Unending Love – A Kion And Maalum Love Story

SEASON 4, EPISODE 24: BACK TO THE TREE OF LIFE

At night, Kion's with Reirei and their cubs. They just fell asleep.

Reirei: They really need to rest. Tomorrow we'll have a long way to go.

Kion: Right.

Reirei: I noticed you spent a lot of time with Dogo today. How is he?

Kion: He's good.

Reirei: What did you talk about? You don't need to tell me if you don't want to.

Kion: Just talked about going to the Tree tomorrow.

Reirei: Oh yeah. I think it will be good for him to see his brother Goya.

Kion: Me too, honey.

Reirei: You know? I've been thinking about this for a long time. I know you are helping me and you are doing a great job as co-leader of the pack. But... I've been leading the pack for a very long time. Besides, I'm not a young jackal anymore.

Kion: I know, Reirei.

Reirei: I... I want to stop leading the pack.

Kion: What?

Reirei: Yeah. You heard me. I think I did enough for them.

Kion: Who's gonna lead?

Reirei: I... I think I will choose... Dogo.

Kion: That's a good choice.

Reirei: He's very smart and he has experience. He learned a lot with me and he already led the pack when we were in the Pride Lands. I think he's perfect for this. What do you think?

Kion: So... We’re leaving the pack? *a little confused*

Reirei: No. Of course not. We just... won’t lead anymore.

Kion: Ahh. That makes sense.

Reirei: So... You think I'm making the right decision?

Kion: I like that decision. I trust Dogo.

Reirei: Me too. Now we just need to know if he will accept it.

Kion: I'm sure he will.

Reirei: You know? We will have more time for each other and for our family. *smiling*

Kion: I know. *smiling* Although I did like co-leading for that time.

Reirei: You may not believe it, but you did more than Goigoi ever did. *keeps smiling*

Kion smiles back.

Reirei: And we can help the pack anyways.

Kion: True.

Reirei: *nuzzles him* Thank you for supporting me, my love.

Kion: *nuzzles back* You’re welcome, honey.

Maalum: Kion? You there? *calling him at the entrance*

Kion: Oh. That's Maalum. Can he come in?

Reirei: Sure. *smiling*

Kion: Alright. *goes out of the cave and goes to the hybrid* Hey, Maaly.

Maalum: Hey. *smiles* Can I talk to you a bit before I go to sleep?

Kion: Sure. *smiling* Come on in to my den.

Maalum: Okay. *follows him into the den* Hi, Reirei. *smiling*

Reirei: Hi, Maalum. *smiling*

Maalum: *to Kion* Am I interrupting something?

Kion: No. Not really.

Maalum: And... Can I talk to you in front of Reirei?

Kion: Sure.

Maalum: Ok. First I want to talk to you about Janna. I need to understand some things.

Kion: Ok. What about her?

Maalum: It's more about you. Kion. I need to know. What exactly do you feel for my daughter?

Kion: You heard what I said earlier. She reminds me of you.

Maalum: Just that? Do you feel something special when you are close to her?

Reirei: Honey. I think he's trying to ask you if you love Janna the same way you love your other mates.

Kion: Oh... Yeah.

Maalum: Yeah what?

Kion: I love her the same way I love my other mates.

Maalum: Oh. I see... *serious, feeling a mix of good and bad emotions*

Kion lust looks at Maalum, not knowing what will happen.

Maalum: Well. At least I know you will wait until she's older.

Kion: Yeah. I'll wait. If I don't... Rani will kill me.

Maalum: If you don't, we'll be divorced. *serious*

Kion: Understood.

Reirei nuzzles Kion and he nuzzles back.

Maalum: But I also want to talk about Kovu.

Kion: What about Kovu?

Maalum: As you know, he's my mate. So I invited him to join us tomorrow and he accepted.

Kion: Really? Wow.

Maalum: Yeah. But there's something else that I don't know if you will like.

Kion: What is it?

Maalum: He doesn't want to go back to your sister.

Kion: WHAT!?

Maalum: Kion. Kovu is really disappointed in her. And we are really in love with each other. Kovu will live in Ardhi Zetu as my mate instead of going back to the Pride Lands. He wants to stay with me instead of going back to your sister.

Kion: I need to talk to him about it.

Maalum: What? Why?

Kion: I need to try and convince him to come back to my sister.

Maalum: No. Please. Don't do that.

Kion: Why not?

Maalum: Kovu is amazing. I love him so much. And you will leave Ardhi Zetu. I want to have Kovu close to me.

Kion: I love him too. You know that.

Maalum: Yeah. But you have a lot of mates in the Pride Lands. Here I will only have Rani and Baliyo. Please, Kion. Let Kovu stay here with me. *smiling*

Kion: Alright...

Reirei: Kion. What about Kiara? *worried*

Kion: I don't know yet.

Reirei: Kovu is her king.

Kion: He was her king.

Maalum: Kion's right.

Reirei: *sighs* I think you're making a mistake, but it's fine. I won't say anything. Just... Think about what you are doing.

Maalum: Thanks, Reirei. *smiling* And thank you too, Kion.

Kion: You're welcome, honey.

Maalum: *yawns cutely* I need to sleep.

Kion: Wanna sleep here?

Maalum: Heh. I would love to, but Rani is waiting for me. *nuzzles him* See you tomorrow, my love.

Kion: *nuzzles back* See you tomorrow.

Maalum leaves.

Reirei: Kion. You really think it's a good idea to let Kovu stay here?

Kion: It's his decision.

Reirei: Yeah, but... Kiara has three cubs and a kingdom to rule. She needs Kovu.

Kion: I know. But you heard what Maalum said.

Reirei: Maalum is wrong. Kovu's place is with Kiara. You know that.

Kion: So?

Reirei: You want your sister to be a queen without a king?

Kion: Of course not. But if the king doesn't want to be with his queen, that's his problem. Not mine.

Reirei: *sighs* Okay. I don't want to argue with you. Let's just forget about this.

Kion: Alright.

Reirei: *nuzzles him* Let's go to sleep, honey?

Kion: Yes. Let's go to sleep. *smiling*

They lay, cuddling each other until they fall asleep. Next morning, Kion wakes up first. Reirei is sleeping next to him with a cute face. Kion kisses her cheek.

Reirei: Mmm. *keeps sleeping*

Kion licks her cheek.

Reirei: Mmmmm... *smiles lovely* Kion... *waking up slowly*

Kion: *smiling* Morning, honey.

Reirei: Good morning, my love. *smiling completely in love*

Kion: Slept well?

Reirei: Perfectly. *licks his cheek*

Kion: *purrs* Ready for today's trip?

Reirei: As long as you walk with me and our kids...

Kion smiles cutely.

Reirei: *kisses his cheek* We are a perfect family.

Kion: Absolutely.

Reirei: Time to wake the kids up.

In Maalum’s den, he wakes up first and looks at his incredible wife sleeping. He kiss her cheek.

Rani: Mmmmmm... *still sleeping*

Maalum starts licking Rani’s cheek and she starts purring in her sleep.

Maalum: Wake up, my love. *keeps licking her cheek lovingly*

She slowly starts waking up.

Maalum: Morning, babe. *smiling cutely*

Rani: Morning. *smiling beautiful*

Maalum: Are you ready for our trip?

Rani: Yes. I am.

Maalum: It will be nice to see our friends in the Tree Of Life.

Rani: Indeed.

Maalum: Do you think Jasiri is doing a good job ruling the Tree Of Life?

Rani: Yes. Do you?

Maalum: Of course. I believe we made the right choice.

Rani licks his cheek. Maalum purrs, wagging his tail happily.

Rani: Let's wake up the kids.

Maalum: And don't forget Baliyo.

Rani: Heh. I know.

After some time, they are all together: Kion, Reirei, MJ, Kijana, Dogo, Nala, Kovu, Baliyo, Maalum, Rani, Furahi and Janna.

Kovu: *goes to Kion* Hey, Kion. *smiling*

Kion: Hey, Kovu. *smiling*

Kovu: Maalum invited me to go with you. It will be great.

Kion: I know. He told me.

Kovu: Oh. So you probably know we are mates. *blushing a little*

Kion: Yeah.

Kovu: Maalum is the cutest creature I've ever met. *whispering* And he's so fucking hot too.

Kion: *his face is red, blushing* You... You know he's my husband, right?

Kovu: Heh. What a lucky lion.

Kion: Heh. Thanks.

Reirei: What about Kiara? *serious*

Kovu: I... Uh...

Kion looks at Reirei with a "shut the fuck up" look.

Reirei: I hope you decide to go back to the Pride Lands.

Kovu: I... I'm going to Baliyo. Bye, Kion. *leaves*

Kion looks at Reirei very seriously.

Reirei: What?

Kion: You just made it really awkward for Kovu.

Reirei: Well. What is awkward is that you are defending his bad decision.

Kion: I'm not defending him! I was just trying to keep it low-key for now.

Reirei: Well... Maybe he can change his mind while we are at the Tree Of Life.

Kion: Maybe.

Nala: *walking to them* Hey, son. Is everything okay?

Kion: Yeah. I want to convince Kovu in going back to Kiara, but Reirei made it awkward for him. *looks serious at her again*

Reirei: Hey!

Nala: You need to go easy. It will take time for Kovu to accept Kiara's relationship with Simba. Like what happened with our relationship. *smiling*

Kion: That's what I'm doing, or... TRYING to do, but Reirei went straight for the question.

Reirei: I'm sorry, okay?

Nala: Tell me if you need help with that, okay honey?

Kion: Alright, mom.

Nala: *nuzzles him* You're the kindest animal I know.

Kion: *nuzzles back* I know. *purring*

Maalum: Is everyone ready?

Kion: Yes, Maaly. We're ready.

Rani: Ok, everyone! Let's go!

They all start walking.

Nala: *to Kion* Interesting. Maalum and Rani may not be king and queen, but they keep acting like royalty. *smiling*

Kion: Heh. I know. I like it. *smiling*

Reirei: They could be king and queen of Ardhi Zetu.

Kion: I like that idea.

Reirei: *surprised* Really? I was joking.

Kion: Sure! They were the king and queen of the Tree of Life, so I think it makes sense that they're the monarchs of Ardhi Zetu.

Nala: You're right, son.

Janna: *walks to Kion* Hey, Kion! Can I walk with you? *smiling*

Kion: Sure, Janna. *smiling*

It's a long trip without trouble and everyone is enjoying it. But they have to sleep in a forest for a night. The next morning they keep walking and some time later, they finally see the passage to the Tree Of Life.

Maalum: Finally. The Tree Of Life.

Reirei: I know this passage very well. *hits Kion softly with a smile*

Kion: Heh. Me too. Even though Bunga made the rockslide when we first got here.

Reirei: What? You never told me that.

Kion: I didn't?

Reirei: No. In fact, you never told me too much about your first trip to the Tree Of Life.

Kion: Huh. Well. When we get to our old den, I'll tell you. It's a long story.

Reirei: *smiling* I can't wait to hear about that, my love. *licks his cheek*

Kion: *blushes* Hehe.

Maalum: Wow, Rani. Do you believe we're already here?

Rani: I do believe it, Maaly. *smiling*

Maalum: It's been a while.

Rani: It sure has. But I like Ardhi Zetu too.

Maalum: Yeah. As long as we are together, any place can be called home. *nuzzles her*

She nuzzles back. After a while, the group arrives at the passage.

Ullu: Hoo! Hoo! Am I seeing well?

Rani: Yes, Ullu. It's us. *smiles*

Ullu: I think I don't need to talk to the queen. You are all very welcome to the Tree.

Rani: Asante, Ullu. And it's nice to see you. *smiling*

Ullu: Nice to see you too, Rani. Come on. Follow me. Hoo! Hoo!

They follow her. They all go to the Tree.

Ullu: Wait here. I'll go call queen Jasiri. *leaves*

Reirei: Wow. This place seems more beautiful after a long time out.

After a while, Jasiri comes.

Jasiri: Hello, everyone! *smiles happily*

Maalum: Hey, Jasiri. *smiling* It's so good to see you.

Rani: Jasiri. It is a pleasure to see you.

Jasiri: Pleasure is all mine. *smiling* It's good to see you all again. I see you brought some guests.

Nala: Hello, Jasiri. Congratulations on your new job as queen of the Tree Of Life.

Kovu: I'm sure you're doing a great job.

Jasiri: Thank you, Nala and Kovu. I do my best to make everyone feel welcome here at the Tree of Life. *smiles*

Kijana: Mom. Dad. Who is she?

Kion: She is Queen Jasiri of the Tree of Life.

Jasiri: *walks up and looks at the kids* Awwwe, Kion. Your cubs are adorable. *smiling sweetly at them*

They smile cutely at her.

Reirei: Thank you, Jasiri. *smiling*

Jasiri: You're welcome, Reirei. What are their names?

Reirei: This is Maalum Junior. And this is Kijana.

Jasiri: Nice to meet you, Maalum Junior and Kijana. *smiling*

MJ: Nice to meet you, Queen Jasiri.

They nuzzle her.

Maalum: Jasiri. We had a long trip. We're tired and we need to rest. Is the farm still empty?

Jasiri: Yes, it is.

Maalum: Good. You think we can stay there?

Jasiri: Of course, Maalum.

Nala: Sounds good. The farm is big. We can all stay there.

Reirei: Of course.

Maalum: Well, Jasiri. If you don't mind, we're going.

Jasiri: Very well then. The Tree of Life is still your home. *smiles*

Baliyo: If you don't mind, I want to stay in my old den. I miss that place.

Jasiri: Of course, Baliyo. Your den has been empty since you left.

Maalum: Right. Let's go, everyone. See you later, Jasiri.

Jasiri: See you later. *smiling*

Baliyo goes to his den and the others go to the farm, each one in their own den. Rani and Maalum decide to stay in his old den (Kijana's old den). Dogo stays in his old den. Same with Nala. Kovu stays in another den and Kion and Reirei in their old den with their cubs.

Reirei: Look at this place. It didn't change. *smiling*

Kion: *smiles* Yeah. You're right.

Suddenly, a certain female cheetah runs up and pins Kion.

Fuli: KION!

Kion: Hehe. Hey, Fuli. *smiling*

Fuli: *licks his face* I can't believe you're really here.

Kion starts purring.

Fuli: I missed you, Kion.

Kion: I missed you too, Fuli.

She looks at him with a smile.

Kion: How are things going with the Guard?

Fuli: We are fine. We have been doing our work and we keep helping everyone, especially Pinguino. *rolling eyes* But we all miss you. The Tree Of Life isn't the same without you.

Kion: I missed you too.

Fuli and Kion can hear Reirei clearing her throat.

Fuli: Oh. Hello, Reirei. *smiles*

Reirei: Hi, Fuli. Do you know our children?

Fuli: Your children? *looks at Kion, surprised*

Kion: Reirei gave birth to two hybrid cubs back in my new home. *smiling*

MJ: Hello. *smiling*

Fuli: Hello. Who are you?

MJ: I am Maalum Junior and this is my sister Kijana.

Fuli: Maalum? Kijana? *looking at Kion, surprised again*

Kion: We promised Maalum that we would name our daughter after Kijana and I wanted to name our son after him.

Fuli: Wow. That's cute. Congratulations. *smiling*

Kion: Thank you, Fuli. *smiling*

Fuli: Well. I need to go back to Azaad. See you later?

Kion: Yes. Tell Azaad I said hello.

Fuli: Sure. *kisses him* See you later, honey.

Kion: *kisses back* See you later.

Fuli: Hwezi! *leaves*

Reirei: Wow. I think everyone knows we're here.

Kion: I think so too.

Anga: *calling outside* Kion? You're here?

Kion: Yes, Anga! We're here!

Reirei: Like I said, everyone knows.

Anga: *goes inside, serious* Kion. I heard you were here. I'm glad. I need to talk to you.

Kion: Ok.

Anga: Privately.

Kion: *to Reirei* I'll be back, honey paws.

Reirei: I'll be here, sweet lips.

Kion: *blushes and then looks at Anga* Let's go then.

Kion follows Anga to his first den that now is empty.

Anga: Kion. I need to talk to you about us and... Ono.

Kion: What about us and Ono?

Anga: Well... I'm not mates with Ono anymore.

Kion: You're not? *surprised*

Anga: I broke up with him a couple of weeks after you left.

Kion: Why? I thought you two were perfect for each other.

Anga: Yeah. But... I found someone else.

Kion: Who?

Anga: You.

Kion: Oh... I thought you were talking about another bird.

Anga: I don't need a bird, Kion. Before you left, you made me feel so happy, you gave me so much pleasure. You made me realize that I can be happy with someone. I don't need to have a bird as a mate.

Kion: But... You were so close to marrying him.

Anga: But I don't want to marry him, Kion. He's not as good as you. *gets closer*

Kion: What did he say when you broke up with him?

Anga: Well. He was very sad and he didn't talk to me for a while. But now I think we are fine. At least he talks to me again.

Kion: Well... Ok. I need to talk to him.

Anga: No! *worried* You can't do that.

Kion: Why not?

Anga: He doesn't know about us. I just told him I don't love him anymore.

Kion: Anga. He needs to know! *kinda shocked*

Anga: No. Not yet. Please.

Kion: I'm only gonna be here for a day, maybe two. Please, let me talk to him.

Anga: Ok. But... Not now. Not today. I'm not ready to tell him. Can you please wait until I'm ready?

Kion: You have until tomorrow.

Anga: Ok, Kion. Tomorrow. Thanks.

Kion: You're welcome.

Anga: *gets closer again* I'm so happy you're back, Kion.

Kion: I'm happy too, Anga.

Anga nuzzles Kion, rubbing her head on his neck and he purrs.

Anga: Kion. I love you so much. *keeps nuzzling*

Kion: I love you too, Anga. *keeps purring*

Anga: You should come visit us more often.

Kion: You can come visit me in the Pridelands anytime.

Anga: Wait. In the Pride Lands? *surprised*

Kion: Yeah. Kiara is letting the jackals and I live in the Pridelands.

Anga: Wow. That's great. I'm really happy for you.

He smiles. Anga opens her beak and her tongue comes out, licking his lips. She doesn't want to hurt him with her beak.

Kion: Mmmmmm~

Anga’s tongue goes inside Kion’s mouth, but she keeps away. She's afraid of kissing him. Kion opens his mouth and instinctively she gets closer and her beak touches his lips carefully and slowly as her tongue touches his. Kion starts kissing her.

Anga: Mmmmmm… *hugs him with her wings*

Kion purrs more while Anga keeps like that for a while. Then Kion breaks the kiss and licks her cheek. As usual, some feathers get stuck on his tongue.

Kion: Thit. Not again.

Anga: Oh honey. You need to be more careful. *removes the feathers with her beak* What are you planning to do for the rest of the afternoon?

Kion: Just gonna visit the others.

Anga: Okay. Do you want me to go find someone for you, love?

Kion: I should be fine, honey. *smiles*

Anga: *nuzzles him again* I will try to spend more time with you now. After all, you're my only mate and true love.

He smiles lovingly.

Anga: And don't worry about Ono. I promise you that tomorrow we can tell him.

Kion: Promise?

Anga: You have my word, honey. Now I think I will patrol a little more before it gets dark. See you tomorrow, Kion.

Kion: See you tomorrow.

Anga: *leans her head on his* I love you.

Kion: I love you too, Anga.

Anga puts herself in her flying position, but first she looks at Kion again. He smiles sweetly.

Anga: See you tomorrow, my love. Anga Lenga! *flies away*

Kion: See you tomorrow. *smiling in love*

Maalum decides to visit a special friend. He walks to his den.

Maalum: Yun Mibu? Are you there?

Yun Mibu: Maalum? Is that you?

Maalum: *walks inside his den, smiling* Hello, my good friend.

Yun Mibu: Hello. *smiling*

Maalum: How are you doing? Last time we talked, you were sore because of... You know.

Yun Mibu: I'm doing much better now. How are you doing?

Maalum: Rani and I are living peacefully in Ardhi Zetu with our kids. It's a wonderful place. You should visit us someday.

Yun Mibu: Ardhi Zetu? Where's that?

Maalum: It's a forest somewhere between here and the Pride Lands. It's about a day and a half from here.

Yun Mibu: Oh. Nice. *smiling more*

Maalum: What about you? Are you enjoying living here?

Yun Mibu: I'm loving it here. Queen Jasiri is so nice.

Maalum: Yeah. I know. She's a good hyena and a great leader. Also a good friend. *smiling*

Yun Mibu: Yes, she is.

Maalum: *thinks for a while* Yun Mibu. Um... Do you still remember when we talked last time?

Yun Mibu: It was a bit fuzzy, but... yeah. What about it?

Maalum: Well... Do you remember our... you know... *nervous, blushing a little*

Yun Mibu: How could I forget that?

Maalum: *starts smiling bigger* I still remember that too. It felt so good.

Yun Mibu: You... You liked that?

Maalum: Yeah. *smiling and blushing*

Yun Mibu: Well... I liked it too.

Maalum: Do you... Do you want to do it again? *still nervous and blushing*

Yun Mibu: Sure.

Maalum starts walking to him, smiling and blushing. Yun Mibu startsleaning in for the kiss. Then Maalum kisses him softly and the clouded leopard kisses him back.

Maalum: Mmmm... *keeps kissing*

Yun Mibu: Mmmmmm...

Maalum: *starts sharing tongue* Mmmmm~

The clouded leopard does the same while purring. The hybrid hugs his neck and starts purring too, while playing with his tongue. Yun Mibu wraps his tail with Maalum’s.

Maalum: Mmmmm... *keeps kissing and hugging*

After a while, Yun Mibu breaks the kiss.

Maalum: Wow, Yun. You're a great kisser.

Yun Mibu: So are you, Maal.

Maalum: Listen. I know we live far from each other but... I want to ask you... *nervous again*

Yun Mibu: What is it?

Maalum: Yun Mibu. Do you want to be my mate? *smiling*

Yun Mibu: Your... Your mate?

Maalum: Yeah. You're special, Yun. And you're really cute. Besides, I kinda felt a connection when we kissed. Twice. What... What do you say?

Yun Mibu: YES, MAALUM!! I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR MATE!! *smiling huge*

Maalum: Hehe. I knew you would accept, honey. *kisses him again*

The leopard kisses back.

Maalum: Mmmmm... *tongue kissing again*

Yun Mibu: Mmmmmm~

Maalum: *after another long kiss* How are you feeling now that you have a mate?

Yun Mibu: You're my first mate, so... It feels amazing.

Maalum: Yeah. Like I said, we live far away from each other. So I want to spend some time with you. What do you say about we go on a walk tomorrow?

Yun Mibu: That sounds lovely, my love.

Maalum: *nuzzles him* You're the best, Yun.

Yun Mibu nuzzles back.

Maalum: *purrs* Now it's almost night. I need to go back to my family.

Yun Mibu: Hehe. Alright, babe.

Maalum: *starts walking away, smiling at him* I love you, cutie.

Yun Mibu: *blushes* I love you too.

Maalum leaves his den.

Meanwhile, Kion is walking back to the farm when Nirmala calls him.

Nirmala: Kion!

Kion: Nirmala? *looks at her*

Nirmala: *walks to him* Hey, Kion. *smiling* It's so good to see you again.

Kion: It's good to see you too. *smiling*

Nirmala: *now serious* I need to talk to you.

Kion: You do?

Nirmala: Yeah, but... It's something personal. Can we go somewhere private?

Kion: Sure.

Nirmala: Thanks. Choose the place.

Kion: Let's just go to your den.

Nirmala: N-No! *worried* Goya's there. He... He can't hear us.

Kion: Hmmm... How about we go to Cikha Escarpment? Hardly anyone goes there.

Nirmala: Well... If you think no one will find us there...

Kion: Alright. Let's go.