The Ghost Strikes

**The Ghost Strikes** is the eighth episode of Season 4.

## Synopsis

A ghost has been reported to be lurking at the Tree of Life. However, is this ‘ghost’ a real thing or is it just a hallucination? Or could it be that new rogue lurking upon the borders?

## Script

A few days had passed since Rani’s sickness. She had now been feeling a lot better. The Ujina Pride was now attacking every morning and night, trying to make the Pride tired so they could easily beat them and get in. However, Askara and Kila’s poor leadership over their Pride was making things difficult. It was mid-day, as the Guard + Makini rested at Ciso River. Kion went around the Tree of Life to make sure every animal was ok.

”King Kion! King Kion!” Pinguino shouted, running up to Kion.

”Pinguino? What happened?” Kion looked at Pinguino, confused.

”A g-g-ghost!” Pinguino screamed. “A ghost is attacking my rookery!”

“Don’t worry, Pinguino! I’m on it!” Kion replied, as Pinguino led the way. Kion didn’t leave that it was an actual ghost. It was probably just another creature who would fly? Or was covered in snow? Kion and Pinguino reached the Icy River. Sure enough, Kion saw the penguins in a panic, as a animal covered in snow growled.

“Hey! I don’t know who you are, but you better leave the penguins alone!” Kion growled at the intruder.

”It’s fun!” The intruder laughed at Kion. “Don’t you have a sense of humour?”

”Let me-!” Kion shouted, about to pounce, however the noise of another growl stopped him. He turned around and saw Tangaagim the Polar Bear with Rani.

”Rani?” Kion looked at Rani.

”Tangaagim told me that a strange creature was attacking in the Tundra.” Rani replied. “What are you! Kion, use your roar and-wait!”

Kion looked towards what stopped Rani. He saw the intruder shake and let the snow get out of their fur. The animal was revealed to be a male lion, about the same age as they were. He looked as if he had been living outside of the Mountain Pass, judging on how experienced he was at standing on ice.

”Why were you attacking!” Kion glared at the lion.

”Kion!” Rani turned to Kion. “You shouldn’t be so rude!”

”But he was attacking the penguins!” Kion looked at his mate.

”Is this the Tree of Life?” The intruder questioned.

”Yes, it is. My name is Queen Rani! And this is my mate, King Kion, he is the consort. What is your name?” Rani asked the lion with a small smile.

”My name is Goshant.” Goshant replied. “I have lived in the beyond the Mountain Pass all my life. I go out during the day to look for food. It has been like that ever since my mother passed when I was a small cub, so I am used to being on my own. Recently, a strange pride has come and I don’t want to deal with any of that nonsense so I snuck inside the Tree of Life a few days ago. I apologise, I didn’t know.”

”I’m really sorry about that Goshant.” Rani said, walking next to him. “I lost both of my parents when I was young too, because of a fire.”

”Hey, Rani?” Kion said to his mate. “Can I talk to you? Privately.”

“What happened?” Rani asked, walking up to Kion.

”I don’t think we should trust Goshant that quickly.” Kion whispered. “I mean, he could be working with the Ujina Pride!”

”We let those five lionesses into our Pride. Why not Goshant?” Rani looked at her mate.

”I knew them. But Goshant, we don’t know anything about him! I am just thinking about protecting the Tree of Life and the inhabitants.”

”It will all be ok Kion. Anyways, he would be outnumbered if he tried to attack. It would be one on eleven, and no one is that stupid.” Rani replied, before turning to Goshant. “Let’s go, Goshant!”

The trio walked back to the Tree. Goshant was talking to Rani about his past and her about his. Kion walked behind. He just couldn’t understand how Rani could trust him that easily? She barely knew him! It had taken her a while for her to like him, yet she instantly liked Goshant. It troubled Kion’s mind. They made it back to the Tree, where they were surprised to see all the inhabitants with the Night Pride and Guard keeping them calm.

”Look, they’re back now!” Fuli announced.

”Where have you two been?” Nirmala questioned.

”And who is this?” Surak asked.

”Don’t worry, I am going to tell everyone now.” Rani spoke, before turning to the crowd. “Animals of the Tree of Life, this is Goshant. He is not a ghost or anything of the sort, but just a young lion who needs a home. He has lived alone all his life, and has asked me to live here. He will become a permanent member of the Tree of Life, unlike Mjanja, Wavivu, Xolo, Farasi and Spotty (Madoa), who are occasional members. Goshant, if I may.”

Goshant walked up to Rani, smiling. “I promise I will serve and protect the Tree of Life with my life, and I won’t do anything bad again.”

”Then you are now a member of my Night Pride.” Rani smiled, as she placed her paw upon his shoulder. A mark of the guardian of the Tree of Life appeared. Most of the animals cheered, only a few gave a look of suspicion.

“I don’t trust him.” Binga whispered to the Lion guard, Azaad and Makini.

”Why not, Binga?” Anga asked.

”He came to the marshes and tried to attack me.” Binga explained. “Of course, I scared him away with my stink! But he did seem a bit aggressive.”

“I think now that this Goshant has joined he will be better?” Besthe suggested.

”I mean, rogues are hungry, and he is still a cub, kinda.” Ono replied. “Common knowledge, really.”

”Let’s just hope that he doesn’t do anything silly.” Fuli spoke.

”Don’t worry everyone.” Azaad replied. “I do believe I have seen Goshant when was first injured and came to the Tree to be healed by Queen Janna herself. He was a cub back then, hiding away.”

”Well, we should all just hope.” Kion nodded, as the Night Pride went back into the Tree, the inhabitants going back to their homes and the Lion Guard + Makini and Azaad going to Ciso River.