Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy (Chapter 12)

Chapter 12 is the twelfth chapter of Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy.
==Synopsis==
While Kion and Mhina contemplate their growing feelings for one another, Mama Binturong devises a scheme to get revenge against Bunga, sending the predators to launch a malicious attack.
==Transcript ==
On a quiet day, Kion had ventured to a grassy field not far from the Tree of Life.
“Grandpa Mufasa?!” Kion exclaimed.
Kion shivered as a warm breeze swept around him and Mufasa's spirit appeared in the clouds.
“I am here, Kion,” Mufasa said, his eyes shining with warmth and affection.
“I wanted to talk to you about a situation that happened recently, it's led to me having conflicting thoughts,” Kion said.
“What are these thoughts?” Mufasa prompted gently.
“Recently, the rest of the Guard, Mhina, the Night Pride, and I had to fend off a horrifying onslaught by a pride of lions against a group of cats that live here. During the battle, one of the lions was about to kill Mhina but before she could, I intervened and took the blow. I received a serious shoulder wound but I was determined to fight beside Mhina. I wasn't going to let him get hurt again,” Kion began.
He sighed and began pacing, his tail twitching from side to side.
“After the lions had been defeated, Mhina insisted on staying beside me while the healer cat treated my injuries. We promised each other that we'd never be separated, that we'd stay together. I realized something long ago, but it's really clear to me now, Grandpa,” Kion continued.
“What is it, Kion?” Mufasa questioned.
“I'm in love with Mhina. Seeing him almost get hurt again made me realize how important he is to me,” Kion admitted.
Mufasa's eyes shone with compassion as he gazed at Kion.
“You are not quite ready to admit these feelings to Mhina?” Mufasa inquired.
“I don't know. I've known him for so long, it's just that I don't want to make things awkward between us if I just said that I loved him. I don't...I don't want him to think I'm mouse-brained and reject me. He might not want a relationship…” Kion confessed.
“I see. Are you also concerned that others in the Pride Lands would not accept you being in love with a male leopon, Kion?” Mufasa questioned softly.
“I am worried about that. I do know that my parents and Nguruma would accept it, Kovu and Mahuluti would too. They all trust and like Mhina. Kiara's already voiced her support of my feelings towards Mhina as well. But, there are others in the pride that I fear won't be as accepting,” Kion revealed.
“You should not be concerned about what others believe, Kion. What truly matters is how you and Mhina feel,” Mufasa replied.
Concurrently, the Lion Guard, Kingiza, and the Night Pride had begun a patrol in Marsh Forest.
“Where are Kion and Mhina?” Kingiza asked.
“I'm not sure. Kion asked me to lead the Guard today on the patrol, he didn't tell me where he'd be. Kion didn't tell me if he'd be with Mhina either,” Fuli replied.
“Do you think they're spending time alone together? They've been closer than usual since the battle with Reth's Pride,” Bunga remarked.
“That's true, Little B.” Beshte answered.
“I think the trip to get here definitely has brought them closer than they were even before the battle against Scar's army. It's really obvious that they're in love,” Anga stated.
“Affirmative. I agree,” Ono said.
“We can all see it. It doesn't take a genius to notice the looks they're always sharing or how they're always nuzzling or pressed together. If they can't realize how much they're in love, they're really oblivious. It's been like this for moons. Mhina even pressed his muzzle against Kion's and that still wasn't enough to bring it out,” Rani said.
“I was sure something was going to happen when Simba encouraged us to leave them alone in the Lair after Scar was defeated. If even Kion's own father can see it, it can't get much more obvious,” Fuli remarked.
“You even encouraged Kion to go to Pride Rock in the first place,” Ono pointed out.
“It's time for them to come out of the cave. They can't hide it anymore,” Bunga commented.
“They've been patrolling with the two of you for almost a moon now and you're clearly in love. You don't have anything left to figure out, sis,” Baliyo said teasingly.
At Baliyo's words, the patrol exchanged amused glances with one another, chuckles and purrs of laughter breaking out amongst them.
"What!? No! What could you be possibly talking about??" Rani retorted, feeling her pelt burn at Baliyo's words. Kingiza shifted his paws awkwardly, his pelt bristling.
“Save it, Rani. Ullu told me how excited you were when Kingiza first arrived. You couldn't take your eyes off him, you still can't. You two clearly have something,” Baliyo replied, rolling his eyes.
At the same time, Mama Binturong and her army had assembled at the Mountain Pass.
“I think we should attack some pangolins next. They're weak, so it won't be easy for them to get away from us,” Chungwa said.
“We can concoct an elaborate scheme and kill the king and queen!" Julisha proclaimed.
"And get killed? Absolutely not!" Makucha hissed, flexing his claws.
“I heard of some camels that live here. Could we attack those?” Chuluun asked.
"We'd get kicked in the head and end up with a fractured skull. Sure, that'll work,” Ora muttered sarcastically.
“Maybe we can-“ Jiona began.
“SILENCE, you idiots!” Mama Binturong hissed, spawning a startled silence across the army as they glanced up at her. 
"If you simpletons keep bickering amongst yourselves, we will have no power and glory! Now then...Mama has a new plan," Mama Binturong growled.
“What's this plan, Mama?” Chungwa inquired.
“I want my revenge against that Bunga. So, here's what we're were going to do. We're going to ambush Bunga, when he leasts expects it,” Mama Binturong said. 
“You want to go after one honey badger just because he defeated you? That doesn't sound like a very smart plan,” Khurdan said.
“An attack on one member won't weaken the Lion Guard. They have the Night Pride and those leopons on their side,” Chuluun added.
Mama Binturong groaned.
"Are you already doubting me? I'm no fool. We will deal with all those reinforcements accordingly, hence why I'll be splitting you into factions so Bunga can have his time all alone in the limelight," Mama Binturong snapped.
“Your point being?" Ora demanded.
“I will finally have revenge against Bunga for what he did to me and you all have a chance to go after rare animals,.” Mama Binturong stated.
“All right, Mama. We're in,” Makucha said.
Inside the Tree of Life, Janna had settled down on the pedestal. Kenene was settled down beside her, and Nguruma, Makini, and Umhlaba were gathered around them.
“Today, we're going to tell you about all the different mystical herbs and flowers that are found here,” Kenene said.
“Many are unlikely to be found in the other kingdoms. Some, such as tormentil and ragweed can only be found within this territory,” Janna added.  
Makini's eyes were wide with interest and excitement as she watched Janna.
“Those herbs sound amazing. I can't wait to learn more about them,” Makini breathed.
“If you'd like, Makini, I can show you where the Blazing Star grows,.” Kenene offered.
“Really? I asked Uncle Rafiki about it before we left and he said it's not found in the Pride Lands anymore, so he couldn't show me,” Makini said.
“It still flourishes here. It's a very special plant. I'll take you to see it soon,” Kenene promised.
“Can I come too?” Nguruma asked.
“Of course you can, Nguruma,.” Kenene said gently.
“Me too, Kenene?” Umhlaba questioned.
“Yes, you can come too,” Kenene replied.
Meanwhile, Mhina had ventured to the Willows.
“Kion and I have been friends for moons. It may have just been a crush when we were cubs, but it's much more than that now. Ever since the battle against Scar's army, it's been different between us and the latest battle against Reth's Pride proves it,” Mhina lamented.
He sighed, unsheathing his claws and flexing them anxiously, feeling them scrape against the earth underneath his paws.
“I know I should come out and tell Kion how I feel, but it's barely been a full moon since we fought Scar's army, and now he has the attacks from Reth and Makucha to deal with. Not to mention he's still not completely healed from Ushari's venom, Nirmala says he still has steps to take. I can't put any pressure on him now,” Mhina continued.
In the meantime, the Lion Guard, Kingiza, and the Night Pride were completing the patrol in Marsh Forest.
Suddenly, Ullu and Cara flew up to them, panic and fear reflected in their eyes and their feathers ruffled with shock and anxiety.
“Everyone! The predators are attacking again! They've split up and are going after different groups of animals!” Ullu shrieked.
At Ullu's words, Rani's paws began to tremble violently and she forced back the sobs that rose in her throat.
“Wh-Who are they attacking?” Rani asked, a note of horror and panic in her tone.
“Makucha and his leopards are going after the elephants and forest hogs that live in Bamboo Woods, and the komodo dragons are attacking the Amur leopards in Winter Woods!” Ullu reported frantically.
“If those animals are lost, their entire species will be threatened. They're supposed to be safe here! I-can't let the predators kill them. W-We have to save them. Now!” Rani exclaimed.
Fuli exchanged a glance with the rest of the Lion Guard.
“The Lion Guard can go to Bamboo Woods to deal with Makucha and his leap,” Fuli said.
Aminia and Danyal exchanged a glance.
“We'll go with you, Fuli,” Aminia said.
“Okay, let's go. We can't afford to waste any time,” Fuli said.
She began to rush towards Bamboo Woods, the others hurrying after her.
“With strength and respect!” Jivin called.
“Night Pride protect!” The rest of the Night Pride chorused as they rushed off.
Concurrently, Makucha's Leap had arrived at Bamboo Woods. 
“Mama wants her revenge against that honey badger for defeating her, and we want the chance to feast on rare animals. So, we're going to attack the elephants and forest hogs that live here.” Makucha said.
“You got it, Makucha,” Fahari said.
“Count us in,.” Jiona added.
“Chuluun, Khurdan, and Chungwa, you're with me. We're going after the forest hogs. Fahari and Jiona, you two go after the elephants.” Makucha said.
He began to creep slowly towards a grove of bamboo stalks where a sounder of forest hogs had congregated.
Makucha's eyes narrowed as he observed a forest hog stretched out in a patch of sunshine. As Makucha crept toward the forest hog, a soft breeze drifted through the trees and bushes, causing him to freeze. The forest hog perked up, ears erect, snout twitching. It had picked up his scent. With a growl, the forest hog charged towards him, swiping a tusk at him, managing to leave several deep cuts which immediately began to bleed. Makucha growled and slashed a paw towards the forest hog, missing it by a heartbeat. Swiftly, the forest hog slammed roughly into Makucha, knocking him sideways with one blow.
Behind them, Chuluun, Khurdan, and Chungwa were fighting against the rest of the sounder.
At that moment, Fuli and her patrol arrived at the scene.
“Looks like the forest hogs are already defending themselves pretty good,” Bunga pointed out.
“We should still help them, Little B. We're the Lion Guard, we help anyone,” Beshte said.
“Come on, everyone,” Fuli said urgently.
They began to rush towards the battlefield.
As Makucha lunged towards the forest hog, Fuli swiftly slammed into him, knocking him to the ground. Makucha kicked her away, leaping to his paws, his claws unsheathed.
Fuli landed squarely on her paws and leapt towards him, sinking her teeth into Makucha's tail and yanking it roughly, unbalancing him, Makucha attempted to retaliate, slashing a paw towards Fuli's cheek and missing it by a heartbeat. Swiftly, Fuli leapt upwards, slicing her paw towards Makucha's cheek and connecting with enough force to leave several deep cuts. 
Swiftly, Makucha turned, sliding underneath Fuli's belly and slicing it with his claws, leaving several deep scratches which began to bleed. He rolled out from underneath her, springing up onto his paws. 
Despite the pain, Fuli lunged towards him, bringing her paw squarely on top of his head and connecting roughly, dazing him. 
Behind them, the others were fighting against Makucha's Leap. 
“You may be fast, cheetah, but you still can't catch me!” Makucha taunted.
Swiftly, Makucha leapt away from her, and began to run towards where Aminia and Danyal were facing off back-to-back against Khurdan and Chungwa.
Hesitating, Fuli exhaled sharply, feeling a wave of exhaustion course through her. 
Aminia and Danyal won't be strong enough to face all three of them alone. I need to help them. But I'm already feeling worn out, I don't know how much I'd be able to do. 
Fuli pushed herself towards Makucha, running as fast as she could. Before she could reach him, Makucha veered away from her, and Fuli's paws stumbled underneath her, sending her to the ground. Fuli heaved herself up, lunging towards Makucha, missing him by a heartbeat. 
“You're getting worn out, cheetah. You'll never catch up to me!” Makucha called.
Come on, you can do this. You can't let him best you.
Fuli charged towards Makucha, before she could reach him, her legs suddenly stumbled, sending her to the ground. Fuli attempted to raise herself up, but collapsed, exhausted. Swiftly, Makucha swung a paw forward, cuffing her ear roughly. 
“You truly are pathetic. You're clearly too young to take the tactical approach instead of consuming all your speed trying to best me. You'll never beat me,“ Makucha taunted.
Simultaneously, the rest of the Lion Guard and Night Pride were struggling to face off against Makucha's leap. 
Anga and Ono were huddled close together at the base of a tree; Anga's wings were sprained with several cuts and gashes marring them. Ono had a deep gash on his head, marring his crest feathers. 
As Beshte approached her, Chungwa leapt away, causing Beshte to stumble, barely avoiding hitting a tree branch. Khurdan leapt up into a tree, positioning himself to jump down onto Beshte's back. Distracted, Beshte threw him off easily and Chungwa lunged towards him, her claws unsheathed. Beshte swerved to avoid her, crashing into a large tree. The force of the blow dislodged a broken tree branch which came crashing down. As Beshte lunged after Chungwa, he suddenly tripped over the tree branch, immediately bruising his leg and sending him crashing to the ground. 
Meanwhile, Bunga was facing off against Makucha, Chulunn, Fahari, and Jiona.
Chuluun lunged towards Bunga, but Bunga swiftly dodged her attack, pushing off from the tree, and landing squarely on top of her, his paws covering her eyes as Chulunn struggled underneath him, attempting to throw him off. Bunga leapt off of her, sending her toppling into Chungwa and Khurdan. Together, Fahari and Jiona raced towards him, only to crash headfirst into a tree as Bunga leapt away from them. 
Unbeknownst to Bunga, Makucha was perched in a tree branch above him. 
Swiftly, Makucha leapt down, landing on top of Bunga, pinning him to the ground. Surprised, Bunga attempted to throw him off, but Makucha's weight bore down on him. 
“Looks like the smelly hedgehog is trapped with nowhere to run. We've got you now,” Jiona taunted.
Suddenly, Mama Binturong appeared from behind a tree trunk, Smun's Prickle spreading out around her.
“Bunga!” Aminia called, her eyes wide with fear and horror.
“Look out!” Danyal shouted.
“Well, what do we have here,” Mama Binturong said.
Bunga kicked upwards, knocking Makucha away from him as he leapt to his feet.
“It's you again? Didn't I already send you away with my stink?” Bunga asked.
“Well, if it isn't the little honey badger who humiliated me..If you care to know, my name's Mama Binturong. And now, I'm going to get you and your little friends!” Mama Binturong taunted.
Despite her lingering exhaustion, Fuli was running as fast as she could towards Bunga. Suddenly, Smun and his prickle spread out between them, blocking her route towards him. Succumbing to her exhaustion, Fuli collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily.
“You and your porcupines don't scare me, Mama!” Bunga shouted.
“Porcupines! Attack!” Mama Binturong ordered.
Immediately the porcupines closed in around Bunga, their quills pressing into his thick skin. Bunga attempted to free himself, but the porcupines pressed in closer, surrounding him on all sides. 
Bunga's eyes widened in surprise as he felt the porcupines close in around him. He yelped as the porcupine quills pushed against him.
Mama Binturong's eyes narrowed in triumph as she watched the porcupines continue to press their quills against Bunga despite his struggles to evade them.
“Porcupines! Take him away!”  Mama Binturong ordered.
As the porcupines closed in around Bunga and began to march him away, Bunga suddenly got an idea, his eyes lighting up.
“Zuka Zama.” Bunga murmured.
Mama Binturong's eyes widened in confusion
“Speak up, little honey badger.” Mama Binturong ordered.
“Zuka Zama! Zom zom zom!” Bunga exclaimed. 
“What does that even mean?!” Mama Binturong asked exasperatedly.
“It means….ZUKA ZAMA!” Bunga shouted
He sprayed his stink, causing the porcupines surrounding him to gasp and begin coughing as the smell hit them.
Mama Binturong's eyes widened in horror and shock as Bunga's stench hit her, and she began to cough loudly.
“Looks like you've underestimated the strength of a honey badger, Mama!” Bunga taunted.
“WHAT!?” Mama Binturong exclaimed.
“One more thing. I wasn't even restrained. My thick skin protects me from anything sharp, including porcupine quills,” Bunga said.
He crouched down, preparing to spray his stink at Mama Binturong.  
“You want another taste of me?” Bunga asked.
“Everyone! Retreat! Now!“ Mama Binturong ordered. 
Immediately, the army of predators fled the woods, heading towards the Mountain Pass. 
== Appearances==
===Characters===
* Cade Sutton as Mhina
*Max Charles as Kion
*Joshua Rush as Bunga
*Diamond White as Fuli
*Bryana Salaz as Anga
*Atticus Shaffer as Ono
*Dusan Brown as Beshte
* Landry Bender as Makini / Tatu (indirectly mentioned)
* Lyons Luke Mathias as Nguruma
* Ace Gibson as Jivin / Jiona
* Erica Luttrell as Queen Maya
* Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Rani 
* Hudson Yang as Baliyo / Danyal / Kicheko (indirectly mentioned)
* Lou Diamond Phillips as Surak / Ajani (indirectly mentioned)
* Miki Yamashita as Nirmala
* Marieve Herington as Kenene
* Vyvan Pham as Ullu
* Aaron Daniel Jacob as Kingiza 
* Shohreh Aghdashloo as Janna
*Bailey Gambertoglio as Aminia 
*Grace Young as Ãnanda
*James Sie as Sâhasí / Smun (cameo)
*Nika Futterman as Umhlaba
* Mallory Low as Cara (cameo)
*Rachel House as Mama Binturong
*Steve Blum as Makucha 
*Kimiko Glenn as Chuluun
* Andrew Kishino as Ora
* Nolan North as Fahari (cameo)
* Kristofer Hivju as Kenge / Meracuni (cameos)
* Meghan Strange as Julisha
* Ford Riley as Putra (cameo)
* James Earl Jones as Mufasa
* Paget Brewster as Chungwa
* David Tennant as Spike (cameo)
* Rob Lowe as Simba (mentioned)
* Moira Kelly as Nala (mentioned)
* Eden Riegel as Kiara (mentioned)
* Kate Micucci as Mahuluti (mentioned) 
* Meghan Strange as Ayo (indirectly mentioned) 
* Mekai Curtis as Kopa (indirectly mentioned)
* Justin Hires as Reth (mentioned)
*Jason Marsden as Kovu (mentioned)
*Khary Payton as Rafiki (mentioned)
*Savannah Smith as Slash (indirectly mentioned)
*David Oyelowo as Scar (mentioned)
*Christian Slater as Ushari (mentioned)
*Kari Wahlgren as Tafiti (indirectly mentioned)
* Bobby Moynihan as Khurdan (cameo)
===Groups===
* The Lion Guard 
* Night Pride 
* Mama Binturong's Army
* Makucha's Leap
* Ora's Bank
* Smun's Prickle
* Scar's Army (mentioned)
* Reth's Pride (mentioned)
* Saumu's Pounce (indirectly mentioned)
*Simba's Pride (indirectly mentioned)
===Locations===
* Tree of Life 
**Mountain Pass
** Winter Woods (mentioned)
** Willows
** Marsh Forest
** Bamboo Woods
*Pride Lands (mentioned)
** Pride Rock (mentioned)
***Lair of the Lion Guard (mentioned)
* Leopon Plains (mentioned)
=== Animals ===
* Lions 
* Leopons 
* Honey Badgers 
* Cheetahs 
* Eagles
* Egrets
* Hippopotamuses
* Leopards
* Komodo Dragons
* Monitor Lizards
* Binturongs
* Owls
* Porcupines
* Mandrills
* Pangolins (mentioned)
* Camels (mentioned)
* Elephants (mentioned)
* Forest Hog 
* Hedgehogs (mentioned)
==Trivia==
*This marks the final time that James Earl Jones voices Mufasa in Legends of the Lion Guard, as he would die a little over two years after the chapter was published.
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