuckled.

"Oh, you're still very little and always will be to us." Madoa laughed, poking Asante's nose.

Asante happily laughed a little and stared up at her aunt before suddenly rushing forward and hugging herself against Madoa's belly.

"Oh, I'm gonna really miss you while we're gone Aunty Madoa." Asante said, sounding a tiny bit sad, there having never been a day where she hadn't seen any of her family, hyena or lion.

Madoa smiled and leaned down to nuzzle her niece.

"Oh, you'll be back before you know it." Madoa comforted while also rubbing Asante's back. "Then, you'll be able to tell me about all the adventures you had."

When Asante pulled back, she kissed Madoa's right cheek, still wet from Chungu's lick, which gave Madoa an idea.

"And hay, want to know a favor you can do for me until you get back?" Madoa asked.

"What?" Asante asked.

"Until you get back, every night before you go to sleep, give everyone a kiss on both their cheeks." Madoa said, who then kissed both her niece's cheeks to solidify it. "Think you can do that?"

Asante smiled and kissed both of Madoa's cheeks.

"Yeah, I can do that." Asante said.

"Good girl." Madoa replied.

Asante than looked towards her other aunt staying home, Vitani.

"Aunt Vitani, do you want me to give everyone a kiss on the cheek on your behalf to?" Asante asked.

Vitani looked over at Asante when she said that and slowly made her way over to the young stripped hyena, a small mischievous smile growing over her face as she did.

"No, but you can give everyone something for me." Vitani said, leaning down towards Asante.

"What?" Asante asked.

"Before you go to sleep every night after kissing everyone's cheeks, punch them in the mouth." Vitani then balled her right paw up and jabbed Asante in the mouth, making sure it was only hard enough for her to feel a good blow, but not hurt. "Do that for me, okay?"

Asante threw her own punch, hitting Vitani across the muzzle, though it was harder than Asante meant to make it.

"Yes sir, uh, I mean ma'am." Asante said.

Vitani rubbed where Asante punched her and smirked down at her, mentally telling herself that she was a good kid. Kion, Jasiri, Baliyo, and Madoa, who had been watching all smiled at Asante with Vitani, thinking the same thing. Everyone said a few final farewells to the others who were staying in the Pride Lands before they began to head off. As they were though, they suddenly heard the distinct cackling of hyenas and it was from Jasiri, Madoa, Cheezi, or Chungu. Then suddenly, rocks were pushed into the area behind them that led back into the Pride Lands.

"Huh? What's going on?" Baliyo unnervingly asked.

It was than that in front of everyone, came a bunch of hyenas, at least twenty of them, blocking their path. When Gozi looked, he recognized some of them from Hatari's clan. Gozi spotted Kamari and Azizi, Hatari's brothers, Nyoka and Gombo, and in front of them was…

"Janja!" Kion snarled.


And with that we wrap up chapter 2; this chapter wasn't originally going to be a cliff hanger, but it was nearing 14,000 words and it had a perfect place to cut off on, so this story will be four chapter instead of three, making us half way done with the story now and chapter three is all done now. I'll add it in a few days so that this chapter can have some breathing room.

Next chapter, everyone will deal with the Janja situation, we quickly see the first day of everyone's journey to the Tree of Life, Baliyo and Kion have some heart to heart, and maybe even see Asante kiss everyone's cheeks and than punch them in the mouth like she promised Madoa and Vitani. Until I decide to upload chapter 3 everybody, please leave a review and read my other stories if you haven't whenever you can, have a good day or night, stay healthy out there, and God bless.