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Seasons had changed and both Taariq and Amani had grown up into young adults. They'd even got a little brother about two years into their lives. One day it was time for Taariq's third solo hunt. She was eager to get out there to have another go at it.
"I can come along, if you want to,"
Amani suggested from behind her but Taariq shook her head slowly, with a smile on her face.
"As much as I'd love it, this is something I must do on my own,"
the older sister explained as she turned around. Amani's expression turned sad, although only momentarily.
"Come back safe,"
she said as she stepped forward. The sisters then nuzzled each other before Taariq leapt off the rock and to the savannah down below. Amani joined her parents and brother. They then stood watching until the young lioness disappeared from their view.
Just like her mother, Taariq didn't start out as a great, skilled hunter. But she was headstrong and willing to learn.
Shortly after leaving Pride Rock she had located a herd of antelopes, and was keeping an eye on it while making sure to stay close to the ground. Her ears were pressed tightly against her skull as she eyed her prey. She took a few deep breaths, and as soon as she was ready, she leapt out of her vantage point and ran after the herd. The animals all scattered and took off, desperate to get away from the young lioness. She chased after them and managed to get close to one of the slower antelopes. The young animal freaked out at the sight of a fearless lioness right behind it and did what it could in an attempt to defend itself. Just as Taariq had taken a leap at the unfortunate antelope, it thrashed around, throwing its head wildly. As a result it poked the lioness in the eye with its antlers. Taariq roared in pain and let go of the antelope, allowing the animal to get away and live another day. The lioness on the other hand was squeezing her left eye shut, experiencing pain that was unspeakably cruel.
Bahati was on one of her runs as she by some miracle caught a fleeting glimpse of something peachy orange. She slowed down and circled back around to check on what exactly she had seen.
"Oh, if it isn't the young princess,"
she said as a greeting.
"Are you out hunting again?"
"Oh, hello, Bahati,"
Taariq greeted her fellow feline.
"I am, or I was. I wanted to learn and to become better at it, but.."
"What happened?"
Bahati asked immediately as she realized that the lioness was struggling with something.
"One of the antelopes struck me in the eye with its antlers. Listen, I need to get home. If it's not too much to ask, can you come with me back to Pride Rock?"
she asked and the cheetah nodded right away.
"Of course, princess. Come with me."
Amani was sitting at the promontory of Pride Rock and looking down into the valley as she waited for her sister to return. She didn't have to wait for much longer when she already spotted a familiar lioness approaching. And right by her side was Bahati, a friend of their family.
"Princess Amani!"
the cheetah called out to the lion.
"Can you go get your parents? Your sister is in dire need of some help."
"Help?"
Amani repeated before getting up on her paws, turning around and running towards the cave. Inside, her parents and younger brother Faraji were catching up with Kiara's brother Kion who had come for a visit.
"Mom, dad! Come quickly, there's something wrong with Taariq!"
the lioness announced without wasting any time before turning and running back outside. Kiara and Kovu proceeded to follow their daughter, accompanied by Faraji and Kion.
"Queen Kiara, King Kovu. I ran into your daughter on the way and she told me that an antelope hit her in the eye with its antlers. I can't say for sure, of course, but I fear it may have left her blind in one eye,"
the cheetah explained the situation swiftly as Taariq made her way up to her family.
"I could take her to the Tree of Life,"
Kion said after a short while.
"The journey's quite long, but I'm confident we can make it. And, we can take breaks whenever we need to. It's a place for healing and I believe she could benefit of staying there right now. Plus, she'd get to meet the rest of my family."
Both Kiara and Kovu turned to look at their firstborn.
"Are you sure you're up for it?"
Kiara then asked her.
"I'm going to miss you all.. but I wouldn't mind visiting the Tree, especially if it will help me heal,"
Taariq soon said, with very little hesitation. Encouraged by this, Kion continued:
"There's a lion living there. Her name is Nirmala. She specializes in healing and could help you. But, even the Tree has its limits and can't undo everything. Still, I believe it would do you some good. I know it helped me."
As Taariq turned to look at her parents once more, her mind was all made up.
"Mom, dad.. I think I want to go with uncle Kion."
The next moments were spent saying goodbyes. They had a long journey ahead of them, so Kion thought it would be best if they set out long before nightfall. First Taariq said goodbye to her parents and brother. And as she turned to Amani, the younger lioness felt tears slowly rolling down her cheeks. The two sisters had been really close since they were little, and they had never been apart for too long.
"I'm going to miss you so much,"
Amani said in a heartbreaking sob as the sisters nuzzled each other.
"Me too,"
Taariq told her quietly, almost in a whisper.
"And I wish you could go with me, but you should stay here and make sure Faraji stays out of trouble,"
she then continued in a lighter tone.
"And, I'll be back home before you even know it."
Some time later Kion and Taariq were ready to leave. This marked a new chapter in Taariq's life, because the young lioness had never left the Pride Lands before. She felt careful optimism and even some excitement about the journey she was going to take, but she knew that she was going to miss her family greatly. Amani, her parents and brother stood watching as her sister and uncle headed down the path that took them further and further away from Pride Rock. The lioness was blaming herself for what had happened to her big sister.
"Mom, dad.. Would things be different if I had insisted on going hunting with her instead of allowing her to go alone?"
she asked, her cheek fur wet from all the tears she had cried. Her parents both comforted her to their best abilities and assured her that it wasn't her fault and there was nothing she could have been able to do differently.
"Do only lions gather at the Tree of Life?"
Taariq asked Kion as they walked side by side, making their way farther and farther away from the Pride Lands. Kion shook his head and then turned to look at the lioness.
"No, all kinds of animals are welcome there. The Tree is a safe haven to whoever needs it. It actually connects all kinds of different biomes. You'll see it all for yourself once we arrive,"
he told her. Taariq nodded and then asked, face in slight frown:
"So, the Tree has some kind of.. mystical powers? And they can be channeled to heal those in need?"
This time, Kion nodded.
"It's true, I've seen it for myself. But, like I told you earlier, you shouldn't just expect a miracle. I was once impatient and wanted to be healed as quickly as possible. But I was taught that the process can't be rushed, it has to be allowed to happen naturally. It will take some time. And.. not all damage can be undone, either. Nirmala once told me that my scar doesn't make me who I am. Don't be surprised if she tells the same thing to you. Even if you can only see with one eye from now on, you're still you. That's never going to change. You understand what I mean, right?"
Taariq nodded slowly and responded:
"Right.. Yeah, I do.."
However, Kion was able to tell that she didn't sound fully convinced just yet. She needed more time to figure it all out, just like Kion himself had done. He was confident that Taariq would be able to see things hidden way beneath the surface once they'd arrive at their destination.
They traveled across the land, crossing different biomes, some of which Taariq had never seen before. The road was long, but finally they arrived at the Tree. Very shortly after arriving a small pride of lions approached them.
"Kion, you're back,"
a lioness said, sounding happy to see him again. She took some steps forward and the two lions greeted each other with affectionate nuzzles.
"How was your journey to the Pride Lands?"
"It was alright, I was happy to see Kiara and her family again. Listen, Rani, I brought someone with me. I think she could possibly benefit of spending some time here,"
Kion told the lioness called Rani and stepped aside, allowing the Night Pride to see the newcomer for the first time.
"This is my niece, Taariq,"
he then said. Rani walked forward.
"Welcome to the Tree of Life, Taariq,"
she said in a warm tone.
"Kion must have brought you here for a reason, and I do trust his judgement. If you need healing, you've come to the right place. Don't worry, you can stay here for as long as you need to."
Then she turned to another lioness standing by her.
"Nirmala, you know what to do. Can you take care of Taariq and show her around?"
she asked. Nirmala nodded with a warm smile.
"Of course, Queen Rani,"
she said.
Before any other words were said, a tan cub showed up from behind Rani and began to run towards Kion.
"Dad, you're home!"
the cub exclaimed with a pure, child-like excitement.
"Dad?"
Taariq repeated and looked at her uncle.
"Kion, you never said anything about being a dad!"
"Well, I wanted to keep it a surprise until we arrived. Taariq, this is our daughter, Maisha."
The cub's ears and back were with the usual markings of the Night Pride. Likewise, a part of her legs right above her paws was also darker brown before blending with her tan fur. Her eye rims, muzzle, chest, paws and underbelly were cream-colored. She also had her father's slim, black ear rims and reddish tail tuft. Her light blue eyes had a curious look in them as she looked at Taariq who had kept a respectful distance. After greeting Kion, Maisha approached Taariq.
"Welcome to the Tree of Life!"
the cub said in a bright tone, following her mother's example.
"Thank you, Maisha,"
Taariq spoke to the cub and looked around her.
"It's really beautiful out here."
After Taariq had met the rest of the Night Pride, Rani guided her to Nirmala. The older lioness with a flower above her ear.
"Come this way, Taariq,"
she said softly, nodding at the newcomer.
"I will take you to the Lake of Reflection."
Taariq followed her fellow lioness past the Tree. When they arrived at the lake, Nirmala encouraged Taariq to take a look at her reflection.
"Tell me, what do you see,"
Nirmala said and waited patiently as the peachy orange lioness leaned forward to take a look at herself. The lake's water was the clearest blue imaginable. Taariq saw her reflection looking right back at her. And as clear as the waters were, there was one exception as the surface was restless and rippling by her face, especially right around her left eye. Frustrated by what she saw, Taariq splashed the water with her paw, causing her entire reflection to become unclear and turbulent.
"There's a great unrest residing in your heart right now.."
Nirmala commented, still standing by Taariq's side.
"You're very much like Kion was when I first brought him here. And, much like I told him, I have to tell you that not everything can be fully healed."
"What.. what do you mean?"
Taariq asked carefully, unsure if she really was ready to hear the answer. Nirmala remained calm and comforting, even apologetic as she continued:
"I'm sorry, but you may be blind in one eye for the rest of your life. Still, I will be able to help you with the pain, at least."
Sensing Taariq's distress, she hurried to add:
"Also, you should know that a great part of a healing process is both mental and spiritual, not only something we can see with our eyes. It may be challenging, but you should try to be patient and merciful with yourself while you recover at the Tree of Life. Don't forget, you'll always be you, no matter what happens on your path. No one will think any less of you."
When Taariq still remained silent, Nirmala said one more thing:
"You can stay here for as long as you need to. Come on back to the Tree whenever you feel ready."
After Nirmala had left, Taariq sat in silence and stared at the water. Her reflection had calmed down once more. The longer she looked down at it, the clearer she saw her mother, Kiara, as if she was looking right back at her.
"Mom, I don't know what to do. What if I will never be able to see again, the same way I used to?"
Taariq wept quietly as the lake's peaceful surface became disturbed once again, though this time not as severely. Tears of confusion and hurt rained down, creating small ripples. Still, Kiara only seemed to smile back at her daughter.
A short while later the image reflected on water's surface changed again ever so subtly, now once more showing Taariq her own self.
Taariq only returned to the Tree hours later, right as the sun was about to set. There she was greeted by Kion and Nirmala.
"You were gone for hours. How are you feeling?"
Kion asked, some worry written on his face.
"I.. Better, at least,"
Taariq told him after some slight hesitation.
"She feels much more at peace with herself than she did when I last saw her,"
Nirmala informed Kion as she stepped forward, about to join Rani and the rest of the Night Pride on their patrol.
"She still has some ways to go, but she's headed in the right direction."
"That's great! Listen, Taariq, it's quite late. Would you like to rest inside the Tree?"
Kion then asked, joining the young lioness.
"Actually.. if it's alright with you, I would like to spend a while out here, under the stars,"
she said in return. Kion nodded, understanding.
"Of course. Feel free to head in once you're ready."
Once Taariq had been left alone once more, she sat down not too far from the Tree and gazed up at the sky. She saw all the bright stars high above her. The sight reminded her of all the times she had been stargazing back home, first with her parents and sister. Then later, as she and Amani had grown a little, they had been allowed to stargaze by themselves near Pride Rock. And once their little brother had been born and was old enough to walk around and leave Kiara's side, the sisters had taken him along to look at the stars.
"I wish I was back home right now.."
Taariq spoke quietly, to no one in particular as the stars reflected in her good eye.
"I was so eager to travel here with Kion, and everyone is so nice, but.. I miss my family."
Back home in the Pride Lands Amani was once again sitting at the promontory of Pride Rock. Her family and the rest of the pride had already headed inside the cave for the night. She was about to join them but needed some time on her own. She looked up, seeing the same stars Taariq was admiring at the same time. The two sisters had never been so far apart from each other and they both missed each other greatly, feeling the same loneliness. Still, they knew that they'd see each other again as soon as Taariq would be ready to return home.
"I hope you'll come back soon,"
Amani whispered. Some stars twinkled almost like they were responding to her. The lioness smiled, feeling comforted. She then stood up and turned around, making her way to her family and settling down.
A few more weeks passed peacefully. Taariq kept working on herself like Nirmala had instructed, and one day she, at last, felt like she was ready to return home.
"I can walk you back to Pride Lands,"
Kion kindly offered. Taariq attempted to turn his offer down, saying that she would be alright by herself, but Kion still felt like she was his responsibility.
"I brought you here, I feel like it's only right that I take you back to Pride Lands. Plus, it'll give me an excuse to see the other half of my family again,"
he told her. And after hearing those words Taariq didn't have the heart to keep him from tagging along.
"Well.. I wouldn't mind having some company on my way back.."
she instead said and gifted Kion a sheepish smile. The male lion then turned to say his goodbyes to Rani and the rest of the Night Pride with the promise to return to the Tree of Life as quickly as he can.
"Will you come to see us again?"
little Maisha asked as she left her mother's side and approached Taariq. The cub's light blue eyes were staring right at the Pride Lander. Not wanting to disappoint Maisha, Taariq heard herself say:
"I would love to, one day. Maybe I can even bring my siblings with me next time."
After saying her goodbyes and thanking Nirmala for everything, Taariq set out with Kion and began her journey back home.
Like on so many days before, Amani was once again resting at the promontory. She was still missing her older sister and waiting for her to return. There was no real way to know when she would be coming back, but Amani never stopped waiting. She just wanted her family to be whole again. Sighing quietly, she crossed her paws and laid her head down, closing her eyes.
She remained that way for some time until she was finally alerted by something rustling on the savannah down below. Her ears twitched as she opened her eyes and lifted her head up once again. She could hardly believe her eyes as she saw two familiar lions approaching Pride Rock.
"Taariq..?"
she mumbled to herself and then quickly got up on her feet.
"It is you! Mom, dad, Faraji! Kion and Taariq are here!"
After calling out to her family she ran to meet the two lions halfway.
"Taariq! You're home!"
she yelled happily, unable to contain her excitement. She was nuzzling with Taariq when their parents and younger brother emerged from the cave and also hurried over to welcome Taariq back home. Amani stepped aside in order to allow Kiara, Kovu and Faraji greet both Taariq and Kion as well. The young lioness' heart was jumping with joy.
"How's your eyesight?"
Kovu asked Taariq after a short while, with some concern in his voice.
"Nirmala said that most likely I'll be blind in one eye for the rest of my life. It wasn't easy to hear and will take some getting used to. But.."
Taariq explained. She then turned to face Kion before continuing:
"At least I know now that it doesn't have to define who I am. I'm still me.. despite of what happened."
She gave her family an honest smile as Kion spoke up:
"She's right. I think she really did learn something about herself at the Tree of Life.. Much like I did. Rani and the others already invited her to come back for a visit, some day."
"It sounds like you left a good impression,"
Kiara then said to her first daughter with a warm smile on her face. She sounded proud, and for a good reason. It seemed like Taariq had grown mentally during the time she'd been away.
"The Tree of Life was really beautiful. Still, I wished I could be back here. I missed you all every day. But it doesn't mean that I don't want to return there later. Amani, you should come with me. You too, Faraji!"
Taariq then turned back to Kion once more and said:
"Thank you for taking me to see your home."
"Yes, thank you, Kion,"
Kiara said as well. Kion simply smiled and said:
"Oh, it was nothing.. I just felt like I needed to help, because I was here at the time and everything.."
After seeing Kion off and wishing him a safe journey back to the Tree of Life, Taariq and her family retreated into the cave for the night. After the rest of the pride had welcomed Taariq back home, Amani settled right down next to her big sister. Everything was in perfect balance once more now that Taariq had returned after her healing journey.
"I missed you so much.."
Amani mumbled, sounding content and at ease before closing her eyes as she rested her head against Taariq's side.