Gone, But Not Alone (A KionxRani AU)

You're an Idiot

Rani was about to take off, but stopped before she got far, as she was remembering something. She had concern in her eyes. "Kion, with your paw, can you run?"

"Definitely, my paw feels a lot better now," Kion attempted to convince Rani. In reality, he knew his paw was going to hurt, but he didn't want to be a nuisance to her. She seemed a little skeptical, but ultimately bought it.

"Okay, let's go!"

Kion couldn't lie to himself, however: it was some of the worst pain he ever felt. He felt little pain while walking, but his paw wasn't quite ready for running yet. Despite the pain, Kion knew he couldn't stop; the Tree was in danger. Right now, he was going to be an asset, not a liability.

So, despite the pain, Kion kept trucking on with Rani. Okay, they say when you have pain, don't think about the pain. Think of anything else.

I wonder how the folks at home are doing. Hopefully they're fine; I gotta get back there as soon as possible. With the Tree being in danger, I don't know if Rani will be able to go with me. Maybe if we can drive out the danger, she can!

His idea was working: he wasn't feeling pain because he wasn't focus on his pain. Sadly for Kion, it worked too well, and he didn't notice Rani slamming on the breaks in front of him. In fact, it wasn't a scenario where he couldn't stop in time; he just didn't notice Rani stopping.

It happened so fast, neither were screaming, which was good; the rest of the Night Pride might've came for unnecessary aid. Just as one may expect, they landed one on top of the other.

Rani wore a stern face that immediately soften when her eyes laid upon Kion. Going through something similar, Kion had a feeling of daze until he saw Rani...which made him even more dazed.

Kion gazed into Rani's eyes (this time in a romantic way). Two souls communicating through four eyes, and Rani knew she had found the one, the greatest one, with his cute face, cute eyes, cute smile, cute hair, and cute reply: "Hi."

Rani couldn't help but smile. Which in turn, caused Kion to smile. It was a mutualistic relationship; one which the other wouldn't trade for the world. She softly breathed out her next word.

"Hi."

Oddly enough, both had the same thought running through their mind: How can someone be so darn cute!

For some, time freezes when eyes meet. For others, time speeds up before they notice. For Kion and Rani, time was non-existent. They would've stayed there all day if they could.

Unfortunately, life had other plans as reality hit when they heard another cry for help throughout the lands. They immediately jumped up with blushing cheeks, thankful for the fact that it was so dark, although they were dating.

Rani took charge. "That sounds like it's coming from the East, where Baliyo is. It doesn't sound like his voice, but it's certainly not the same voice we had heard before."

Rani changed her direction and started to run, only to notice Kion wasn't following. "Is everything okay, Kion?"

"I can't do it, Rani. I tried to look tough, I tried to be tough, but my paw is just failing me. I-I-I...I'm sorry," sighed the dejected Kion. He was a failure: he couldn't even help out his girlfriend's brother.

Rani, however, wasn't annoyed by Kion's failure. Instead, she was annoyed with Kion. "Kion, there is no need to be sorry. Don't beat yourself up, you tried your best."

"Yeah, everyone says that, but what boyfriend am I if I can't defend you or your family? Not a good one..."

Rani rolled her eyes, as if she couldn't believe they were having this conversation. Actually, not as if. She flatly couldn't believe.

Kion was the best boyfriend, even before she was her boyfriend! Even when she was a meanie to him, he came to her rescue. When she got into fights with other animals, he would help her. When she was desperate to get back home, Kion helped her. And who could forget his romantic lines that made her heart flutter? Now, he's trying his best to help her, and in Rani's eyes, that was perfect boyfriend material.

She laughed, she would never understand how Kion thought he was being a bad boyfriend. Bless his soul!

"You're an idiot, Kion. A cute, loving, handsome idiot. Never question how good of a boyfriend you are; it'll be the same answer every time: the best there ever was."

Once again, Kion knew she was the one. The perfect one. He still wished he could do more, but Rani's support made him feel better. He couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, Rani."

"That's what girlfriends are for," flirted Rani with a wink. She walked up, next to Kion, and licked his cheek. "C'mon, we can walk there."

Kion shook his head. "No no no, Rani. I'm grateful for what you've said and what you're willing to do, but I'm only going to slow you down. Go ahead and make sure your brother is okay; I'll catch up soon."

Concern reappeared in Rani's eyes. "But what if they come here? How are you going to be able to protect yourself under an injury?"

Kion laughed and brushed her off. "Don't worry about me, Rani. Your brother is the one who may be in danger right now. Please, Rani, go ahead."

"Are you sure?" Rani seemed uncertain.

"Positive."

They smiled gratefully at each other until it hit Rani that she had to go. With a smile, she said, "Thank you, Kion."

"That's what boyfriends are for," Kion winked, mimicking was Rani told him earlier. It drew a bigger smile out of Rani.

"I'll see you soon, Kion."

"Good luck, Angel."