Kion

Kion is a male lion. He is a member of the Night Pride and the king of the Tree of Life through his marriage to Rani. Formerly, he was the leader of the Lion Guard and the prince of Pride Rock. He is the son of Simba and Nala, and the brother of Kiara.
Before becoming the leader of the Lion Guard, Kion witnessed his best friend, Bunga, being attacked by hyenas, and he reflexively used the Roar of the Elders to save him. This prompted his father, Simba, to teach him about the legendary Lion Guard and task him with gathering a team to defend the Pride Lands. Kion appointed each of his friends as a member: Bunga the honey badger as the bravest, Fuli the cheetah as the fastest, Ono the egret as the keenest of sight, and Beshte the hippopotamus as the strongest.
At first, Simba rejected Kion's new team, as none of its members were lions. Kion lamented his father's decision, during which time he encountered the ghost of his grandfather, Mufasa, who encouraged him to trust his instincts. Kion returned to his friends and gifted them each with the mark of the Lion Guard. Together, the team engaged in their first battle against Janja and his clan and emerged victorious. As a result, Simba conceded Kion's point and accepted the new Lion Guard as the defenders of the Pride Lands.
Later, the Lion Guard faced a new threat: the revived spirit of Kion's great-uncle, Scar, who sought revenge on Simba. The Lion Guard engaged in many battles against an army of Outlanders whom Scar had gathered to execute his plans. During the final battle between the Outlanders and the Pride Landers, Scar ordered his cobra minion, Ushari, to attack Kion and inject him with snake venom. However, Kion summoned the Great Lions of the Past to judge and defeat Scar. Despite the Lion Guard's victory, Kion's scar remained, and the venom caused him to suffer violent mood swings and a loss of control over the Roar. With some advice from Rafiki, Kion departed Pride Rock to seek healing at the Tree of Life.
Along with the rest of the Lion Guard, Kion journeyed to the Tree of Life, where he met and fell in love with its queen, Rani. After being healed, he returned to the Pride Lands and relinquished the Roar as well as his role as the leader of the Lion Guard to Vitani. He then returned to the Tree of Life, where he married Rani and became king.
==Biography==
===The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar===
Kion and his best friend Bunga are goofing around on Pride Rock, where Simba is teaching Kiara about life as a future monarch. Kion's antics with Bunga disturb the two, so they take their game away from Pride Rock and into the heart of the Pride Lands.
While playing, the two manage to lose their baobab ball in the Outlands. When Bunga goes to retrieve it, he is attacked by two hyenas, Cheezi and Chungu, who are under Janja's command. Before the hyenas can hurt Bunga, Kion steps in, roaring so loudly that the hyenas drop Bunga, who climbs to safety.
Meanwhile, Rafiki and Simba overhear Kion's roar, and the two come to realize that it is time for him to lead the Lion Guard. When Bunga and Kion return to Pride Rock, Rafiki leads them to the Lair of the Lion Guard, where he explains that Scar used to lead the Lion Guard until he lost his powers. Simba then tasks Kion with gathering a new Lion Guard to protect the Pride Lands.
Bunga and Kion set out right away, and Kion asks the honey badger if he will join the team. Bunga accepts, and his adopted uncles, Timon and Pumbaa, offer him enthusiastic congratulations. Unbeknownst to the friends, they have been spied on by Mzingo, a vulture minion of Janja's, who reports back to his leader about the newly formed Guard. When Janja hears the news, he announces to his clan that they will strike that very night.
On the other side of the savanna, Kion has appointed Beshte, Fuli, and Ono to positions on the Guard. He gathers the team together and attempts to show them the Roar of the Elders, but all that comes out is a squeak. Just then, Simba arrives and reacts in horror to Kion's choice of teammates. He insists that the Guard must be made of lions only and then berates Kion for treating his role as leader like a game.
Wanting to be alone, Kion isolates himself from his friends, where he encounters the ghost of his grandfather, Mufasa. The wise king tells Kion to trust his instincts and promises that he will always be there to guide him. No sooner has he faded from the sky when Kion hears Bunga calling for him, shouting that the hyenas are attacking a herd of gazelles. With no time to lose, Kion assembles the Lion Guard, using his paw to gift each of them with a special shoulder marking.
Together, the five friends attack the hyenas, driving them back into the Outlands. Kion finishes the fight with the powerful Roar of the Elders, and even Janja flees in terror. Simba happens to be watching from a nearby ridge and realizes that his son was wise to have chosen whom he chose. He congratulates his son on the victory and accepts this new, brilliant assembling of loyal animals.
===The Lion Guard===
===="Never Judge a Hyena by its Spots"====
At the start of the episode, Janja and his cronies, Cheezi and Chungu, are chasing after a herd of oryx. Before they can take down the herd, the Lion Guard races to the rescue, chasing them off.
As the hyenas scurry away, Kion takes chase, yelling at the rest of the Lion Guard to calm the herd. He then charges after the hyenas, chasing them into the Outlands, but as he crosses a log, it breaks beneath his weight, and he falls into the raging river below. The rest of the Lion Guard attempts to save him, with Beshte and Bunga leaping in after him, but Kion only manages to pull himself to safety on the opposite bank of the river, in the Outlands.
Ono swoops down to check on his winded friend, and Kion admits that the river is too rough for crossing. He then instructs his friends to meet him at Flat Ridge Rock while he attempts to navigate through the Outlands. Bunga claims to know where Flat Ridge Rock is, and Kion sends Ono after his friends in order to ensure that they make it safely.
Kion begins to navigate through the Outlands when he runs into a mysterious hyena, Jasiri, who claims that he is going the wrong way. Despite such news, Kion chooses to ignore her and forges his own way through the dangerous Outlands. Along the way, he discovers that Jasiri is following him. Though suspicious, he doesn't attempt to stop her and continues making his way up a large pile of rocks. Despite Jasiri's continued warnings that he's going the wrong way, Kion climbs to the top, only to fall into a hedge of thorns. Jasiri leaps down after him, laughing.
As Kion struggles to untangle himself from the thorns, Jasiri teases him for being so foolish, but she helps him out of the thorns nonetheless. Though still suspicious, Kion is amused by her attempts at banter. However, he accuses Jasiri of having not warned him of the trail ending, and she agrees with him, laughing. She then points him in the right direction, but as Kion moves to leave, she notices that he now has a limp and decides to help him on his way, since it's her fault that he'd gotten injured to begin with.
As Kion and Jasiri continue through the Outlands, Kion lectures Jasiri on the Circle of Life, but she points out to him that she knows all about the Circle of Life. She then sings "We're the Same (Sisi Ni Sawa)" with Kion, solidifying a tentative friendship between them. No longer so suspicious of one another, the two reach Janja's territory, and Jasiri sends Kion on his way.
However, as Jasiri walks back through the Outlands, she is confronted by Janja, who surrounds her with hyenas. Kion, who is still within earshot, overhears the confrontation and races back to Jasiri's aid, chasing the clan away with the Roar of the Elders. No sooner has he done this when the Lion Guard shows up, ready to fight Jasiri, but Kion insists that she's a friend. Together, the friends walk to the border of the Pride Lands, where Jasiri and Kion exchange fond farewells.
===="The Rise of Makuu"====
Kion and his friends are first seen racing to the rescue of an animal crying for help. However, when the five arrive at the scene, they find a little hyrax stuck in a thorn bush. Annoyed at the false alarm, the Guard proceeds to free the hyrax, who is soon swallowed by Ushari. Again, the Guard frees him, and he runs away in terror of Bunga's smell.
The friends travel to Big Springs, where Beshte shows off his home to his friends. While there, the friends overhear Makuu challenge his leader, Pua, to a mashindano. Kion is disturbed by this turn of events and asks his father about Makuu's challenge. Simba explains that he must recognize and respect the traditions of other species, even if he doesn't always agree with them.
Later, the animals of the Pride Lands gather to witness the mashindano, and Makuu manages to pull a victory over the aged Pua. As the crocodiles stride away, Kion looks after them worriedly, wondering if the Pride Lands are in danger. After Pua's defeat, the Lion Guard gathers in the Lair of the Lion Guard, but in the midst of the gathering, Kiara rushes up and warns Kion that the giraffes have moved into the baboon's forest. The Lion Guard rushes to the rescue, and Kion discovers that Makuu has invaded Big Springs, which has forced the other animals to switch habitats.
Kion confronts Makuu, asking him to leave Big Springs, but the crocodile refuses, mocking Kion for being unwilling to fight. Though Bunga encourages Kion to use the Roar of the Elders, the cub decides against it, not wanting to be like Scar and lash out in anger. Instead, Kion goes to Pua, asking for him to call for another mashindano, but Pua reminds Kion that Makuu is much stronger than him. He then advises Kion to back down if he's not willing to fight Makuu.
The five return to Pride Rock, where Kiara reveals that there's been an invasion of baboons. Overwhelmed by all the problems, Kion moves off to think and encounters Mufasa, who advises him to stand his ground.
Inspired by the words of his grandfather, Kion and his friends decide to demonstrate the Roar of the Elders on a grove of trees to show Makuu what he would be in for if he should attempt a fight. While Bunga, Fuli, and Ono set out to clear the grove of animals, Beshte and Kion confront Makuu. When Ono gives the signal, Kion roars into the trees, clearing them all of their branches. In awe, Makuu backs down and leads his float out of Big Springs.
After Makuu leaves, the animals return to their habitats, and Basi invites the crocodiles to return to Big Springs once the fish population spikes. The Lion Guard watches in satisfaction.
===="Bunga the Wise"====
When Kion and his friends attempt to keep a family of baboons from falling with a loose tree off a cliff, the baboons refuse to see reason, and Kion sends Bunga up to scare them down. The plan works, and the baboons scurry down from the tree.
After the rescue, the Lion Guard takes a breather, and Kion goes to talk with his grandfather, Mufasa. The cub asks if he should use the Roar of the Elders to blow the big storms away, but Mufasa explains that rain is part of the Circle of Life and that the Pride Lands need water to survive.
Kion accepts his grandfather's words, but as he goes back to rejoin his friends, he sees a wall of floodwater racing across the plains. Thinking fast, the cub orders Ono to take a look, and Ono informs the Guard that Lake Kiziwa is flooding. Bunga proposes they knock a pile of large rocks into the way of the floodwater, and the flood is momentarily stopped.
As the other animals of the Pride Lands gather around, Rafiki approaches and starts to compliment honey badgers on their wisdom, but he is interrupted when he accidentally drops the fruit he's carrying. Bunga doesn't wait for Rafiki to finish and proclaims that he's the smartest animal in the Pride Lands. With everyone trailing behind him, he goes off to tell his adopted uncles, Timon and Pumbaa, just as Rafiki finishes what he had been saying, that honey badgers are only smart when they think before they speak.
As the Lion Guard races after Bunga, they encounter animal after animal who needs their help, and they continually rescue those affected by the floodwaters. Just before they can check on Ushari and the cobras, Ono flies in, proclaiming that they have to see what's going on at Hakuna Matata Falls.
When the Lion Guard arrives at Hakuna Matata Falls, they see animals lined up to meet Bunga, who has proclaimed himself to be a sage. Seeing the disaster for what it is, Kion attempts to talk Bunga out of his idiocy, but the honey badger refuses to rejoin the Lion Guard. Timon ushers the friends out of Bunga's lair, and the Lion Guard reluctantly leaves.
While walking the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard frees an ostrich with her head in the sand, and she explains that she'd been advised to do so by Bunga the Wise. After this, the friends encounter more and more animals taking Bunga's bad advice, and they're forced to rescue the poor beasts. Finally, Kion admits that they need to stop Bunga before it's too late.
Just then, they see Bunga at the head of a parade, celebrating his great wisdom. Kion runs up and once again attempts to make Bunga see reason, but the honey badger points out that everyone loves his advice. Timon adds that Bunga had fixed the dam, but just then, the dam breaks and the animals are forced to flee across the plains.
With Kion in the lead, the animals run into a canyon, where they find themselves at a dead end. Trapped, the animals look to Bunga for wisdom, but the honey badger tells them to listen to Kion, who truly does know how to handle bad situations. Thinking quickly, Kion orders the others to stand behind him, and he uses the Roar of the Elders to send the floodwaters splashing backward.
With the Pride Lands saved, the Lion Guard relaxes at a new water hole created by the floodwaters, where Kion rests beside Fuli.
===="Can't Wait to be Queen"====
When Kion attempts to use a tree that Kiara had found, Simba approaches and tells Kion to back away, for Kiara is going to serve as queen for the day. When Kion reacts with confusion, Simba gently explains that his presence is needed at a funeral in Kilio Valley for Aminifu, a wise old elephant who has passed away.
After his parents leave, Kion is ready to go on morning patrol with the Lion Guard, but instead of joining his team, Ono simply flies over them en route to Pride Rock. The Lion Guard rushes after their friend, but when they arrive at Pride Rock, Kiara is given a royal announcement by her friends, Tiifu and Zuri. A thoroughly annoyed Kion asks Kiara what's going on, and she explains that she is getting the morning report from Ono, since Zazu is off with the king and queen.
Ono then reports that a herd of elands are moving along the river and that several new hives of bees have appeared on the trail along the river. Kiara quickly connects the dots and realizes that the elands will run right into the hives, inciting chaos. She asks Kion to divert the herd rather than move the bees, and Kion reluctantly agrees.
With his team, Kion makes his way to the hives of bees, but instead of following Kiara's orders, he decides to move the bees rather than redirect the herd. His plan backfires, and the bees chase the Lion Guard straight into the path of the elands, who panic and run away in fear. A bruised, defeated, and stung Kion returns to Kiara and tries to make the best of his report, but Kiara accuses him of not having listened to her orders. He is then forced to admit that not all of the elands cooperated with them, and Kiara implores him to listen to her next time.
Later that day, as Kiara looks out over her kingdom, Mzingo lands on the peak of Pride Rock and offers a peace proposal to the young queen. Though suspicious, Kiara listens as Mzingo tells her that Janja wishes to meet her at Broken Rock, which serves as neutral ground between the Pride Lands and the Outlands. Kiara promises to think the offer over, and Mzingo flies away.
When Kion hears about the proposal, he desperately tries to talk his sister out of it, but Kiara points out that Janja probably came to her because Kion is constantly running him off. Furious, Kion points out that she's not really the queen, but Kiara resolves to do things her own way. A frustrated Kion refuses to take part in her plan and runs off into the savanna.
As Kion storms away from his sister, he encounters Mufasa, who encourages him to support Kiara. He gently reminds the cub that Kiara needs his help, especially when she's wrong, and Kion realizes that he was wrong to have abandoned his sister. After thanking his grandfather, Kion races off to rejoin Kiara, but when he returns to Pride Rock, Tiifu and Zuri explain that Kiara has already gone off to meet with Janja. Gathering the Lion Guard, Kion sets out to stop her.
Having gotten a good head start, Kiara reaches Broken Rock, where Janja surrounds her with his cronies, but just in time, Kion arrives with the Lion Guard, and Janja flees. As the hyenas scurry away, Kiara admits that Kion had been right about Janja, and he reminds his sister that she had been right about the bees. With their argument settled, the siblings return home.
When Simba and Nala return home, Kiara asks how the tribute had gone, and Nala answers that everything had turned out fine. She then asks how ruling the Pride Lands had gone, and though Kiara begins to stumble over her words, Kion jumps in, proclaiming that Kiara is going to make a great queen someday.
===="Eye of the Beholder"====
The Lion Guard finds themselves in the midst of a wildebeest stampede, unable to see through the thick dust. Kion calls to Ono, who can see from overhead, and he helps the team chase off Janja and his minions, who had started the stampede. However, as Ono watches the hyenas enter the Outlands, he gets sand in his eye and falls to the earth.
Acting quickly, the Lion Guard brings Ono to Rafiki, who constructs an eye patch for the egret and tells him to stay out of action for three days. Though Kion tries to reassure Ono that the Lion Guard can get by without him, Ono insists on proving himself and attempts to show off his keen sight to his friends. However, as he's flying over the Pride Lands, he bumps into Mwoga, a vulture, who observes the chaos of the Lion Guard down below and decides to report back to Mzingo.
Meanwhile, Rafiki is attempting to paint a picture of the Lion Guard, but it keeps turning out wrong. In the midst of the proceedings, Beshte rushes up to his friends and reports that Janja has been spotted on a ledge overlooking a herd of zebras in the Pride Lands. Horrified, Kion takes the Lion Guard to investigate, minus Ono, who stays behind with Rafiki.
As Kion leads the Lion Guard into a canyon, Janja and his minions drop rocks on either side of them, trapping them in the ravine. After gloating to Kion, Janja rushes off to pick off the zebra herd, and Kion and his friends attempt to escape the rock walls. Just in time, Ono appears, and Kion instructs him to move the zebras so that he can safely blast the rocks with the Roar of the Elders.
Ono does as instructed, and Kion breaks the Lion Guard free. With the Lion Guard now back in commission, Janja takes off with his minions, and the Lion Guard returns to Pride Rock, another mission safely sorted out. There, they are met by Rafiki, who has redone the painting so that Kion is among his friends, not just his teammates. Ono compliments the baboon's work, and Rafiki comments that such words mean a lot to him, as they come from the keenest of sight.
===="The Kupatana Celebration"====
When the Lion Guard expresses their excitement for Kupatana, Simba gently reminds them that Kupatana is a day of peace where all the animals in the Pride Lands gather together. In the midst of the conversation, the Lion Guard overhears a jackal pup being chased by Janja and his clan. Though Kion is hesitant to interfere with Outlands business, Simba encourages him to save the jackal for the sake of Kupatana.
With Kion in the lead, the Lion Guard enters the Outlands and fights off the hyenas. However, to Kion's surprise, instead of putting up a fight, Janja simply lets the Guard take the pup without a fight. Though confused, Kion checks on the jackal pup, who introduces himself as Dogo and asks if he can join the Lion Guard in returning to the Pride Lands. Again, Kion hesitates, but when Dogo proves too cute for the Lion Guard, he allows the pup to join them.
Once in the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard explains Kupatana to Dogo and invites him to join, despite Fuli and Ono's protests. They then grant him a hillside to use as his new home, and Kion leads the Lion Guard away on their daily patrol.
While on patrol, Beshte and Bunga spot Dogo's brothers making themselves at home in aardvark warrens. When the amount of jackals becomes too much for them, they call out for Kion, who races to the rescue. Once there, Kion attempts to find Dogo among the jackal pups, and Reirei steps forward, introducing herself and Goigoi as Dogo's parents. She then appeals to Kion to let them stay in the Pride Lands, for Dogo can't stay on his own, away from his family. A miffed Kion reluctantly agrees to her demands, but makes her promise to stop stealing the possessions of the aardvarks.
After dealing with Reirei, the Lion Guard races to the rescue of Mbeya, who has gotten stuck in a mud pit, but they are alerted to Reirei's schemes by the cries of several robbed animals. The Lion Guard hurries to the scene, and Kion lectures Reirei for stealing from other animals. Reirei puts on an extravagant display, claiming that the customs of the Pride Lands are so different from their own, and asks if her family can participate in Kupatana. A still dubious Kion allows them to join, but only if they treat the other Pride Landers with respect.
Later that day, the Kupatana celebration begins, and the animals witness the blooming of the baobab blossoms. However, in the midst of the proceedings, Reirei and her family break through the crowd of animals and begin their hunt. A confused Simba wonders at the plight, and Kion admits to letting them into the Pride Lands.
As the chaos continues down below, Kion and Simba implore the Pride Landers to work together in fighting off the jackals, and Kion jumps down to join the Lion Guard in wrangling up the jackal family. Together, they corner Reirei and her family in the midst of the tree grove, and Kion orders them to return to the Outlands. Still dripping with dramatic flair, Reirei pleads for a second chance until Simba steps forward and roars, frightening the jackals into running away.
With the jackals gone, Kion apologizes for his mistake, and Simba gently reminds him that it had been he who had encouraged the rescue of the jackal pup. He then points out that all the Pride Landers had stood together in fighting off the jackals, just as the spirit of Kupatana encourages. Bunga then begins to eat the fallen baobab blossoms, and many of the Pride Landers join in, welcoming back the joy and encouragement of Kupatana.
===="Fuli's New Family"====
When the Lion Guard is directing a herd of cape buffalo away from a mudslide, Bunga is flung on top of Ushari, an Egyptian cobra. Out of pure reflex, Ushari bites him, and the Lion Guard proceeds to panic over the venomous bite.
With Bunga on Beshte's back, the Lion Guard races to Rafiki, who proclaims that Bunga is immune to snake bites. Timon and Pumbaa are relieved and resolve to throw a feast in celebration of Bunga's immunity, but none of the other Lion Guard members can come, save Fuli, who has plans to hunt by herself. A horrified Timon and Pumbaa insist that she join them, but as they walk away, Beshte, Kion, and Ono wonder if they should involve Fuli more in their activities.
Later, Bunga is bragging about his immunity to Kion, who remains unconvinced. While they're talking, Kion spots Fuli hunting by herself, and he calls out to her, inviting her to join his family on a hunt. Fuli accepts his offer, but when she arrives at the hunt, she's uninterested in hunting alongside Tiifu and Zuri, Kiara's air-headed friends. Despite this, she sidles up beside Kiara and sneaks up on a gazelle. However, at the last minute, Nala calls for a halt, and Kion explains that Kiara is simply learning how to track, not kill.
After Fuli runs away from him in a fury, Beshte, Kion, and Ono meet up and relate their experiences with trying to include Fuli in their family activities. After relating their stories to each other, they realize that Fuli may just want to be left alone, and they resolve to find her and promise to let her be herself from now on.
Meanwhile, Bunga and Fuli have been cornered by Janja and his hyenas at the volcano. Just in time, the rest of the Lion Guard shows up and helps their friends escape. Once safely back in the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard resolves to cool off at the water hole, and Kion gently reminds Fuli that she doesn't have to come. Fuli thanks Kion for understanding, but reassures him that she still enjoys the company of her friends and that she thinks of them as her family. The five friends then join in a group hug.
===="The Search for Utamu"====
When the Lion Guard is checking on a herd of cape buffalo, they realize that the herd has settled near a geyser. When the geyser explodes, the herd takes off in a panic, but they are brought to a halt by Fuli, who circles them until they calm down.
The rest of the Lion Guard arrives, impressed, but no sooner have they abated the danger when three galagos cry out for help. Before Kion can instruct his team, Fuli rushes to the rescue, saving them on her own. Kion lectures her for rushing ahead of them, but Fuli reminds him that she'd known she could handle it by herself.
Shortly afterward, the team stumbles across Mapema Rock, where Bunga resolves to hunt for Utamu grubs, but as the honey badger is explaining himself to his friends, the Lion Guard hears a cry for help. Ono scouts ahead and reports that a serval has tried to jump across Big Ravine. Once again, without waiting for instruction, Fuli makes the save on her own, and Kion confronts her in a fury.
After the argument, Kion instructs Fuli to rest while the other members of the Lion Guard help Bunga find Utamu grubs. When the group appears to get lost in their search, Bunga instructs them to follow the dung beetles, and the friends take off after a group of dung-rolling beetles.
While following the dung beetles, Bunga tells his friends about the day he'd met his uncles, Timon and Pumbaa, after which Bunga attempts to climb a tree to fetch some Utamu for his uncles. However, the branch breaks, and the Utamu fall into the river below. As Bunga grieves, Kion gently reminds him that they've just spotted vultures circling over the savanna and that an animal may need their help.
As the Lion Guard draws nearer, they see Fuli being set upon on all sides by Mzingo and his flock. Just in time, the Lion Guard fights them off, and Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to blow the flock away. Once the vultures are gone, Fuli thanks her friends for saving her and promises to wait for them on the next mission.
After Fuli is rescued, the Lion Guard travels to Hakuna Matata Falls, where they share in a feast of grubs with Timon and Pumbaa.
===="Follow that Hippo!"====
The Lion Guard is alerted to a hyena attack and arrives on the scene, demanding to know where the hyenas are. At Kion's cry, a group of young animals emerges from the thicket, explaining that they had simply been playing "Lion Guard." Kion gently explains to them the dangers of pretending to be hyenas, and the young animals vow to never play in such a way again.
After the promise is made, a shy Mtoto approaches his idol, Beshte, and suggests that the real Lion Guard play with them. The other young animals are excited by this idea, but Kion admits that they have business elsewhere. However, Mtoto begs Beshte to stay, and the hippopotamus invites Mtoto to watch them train.
Once at the training grounds, Beshte tells the team that he's brought along Mtoto, and Kion agrees to let the young elephant train with them. First, the team does an obstacle course, but when it's Mtoto's turn to dash through the water, he gets water in his trunk and sprays it all over Fuli. After Mtoto's mistake, Kion decides to run a stealth-surround drill, in which the team attempts to sneak up on him without alerting him to their presence. However, as they're drilling, Mtoto accidentally falls down a steep cliff and lands on an unprepared Bunga.
After Beshte leaves to walk Mtoto home, Kion continues to train his team by pitting Bunga against Fuli in a race. After the race, Kion asks Ono to look for Beshte, who hasn't shown up for training yet. When Ono returns with no leads, the rest of the Lion Guard sets out in search of Beshte, and they stumble across Mtoto's friends, who inform the team that Beshte is saving Mtoto from the hyenas.
Ono happens to catch sight of Beshte and Mtoto trapped between the hyenas and a float of crocodiles, and he races back to alert the team. As Beshte and Mtoto defend themselves, the rest of the Lion Guard appears and dispatches of the crocodiles. In the chaos, the hyenas are knocked into the pool, where they're chased in circles by the crocodile float.
After the rescue, Mtoto relates his tale of rescue to his friends, who react with amazement and awe. Kion approaches and volunteers to give each of them a muddy mark of the Lion Guard, to which the young animals crowd around him eagerly.
===="The Call of the Drongo"====
The Lion Guard is alerted to the presence of three predators: Makuu the crocodile, Goigoi the jackal, and Janja the hyena. The animals who've overheard these vicious predators rush up to Kion, begging him for help, and the Lion Guard sets out to stop the trouble.
While Kion attempts to find Janja, Beshte and Bunga search the river bank for Makuu, and Fuli and Ono track down Goigoi. Despite sniffing around the sites of the incidents, the Lion Guard fails to yield any results, save for the thievery of the victims' food. A confused Kion presses the animals for more information, and he discovers that Goigoi, Janja, and Makuu had all said the same thing to their victim.
Just then, the Lion Guard overhears Janja, and they follow his voice to where a drongo named Tamaa sits perched in a bush. The Lion Guard presses him for information, and the bird points them in the right direction. However, as they're following Tamaa's instructions, Ono suddenly instructs the Lion Guard to turn back.
Once they've returned to Tamaa, they witness him mimicking Janja's voice in order to scare off a hyrax. A furious Kion confronts him for his wrongdoing, and Tamaa admits that he's been the one scaring off animals in order to steal their food. He then sings "Bird of a Thousand Voices" to explain his talent to the Lion Guard. Despite Tamaa's impressive skill, Kion remains unimpressed and makes Tamaa promise to only use his own voice from now on.
No sooner has Tamaa made his promise when the Lion Guard overhears the real Janja chasing down a herd of impalas. They race to the rescue and put a stop to the hyena's schemes, forcing Janja and his cronies, Cheezi and Chungu, back into the Outlands.
Not long after the hyena incident, the Lion Guard happens across a zebra who is fervently trying to escape danger. Upon being questioned, the zebra reveals that he and the impalas had heard Kion instructing them to go to the Outlands for safety. Suspicious, Kion surmises that Janja is forcing Tamaa to herd impalas into the Outlands for his own satisfaction, and the Lion Guard rushes to put a stop to the danger.
Just as the hyenas are cornering Tamaa in the Outlands, the real Lion Guard arrives and chases the hyenas away from Tamaa and the herd of impalas. Together, they escort the impalas back to the Pride Lands, where Tamaa vows to only use his voice for good from now on. After making his promise, Tamaa imitates Bunga's voice as he swoops away.
===="Paintings and Predictions"====
The Lion Guard finds an infant gazelle whose hoof is stuck under a large rock. Beshte rushes down and lifts the rock off the gazelle's hoof, but the moment Bunga pulls him free, they both go tumbling over the edge of a steep drop. Just in time, Kion grabs hold of Bunga, and both animals are pulled to safety.
After the rescue, Ono escorts the gazelle home while the rest of the team heads to the Lair of the Lion Guard. Not long after this, Ono comes swooping in, reporting a zebra stampede. The team takes off to sort out the problem, but as they run alongside the stampede, Bunga recognizes the pile of rocks from when he'd messed around with Rafiki's painting. Horrified, he realizes that the rocks are going to fall on the zebra herd, and so with the Lion Guard's help, he steers the zebras to safety, and the rock falls harmlessly to the earth.
With the mission successfully sorted, Bunga goes to show Beshte the paintings, while Kion stays behind and questions the zebras as to why they'd stampeded. The herd leader explains that a loud "boom" – or thunder, as Kion figures out – had stirred them into a frenzy. The Lion Guard reassures the herd that they're safe, and Kion sends Ono to guide the zebras home.
thumb|right|300px|Bunga tackles Kion in order to "save" him from falling
Meanwhile, Bunga shows Beshte the paintings that had supposedly predicted the future, and the two spot another painting of Kion in a tree. When Bunga touches Rafiki's staff to the wall, it shows Kion begin to plummet from the tree. A terrified Beshte and Bunga resolve to warn their friend.
On the peak of Pride Rock, Beshte and Bunga attempt to warn Kion of the cave's foresight, but the cub scoffs at them, disbelieving their wild stories. No sooner has he denied their worries when Ono swoops overhead, warning the team of a hyena attack. With no time left to worry over Rafiki's paintings, the Lion Guard takes off.
Once there, Kion instructs his team to take on Cheezi and Chungu, while he handles Janja. As Janja chases a zebra around a large rock, Kion decides to climb an overhanging tree branch in order to ambush him, but Bunga races after him, tackling him to the ground. Together, the two fall on top of Janja, who races off to the Outlands.
thumb|left|300px|Kion wonders why his friends are acting oddly
After the awkward rescue, Kion questions Bunga as to why he'd tackled him, but Bunga simply whispers to Beshte that Kion had fallen from the tree, just as the paintings had predicted. Beshte, however, notes that it had been Bunga who'd knocked Kion from the tree, so the cub might still be in danger. Just then, Ono reports that three zebras are stranded on the other side of Maji Baridi Falls.
Along the way, Bunga attempts to save Kion from tripping over a tree branch, but the branch turns out to be Ushari, who slithers away in disgust. A suspicious Fuli confronts her friends, who explain the danger Kion is in, and Fuli decides to help them. Just then, Ono calls for Kion to climb a tree and take a look around, but Beshte, Bunga, and Fuli scramble to save him, leaping up on the trunk so that the tree falls to the ground.
thumb|right|300px|Kion clings to a tree branch as he prepares to use the Roar of the Elders
Kion demands to know what his friends had been doing, but he is interrupted when Ono spots a shortcut through the trees. Bunga quickly suggests a different route, and Beshte and Fuli support him until the team takes the new route, through a neck-deep, muddy river. While paddling the river, Bunga explains to Ono the danger that Kion is in, and Ono agrees to help the team.
The Lion Guard arrives at Maji Baridi Falls, where Beshte, Bunga, Fuli, and Ono become so distracted worrying over Kion that they fail to notice him crossing a large log over the raging river. In a panic, the friends cross the log to save him, but the log tips, throwing the team to the other side of the river. Furious, Kion demands to know why his friends are acting so strangely, and Bunga reminds him that Rafiki's paintings had predicted his fall from a tree branch. Kion, however, refuses to believe him.
thumb|left|300px|Kion climbs to safety, much to the relief of his friends
With Kion in charge once more, Beshte rises to his feet and accidentally sends a rock rolling toward the zebras, who panic and fall into the river. The Lion Guard races alongside them until they reach the end of the falls, where Kion resolves to climb down on an overhanging tree branch and roar the zebras to safety. Bunga protests adamantly, worried for his friend, but Kion denounces the paintings once and for all, and climbs down to save the zebras. From the tip of the tree branch, Kion uses the Roar of the Elders, blowing the zebras to safety. On his way up, he slips and falls, but manages to catch himself and rejoin the team.
After the rescue, the team returns to the Lair of the Lion Guard, where Rafiki shows the friends that the paintings had been depictions of the past, not the future. With his staff, he shows that the zebra herd hadn't been running toward the rocks, but away from them after they'd fallen. He then explains that the cub they'd thought was Kion is actually the father of Nala, Kion's mother.
===="The Mbali Fields Migration"====
Ono reports to Kion that a herd of gazelles are fighting with a herd of zebras. The Lion Guard arrives on the scene, and Beshte recognizes the gazelles as being Swala's herd and the zebras as being Muhimu's herd.
The Lion Guard rushes down the slope to put a stop to the fight, and Kion steps forward, roaring for silence. With the herds now paying attention, he and Beshte point out that the grazing grounds in the Pride Lands are open to everyone, but Muhimu and Swala explain that there's only one small patch of grass left for them to share.
thumb|right|300px|Kion takes charge of the Mbali Fields Migration
Kion goes to his father, Simba, for advice, and the king advises his son to take the herds to Mbali Fields, a grazing ground on the edge of the Pride Lands. A shocked Kion wonders if he is adept enough to lead a migration, but Simba assures him that he will do fine.
Kion returns to the herds the next day, and Ono reports a route that they can take to Mbali Fields. After Ono's report, Kion announces to the herds that he will be leading them to Mbali Fields, and the two herds cheer for him. With a proud Kion in the lead, the herds set out, and "A Trail to Hope" plays as the combined herds follow Kion through the Pride Lands.
Eventually, the herds make it to a canyon, where Kion attempts to encourage the gazelles and zebras through their fatigue and hunger. Ono then assures Kion that they're close, though he voices his worries about an oncoming storm. As the herds pause to behold Mbali Fields, Muhimu loses patience and begins to charge down the canyon with her herd. Not to be outdone, Swala and her gazelles tear after them.
thumb|left|300px|Kion saves Swala during a flash flood
A frantic Lion Guard attempts to stop them, but, too late, a huge pile of rocks falls into the midst of the canyon, blocking the way into Mbali Fields. Kion realizes that they must scout out another route, for the rocks are unmovable, and Ono rushes to fulfill this new command. However, when he returns to Kion, he admits that the only other way to Mbali Fields takes them through the Outlands. Grimly, Kion accepts their fate.
As the herds set out, the storm breaks over the canyon, and the combined herds begin to complain about Kion's leadership. No sooner have they finished griping when a flash flood forces the herds to race to higher ground. While Ono leads the herds to higher ground, Kion and the rest of the Guard rescue those still trapped in the rising waters, including Swala, who is rescued by Kion.
thumb|right|300px|Kion seeks counsel from his grandfather, Mufasa
Once the herds are safe, they begin to complain about Kion, criticizing his choice to take them through the canyon. Dejected and hurt, Kion seeks counsel from his grandfather, Mufasa, who advises him to have confidence in himself and not depend on the opinions of others. After the talk, Kion returns to the herds with new energy, but they continue to gripe against him, refusing to trust him, until Muhimu speaks up and takes the blame for starting the stampede. She then promises to make things easier from now on, and Kion thanks her for her loyalty.
Thanks to Muhimu's words of encouragement, the herds trust Kion to lead them into the Outlands. However, just as they've entered the Outlands, Muhimu begins to go into labor, and Kion is forced to make a difficult choice. While he sends Beshte, Fuli, and Ono ahead to keep leading the herds, he and Bunga stay behind to help Muhimu give birth.
thumb|left|300px|Kion sees the hyenas off
Under the careful watch of Swala and several others, Muhimu gives birth to a son. No sooner has the zebra foal been born when he emits a loud bray, which attracts the attention of Janja and his minions, Cheezi and Chungu. The three plunge down the ridge in the hopes of scattering the gazelles and zebras, but Kion orders them to protect Muhimu and her foal while he and Bunga take on the hyenas.
Together, Bunga and Kion distract Cheezi and Chungu, but Janja manages to break through their defense to attack the zebras. However, he is kicked in the face by Muhimu's foal, and the hyenas scramble to get away, having been bested by the herds' teamwork. With the hyenas defeated, the Lion Guard leads the rest of the gazelles and zebras home, where Bunga plays happily with Muhimu's foal.
===="Bunga and the King"====
One day, Kion prepares to go with his sister and parents to Mizimu Grove to attend Ma Tembo's Herd's concert. Just then, Ono arrives to tell Kion that antelope are stuck in mud near Chekundu Cliffs. Simba and Nala encourage their son to go with Ono to help the antelope, as keeping the Pride Lands' animals safe is his job.
While helping free the antelope with the rest of the Lion Guard, Kion is alerted by Ono that Simba has fallen into a sinkhole. Kion arrives at the scene and asks Nala if his father is all right. Shortly afterward, Bunga recklessly jumps into the sinkhole to save Simba and ends up trapped too. Kion and the rest of the Lion Guard fetch a log for Simba and Bunga to climb up, but the log smashes into pieces when it hits the bottom of the pit.
Bunga notices a tunnel at the side of the sinkhole, which Simba believes might lead to Nandembo Caverns. Simba tells his theory to Kion, who agrees to meet his father and friend at the entrance. Kion brings Timon and Pumbaa into the caverns, but the two merely cry over their lost sons. Simba and Bunga hear their cries and go to them, but find that a large ravine separates them from Kion and the others. The two are able to jump over the ravine and reunite with the others.
Kion goes with Simba, Timon, Pumbaa, and the Lion Guard to Mizimu Grove to meet with Nala and Kiara, just as the concert finishes. Kion joins in with his family, Timon, Pumbaa, and the Lion Guard in singing "Hakuna Matata".
===="The Imaginary Okapi"====
During a game of hide-and-seek, Kion tags Fuli. Once tagged, Fuli asks why they are playing hide-and-seek to begin with, and Kion explains that it is a drill to help sharpen the Lion Guard's tracking skills. He then spots Beshte hiding behind a rock and tells Fuli that it is her turn to be "it."
During the game, Beshte meets an okapi named Ajabu and does not return to his team. The Lion Guard continues to play hide-and-seek, unaware that Beshte is missing. While playing, Fuli spots leopard tracks, and the team traces the leopard to where he is stalking a herd of gazelles. The Lion Guard attempts to chase him off, but the leopard simply introduces himself as Makucha and declares that the team will have to catch him first. Fuli leads the team in pursuit, but Makucha escapes by jumping across Big Ravine.
After Makucha gets away, the Lion Guard resolves to stop him, since no one in the Pride Lands knows that leopards are hunters. Kion starts to break his team up into groups, but realizes that Beshte is still in hiding. Bunga and Ono volunteer to find him and soon spot him overlooking the plains. A delighted Beshte starts to introduce them to his new friend, Ajabu, but the okapi disappears before his eyes. Beshte tries to explain that Ajabu is half-giraffe and half-zebra, but Bunga and Ono theorize that Beshte has made up an imaginary friend.
Just then, the rest of the Lion Guard shows up, and they set out in search of Makucha. As the team is searching, Beshte catches sight of Ajabu and leads the team in a frenzied chase across the Pride Lands. When the chase ends in failure, Bunga and Ono criticize Beshte for trying to make them believe in such an unbelievable animal. Hurt, Beshte walks off by himself, and Kion chides Bunga and Ono for hurting their friend's feelings. Bunga and Ono see the wisdom in Kion's words, and they apologize to Beshte, proclaiming that they believe him now. With Beshte's feelings amended, the team sets out in search of Ajabu so that they can warn him about Makucha.
As the team searches, they hear zebras crying out in terror from Makucha, but they arrive too late to spot Ajabu. After noticing that the zebras have been left unharmed, Kion theorizes that Makucha is after Ajabu alone, and the team vows to protect the okapi from harm. Just then, Ajabu races past with Makucha hard on his hooves, and the team takes off in pursuit. Together, they force Makucha to leave the Pride Lands, and the leopard departs in search of easier prey.
With Ajabu safe, Beshte introduces his friends to the okapi. He then wonders what Ajabu will do next, and the okapi admits that he must return home, even if Makucha is waiting for him there. Suddenly, Kion gets an idea, and he brings Ajabu before his parents, Simba and Nala, who allow the okapi to take up residence in the Pride Lands.
To celebrate Ajabu's new status as a Pride Lander, the Lion Guard decides to play hide-and-seek with him. No sooner have they made this suggestion when Ajabu disappears, and Bunga comments that he is quite good at disappearing.
===="Too Many Termites"====
While patrolling the Pride Lands at night, the Lion Guard is alerted by Muhangus and Muhanga to a pack of hyenas scrounging around the aardvark dens. With Kion in the lead, the Lion Guard confronts the hyenas, and Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to banish them back to the Outlands.
Several days later, the Lion Guard is lounging in the Lair of the Lion Guard when they notice that the den has become overrun with termites. Bunga is delighted with this turn of events and proceeds to eat every termite he can get his paws on. In the middle of Bunga's feast, Ono flies in and informs the team that a tree in Mekundu Cliffs is about to collapse with a colony of bats inside. Together, they rush out of the lair to save the bats.
Along the way, the Lion Guard crosses a log, which snaps and falls into a ravine behind them. The team wonders why it would do such a thing, since it has always been able to hold their weight before, but Kion reminds his friends that they have no time to lose. They proceed to the tree, where Bunga climbs inside the trunk and wakes up the bats. No sooner have the bats flown out when the tree collapses, and the Lion Guard realizes that the termites have been the source of the collapsing trees. Just then, all the other trees in Mekundu Cliffs collapse, and Kion resolves to ask his father about the situation.
Once the Lion Guard reaches Pride Rock, Simba suggests that the team ask the aardwolves about the problem. When Fuli questions what an aardwolf is, Simba explains that aardwolves keep the termite population under control. Kion asks where they can find the aardwolves, and Simba suggests that they look in old aardvark dens, since that is the aardwolf's favorite place to sleep. Fuli and Kion immediately begin to suspect that the problem is their fault, and Kion learns from his father that aardwolves strongly resemble hyenas. This confirms Kion's fears, and he admits to his father that he had used the Roar of the Elders to drive the aardwolves out of the Pride Lands. Simba gently tells his son that he has made a mistake and encourages him to do his best to fix the problem.
After following the aardwolves' scent into the Outlands, the Lion Guard is spotted by the aardwolves, who have taken shelter behind a large boulder. The pack spies on the Lion Guard and overhears them musing over whether they should sneak up behind or surround the aardwolves. Terrified, the pack flees, but they are found a moment later by Bunga, who fumbles into their midst. In a panic, the aardwolves flee, and the Lion Guard races after them.
Eventually, the team gives up on the chase, for they realize that the aardwolves are afraid of them. Though the friends are shocked at being perceived as villains, Kion resolves to earn the aardwolves' trust before trying to lead them home. Just then, Ono spots a nearby aardwolf, Mjomba, and yells down to his team that the aardwolf is running straight for a cliff. Bunga races ahead of his friends and tackles Mjomba to the ground, effectively saving his life.
The rest of the Lion Guard approaches, and Kion explains to Mjomba that the team needs the aardwolves back in the Pride Lands to take care of the termite problem. Mjomba retorts that they should never have driven the pack out to begin with, and Kion apologizes for the mistake, admitting that he had mistaken the aardwolves for hyenas. He then tells Mjomba that he needs the rest of his pack to return home, since the Pride Lands have become infested with termites. Mjomba is hesitant to comply until Bunga and Ono remind him that he will get to come home and feast on a kingdom overrun with termites. Ravenous, Mjomba complies and races ahead of the Lion Guard to find his pack.
Meanwhile, the other aardwolves hide in a cave, alerting Reirei the jackal to their presence. Together, she and her mate Goigoi trick the aardwolves into trusting them. Shortly afterward, the Lion Guard reaches the aardwolves' cave, and Kion sends Mjomba ahead to calm the aardwolves into trusting him and his friends. Mjomba arrives and tells his friends that the Lion Guard can be trusted, but before the pack can leave with him, Goigoi and Reirei trap the aardwolves in the cave and launch their attack.
From outside the cave, Kion senses that something is not right, and he orders Ono to peek through the cracks in the rocks to see what is going on. Ono rushes back with a report that the jackals have attacked the aardwolves, and the Lion Guard forces their way into the cave to save the pack. While Fuli leads the aardwolves to safety, Kion pins Reirei to the cave floor and orders her to go home. When he releases her, she and Goigoi flee the cave in a frenzy.
With the jackals defeated, the Lion Guard leads the aardwolves home. Once back in the Lair of the Lion Guard, the team relaxes, and Bunga laments the disappearance of the termites. As the honey badger lies in a defeated slump, Ono flies in and drops a leaf full of termites, which turns out to be a thank you present from the aardwolves. A delighted Bunga begins to gobble the termites up and proclaims that he is feeling much better now.
===="The Trouble with Galagos"====
While lounging at Hakuna Matata Falls, the members of the Lion Guard content themselves by watching Bunga perform several dives into a pool at the base of the falls. In the middle of the game, a group of galagos sprints onto the scene, yelling for help. Beshte questions one of the galagos, Laini, on why they are so upset, and Laini explains that a ferocious leopard has settled into their tree. Kion resolves to help the helpless galagos, but before the group can leave, Ono informs the team that Shingo the giraffe is stuck in a tree in Ukuni Woods.
After promising to come back for the galagos, the Lion Guard sets out to free Shingo, whose neck is stuck in the branches of an acacia tree. After the rescue, the galagos reappear, having been frightened away from the falls by Pumbaa's flatulence. The Lion Guard reassures the galagos that they are safe and tries to convince them to return to the falls, but Laini insists that they remain with the Lion Guard.
With the galagos riding on Beshte's back, the Lion Guard proceeds to the galagos' tree, where they see the leopard resting in its branches. While the galagos shelter in a nearby bush, the Lion Guard confronts the leopard, who tries to put up a brave front until his courage fails him and he cowers before the team. Confused, the Lion Guard questions whether he is the ferocious leopard who had driven out the galagos, and the leopard, who introduces himself as Badili, explains that he had not realized that he had been stealing their home.
The Lion Guard questions whether Badili has territory of his own, and he admits that he lives in Mirihi Forest, a patch of woodland in the Back Lands. He pushes on to say that he would rather share the galagos' tree than leave, but Kion insists that Badili return to where he belongs. Though the leopard tries several tactics to stay in the Pride Lands, he eventually gives in and follows the Lion Guard back home to Mirihi Forest.
Along the way, Badili stalls for time, and Kion demands to know why the leopard is not keen on returning home. Instead of answering, Badili forges ahead of the Lion Guard, returning to his tree alone. As the leopard disappears into the brush, Kion decides to follow him and see why he is acting so strangely. Together, the Lion Guard hides in the bushes near Badili's tree and watches as he is bullied by a fellow leopard named Mapigano. Outraged by Mapigano's cruelty, the Lion Guard rushes to Badili's defense and forces Mapigano to give Badili his territory back. Mapigano begrudgingly leaves, and Badili thanks the Lion Guard profusely for their help.
The next day, the Lion Guard is patrolling through Embamba Canyon when they are once more met by terrified galagos. The team returns to the galagos' tree, where they find Badili once more resting in its branches. The team asks him why he had left his territory again, and an ashamed Badili confesses that Mapigano had driven him out again. At Badili's words, Kion realizes that he had made a mistake in having chased off Mapigano himself. He informs his team that Badili must face Mapigano alone to show that he is not afraid and then offers to teach Badili how to stand up for himself. Though hesitant, Badili agrees to train with the Lion Guard.
At the start of his training sessions, Badili struggles to act confidently, but over time, he learns to face his fears and be strong and swift. Once fully trained, Badili is tested by the Lion Guard, who question him on what he will do if Mapigano challenges him. Badili passes every test, and the Lion Guard expresses their confidence in his newfound determination.
Together, the Lion Guard and Badili return to Mirihi Forest, where the Lion Guard waits in hiding as Badili confronts Mapigano. With his newfound determination, Badili scares off Mapigano, and the Lion Guard cheers for Badili's bravery. With Mapigano gone, Badili admits that he had been terrified, but the Lion Guard reassures him that he had looked nothing short of brave. Badili thanks the Lion Guard for believing in him, but Kion quickly corrects him, reminding Badili that he had believed in himself. The Lion Guard then leaves to inform the galagos that they are clear to return home.
Once back in the Pride Lands, the team takes a break at Hakuna Matata Falls, but they are soon interrupted by Laini, who informs them that someone else has invaded the galagos' tree. The Lion Guard rushes to the scene, where they find Bunga resting in the tree branches with Laini's galago friends. Upon seeing Laini, Bunga pulls her into a hug, and Laini declares that perhaps Badili had not been so bad after all. Kion and his friends simply laugh.
===="Janja's New Crew"====
After a rainstorm hits the Pride Lands, Kion leads the Lion Guard in a patrol for any signs of trail blockage. Unbeknownst to the team, Janja and his clan watch from the shadows, waiting for the Lion Guard to travel out of sight. Once they are gone, Janja attempts to ambush a herd of wildebeests, but mid-attack, he slips on the muddy ground and falls straight into the Lion Guard's paws. Though Janja attempts to lie his way out of trouble, Kion steps forward and uses the Roar of the Elders to banish him and his cronies back to the Outlands.
With Janja gone, the Lion Guard continues to patrol the Pride Lands for blocked trails. During their search, they are caught in a mudslide and manage to escape to the sidelines. Once safe, they resolve to clear the now blocked trail from Big Springs to Mekundu Cliffs so that the other Pride Landers can use it once more. Kion orders Bunga and Ono to keep other animals from using the trail while he, Beshte, and Fuli clear scattered debris off the path.
Not long after this, a banished Cheezi and Chungu are caught up in a mudslide, and the Lion Guard comes to their aid, rescuing them from the fast-flowing mud. Once the two are revealed to be Cheezi and Chungu, Kion sends Ono off in search of Janja, while Cheezi and Chungu explain that they are no longer affiliated with Janja.
Ono soon arrives with news that Janja is nowhere to be seen, and Kion orders Cheezi and Chungu to return to the Outlands without him. The hyenas protest, reminding Kion that they will just be kicked out again, and the other members of the Lion Guard point out that Cheezi and Chungu are too dumb to cause much trouble. Kion questions whether they will continue to attack the herds, but the hyenas declare that they only want to eat leftovers. Ono points out that this will benefit the Circle of Life, and Kion reluctantly agrees to let the hyenas stay in the kingdom.
Just then, Ono spots a herd of stampeding antelope, and the Lion Guard rushes off to alleviate the problem. In the midst of the stampede, Janja and his new cronies scare the antelope off, until Nne and Tano pull to a halt and force Janja to hide from the Lion Guard with them. They then take off in a different direction, while the Lion Guard continues to pursue the herd of stampeding antelope.
After calming the herd, Kion voices his suspicion that a hyena is behind the stampede, as he had caught a whiff of hyena scent while pursuing the herd. He instructs Ono to find Cheezi and Chungu, who are sleeping in a lazy heap in the path of the stampede. The Lion Guard finds the two sleeping, and they deny having started the stampede. Just then, Kion overhears Janja yelling for his new cronies, Nne and Tano. The Lion Guard takes off to investigate the situation, and Cheezi and Chungu pelt after them, excited at the prospect of seeing Janja again.
Once the Lion Guard locates Janja, they question him on why he had started the stampede, and Janja explains Nne and Tano's plan. As the Lion Guard goes to rescue the oryxes from the hyenas, Cheezi and Chungu bound down the cliff to join Janja.
At the end of the canyon, Nne and Tano trap the herd of oryxes and move in for the kill. Just in time, the Lion Guard arrives, and Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to force Nne and Tano away from the herd. Across the Pride Lands, Janja rejoices at the sound until the ledge beneath him gives way, and he and his cronies fall to the bottom of the cliff. The Lion Guard arrives to aid them, but Janja insists that he is all right and prompts Cheezi and Chungu to follow him. Overjoyed, the hyenas take off after their newfound master, and Beshte comments that he loves a happy ending.
===="Baboons!"====
During the Lion Guard's patrol, Ono reports that rain clouds are moving in and that Mzingo and his flock are circling in the distance. Suspicious of the vultures, Kion leads his team to ensure that the flock is not up to trouble.
Once to the vultures, the Lion Guard rescues a baby baboon from Mzingo and his flock. Shortly after the rescue, the baby baboon is swept away by floodwaters, and Kion orders Fuli to follow him down the river and pull him to safety.
Fuli returns to the team with the baby baboon, who is clinging to her affectionately, and is instructed by Kion to take him to Nyani Grove, where the baboons live. Fuli protests that she should help the team save Kiara and her friends, who have been trapped by floodwaters, but Kion assures her that they can handle the island rescue on their own.
After Fuli departs, Bunga encourages Kion to use the Roar of the Elders to get rid of the floodwaters, but Kion points out that the island could be destroyed in the process. After a moment of thought, he tells his team that they could try to make a bridge instead. Beshte pushes a tree into the midst of the river, but it is promptly swept away by the current. Kiara makes her own effort to escape, using the combined strength of herself, Tiifu, and Zuri to push a rock into the river. However, the rock simply rolls the other way and disappears into the floodwaters.
Ono reports Kiara's failed plan to Kion, who wonders if they should combine their two plans to get her off the island. He orders Beshte and Bunga to push a large boulder into the floodwaters while Ono instructs Kiara and her friends to collapse a dead tree. Kiara and Kion start to execute their combined plans when Tiifu and Zuri fall into the river. Kiara races to the rescue, pulling them both to safety, but in the process, the three cubs find themselves plastered in mud. With Tiifu and Zuri safe, the Lion Guard pushes the boulder into the water, and Kiara and her friends push a dead tree onto the boulder. To the Lion Guard's delight, the bridge holds, and Kiara, Tiifu, and Zuri cross safely to shore.
As Kiara presides over the Royal Buffalo Wallow, Kion, Bunga, Ono, and Beshte watch the Wallow. Just then, Fuli approaches and reports that the baby baboon is home safely. Together, the team continues to watch the Wallow.
===="Beware the Zimwi"====
Kion joins a group of young animals at Rafiki's tree for a story about the Zimwi, a legendary creature that stalks the Pride Lands during the full moon. To the young ones' horror, Bunga points out that the moon is full that night, and Rafiki warns the group that they may soon hear the Zimwi's call.
Just then, the group hears a loud bellowing noise, and Kion demands that the maker of the noise show himself. Beshte emerges from the brush and explains that he is practicing his bellowing for an audition with the Bellow Fellows, a group of hippopotamuses.
With the young ones' fear abated, Rafiki continues his story by singing "Beware the Zimwi", in which he describes the Zimwi as being an eight-legged creature as tall as two giraffes, with long spikes and large teeth. Though the others young animals are frightened by Rafiki's story, Kion scoffs at the notion of the Zimwi being anything more than a tall tale. Rafiki bids the young ones good night and warns them to not let the Zimwi bite.
On the way home, Mtoto questions whether the Zimwi can be real or not, and Kion points out the ludicrousness of a creature having eight legs. No sooner has he spoken when a gust of wind howls past, frightening the group. Kion assures his friends that it is just the wind and suggests that the little ones sleep together that night in order to feel safe. Beshte proposes that they do the same, and Bunga invites the rest of the Lion Guard to sleep with him at Hakuna Matata Falls.
Later that night, a rustling in the underbrush scares Mtoto and his friends, who awaken the Lion Guard and tell them that they have sighted the Zimwi. Kion doubts their claims, but finds himself interrupted by Timon, who explains that his mother's cousin's friend had known an ox who was eaten by the Zimwi. The young animals wonder what they should do, and Kion asserts that he and his team will sniff out the Zimwi in order to keep the Pride Lands safe.
Together, the Lion Guard sets off in search of the Zimwi. Along the way, they debate whether the Zimwi is real or not, with Kion retaining his disbelief that such a creature could exist. As the team searches, they are startled by a group of genets, whom Bunga frightens with descriptions of the Zimwi. After the genets run off, Kion chastises Bunga for unnecessarily frightening the genets and instructs him to not tell anyone else about the Zimwi.
The Lion Guard's search continues, during which they run into a panicked Thurston. Bunga assumes that Thurston is running from the Zimwi, but Thurston states that the Zimwi is nothing more than a story and explains that he had been spooked by the genets. The very thought of the genets spins him into a panic, and he takes off again into the forest.
The team moves on, but along the way, they are frightened by Beshte's continued bellowing practice. Kion reminds the team that there is still no sign of the Zimwi, and Ono jokingly comments that he doesn't know who is scarier: Beshte or the Zimwi.
As the hunt persists, Kion pauses and remarks that he feels like something is watching them from the bushes. He orders his team to fan out, and once they have the underbrush surrounded, he yells for them to move in. His shout frightens some gazelles who are sheltering in the bushes, and they beg the Lion Guard not to hurt them, for they had simply been hiding. Beshte asks what they had been hiding from, and the gazelles reply that they had spotted the Zimwi and taken shelter in the vegetation.
The gazelles point out a shadow against a nearby ravine, and the Lion Guard sees the outline of a tall, spiked figure. Bravely, the team strides into the gorge, where they come face-to-face with what appears to be the Zimwi. In a panic, they flee the ravine and startle the gazelles, who begin to gallop about the clearing. Kion instructs Beshte to flatten a patch of bushes to allow escape from the glen, and the gazelles pour out into the open, where they run about without threat of hurting themselves.
With the gazelles safe, Kion expresses shame for having run from the Zimwi. He admits that he had not been frightened of the monster because he had not believed it could exist, but the moment he had seen it for himself, he had reacted like a coward. He reminds his friends that they are the Lion Guard and cannot run away, to which the others brace themselves for the coming confrontation with the Zimwi.
As one, the Lion Guard faces off against the Zimwi. To their horror, the Zimwi's head falls off its body and splits into two, revealing two young porcupines. A shocked Kion asks if the porcupines had been hiding from the Zimwi, and the rest of the team pieces together that Mtoto and his friends had seen the two porcupines huddling together and mistaken them for the Zimwi. Ono adds that the Zimwi's "body" had been nothing more than a giant termite mound.
The next day, Beshte braces himself for his audition with the Bellow Fellows. He admits to being scared, and Kion points out that he had had the bravery to face the Zimwi. In better spirits, Beshte comes before the Bellow Fellows and completes a series of bellows. The Bellow Fellows react with delight, and together, they bellow with Beshte.
===="Lions of the Outlands"====
While playing Baobab Ball, Kion and his best friend, Bunga, overhear a group of frantic antelope shouting about a hyena in the Pride Lands. Bunga attempts to confront the hyena until Kion recognizes her as his old friend, Jasiri, and questions her as to why she is in the Pride Lands. Jasiri admits that lions have taken over her family's watering hole and are refusing to share it. Though confused that lions are in the Outlands, Kion agrees to help her sort out the situation and sends Bunga to inform the rest of the Lion Guard of his location.
Once in the Outlands, Jasiri admits that she had been afraid that Kion would not side against lions, but Kion points out that the lions likely do not know that Jasiri is good. Eventually, the two reach Jasiri's clan, and Jasiri introduces Kion to her sister, Madoa. Kion greets Madoa and two hyena pups, but the young ones shy away from him. Madoa explains that they are afraid because of what they know about lions, and Jasiri adds that their fright is only reinforced by the lions who have stolen their watering hole.
In the Outlands, Jasiri is attacked by an adolescent lion named Nuka, who reprimands her for returning to the watering hole. Kion fends off Nuka to protect Jasiri, which draws the attention of Nuka's younger brother, Kovu. Seeing his brother, Nuka declares that the fight has turned in his favor, but Jasiri steps up to Kion's side and retorts that they're even.
Slowly, the four begin to circle each other, and Kion learns that Kovu and Nuka's family is not welcome in the Pride Lands. Confused, he asserts that his father would likely welcome them into the kingdom, and Nuka asks who his father is. Jasiri answers that Kion is the son of Simba, the king of Pride Rock, and a shocked Kovu and Nuka wonder if they really can return to the Pride Lands, with Kovu hoping that he might see Kion's sister Kiara again. Kovu points out that Kion must first speak with their mother, Zira, and Kion and Jasiri agree to visit the watering hole.
Once there, Nuka announces Kion as Simba's son, and Zira introduces herself and her daughter, Vitani. She questions Kion as to why he is in the Outlands, and Jasiri explains that she has brought Kion here to sort out the water dispute. When Zira wonders how Jasiri could be friends with royalty, Jasiri points out that Kion is more than royalty, for he is also the leader of the Lion Guard.
Kion asks Zira why she and her family live in the Outlands instead of the Pride Lands, but she deflects the question by asking Kion why he has not used the Roar of the Elders to give his friend the water she needs. When Kion reacts with confusion, Zira explains that she knows all about the Roar of the Elders and that all Kion has to do to help Jasiri is roar at a small cloud. Though confused, Kion does as he is requested, and the cloud swells into a brief rainstorm.
An awestruck Kion asks Zira how she had known what his roar could do, but Zira comments that she would rather speak of the roar without Jasiri listening. As Zira walks off to speak to Kion privately, Jasiri comments that she does not trust Zira. Kion agrees with her, but points out that Zira knows more about the roar than he does and that there is still a possibility that he can convince her to share the watering hole.
Once in private, Zira assures Kion that she is pleased to meet him, for it does not matter where they live, only that they are both lions. She and Kion then sing "Lions Over All", in which they argue over whether lions should rule the other animals or be benevolent to other creatures. After the song, Kion tells Zira that they have very different ideas about how lions should act.
Kion insists that Zira tell him more about the Roar, but she deflects the question by asking whether he will side with hyenas or lions. Kion argues that he is on the side of the Circle of Life, which prompts Zira to note the similarities between Kion and his father, Simba. She leads Kion into a large pit and laments his decision to not side with lions.
Suddenly, Kion realizes that he is surrounded by Zira's lionesses, and Zira explains that if he does not side with their pride, then he will never leave the Outlands. Bravely, Kion challenges Zira to call off her lionesses or else he will use the Roar of the Elders, but Zira points out that when Scar had used the Roar against his fellow lions, he had lost it. She then blames Simba for Scar's fall from the throne of the Pride Lands, and Kion yells that Scar had never been the true king. Furious, Zira orders an attack on Kion. However, just before the Outsiders can hurt him, Zira offers to forgive him if he will join her, and leaves him in the care of her pride while she goes to fetch her cubs.
Zira returns to the watering hole and explains to Jasiri that she and Kion have come to an agreement that the watering hole belongs to lions only, which prompts Jasiri to retort that Kion would never agree to such a thing. Zira simply says that lions must stick together and intimidates Jasiri into leaving the watering hole.
Back in the pit, Kion tries to reason with the lionesses, then launches a surprise attack. He nearly makes it to the exit before he is pinned down by the Outsiders, who tell him to wait until Zira has returned.
Across the Outlands, Jasiri encounters the Lion Guard and informs them that Kion has joined forces with Zira and her family. A shocked Lion Guard insists that Kion would never be a part of Zira's family, and Jasiri berates herself for having believed Zira's lies.
As Kion continues to fend off the Outsiders, Zira arrives and mocks him for being unable to use his Roar. A befuddled Kovu questions his mother as to what is going on and wonders why they cannot be friends with Kion. Zira counters that Kion has left her no choice, for he has sided with Jasiri and her clan over the Outsiders. Nuka asks whether they should be afraid of Kion's Roar, but Zira explains that he cannot use his powers without losing them forever.
Encouraged by Kion's weakness, Nuka tries to attack him, but is fended off by Kion. Zira warns Kion that this is his last chance to join her, but just then, Kion catches sight of Ono hovering over the pit. Filled with renewed confidence, he yells out the start of the Lion Guard's catchphrase, which is completed by his team as they rush into the pit. Together, the Lion Guard and Jasiri fend off the Outsiders and corner them against a wall of the pit.
Realizing that this is Kion's team, Zira mocks the Lion Guard for only having one lion and rallies her lionesses with a cry that they outnumber their enemies. Bunga urges Kion to use his Roar, but Kion worries that he will lose the Roar as Scar did for using it against other lions. Despite Kion's fears, Bunga insists that Scar did not lose his Roar because he used it against other lions, but because he used it for evil.
Sensing Kion's change of heart, Zira claims that she knows the Roar's powers better and that Kion must listen to her. Kion, however, is not swayed and tells her that she is not welcome in the Pride Lands so long as he is around. As Kion steps forward menacingly, Kovu begins to back away slowly and ducks down just in time to avoid the Roar. The force of the Roar blasts Zira and the other Outsiders out of the pit, and Kovu scrambles to catch up with them.
Back at the watering hole, Madoa admits that she is glad Jasiri has Kion for a friend. Just then, the two young hyena pups run up to Kion, who asks them if they are still scared of him. The two pups race away and hide, prompting laughter from Jasiri and Madoa. Jasiri then tells Kion to take it as a compliment, for he is rather fierce.
===="Never Roar Again"====
When Janja and his clan invade the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard drives them back into the Outlands. However, once the Lion Guard departs, Janja leads his clan back into the kingdom, and the Lion Guard rushes back to stop them. Before the team can reach the hyenas, the clan runs into Kion's mother, Nala, who orders Janja to return to his territory.
Instead of heeding Nala's warning, Janja surrounds her with his cronies and orders an attack. Just then, Kion arrives and, seeing his mother in danger, uses the Roar of the Elders in a rage. The blast is so powerful that it not only knocks the hyenas back into the Outlands, but rebounds off a cliff and fractures the earth beneath Nala. As Nala struggles to keep from falling into the divide, Kion reaches down the cliff and pulls her to safety.
Once on solid ground, Nala thanks Kion for saving her life, but he laments having nearly lost her. The rest of the Lion Guard approaches and affirms that they are all right. Kion surveys the damage done by his Roar and expresses shock that his rage had brought on such destruction.
Back at the Lair of the Lion Guard, Kion takes to looking at Rafiki's paintings of Scar, who had abused the Roar of the Elders. Bunga comments that it is a good thing that Kion now possesses the Roar, but Kion only reluctantly agrees.
Just then, Zazu flies into the Lair and delivers news that a rock slide has blocked up the giraffes' access to their water hole. The Lion Guard sets out to clear the wreckage, but Ono is reluctant to go until Zazu forces him out of the cave. Once at the blockage, Bunga suggests that Kion use his Roar to clear the rocks, but Kion insists that Beshte use his strength instead. The plan works, and the giraffes gratefully flood back into their cleared water hole.
Shortly after the rescue, the Lion Guard encounters a clipspringer trapped on a rock in the midst of a raging river. Once again, Bunga tells Kion to use the Roar to solve the problem, but Kion insists that they use a different plan. He commands Beshte to knock over a dead tree and starts to cross to save the clipspringer. However, as he is walking across the log, the wood snaps beneath him, and he nearly falls into the river. The rest of the Lion Guard tries to save him, but their combined weight breaks the log, and the team falls into the river with a splash. Startled, the clipspringer hops safely to shore, and the Lion Guard rejoices in their victory.
On their way back to Pride Rock, Bunga asks Kion why he is so reluctant to use the Roar of the Elders. Kion admits that he had nearly hurt his mother with the Roar, and Bunga points out that Kion had not done so on purpose. Despite this, Kion worries that he cannot control the Roar and should therefore never use it again. After reacting in horror to such a decision, Bunga reminds Kion that he is the leader of the Lion Guard and the fiercest in the Pride Lands, and Kion begrudgingly agrees to take his friend's advice.
As the two depart, Makuu the crocodile reflects on what he has overheard. With Kion unwilling to use his Roar, Makuu decides to make his move against the Pride Lands. One of his crocodiles asks if he plans to invade Big Springs again, but Makuu sets his sights on overtaking the entire Flood Plains.
Meanwhile, Kion seeks advice from his grandfather, Mufasa. He explains what had happened when he had used the Roar in anger and confesses his fear that he will turn out like Scar. In answer to this, Mufasa points out that Scar had only ever cared for himself. He then asks Kion why he had used the Roar, and Kion explains that his mother had been in danger. Mufasa reminds Kion that Scar had never cared for anyone the way Kion cares for Nala, and he encourages Kion to speak to her about the incident.
Across the savanna, Makuu and his crocodiles invade the Flood Plains, driving the other Pride Landers away. A mongoose who had been chased away happens to run past Fuli, who resolves to save the Flood Plains with the rest of her team. She hastens to the Lair of the Lion Guard and relates what had happened to the Pride Landers. While Ono flies off to fetch Kion, the rest of the team departs to save the Flood Plains.
Once there, Fuli orders Makuu to leave, but he simply laughs at them for having a leader who refuses to use the Roar of the Elders. Despite her confusion at Makuu's claim, Fuli threatens the crocodiles that they do not need Kion's Roar to defend the Pride Lands. She then attacks Makuu and orders Beshte and Bunga to take on the rest of the float. There is a brief struggle, but Makuu and his float manage to overpower the Lion Guard and trap them in the midst of the water.
In the meantime, Kion explains to Nala what had happened with his Roar and begs for her forgiveness. Nala insists that there is nothing to forgive and reminds Kion that he had saved her life, both from the hyenas and from the earthquake. Despite her reassurances, Kion confesses that he might never use the Roar again, but Nala reminds him that the Roar is a part of him and that she trusts him to use it responsibly.
As the two share a brief embrace, Ono arrives with news that Makuu has taken over the Flood Plains. Together, Kion, Nala, and Ono hasten to the scene of the crime, where Kion and Nala command Makuu to share the Flood Plains with the other Pride Landers. In answer, two of Makuu's cronies knock Nala into the water and carry her into the midst of the float, prompting Kion to nearly use the Roar in his fury. Before he can wreak havoc on the Flood Plains, he stops himself from roaring, and Nala calls for him to trust himself.
Heeding his mother's advice, Kion uses the Roar to specifically target Makuu's float and keep Nala from being harmed. With the crocodiles defeated, the team praises Kion for his efforts, and Fuli comments that she had not known that he could use the Roar in such a way. Kion states that he had just needed to have faith in himself, to which Nala asserts that she has always had faith in him.
===="The Lost Gorillas"====
When Zazu gets his bill stuck in a beehive, Bunga climbs into the tree to free him. After the rescue, Zazu thanks the Lion Guard for their help and informs them that the pangolins have been spraying excessively elsewhere in the Pride Lands. Kion agrees to scout out the situation, and the Lion Guard departs to deal with the problem.
Once the Lion Guard arrives, they find two young gorillas holding the pangolins hostage and using them to spray each other with the pangolins' stink. Kion commands the gorillas to let the pangolins go, but the gorillas insist that the pangolins are too much fun to squeeze. Furious, Kion tackles them, enabling the pangolins to escape, and refuses to let them up until they promise not to hurt the pangolins again.
After the gorillas vow to leave the pangolins alone, Kion lets them up and demands to know who they are. The two introduce themselves as brothers Hafifu and Majinuni, and tell Kion that they're looking for a lion named "King Zimba." Bunga informs the gorillas that Kion is Simba's son, and the brothers react with shock that Kion is a prince. They then excitedly declare that they are princes as well.
Kion is confused, so Majinuni explains that they are here to deliver a message from their father, King Sokwe. Fuli is doubtful of their claims, but before the Lion Guard can question them, the brothers take hold of Ushari the snake and toss him at a baobab fruit for fun. Kion reprimands them for their foolishness, but the gorillas simply reply with their catchphrase, "Kuishi ni kucheka," which means "To live is to laugh."
After the fiasco, the Lion Guard leads Hafifu and Majinuni to Pride Rock, where Kion relates the situation to his father, Simba. To Kion's surprise, Simba agrees that the message is important and explains that every wet season, King Sokwe informs Simba if their two kinds are still at peace or not.
Just then, the brothers come before Simba, but when prompted to relay their message, they admit that they have forgotten it. With this news, Simba is forced to ask Kion to deliver the gorillas back home and find out what Sokwe's message is. Kion wonders if the brothers should return home themselves and bring back the message again, but Simba points out that peace with the gorillas should not rely on Hafifu and Majinuni.
Together, the Lion Guard and the gorilla princes set off on their journey to the Theluji Mountains, where King Sokwe and his troop live. Once they reach the base of the mountain range, Kion asks Hafifu and Majinuni how to reach their father, but the brothers admit that they have only come down their mountain once: to deliver Sokwe's message to Simba.
Kion looks instead to Ono for guidance, and he leads them down a path through the trees at the base of the mountains. As the group travels deeper into the woods, Kion questions the gorillas once more on where they should go, but they remain as unhelpful as before. Just then, Beshte spots a chameleon, which prompts Hafifu and Majinuni to launch into a game of "chameleon hide-and-seek," in which they take off into the forest.
The Lion Guard attempts to locate the gorillas, but when their efforts prove unsuccessful, they decide to follow the sound of the brothers' voices. However, the gorillas deliberately circle around the Lion Guard, until Kion realizes their game and yells that the game isn't working. Hafifu and Majinuni decide to change the game to "forest hog chase," in which the Lion Guard has to chase the gorillas as they snort like forest hogs.
With the Lion Guard in pursuit, the gorillas race away into the fog, where they encounter a real forest hog. The Lion Guard rushes to save the brothers, and Kion tackles the forest hog just before it can harm Hafifu and Majinuni. With the danger abated, Kion suggests that they continue up the mountain, but the gorillas try one last tactic to stall the Lion Guard.
The team realizes that Hafifu and Majinuni are deliberately prolonging the journey and confront the gorillas over the matter. The brothers admit that they had originally agreed to deliver the message in order to prove to their father that they are good prince material, but now that they've failed, they don't want to disappoint him. Kion admits that he sometimes feels the same way about his father, and encourages the brothers to act like princes so that they feel like princes.
The journey continues, and the Lion Guard arrives at the foot of the Theluji Mountains. To their shock, they see the landscape covered in snow, a substance that they have never encountered before. Hafifu and Majinuni encourage the Lion Guard to play with them, and Kion allows the team a brief break in the snow. During the festivities, Bunga constructs a giant snow ball for his adoptive uncle, Timon.
Just then, Kion slips on a steep patch of ice and begins to slide down the mountain toward a perilous drop-off. Just before he can fall off, he manages to grapple the edge of the cliff with his claws, and the gorillas pull him to safety. After the rescue, Kion thanks them for saving his life and tells them that their bravery makes for good prince material.
The group continues on their journey until they meet the brothers' father, King Sokwe, who questions his sons on their activities. Though Sokwe initially appears to be displeased, he suddenly throws snow over his sons' heads and exclaims, "Kuishi ni kucheka!" He then compliments the two for their bravery in saving Kion's life and tells them that they are true gorilla princes.
Kion interjects to ask about Sokwe's message for Simba, but Sokwe instead focuses on the snow ball that Bunga has collected for his uncle. Kion wonders if the souvenir is a problem, to which Sokwe replies that the snow ball is perfect.
When the Lion Guard returns to the Pride Lands, they report back to Simba at Pride Rock. Simba prompts the Lion Guard to relate Sokwe's message, to which Kion says, "Kuishi ni kucheka," as Bunga throws a snow ball over Simba's head. Instead of being angry, Simba laughs and comments that no one delivers a peace message quite like King Sokwe.
===="The Trail to Udugu"====
Kiara uses her tracking skills to hunt down Kion, who is in hiding from her. She manages to find him crouched behind a boulder and tackles him to the ground, after which she boasts about her impressive tracking skills. Kion simply retorts that she had been lucky and playfully pounces on her, instigating a wrestling match between the two.
From the sidelines, the cubs' parents, Simba and Nala, watch proudly. Simba comments that Kiara had found Kion in record time, and Nala declares that they are ready for a special day. Together, the two descend Pride Rock to speak with their cubs, who are still playing and squabbling. Nala steps forward and tells Kiara and Kion that they are ready to accompany her on the Trail to Udugu, which is a special ceremony for royal siblings. Simba assures Kion that in the absence of their leader, the Lion Guard will be lead by Simba.
In the Lair of the Lion Guard, Kion informs his team of Simba's intention to lead them while he is away. He then bids them goodbye and leaves them to wait for Simba.
Once out of the Lair, Kion rejoins Nala and Kiara for the journey to Udugu. As they walk, Kion questions Kiara as to what she thinks will be waiting for them at the end of the trail, and Kiara answers that it will probably be animals excited to meet their future queen and her little brother. Kion argues that as leader of the Lion Guard, he would be received with such a reception, to which Kiara teases that they will have to see. The two cubs then begin to playfully race one another.
Kion asks Nala how much farther they must travel, and she answers that Udugu is not an easy place to find. Kiara boasts that she will find Udugu first, and Kion takes chase, unintentionally steering them toward a steep cliff. Nala yells a warning, but too late, the cubs tumble over the edge and hang on by their claws. Just in time, Nala pulls them to safety and reminds them that they must find Udugu another way.
After the rescue, Nala leads Kion and Kiara to a patch of thorns, which she insists is part of the Trail to Udugu. The cubs rush into the thorns and each try to take different paths, but both find themselves in too great of pain to continue. Suddenly, the two realize that Nala is gone and begin to cry out for her. Nala, however, watches them from the bushes and comments that they are now truly on the Trail to Udugu.
Kion and Kiara search for Nala, who remains missing. When neither cub turns up any leads as to where she is, Kion laments how they do not know where Udugu is and thus cannot possibly know where to find Nala. This gives Kiara an idea, and she begins sniffing for Nala's scent in the underbrush. She picks up her trail on a path through the trees, and she and Kion begin to follow it through the woods.
Once on the trail, Kion spots Nala's pawprints, and the cubs track them to the bottom of a steep cliff. Confused, the cubs wonder where Nala could have possibly gone. They muse over where Nala could be, and Kion points out that Nala could have climbed up on a nearby ledge and followed a trail along the cliff. The cubs attempt to leap onto the ledge themselves, but are unable to get a firm grasp on the edge of the cliff. Realizing that they cannot reach the ledge on their own, Kion suggests that he give Kiara a boost so that she can continue tracking Nala. Kiara asks Kion how he will reach the ledge, and he admits that she is the better tracker and should therefore be the one to continue searching for their mother.
Kiara then clambers onto Kion's shoulders and strains to reach the edge of the cliff. Eventually, she gets a firm hold on the ledge and pulls herself to the top of the cliff. There, she sees Nala, who greets her cubs warmly and bounds down from the ledge. A confused Kion questions why Nala had left them and not helped them find Udugu, and Nala explains that the cubs had found Udugu on their own. When the cubs react with puzzlement, Nala explains that "Udugu" is another word for "kinship" and that the two had found Udugu while working together to find her.
When the three return to Pride Rock, they reunite with Simba. He asks whether they had found Udugu, and the cubs explain that they had learned to work together as brother and sister. Kion then questions how Simba had fared with the Guard, and Simba admits that working with Kion's team had helped him find Udugu as well. He stresses the importance of Udugu and reminds the cubs that they will one day be responsible for the kingdom of the Pride Lands.
===="Ono's Idol"====
When Kion, Bunga, Fuli and Beshte spot a large flock of birds flying overhead, they approach a spacious clearing to investigate. Ono, who is already amidst the growing crowd of animals, calls the Guard up to the "front", saying that he got them all a good spot. Ono animatedly explains that Hadithi, a legendary eagle hero, is returning to the Pride Lands. When Hadithi arrives on the scene, Kion watches as he performs "Hadithi the Hero", which is followed by the arrival of Simba and Nala, who invite Hadithi to a Royal Mudprint Ceremony. Kion is surprised that his parents know of the eagle, and adds that while he has seen prints from previous ceremonies, he has never actually witnessed a ceremony. Kion urges his father to pick Ono as the young Pride Lander to spend the day with Hadithi. When Ono is chosen, he asks if the Guard will be okay without him acting as their eyes in the sky, and Kion readily gives him leave. 
Later, the Guard looks for the tallest tree in the Pride Lands to use for Hadithi's royal ceremonial nest, and Kion expresses annoyance that Ono is not present to help them search.
After completing their mission, they return to the ceremonial clearing, where Kion marvels at how many animals are present to witness Hadithi's ceremony. When the eagle arrives, Kion questions him of Ono's wearabouts. Hadithi unconfidently assures him that he'll arrive soon, and Kion and Fuli exchange a worried glance. Simba then begins the ceremony. Kion and the Guard cheer for Hadithi initially, but after the eagle sadly reveals that he is a fraud, the Guard follows him to Ono's location, where the egret is trapped.
The Guard approaches the hindered Ono, with Cheezi and Chungu coming on fast. With Fuli handling the two dim hyenas, Kion and Bunga leave to duel with Janja, who is approaching a herd of trapped klipspringers. When Janja refuses to back off, Kion orders Beshte to push a boulder toward the hyena, then orders for the klipspringers to run across. Kion follows the herd when suddenly Ono and Hadithi swoop down and soar around the hyenas, scaring and confusing them. Watching, Kion comments that he isn't sure who is more impressive, Ono or Hadithi. The dazed hyenas plummet into the river below, and the Lion Guard return to the Royal Mudprint Ceremony.
Kion and the others praise Ono as he presses his talons into the mud, officially a hero of the Pride Lands.
===="Beshte and the Hippo Lanes"====
After Basi and Beshte rescue a young rhino in the Flood Plains, the rest of the Lion Guard arrives, and Kion explains that they had heard an animal shouting for help. Beshte reassures him that he and his father had saved the young rhino, and Basi comments that it is now time for him to return to the job. However, as he starts to walk away, he finds himself too injured to move. He tries to continue making hippo lanes, but Kion insists that he should not be putting weight on his injured leg, and Beshte adds that it is just not possible for Basi to be making hippo lanes in his condition.
Bunga comments that the Flood Plains will dry up soon, but no sooner has he spoken when thunder rumbles in the distance. With the impending storm, Basi tasks Beshte with creating more hippo lanes, since Basi himself is too injured to walk. Though Beshte is hesitant to step up to the task, Kion reminds him that he is the strongest in the Pride Lands and that the Lion Guard believes in him. Beshte accepts the responsibility and heads out to clear paths through the Flood Plains, while the Lion Guard leads Basi to solid ground.
After the Lion Guard delivers Basi to safety, Ono arrives with news that a herd of sable antelope are refusing to leave their grazing grounds, even though another storm is on the way. Basi suggests that they lead the antelope to the other side of the Flood Plains, but Ono wonders how they will be able to cross the reeds. Basi reminds him that by the time the antelope arrive at the Flood Plains, Beshte will be done creating hippo lanes. The Lion Guard thanks him for the idea and then leaves to save the herd.
Ono leads the Lion Guard to the sable antelope's grazing ground. Kion is quick to order the antelope out of their grazing ground, but their leader, Bupu, points out that they do not wish to leave. Fuli and Ono encourage the herd to leave before the rainstorm comes, but to no avail. In a last ditch effort, Kion informs the antelope that there will be more food away from their drowned grazing ground, and a female antelope named Boboka urges Bupu to reconsider the offer. He relents, and the herd follows after the Lion Guard.
On the way out of the grazing ground, Ono spots a rock slide, and Kion yells for the herd to stay back. Too late, the rocks fall, separating the Lion Guard from their charges. Kion worries over the herd's condition, but Ono reassures him that none of the antelope are injured. He then warns Kion that there is no other way around the rocks and that the storm is closing in fast.
In the face of this new setback, Fuli laments Beshte's absence, but Bunga points out that Kion can still use the Roar of the Elders to blow the rocks away. Kion agrees to the idea and climbs to the other side of the rocks in order to avoid harming the antelope.
Kion urges the antelope to move, but Bupu and his herd refuse to cooperate. Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to clear the boulders, but even after the path is clear, the antelope continue to stay put. With some harsh insistence from Fuli, Bupu and his herd reluctantly follow after the Lion Guard until the group reaches the edge of the Flood Plains. There, Ono spots Beshte's hippo lanes and reacts with confusion and shock.
As Beshte approaches, Ono questions him on the completion of the hippo lanes, and Beshte explains that he has been crossing the Flood Plains all day, delivering animals from one side to the other. Ono then leads Beshte to a high vantage point where he can see the entire Flood Plains, and Beshte realizes that he has been cutting twisty paths throughout the area, not "straight and true" lanes like his father had instructed him to make.
A horrified Beshte realizes that his hippo lanes are not useful at all. His distress deepens when Ono notifies him that a herd of sable antelope is waiting to cross to the other side of the Flood Plains. Beshte hurriedly rushes back to the water and resolves to make a new hippo lane, one that will help the sable antelope reach the other side of the Flood Plains. However, as he starts to make a new lane, Ono warns him that he is making another windy trail, and Beshte begins to despair. He then realizes that he can ask his father for help, and he takes off to speak with Basi, while Ono leaves to warn Kion of the situation.
On the other side of the Flood Plains, the Lion Guard leads the antelope to the edge of the water, where Boboka and her son enter one of Beshte's hippo lanes. No sooner have they started to cross the Flood Plains when Ono arrives, forbidding the herd to enter the hippo lanes. Bunga tells Ono that Boboka and her son have already entered the Flood Plains, and Ono panics that they will get lost in the reeds. Kion quickly takes charge of the situation, entering the hippo lanes with Ono, while Bunga and Fuli stay behind with the rest of the herd.
Ono leads Kion to Boboka's son, who is struggling to stay afloat in the rising water. Kion pushes the calf to safety and questions him on the location of his mother. No sooner has he spoken when the three hear Boboka call for help, and Kion sets off to rescue her, leaving Ono to lead the calf to safety.
Meanwhile, Beshte informs the Lion Guard that the hippo lanes are safe, and Bupu's herd takes off into the reeds. At the same moment, Boboka arrives with Kion and has a delighted reunion with her son. Kion asks for a report from Fuli, and she informs him that Beshte has created a functioning hippo lane for the herd to use.
Later, Basi and Beshte overlook Bupu's herd grazing on the other side of the water. Kion arrives and compliments the hippos, with Bunga adding that everyone loves the new hippo lanes. Ono then tells Beshte that he is good at making hippo lanes after all, and Basi asserts that he had never had any doubt.
===="Ono the Tickbird"====
The Lion Guard follows a trail of devastated trees to where Kifaru the rhinoceros has his horn stuck in the baboons' tree. The Lion Guard recognizes him as a well-tempered Pride Lander and wonders why he is acting so destructively. Together, they approach Kifaru, and Kion orders the rhino to stop shaking the baboons' tree.
At first, Kifaru is defensive, but he softens at the appearance of Beshte, who calms him long enough for the Lion Guard to free his horn from the tree. Once unstuck, Kifaru thanks the team for their help, and Kion questions him as to why he had caused so much destruction. Kifaru reacts obliviously, and the Lion Guard explains that he had shaken the baboons out of their tree and trampled every tree in his path.
Bewildered, Kifaru admits that he had wondered why there were so many trees on the path to Lake Matope. He then ambles off, and the Lion Guard realizes that he is heading straight for another tree. Ono shouts that Kifaru doesn't know where he's going because he doesn't have his tickbird, and darts in front of the rhino, warning him to keep back.
Ono asks Kifaru where his tickbird is, and Kifaru admits that his tickbird, Mwenzi, had left him earlier that morning. Though the Lion Guard is confused, Ono explains that rhinos have poor eyesight and use tickbirds to help with navigation. In exchange, the tickbirds eat the ticks off the rhinos' backs. Kifaru then sings "Tickbirds and Rhinos", in which he explains the partnership between the two species.
After the song, Kifaru laments being unable to reach Tamasha, an event in which rhinos gather near Lake Matope to spar together in the mud. The Lion Guard is touched by his sorrow, and Kion resolves to find Mwenzi for Kifaru. Bunga volunteers to lead Kifaru to Lake Matope so that he arrives in time to participate in Tamasha, and Kifaru hesitantly accepts.
However, as he is leading Kifaru, Bunga becomes so distracted by eating ticks that he fails to notice a cliff in their path. Just in time, Ono steps in to halt Kifaru, impressing the rest of the Lion Guard. Ono explains that birds and rhinos have a special connection, and Kion suggests that he become Kifaru's temporary tickbird. In the meantime, they will search for Mwenzi and convince him to return to Kifaru. Ono protests the appointment, but gives in when Kion reminds him that helping Kifaru will keep the Pride Lands safe. Kion and the Lion Guard then take off in search of Mwenzi.
Presently, Kion and Fuli track Mwenzi's scent to a tree. Bunga climbs into the tree to search for Mwenzi, but finds it vacant. However, as he's skidding back down the trunk, he catches sight of a bird darting around nearby, and Beshte recognizes him as Mwenzi. He calls out to Mwenzi, but the bird does not reply. Kion then gets an idea, and Beshte lures Mwenzi into the open by pretending to be a rhino in need of a tickbird.
When Mwenzi lands on Beshte's back, Bunga tackles him to the ground and holds him hostage while the rest of the Lion Guard gathers around. Fuli explains that Kifaru is causing damage all over the Pride Lands without Mwenzi, and Kion encourages Mwenzi to return to his duties. An indignant Mwenzi recounts how Kifaru had blamed him for running late to Tamasha and explains that every year, it is Kifaru's fault for being late, yet he continuously blames Mwenzi for their tardiness.
Beshte reminds Mwenzi that Kifaru is his friend and explains that Kifaru is lost without his tickbird, to which Kion adds that Mwenzi is not doing much better on his own. Mwenzi admits that he is used to having a job to do, and Beshte encourages him to talk to Kifaru about the situation. Reluctantly, Mwenzi concedes and leaves with the Lion Guard to speak to Kifaru.
Meanwhile, Kifaru collapses on the ground, panting. He comments that the constant walking has gotten him overheated and adds that Mwenzi would always make sure to keep them near a source of mud while they were traveling. Ono begins to use his wings as a fan, much to Kifaru's delight. Kifaru comments that Mwenzi is too small to be able to use his wings as a fan, and Ono wonders if Kifaru has finally found something that Ono is better at than Mwenzi. Kifaru agrees, not knowing that Mwenzi and the Lion Guard are listening from nearby.
Mwenzi angrily accuses the Lion Guard of misleading him and confronts Kifaru in a fury. Though Kifaru begs him to stay, Mwenzi flies off across the savanna, and Kifaru calls after him despairingly. He then states that Ono must serve as his tickbird from now on, and Ono takes off after Mwenzi, leaving Kifaru in the care of the Lion Guard.
With Ono gone, the Lion Guard gathers around Kifaru. While Bunga climbs atop his back and ponders where all the ticks have gone, Kion checks on Kifaru's well-being. Kifaru admits that with both his tickbird and his backup tickbird gone, he is not in a great mood. To cheer him up, Kion reminds him of Tamasha and volunteers to lead him there with the help of the other members of the Lion Guard.
The Guard manages to lead Kifaru to Tamasha, but before he can take part in the activities, Ono arrives with news that Mwenzi is in trouble with Makuu. In a panic, Kifaru takes off to save his friend.
Having followed Kifaru to where Mwenzi has been cornered, the Lion Guard arrives and fights Makuu and his float off. During the commotion, Mwenzi hops down from his tree and instructs Kifaru on how to free himself from the tree stump. Once free, Kifaru uses the tree stump as a weapon and helps free the other Lion Guard members from their entanglements. He rams Makuu last, knocking him and the tree stump into the swamp.
After the fight, Kion thanks Kifaru and Mwenzi for their help. The pair briefly reprise "Tickbirds and Rhinos", reconciling their friendship. Kifaru informs Ono that he does not need him to serve as a tickbird anymore, and Ono happily obliges.
The group returns to Tamasha and Kion and the Lion Guard watch contentedly.
===="Babysitter Bunga"====
Reirei and her family plot to attack a herd of zebras. Nearby, Kion picks up the pack's scent, and the Lion Guard rushes to rescue the zebras from their attackers. Too late, the pack strikes, and Reirei's children, Dogo and Kijana, manage to isolate a young zebra named Hamu from the rest of the herd. Ono spots the double attack, and Kion orders Bunga and Ono to save Hamu while he, Beshte, and Fuli rescue the remainder of the herd.
Kion stops Reirei from harming the herd, and Muhimu realizes that she had lost her son, Hamu, in the panic. Hamu promptly arrives alongside Bunga, who deposits Dogo and Kijana at their mother's paws. Reirei tries to blame Hamu for harming Dogo, but Kion exiles her back to the Outlands, and the jackals take off for home.
With the danger abated, Kion and the Lion Guard move to depart, but Muhimu begs them to stay and watch over the herd. Just then, she notices Bunga playing with Hamu and suggests that he take care of her son for the day. Kion is warm to the idea, and Bunga agrees to the task.
Later that day, Ono expresses his worry to Kion that their team will be at a disadvantage due to Bunga's absence, as Bunga is their best climber. This worries Kion, who decides that the team should practice climbing while Bunga is away.
Meanwhile, the jackals reenter the Pride Lands, and Reirei orders her mate, Goigoi, to distract the Lion Guard while the rest of the jackals attack Hakuna Matata Falls, where Bunga and his charges are. Once separated from Reirei, Goigoi frantically tries to come up with a plan. In the midst of his panic, he accidentally steps on his own tail and howls in pain, alerting the Lion Guard to his presence. 
The team takes chase, but in the midst of his escape, Goigoi accidentally falls halfway into a pit, and Kion and the Lion Guard gathers around him.
When questioned, Goigoi claims that he had been chasing an antelope, but Ono assures Kion that there had been no other animals in the area around Goigoi. Suspecting Goigoi of foul intentions, Kion offers to help him out of the hole if he reveals where Reirei and the rest of his family are. Goigoi begrudgingly agrees and tells the Lion Guard that his family is at Hakuna Matata Falls. Fearing for Bunga and Hamu's safety, the Lion Guard charges off to rescue them. Bunga and his charges manage to fight off the jackals just before the team arrives, however, and Fuli questions how there could be so many young animals. Bunga explains that word has been spreading that he is a fantastic babysitter. Reirei pipes up, complaining to Kion that she and her children have been severely abused, but Kion only agrees to let her go if she promises to never harm another young Pride Lander. Reirei agrees, and the jackals take off for the Outlands once more.
===="The Savannah Summit"====
The Lion Guard is playing Baobab Ball when a dry ledge collapses underneath Kion and Bunga. The other members of the Guard rush forward and make sure their friends are all right. Kion assures them that they are fine, and Fuli comments that the dry season is well on its way.
Just then, Mtoto the young elephant approaches with the Lion Guard's baobab fruit. Bunga starts to chase Mtoto when the young elephant suddenly pulls to a halt, listening intently. He informs the Lion Guard that his mother is communicating with him via infrasound, a low pitch that only some animals are able to hear. Mtoto then demonstrates his great hearing to Lion and the Lion Guard and informs them that several important Pride Landers are heading toward Pride Rock. Kion realizes that it is time for the Savannah Summit, an important yearly event in which leaders in the Pride Lands discuss how they will proceed during the dry season. No sooner has he revealed this when Mtoto overhears a crocodile heading to Pride Rock, and Ono spots Makuu en route to the Summit. Kion deduces that Makuu must be trying to spoil the event, and he and the Lion Guard take off to thwart the danger and warn Kion's father, Simba.
Once at Pride Rock, Kion tackles Makuu and swears that the Savannah Summit will proceed undisturbed. Makuu protests that he had been invited, and Simba confirms to Kion that he had invited Makuu to Pride Rock himself. With Simba's support, Makuu promises to take his duties seriously, much to the discomfort of the other Pride Lander leaders. Kion attempts to convince his father one last time that Makuu is untrustworthy, but Simba insists that all animals must be treated equally in the Pride Lands, no matter their past transgressions. He then tasks Kion with watching over the event in case the other animals decide to treat Makuu unfairly.
Together, the party proceeds to Mizimu Grove, with Simba and Zazu singing "Everyone Is Welcome".
Once at Mizimu Grove, the Lion Guard comments on how well the animals are behaving, though Kion remains unconvinced of Makuu's reformation. As they speak, the Lion Guard notices that Makuu is missing from the event, and Mtoto runs up with news that Makuu is speaking angrily near the watering hole. Kion and the Lion Guard take off to stop the danger and arrive on the scene to find Makuu arguing with Bupu, the antelope leader. Without asking for an explanation, Kion orders Makuu to back off. 
Despite the Lion Guard's presence, Bupu attacks Makuu, who attempts to defend himself until Kion chastises him again, claiming that he will not let anyone ruin the Savannah Summit, "especially" not Makuu. Though Makuu is bothered by Kion's bias, he backs off.
After the fight, Kion thanks Mtoto for helping the Lion Guard and conscripts the young elephant to keep his ears open for trouble. Kion then admits his doubts to the team about Makuu's intentions and asserts that every member of the Lion Guard must be braced for trouble.
While patrolling the Pride Lands for trouble, Mtoto overhears Twiga speaking about Makuu, and he informs Kion and the Lion Guard of what he has heard. Kion worries that Makuu will ruin the Summit. Together, the team takes off to protect Twiga, but when they arrive on the scene, Makuu is nowhere to be found, only Twiga and Vuruga Vuruga. Bunga proclaims that Mtoto had heard Makuu, but Mtoto clarifies that he had only heard Twiga speaking about Makuu. Twiga is quick to deny this assertion, and Vuruga Vuruga backs her up, with both acting suspiciously. Kion and the Lion Guard leave, privately deducing that Twiga and Vuruga Vuruga are too afraid to tell the truth about Makuu because he had threatened them.
Just then, Kion and the team hears Zazu squawking for help, and they follow the noise to where Rafiki is attempting to paint a portrait of the baboon leader and Mbeya, the leader of the rhinoceroses, who is sitting atop Zazu. Kion demands an explanation, and Mbeya furiously explains that Zazu had called him clumsy. The baboon leader clarifies that it had been him who had called Mbeya clumsy and then accuses Mbeya of having bumped into him. Zazu yells for Mbeya to get off him. The baboon leader and Mbeya start to bicker again, but Beshte steps in-between them and encourages them to get along with one another. The three then apologize to one another.
No sooner has the situation been resolved when Mtoto rushes up to the Lion Guard and proclaims that Makuu is yelling at Bupu again, this time at Pride Rock. The team rushes to Pride Rock, where Kion tackles Makuu to the ground. Simba approaches, furious, and exclaims that Bupu and Makuu had been about to come to an agreement about sleeping situations for their respective species. Makuu stalks off, enraged, with Simba calling after him desperately.
Simba then turns on Kion, angrily explaining that he had included Makuu in the Summit to gain his trust and include the crocodiles in their proceedings. Kion insists that Makuu is dishonest, but Simba accuses Kion of having ruined the Summit, not Makuu.
In the face of his father's criticisms, Kion seeks advice from his grandfather, Mufasa. Kion admits that Simba is upset with him because of his distrust of Makuu, and Mufasa gently asks him what Makuu has done to deserve Kion's ill feelings. This gives Kion pause, and he admits that it is just a feeling he has. Mufasa then quotes Rafiki, who frequently says, "Leap to conclusions, and you leap to confusions." Kion understands his grandfather's train of thought and resolves to save the Summit without drawing his own conclusions.
After his talk with Mufasa, Kion is confronted by the Lion Guard, who informs him that Mtoto has heard of another attack involving Makuu. Kion warns his friends to not jump to conclusions and asks Mtoto to listen more closely to what is being said. Mtoto does as he is prompted and explains that someone is making a plan to strike just after sunset. Though the rest of the Lion Guard suspects Makuu of foul intentions, Kion thinks more deeply about the issue and realizes that it may be the other Pride Lander leaders who are at the root of the problem.
The team rushes to Mizimu Grove, where they save Makuu from falling into a pit full of rotten fruit. Makuu realizes that someone had set a trap for him, and Kion proclaims that he knows how to find out who is to blame.
Later that day, Kion announces to the Summit that Makuu had fallen into a pit and lost his life in the struggle. A horrified Twiga and Vuruga Vuruga exclaim that they had never intended for Makuu to get hurt, only to fall into a pit of rotten fruit. Just then, Makuu reveals himself and announces to the gathered animals that he had come to the Summit with the intention of helping his float and the Pride Lands, but had only received distrust and hostility. Makuu then prompts Simba to let the Summit go on.
With negotiations reinitiated, Simba compliments Kion for his work.
===="The Traveling Baboon Show"====
While patrolling the Pride Lands, Kion and the Lion Guard notice several animals taking off in the same direction. They follow the commotion to where a large group of Pride Landers has gathered beneath a tree. Beshte questions Mbeya about the ruckus, and he explains that the animals have gathered to see a troop of performing baboons.
Just then, Mwevi and Mwizi the baboons leap out of the tree and begin performing impressive tricks for their spectators. Uroho soon joins them and formally introduces his troop as the Traveling Baboon Show. The group sings "The Traveling Baboon Show", in which they speak of their group's amazing feats and talents.
After the show, Kion and the Lion Guard approach Uroho and congratulate him on an entertaining show. At first, Uroho is receptive to their thanks, but when Kion mentions that he is the son of King Simba, the baboon becomes uncomfortable and takes off in a hurry.
With the troop otherwise occupied, the Lion Guard returns to their patrol. Along the way, they hear Ma Tembo crying for help, and they follow her voice to where a tree has been completely stripped of its flowers and leaves. Ma Tembo declares that there is a food thief in the Pride Lands, and Kion comments that stealing food offsets the Circle of Life. The Lion Guard then resolves to find the thief and restore order to the Pride Lands. Ma Tembo and the other Pride Landers depart, but Kion and the Lion Guard linger to inspect the stripped tree.
Just then, Kion and the Lion Guard hear the Traveling Baboon Show making a clamor in the distance, and they decide to watch the show in order to see if the thief is in attendance. While the other Lion Guard members gather around the show, Ono patrols from the air and catches two baboons from the troop, Mwevi and Mwizi, stealing food from a tree while Uroho continues to run the show. The baboons realize that they have been caught and return to Uroho.
Ono attempts to tell Kion what he has discovered, but the baboons grab him from the audience and begin tossing him back and forth, effectively cutting off his report. Eventually, Ono is able to wrest himself free from the grip of the baboons, and he declares to the rest of the Lion Guard that the troop is guilty of stealing the Pride Lands' food. Kion commands Beshte to shake the troop's tree, which reveals the mounds of fruit and leaves that the baboons have been stealing.
In the face of their guilt, the troop flees, and the Lion Guard chases them across the Pride Lands. In the midst of the chase, the baboons scare a herd of antelope into scattering, and two of the antelope fall into a nearby river. The Lion Guard halts their chase in order to save the antelope, and the baboons manage to escape into the Outlands.
Later, Kion and the Lion Guard reflect on the Traveling Baboon Show and how the baboons had turned out to be thieves. In the midst of the conversation, Ono spots Mwevi and Mwizi being chased by Janja, and he reports what he has seen to Kion. Kion is loathe to get involved in another kingdom's problems, but Ono points out that the troop had only entered the Outlands because they had been being chased by the Lion Guard. Kion then decides to save the troop, and the Lion Guard takes off for the Outlands.
The team defeats Janja and his lackeys, and the baboons thank the Lion Guard for saving their lives. In repayment for their past crimes, the troop agrees to hand out food to the Pride Landers, who are grateful for the baboons' change of heart, while Kion and the Guard watch contentedly.
===="Ono and the Egg"====
While on patrol, the Lion Guard witnesses a stampede of hyraxes. They wonder what the source of the stampede is and look up to see a harrier hawk circling overhead. Kion exclaims that hawks are not allowed to hunt in the Pride Lands, as it is not their territory, and Ono volunteers to talk to the intruder. Ono catches up to the hawk and distracts her long enough for her to run head-on into a cliff face. The hawk lets go of the hyrax, who falls to the savanna floor, and Ono rushes to save it despite its small weight. Just in time, Beshte appears beneath the struggling duo, and Ono drops the hyrax safely onto his friend's back.
After the rescue, Kion approaches the hawk and tells her that she must hunt in her own territory in order to uphold the Circle of Life. Though reluctant, the hawk agrees. With the hawk gone, Kion and the Lion Guard congratulate Ono for his heroic rescue.
Later that day, the Lion Guard leads Ono back to his nest and praises him for a hard day's work. Ono is about to settle down in his nest when he realizes that a hammerkop has left an egg in his nest. He reacts with confusion, wondering why a hammerkop would abandon its egg, and Kion resolves to find the mother and clear up the confusion. Ono comments that the egg is close to hatching, and decides to sit on the egg himself.
In the meantime, Kion and the Lion Guard track the mother's scent across the Pride Lands. In the midst of their search, they stumble across a group of hares that are standing in the path of a dangerous mudslide. One of the hares approaches Kion and informs him that the other hares are hiding in empty aardvark dens, and the team resolves to save them before they can get buried in mud. In the midst of the rescue, the team realizes that one of the hares is still hiding in the aardvark dens, and Kion bravely dives into the mud to rescue her. The Lion Guard watches anxiously, fearing the worst, until Kion emerges from the mud with the hare safely in tow.
Kion and the Lion Guard then continue to follow the mother hammerkop's scent to where she is building a new nest in a tree. Kion questions her as to why she had left her egg in Ono's nest, and she explains that she has been building a new nest in preparation for her egg hatching. She asks the team if her egg is all right, and they assure her that Ono is taking care of it. They then offer to escort her back to Ono's nest.
Kion and the Lion Guard arrive at Ono's nest, only to find it empty. The mother hammerkop begins to frantically call for her baby, and the baby hammerkop follows her mother's cries to Ono's nest, where the two finally meet each other for the first time. The mother hammerkop thanks Ono for his help, and he warns her that baby hammerkops can get very distracted by insects. No sooner has he said this when he realizes that the baby hammerkop has gone missing again, and he, Kion, and the rest of the Lion Guard rush to save her from danger.
Ono scopes out the area for the baby hammerkop and spots her wandering near the river. Fuli attempts to save the baby hammerkop from danger, but arrives too late to stop her from falling into the raging water. With no time to lose, Kion, the Lion Guard and the mother hammerkop pursue the baby hammerkop down the river, only to watch in horror as the harrier hawk swoops out of nowhere, grasps the baby in her talons and takes off for the safety of the skies.
Ono and the mother hammerkop attempt to thwart the hawk's plans, but she works with Mwoga the vulture to keep the baby hammerkop from falling back into the Lion Guard's grasp. From the ground, Bunga works out how he can help Kulinda and Ono, and climbs a tree in order to reach the feuding birds. He manages to knock Mwoga from the sky, but Mpishi only takes the baby hammerkop from him and swoops out of harm's way once more. Ono and the mother hammerkop flank the hawk from the front and the back, forcing her to drop the baby. The hawk crashes unceremoniously to the ground, where she is confronted by Kion and forced to return to her own territory.
After the rescue, the mother hammerkop thanks Kion and the Lion Guard for saving her baby.
===="The Lion Guard: The Rise of Scar"====
In the Pride Lands, the dry season has started, and the Lion Guard is busier than ever. During their patrol, Ono informs Kion that Janja's clan is attacking Ma Tembo's herd. The Lion Guard arrives at the scene, and, sure enough, Janja and his crew are attacking the elephants. The Lion Guard is shocked that the hyenas would hunt elephants because of how dangerous it is.
The team drives the hyenas away, and Ma Tembo explains that the hyenas had been desperate because of the dry season. She also tells them that she is trying to find a new water source for her herd. Concerned at how quickly the start of the dry season has caused things to get out of hand, Kion tells Ono to stay with the herd and goes off to consult with his grandfather, Mufasa. Mufasa tells his grandson that the dry season is difficult because there is less food and water, which causes animals to make poor decisions. He also warns Kion to be careful to not lose control of the Roar of the Elders.
Unbeknownst to Kion, his conversation is being overheard by a young female mandrill. After Kion's conversation is over, she introduces herself as Makini and tells him she's Rafiki's new apprentice. Makini gushes over what she had heard, but Kion tells her not to go talking too much about it. Unbeknownst to the pair, Ushari has heard everything.
Suddenly, Ono flies onto the scene and tells Kion that Janja and his crew are at it again. They began attacking the baboons who have started following Ma Tembo's herd. The Lion Guard arrives and direct the elephants into a rocky gorge. Kion then blasts the hyenas away with the Roar of the Elders.
With the hyenas gone, the baboons reveal that they are following Ma Tembo to a new water source. Ma Tembo resumes her search for a new water source while a concerned Kion decides to talk to his father.
Elsewhere, Kion talks to his father about his concerns, but Simba assures his son that life is full of responsibilities and that one must face them head-on. The two then sing "Path of Honor", during which they discuss the joys and burdens of being leaders.
At the Lair of the Lion Guard, Makini asks Rafiki if there is a way to talk to Scar, and Kion listens as Rafiki explains that it depends on if the Great Lion is good or bad. The Great Lions of the Past are the lions that appear when Kion uses the Roar. However, the Evil Lions of the Past like Scar appear in fire if they are unleashed by the Roar and the bakora staff.
In the meantime, Rafiki introduces the royal family to Makini, who goes with Kiara to help Ma Tembo find a new water source. In the Outlands, Ushari and Janja decide to summon Scar. They decide to get Makini's bakora staff, and to attack one of Kion's loved ones and bring them there, since Kion's Roars are at their most powerful when he's angry.
The hyenas kidnap Kiara and take Makini's bakora staff. While the rest of the Guard rescues her, Janja tricks Kion by getting him to use the Roar out of anger, causing the volcano to erupt. Kion apologizes for letting his anger get the better of him, but comments that at least nothing bad had happened; ironically, Janja throws Makini's staff into the volcano, and Scar is successfully summoned, giving the Lion Guard's enemies their own spirit guide.
Back in the Pride Lands, Kion looks on as Ma Tembo finally finds a new water source.
===="Let Sleeping Crocs Lie"====
When a rock slide startles a herd of antelope into stampeding, Kion and the Lion Guard rushes to calm them down. From overhead, Ono spots a canyon into which the Lion Guard can chase the antelope, and Kion leads the Guard in herding the team into the canyon. Unbeknownst to the Lion Guard, Makuu and his float slumber underground and are awakened by the loud disturbance of the stampede.
Kion and the Lion Guard manages to calm the antelope, but Makuu and his float emerge from down below and explain that crocodiles cannot go back into hibernation after being woken up. Though Makuu is willing to reason with the Lion Guard, a particularly vicious crocodile named Kiburi blames Ono for the dilemma and suggests dealing with him in the "crocodile way." Makuu orders Kiburi to back down and then deals more reasonably with Kion, agreeing to meet with Simba in order to discuss water rations for his float.
At Pride Rock, Makuu speaks with Simba about the water situation. Ono is called forward to help spy out a new water hole for the crocodiles, but while overlooking the Pride Lands, he sees that Makuu's followers have invaded the water holes. Makuu insists that whoever is leading his float has defied a direct order from their leader. He tries to leave in order to settle the situation, but Simba orders him to let Kion and the Lion Guard deal with the problem instead. Begrudgingly, Makuu agrees, and Kion leads the Lion Guard to the rescue.
When Kion arrives, he attempts to stop Kiburi from hurting the animals in the water hole, but Kiburi refuses and engages Kion in a fight. In the midst of the brawl, Makuu arrives and chastises Kiburi for defying his orders. Simba adds that they have a found a new water hole for the crocodiles to live in and then tasks the Lion Guard with leading the float to their new home.
Kion and the team does as they are told, escorting Makuu and his float to their own private water hole, but the water hole proves to be too crowded and uncomfortable for the crocodiles. Kiburi challenges Makuu about the poor situation, but Makuu insists that they must compromise with Simba in order to survive. Appalled at Makuu for being so willing to share with the other Pride Landers, Kiburi calls for a mashindano, and Makuu accepts.
At sunset, the Pride Landers gather at Lake Matope to watch the mashindano. In the meantime, Ono grows tired of the violence and flies away from the mashindano to avoid watching the fight. As he hovers over the battlefield, he notices several crocodiles leaving the event and wonders why they would abandon such an important fight. He reports what he has seen to Kion, who leads the rest of the Lion Guard in figuring out what is going on. Just then, Ono realizes that the crocodiles are attempting to ambush Simba, and he hastens to warn Kion of the danger. Just in time, the Lion Guard arrives and thwarts the crocodiles' efforts to assassinate Simba.
Simba overhears the fight and arrives to find Kiburi's lackeys defeated. He studies the crocodiles and recognizes them as being too dim-witted to have come up with such a scheme on their own. Just then, Makuu defeats Kiburi in the mashindano. However, when he stands up, Kiburi declares to the onlookers that his followers have killed Simba and that he is now the ruler of the Pride Lands.
Simba interrupts Kiburi's speech, and Kiburi realizes that the Lion Guard has outsmarted him. Makuu declares that Kiburi is no longer a part of the float, so Simba takes back over, banishing Kiburi and his lackeys from the Pride Lands.
Later, Ono laments having caused Makuu's float to awaken early. Though Kion and the rest of the Lion Guard attempt to reassure him, Ono refuses to accept their comfort and goes before Makuu to apologize. At first, Makuu seems to be growing angry, but then he forgives Ono, much to the egret's relief. Kion explains that Makuu had learned of Ono's part in foiling Kiburi's scheme, and Simba adds that everyone makes mistakes.
===="Swept Away"====
When Thurston the zebra and members of his herd get stuck in a dry riverbed, the Lion Guard arrives to help. Beshte warns the team that they must rescue the zebras quickly, else the sun will dry the mud faster, and Kion decides to use the Roar of the Elders to make a rainstorm to loosen the mud. To the rest of the Lion Guard's shock, the Roar turns a cloud into a thunderstorm, and the falling rain loosens the mud, freeing some of the zebras.
At first, the Lion Guard believes the zebras to be safe, but when the rain refuses to stop and a flood begins to rush down the riverbed, Kion orders Beshte to stop the water flow while he and the rest of the Guard free the stuck zebras. The zebras are brought successfully to safety, but in the midst of the rescue, Beshte is swept away by the impeding floodwaters and finds himself trapped in the Outlands.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Lion Guard realizes that Beshte is missing, and Kion orders Ono to scope the area for their missing teammate. Ono does as he is commanded, following the dry riverbed to see if he can spot any sign of Beshte, while the rest of the Lion Guard follows. Ono attempts to search for Beshte from above, but to no avail, and the team worries over Beshte's safety under the intense heat of the sun.
Ono scours the Outlands from above, but finds no traces of Beshte. He reports back to Kion, who expresses guilt over Beshte's predicament and tells Ono to search for hippo footprints. Ono does as he is asked, and Fuli suggests tracing Beshte's scent. Bunga attempts to help his friends search, but his antics only succeed in irritating Fuli.
Eventually, Ono spots Beshte's tracks and leads the team into the cavern through which Beshte had followed the skinks. Presently, the Lion Guard overhears Beshte crying "Twende Kiboko", and they rush ahead. They see that Janja and his clan are dropping rocks on Beshte, who is trapped in a pit. Beshte explains his situation to the team through the rocks, and Ono pinpoints his exact location. The Lion Guard then rushes off to deal with the hyenas, while Beshte continues to dodge the falling boulders.
Ono guides the team to Rocky Plateau, and Fuli races ahead to stop the hyenas from dropping a massive boulder onto Beshte. As she teeters carefully atop the boulder, keeping it from falling into the pit, the other Guard members rush in and engage the hyenas in a fight. Down below, Beshte starts to clear a path through the fallen rocks. Eventually, Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to clear the hyenas, and Beshte makes his way to safety.Back in the Pride Lands, Kion apologizes to Beshte for causing such a chaotic situation, but Beshte insists that Kion had only been trying to help. Bunga starts to place a comforting paw on Beshte, but the hippo reacts with pain and realizes that his skin had been burned by the sun. He is quick to leap into a mud pool, but in doing so, he accidentally showers his teammates with mud. Though Fuli is annoyed, the rest of the Lion Guard shares in a hearty laugh.
===="Rafiki's New Neighbors"====
Near Pride Rock, the Lion Guard struggles to put out a brush fire. Together, they manage to dig trenches around the fire, effectively ending the danger, but the commotion frightens a herd of zebras into stampeding across the grasslands. With Kion in the lead, the Lion Guard races off to avert the danger. Once the herd slows, Ono learns from the lead zebra, Thurston, that dry lightning had caused the brush fire.
After the rescue, Kion and the Lion Guard notice Rafiki meditating in a nearby tree. They question him as to why he is not training Makini, and he admits that he is trying to escape his noisy new neighbors. Kion wonders why three young animals would be on their own, and Rafiki suggests that the Lion Guard return them to their own kind.
With Rafiki in the lead, the Lion Guard ventures to Rafiki's tree, where they find Makini having a bug-eating competition with Chama, Furaha, and Mzaha. The team breaks up the commotion, and Kion questions the three young animals as to why they are not with their herds. The three admit that they are outcasts, but Rafiki insists that they must return to their families. Seeing the importance of Rafiki's words, the three young animals agree to return to their herds.
Beshte and Ono escort Furaha back to his troop, Fuli brings Mzaha back to Bupu, and Kion and Bunga accompany Chama back to his herd, where the herd's leader, Ma Tembo, explains that Chama is a disruption to the other elephants. Kion encourages Ma Tembo to give Chama another chance, and she begrudgingly agrees.
At Pride Rock, the Lion Guard regroups and expresses relief that the three young animals are back with their herds. No sooner have they done this when Kion spots a dry lightning storm in the distance and orders his team to protect any nearby Pride Landers. Ono suggests that they clear the watering holes first, and the Lion Guard sets off to avert the danger.
Across the Pride Lands, Kion and the Lion Guard attempt to save a pair of hippopotamuses and Zito the elephant from dry lightning. As the team begins to lead their charges away from the watering hole, dry lightning strikes, trapping the animals in a ring of fire. Zito attempts to spray the fire out, but to no avail.
Sparks from the flames begin to drift across the savanna, igniting the grass beneath Rafiki's tree. Ono happens to notice the danger and warns Kion of the situation. Beshte pushes a boulder into the flames, allowing his teammates and their charges to safely cross the ring of fire. Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to put out the fire, and the Pride Landers thank him for saving them.
With their charges safe, the Lion Guard takes off to save Makini and Rafiki, only to find that Chama, Furaha, and Mzaha are battling the fire themselves. The Lion Guard joins in, and together, the two groups put out the fire.
That night, Kion watches as Makini paints for the royal family.
===="Rescue in the Outlands"====
A herd of cape buffalo stampede across the Pride Lands, fleeing a cloud of tsetse flies, while the Lion Guard attempts to calm them. In the midst of the chase, Ono points out that tsetse flies detest water, and Kion orders the team to steer the herd to a nearby water source. After clearing Thurston the zebra and his herd from their path, the Lion Guard successfully leads the cape buffalo to a watering hole, where the tsetse flies are warded off. No sooner have they done this when Mbeya the rhinoceros cries out for help, and the Lion Guard rushes to save him.
The Lion Guard finds Mbeya upside down in a dry ditch. Beshte frees Mbeya, who laments having rolled into the dry steam bed to escape the tsetse flies, and the team escorts him back to the watering hole. Presently, the Lion Guard finds themselves plagued by tsetse flies. In frustration, Beshte orders the flies to leave, and to the team's shock, the cloud disappears. Just then, Thurston and his herd appear, seeking a new watering hole, and Ono realizes that the zebras have been the ones driving off the tsetse flies. This gives Kion an idea, and he and the rest of the Lion Guard decide to escort Mbeya and the zebras to a new watering hole.
Later, Madoa approaches the Lion Guard and desperately tells them that Janja's clan has trapped Jasiri and two hyena pups in a steam vent. Kion attempts to lead his team in rescue, but they get caught in a cloud of tsetse flies, which prevents them from moving quickly. Kion suggests that Thurston accompany them to ward off any remaining flies, and the zebra agrees to his request.
In the Outlands, Kion realizes that the tsetse flies have vanished, and he orders Thurston to return to the Pride Lands. The zebra departs, and Kion suggests that Madoa leave as well in order to protect her clan. She agrees and departs, leaving the team to assess Jasiri's predicament themselves. Before they can launch their rescue, Thurston reappears, asking for directions, and the Lion Guard frustratingly points him in the right direction. However, Thurston gets turned around again and continues to follow the team deeper into the Outlands.
The team becomes irritated when they realize that Thurston is still with them, but they have no choice but to proceed with their attack. The team engages in a fight with the hyenas, and Janja and his clan are effectively steered away from the edge of the steam vent. With the hyenas out of the way, Kion orders Beshte to push a large rock into the lava flow, which allows Jasiri and the pups to clamber to safety. By then, all of the hyenas have fled save Janja, who declares that he can still win so long as Jasiri is out of the fight. Just then, Jasiri emerges from the steam vent and challenges Janja to take on both herself and the Lion Guard. Reluctantly, Janja gives up the fight.
With Janja gone, Jasiri thanks the Lion Guard for their help. Kion blames the dry season for Janja's odd behavior, and the two groups depart.
Back in the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard thanks Thurston for his help, which leads Thurston to believe that he has been invited to join the Lion Guard. He excitedly announces his new status to his herd while the Lion Guard looks on in amusement. Just then, the tsetse flies reappear, and the team decides to hang out with the zebras. Bunga snacks on the flies, commenting that the team must really miss the zebras.
===="The Ukumbusho Tradition"====
In Mizimu Grove, Ma Tembo directs her herd in preparing for the Ukumbusho Tradition, a celebration that honors the peace established between the elephants and lions of the Pride Lands.
Under Ma Tembo's direction, the Lion Guard begins practicing their lines, while Makini mashes up various fruits to make paints for the celebration. Just then, Timon and Pumbaa arrive to help the Lion Guard with their lines. However, before they can start, Ma Tembo points out that the Lion Guard is traditionally composed of lions only, which prompts Makini to suggest that she paint each Lion Guard member to resemble a lion. Makini dresses up the Lion Guard to resemble lions, then takes off to paint the elephants.
With Makini gone, Timon and Pumbaa attempt to direct the Lion Guard on their lines, claiming that they know best how lions act, since they raised Simba. Kion tries to pitch in his opinion, but Timon silences him, and the duo continue to guide the Lion Guard in their practice. Timon becomes frustrated with the Lion Guard for being unable to speak their lines while holding the symbolic Branch of Peace in their mouths. Timon suggests throwing the branch away, but Kion protests that it is essential for the ceremony.
Just then, Simba arrives with his mate, Nala, and daughter, Kiara, as well as the lionesses of his pride. Kion and the Lion Guard begin to sing "May There Be Peace", in which they commemorate the peace established between the elephants and lions of the Pride Lands. After the song, Kion describes how Askari, the first leader of the Lion Guard, had made peace with the elephants in order to keep the Circle of Life in balance.
However, in the midst of the ceremony, a horde of bees attacks the elephants, chasing them from the grove. Kion orders his team to chase down the elephants before they can hurt anyone, and the Lion Guard takes off to halt the stampede. While running, Beshte questions why the herd would be so afraid, and Ono explains that elephants are afraid of bees.
Just then, the Lion Guard runs into a group of elephants that have stopped being chased by the bees, and Kion, Fuli, and Ono piece together that the bees are attracted to Makini's yellow paint. The team takes off again, and Ono flies high above the commotion, where he spots Vuruga Vuruga's herd resting in the path of the stampede. Fuli volunteers to deal with the buffalo and manages to scare them off the path just in time for the elephants to thunder past.
The team continues chasing down the stampede, and Beshte observes Mtoto attempting to blast away the bees with dust. Kion wonders if the same trick could work on the paint, and Fuli catches up to Mtoto, suggesting that he try to spray at the paint instead of the bees. Mtoto does as he is told, and the paint disappears, prompting the bees to fly away. Seeing Mtoto's success, the Lion Guard resolves to use the same trick on the other elephants.
From above, Ono reports that the elephants are racing into Sehemu Pass, where they could get stuck between the rocks, but Kion declares that this is a good development. The Lion Guard then gathers at the entrance of the pass, and when each elephant gets stuck, Mtoto sprays their foreheads with dust, clearing away the paint and effectively warding off the bees.
Back at Mizimu Grove, Ma Tembo apologizes to Simba for panicking and explains that bee strings in the trunk can be very painful. When Makini volunteers to collect more yellow fruit for the paint, Kion suggests continuing the ceremony without any paint. Simba tells Ma Tembo that this could simply be a new tradition for the elephants of the Pride Lands. Ma Tembo then agrees to the new plan, and the Ukumbusho Tradition continues in a new vein.
===="The Bite of Kenge"====
The Lion Guard catches Janja and his minions, Cheezi and Chungu, attempting to steal a supply of melons from the elephants, who need the fruits' moisture to survive the dry season. They manage to fend off the hyenas and save most of the melons, but Kion decides to keep his team watching the melon patch to ensure that no more fruits are stolen.
Later that day, Ono spots a skirmish at the Watering Hole, and the Lion Guard arrives to find Kenge making a scene. The team leaps into battle, but Kenge manages to bite Kion, Fuli, and Beshte, paralyzing them. Just in time, Bunga steps in and breaks wind in Kenge's face, causing the lizard and his hyena minions to retreat.
With the danger abated, Ono realizes that Kenge is a monitor lizard and therefore has a venomous bite. The team urges Ono to fetch Rafiki for healing, but when Ono arrives at Rafiki's tree to get help, only Makini is at home. She offers to accompany Ono instead and use her minimal healing skills to assist the Lion Guard. Hearing this news, Kion orders Bunga and Ono to deal with the thieves while Makini collects the flowers needed for her antidote.
Makini attempts to use the ponya flowers to heal the Lion Guard. At the same time, Bunga arrives and declares that he must face Kenge alone, but the Lion Guard insists that Makini accompany him to the fight. Though reluctant, Makini eventually agrees, and Kion declares that he has a plan as to how they can defeat Kenge and the hyenas.
Bunga and Makini follow Kenge and the hyenas to Embamba Canyon, where Bunga distracts the thieves while Makini steals their melons and hides them behind rocks.
Presently, a fully healed Lion Guard approaches. The hyenas attempt to run, but are hindered by their paralyzed legs. Taking advantage of this, Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to blast Kenge and the hyenas back to the Outlands, where the melons are out of their reach. Together, the Lion Guard and Makini roll the stolen melons back to the patch, where Bunga complains that the labor of moving the melons had been worse than taking on Kenge alone. The Lion Guard then shares in a hearty laugh.
===="Timon and Pumbaa's Christmas"====
In the Pride Lands, Bunga assists his uncles, Timon and Pumbaa, in decorating an acacia tree with colored gourds. Timon attempts to place a star fruit at the top of the tree, but in doing so, he accidentally snaps a branch and begins to plummet toward the ground. Coincidentally, the Lion Guard arrives at the base of the tree, and Beshte catches the falling Timon on his back.
The Lion Guard then inquires about the oddly decorated tree, and Bunga explains that they are decorating their tree in honor of Christmastime. Timon and Pumbaa add that Christmas is about gift-giving and that a mysterious creature called Dandy Claws often leaves presents for the animals of the savanna. Bunga then sings "Christmas in the Pride Lands", in which he extols the unconventional holiday.
At the conclusion of the song, Timon weeps over Dandy Claws's continued absence, and Pumbaa explains that Dandy Claws only brings presents if animals perform a special song called "The Twelve Ways of Christmas" under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning. This only worsens Timon's mood, and not even Bunga and Pumbaa can cheer him up. Kion then calls for Bunga to join their patrol, and he does so unhappily.
While on patrol, Beshte notices Bunga's somber mood, and Bunga admits that he wishes he could help his uncles meet Dandy Claws for Christmas. Kion asserts that the Lion Guard can help make this happen, to which Bunga excitedly begins listing all the creatures and items that they must gather in order to properly perform the song. Though the list is vast, the team decides to split up in order to cover more ground and gather the necessary components quickly.
Later, Kion speaks to his family about partaking in the Christmas celebration. Kion's mother, Nala, and sister, Kiara, quickly agree to the proceedings, but Kion's father, Simba, shows little interest in attending. With some persuasion from his mate and daughter, Simba eventually agrees, feeling that he owes it to Timon and Pumbaa for their help over the years.
That night, the Lion Guard's animal recruits gather in a canyon to practice for the celebration. At sunrise, Kion expresses satisfaction with the animals' performances, but Bunga declares that they still need more practice. Ma Tembo points out that they will never be able to live up to Bunga's expectations, and Simba agrees. The group starts to break up and leave, but Kion calls them back. Simba questions his son as to why Christmas is so important, and Bunga explains that he wants to make up for his uncles' good deeds over the years. This convinces Simba to devote himself back to the cause, and he calls the others back to continue practice.
Later that day, Timon and Pumbaa are met by the Lion Guard, who sing "The Twelve Ways of Christmas" to them with their animal recruits.
After the song, Timon and Pumbaa weep with joy, and Timon thanks the gathered animals for making his Christmas vision come true. Just then, Pumbaa appears dressed in white flowers and a gourd hat, and proclaims that he had hoped to make Timon's Christmas better by dressing up as Dandy Claws. Timon is quick to tell Pumbaa that the Pride Landers' song and Pumbaa's costume is more than enough of a present, and the two conclude that this has been their best Christmas yet. The Lion Guard then decides to make Christmas an annual holiday in the Pride Lands, and the gathered Pride Landers yell, "Merry Christmas!"
===="The Morning Report"====
The Lion Guard gathers around Bupu the sable antelope, whose horns are stuck in the branches of a tree. Kion suggests breaking the branch off the tree, to which Bupu reluctantly agrees. However, as Bunga begins to bounce on the branch to weaken it, Nyuni the weaver angrily reveals his presence and explains that his nest lies at the end of the branch. Beshte questions Nyuni as to why he had moved his home, and Nyuni explains that he likes to see different parts of the Pride Lands.
Just then, Zazu arrives and comments that he will be including the commotion in his Morning Report to Simba. Kion then gets the idea to have the branch broken off at the end so that Bupu can carry the rest of the branch as well as Nyuni's nest in his horns.
After the departure of Bupu, Nyuni, and Zazu, Fuli critiques Zazu's nosiness, to which Kion reminds her that it is part of his job to know the business of the Pride Landers. He then reminds her of the time that Zazu had saved him and Bunga from crocodiles.
At Pride Rock, Simba expresses concern that Zazu is late for his report, as he has never exhibited such behavior before. This leads the Lion Guard to inquire about Zazu's whereabouts to Bupu and Nyuni, who have formed a partnership and are getting along famously. Both Pride Landers deny having seen Zazu since their earlier entanglement, and Kion orders his team to track Zazu through other methods.
Presently, Ono locates some of Zazu's tail feathers, which still carry his scent. The Lion Guard spots hyena tracks nearby and takes off along the trail, following them to the Outlands.
The Lion Guard overhears Zazu's singing and rushes to the rescue. They arrive just in time to stop Janja's clan from eating Zazu and begin to engage the them in a fight. During the battle, Zazu manages to roll down a hill in order to save Fuli from a pair of hyenas, but in doing so, he begins to plummet toward the bottom of a volcano. Kion swiftly uses the Roar of the Elders to clear a patch of rock on the lava, where Zazu lands, breaks free of his cage, and is able to take to the air. With Zazu free, the hyenas give up and retreat farther into the Outlands.
Back at Pride Rock, Zazu delivers his Morning Report, despite it being nighttime. He laments being late for the first time, but the Lion Guard assures him that he is not to blame. Fuli adds that Zazu had saved her life, and Kion reminds Zazu of how he had saved him and Bunga from the crocodiles all those seasons ago. Zazu acknowledges his part in saving Kion, then carries on with delivering his Morning Report.
===="The Golden Zebra"====
Due to a severe drought, the Lion Guard is forced to break up a fight between Twiga's herd and Vuruga Vuruga's herd. Kion takes the problem to his father, Simba, who questions Rafiki on how past kings have dealt with a water shortage. Rafiki is doubtful that the paintings of the past will reveal anything to him, though one such painting depicts a king leading the Pride Landers to a mysterious watering hole.
Makini recognizes the watering hole and explains that she has seen it before in a neighboring kingdom, the Back Lands, and that it belongs to a herd of zebras. Simba instructs Kion to ask the zebras for permission to use the watering hole in exchange for whatever boon they desire.
Kion leads his team into the Back Lands, where they encounter an antagonistic leopard named Makucha. The leopard attempts to fend them off, but the Lion Guard defeats him easily, forcing him to back off and allow them to pass through his territory.
The team carries on until they encounter two zebra siblings named Raha and Starehe, who agree to lead them to their leader, Dhahabu. Once with the rest of the herd, the zebras begin to sing "Fabulous Dhahabu", in which they praise their leader for being so uniquely beautiful and special.
After meeting the herd, Kion introduces himself to Dhahabu and reveals that he is from the Pride Lands. Dhahabu then takes the Lion Guard aside and shows them the whole of Dhahabu Grove, which she pronounces as being the happiest place in the Back Lands. Kion explains to Dhahabu that the Pride Lands is experiencing a major drought and requests permission for his fellow Pride Landers to use the zebras' watering hole, but Dhahabu is evasive and demands that the Lion Guard first bring her her herd's favorite food, a Tamboa plant.
The Lion Guard locates a plant, and Beshte bears the plant back to Dhahabu on his back. Kion presents it to her, adding that they have now fulfilled their end of the bargain. To their shock, Dhahabu calls off the deal and even forbids her own herd from using the watering hole. Suspicious, Kion sends Ono to investigate the situation, and Ono returns with news that the watering hole has dried up.
Dhahabu admits to Kion that she had noticed the water disappearing several days ago, but hadn't wanted to make her herd unhappy by sharing the bad news. Kion gently reminds her that leaders must tell the truth, even if the information is grave, and that they must help when there is a problem. He then offers to assist her with her water problem in exchange for the Pride Landers' access to her watering hole, to which Dhahabu delightfully agrees.
The Lion Guard follows Dhahabu to the watering hole, where she explains that there used to be a waterfall that spilled into the pool. Ono investigates the dried-up falls and informs Kion that a rock slide has caused a blockage downriver. The Lion Guard and Dhahabu begin to pursue Ono's find.
Once at the scene of the blockage, the Lion Guard is confronted by Makucha and his friends. The two groups engage in a fight, during which the Lion Guard manages to chase away all of Makucha's minions. However, Makucha manages to trap Dhahabu and warns the Lion Guard that he will harm her if they do not surrender. In answer, the Lion Guard drops hints to Dhahabu that she can be a good leader by fighting back, and Dhahabu quickly takes action, knocking over Makucha and kicking him into the dam.
The force of Makucha's hit causes the rocks to break apart, and the river swells once more, filling Dhahabu's watering hole. Makucha banks a hasty retreat, while Dhahabu offers the Lion Guard access to her new watering hole. With Dhahabu's permission, Kion leads the Pride Landers into Dhahabu Grove, where they join the zebras in enjoying the water. Dhahabu invites the Lion Guard to join in, which they do.
===="The Little Guy"====
The Lion Guard sees Makuu training his float to fight and accidentally mistakes it for a real fight. They start to break up the sparring, but are warned to stop by Hodari, a gecko who is spectating from a tree. The Lion Guard quickly apologizes to Makuu, who leads his float in continuing their training.
Just then, Ono spots a herd of cape buffalo stampeding toward the crocodiles, and Kion yells for the float to take cover. Though the crocodiles manage to reach safety on a nearby cliff, the stampede causes a rock slide, which injures Makuu. Despite his injuries, Makuu insists that he is fine and continues to train his float.
The Lion Guard starts to continue on their patrol, but Hodari halts Beshte, who tells the team that he will catch up with them. Meanwhile, the rest of the Lion Guard saves Laini and two other galagos who are trapped in a tree.
Later, Beshte laments Hodari's predicament to his team. At that moment, Ono spots Kiburi's float marching through the Pride Lands, and the Lion Guard rushes to stop them. Once there, the Lion Guard is met by Kiburi, who claims to simply be visiting. He then introduces the team to his float's newest member, Hodari. He attempts to use Hodari's friendship with the Lion Guard to his advantage, but Kion is adamant about Kiburi's banishment and commands the float to return to the Outlands. Kiburi reluctantly gives in, and the float leaves the Pride Lands.
The Lion Guard then tries to warn Makuu that Kiburi is lurking in the Pride Lands, but Makuu insists that his float can care for itself. Kion submits to Makuu's request and leads his team away from the float, unaware that Kiburi is watching from the shadows. The moment the Lion Guard departs, he and his float attack Makuu, using Hodari's lessons to evade their attacks and seize an effortless victory.
Ono spots the attack, and Kion leads his team into battle. Tamka overcomes Kion, preventing him from helping Makuu. Finally, with Hodari's help, Makuu conquers Kiburi and the latter's float backs off. With Kiburi's float incapacitated, Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to banish them back to the Outlands, effectively saving Makuu and his float.
===="Divide and Conquer"====
When Janja and his clan begin to hunt Twiga and Juhudi, the Lion Guard rushes to their defense. In the midst of the chase, Ono spots Reirei and her jackals attacking a group of pangolins on the other side of the Pride Lands, and Kion is forced to split up his team.
As Beshte and Kion continue racing after the hyenas, Janja orders his lackeys to stop them. With four hyenas on the attack, Beshte and Kion quickly become overrun, and Beshte suggests to Kion that he use the Roar of the Elders to stop the attack. Kion refuses, afraid that he will harm Twiga and Juhudi, and the two are forced to continue fighting outnumbered.
Up ahead, Twiga lashes out at Janja, and he calls a surrender. The hyenas bank a hasty retreat. Beshte and Kion check on the status of the giraffes and then follow after the hyenas to make sure that they have left the Pride Lands.
The jackals soon retreat as well, and the Lion Guard regroups at the edge of the Outlands, where they watch the jackals flee into the shadows. Kion expresses concern that his team is weaker when split up and wonders why both groups had given up so easily. Though Beshte tries to brush the scrapes off as a coincidence, Ono catches sight of the hyenas and jackals converging in the Outlands, confirming Kion's suspicions. Bunga is unaffected and comments that all they have to do is be in two places at once, which gives Kion an idea.
The team travels across the Pride Lands to where Tamaa the drongo is performing for a group of Pride Landers, and recruit him to help them be in two places at once. Though hesitant about the danger, Tamaa agrees.
Later, Ono spots the jackals chasing down a herd of gazelles, and Kion orders his team to pursue them. Shortly into the chase, Ono catches sight of the hyenas stalking Rafiki, and Kion quickly changes course, sending Tamaa ahead to deal with the jackals, while the Lion Guard defends Rafiki from the hyenas.As a fire catches nearby, the Lion Guard joins forces with Rafiki and is defeating the entirety of Janja's clan.
With defeat eminent, Janja attempts to flee into the fire, but Scar rises up from the flames, demanding that Janja face his enemies instead of run like a coward. In the midst of Scar's conversation with Janja, Kion catches sight of the strange phenomenon, confused at what he has witnessed. Before he can investigate further, Tamaa appears with a warning about the jackals, and Kion orders him to reach safety, while the Lion Guard and Rafiki take on Reirei's pack.
A fight instigates, in which the Lion Guard and Rafiki beat back against the combined force of the hyenas and the jackals. In the midst of the battle, Tamaa manages to save Kion by imitating Beshte's voice and distracting Janja, giving Kion the opportunity to take down Janja. The hyenas and jackals retreat.
Rafiki approaches the Lion Guard and thanks them for their help in saving his life. He then notices Kion approaching the site of the fire, which has died down to embers and burned grass. Rafiki joins him and notices a strange mark carved into the dirt, which he believes represents a great evil.
===="The Scorpion's Sting"====
In the Lair of the Lion Guard, Makini and the Lion Guard discuss how Scar was defeated by Simba, which inspired the Kumbuka celebration. Bunga tries to argue that his uncles, Timon and Pumbaa, are the true heroes, since they distracted the hyenas, but the rest of the Lion Guard credits Simba with the victory.
At Pride Rock, the Pride Landers sing "Good King Simba" in honor of the Kumbuka celebration. However, in the midst of the festivities, Sumu stings Simba's tail and then banks a hasty retreat as Simba collapses to the ground. Rafiki rushes to the king's side and examines the sting, determining that it had been inflicted by a scorpion. Kion sends Ono to find the scorpion, and together, the Lion Guard chases him into the Outlands.
With the scorpion gone, the Lion Guard returns to Pride Rock, where Simba has weakened severely. Rafiki explains that the only cure is volcanic ash, which can be found in the Outlands, and tasks the Lion Guard with retrieving it. Bunga offers to carry the gourd that will hold the ash, but when he almost breaks it, Rafiki orders Makini to accompany the team.
Back in the Outlands, Scar gets word of Sumu's success and directs his army to intercept them. The plan works, with Kiburi, Reirei, Janja, and their respective clans slowing down the Lion Guard's progress through the Outlands. At last, the Lion Guard reaches the inner volcano, where Makini places a pinch of the ash in her gourd.
As the team turns to leave, Scar arises from the flames and reveals himself to Kion, admitting his part in the plan to kill Simba. Despite Scar's admission, Kion directs his team to leave, as he is worried about arriving too late to save his father. Scar then calls his army forward, and they corner the Lion Guard at the edge of the lava.
With no option left, Kion steps forward to use the Roar of the Elders. Scar tries to warn Kion that his roar will only cause the volcano to erupt, but Kion informs Scar that he knows more about the roar than Scar ever did. He then uses the roar carefully to blow away Scar's army, and the Lion Guard makes a quick escape.
Scar sends Mzingo and his parliament after the Lion Guard, and the vultures nearly wrestle the gourd from Makini. However, the rest of the team arrives just in time to fend off the vultures, and Kion uses his roar to ensure that they are not delayed again.
The Lion Guard continues racing across the savanna, with Kion watching the sun worriedly. Fuli informs Kion that she can reach Pride Rock in time, but that she cannot carry the gourd herself. Bunga then volunteers to ride Fuli and carry the gourd himself, and the two race ahead of the rest of the Lion Guard.
Later, Kion and the rest of the team arrive at Pride Rock, where Simba is weak, but recovering. Rafiki orders everyone to leave Simba to his recovery, but Kion insists that he must talk to his father. He then explains to Rafiki that Scar has returned, and Rafiki worriedly agrees that Kion must speak to Simba once the king has recovered.
After speaking with Rafiki, Kion joins the rest of the Lion Guard and declares that their duty is to protect the Pride Lands. They then stare out over the kingdom, as Kion reminds them that they can defeat Scar.
===="The Wisdom of Kongwe"====
Kion and Simba consult Mufasa's spirit about the troubling return of Scar. Though Mufasa has never experienced the return of an evil spirit, he assures his family that the strength to defeat Scar lies in themselves, as well as in the rest of the Pride Lands. As Mufasa's spirit departs, Kion questions his father as to whether Mufasa had been referring to a specific animal, and Simba comments that he has someone in mind.
At Pride Rock, Rafiki tasks Makini with finding Kongwe, who is the oldest and wisest animal in the Pride Lands. Beshte comments that Kongwe lives near the Urembo River, which is a half-day's walk from Pride Rock. Simba worries that this is too long of a delay, but Fuli volunteers to lend her assistance in order to speed up the trip. While she and Makini depart to find Kongwe, the rest of the Lion Guard sets off on patrol.
The Lion Guard spots a group of hyraxes attempting to cross a rock bridge. Ono realizes that the bridge is unstable, and the Lion Guard warns the hyraxes away moments before the rocks give way and collapse. The team worries that the hyraxes will be unable to reach a watering source, so Beshte makes a bridge by hoisting a rock onto his back and holding it up for the hyraxes to cross.
Just then, Ono spots a herd of elands trapped in a wildfire at the Poromoko Crevasse. The Lion Guard hurries away to rescue them.
Ono guides the rest of the Lion Guard through the smoke to where the elands are. The team then leads the elands away from the fire to a canyon. However, as Beshte starts to lead them down into the canyon, a spark sets nearby bushes on fire, blocking the path. Ono worries that the narrowest part of the canyon is not short enough of a distance for the elands to jump, so Kion orders Beshte to make another bridge, as he had for the hyraxes. Beshte does as he is told, and the elands cross safely to the other side.
At sunset, Fuli, Makini, and Kongwe converge with the rest of the Lion Guard. Together, they go to Pride Rock, where Kongwe advises Simba and Kion to be patient. Kongwe then assures Simba and the Lion Guard that good always triumphs over evil in the end.
===="The Kilio Valley Fire"====
In Kilio Valley, the Lion Guard struggles to put out a widespread brush fire. The Lion Guard spreads out, accepting help from several of Ma Tembo's herd members, while Ma Tembo leads the rest of the herd out of the valley. However, she is cornered among the flames by Janja, Reirei, Kiburi, and their respective followers.
Ono overhears Janja's cackling and reports what he's heard to Kion, who suspects Scar of causing the trouble. He then orders his team to protect the elephants, leaving Kilio Valley to the mercy of the fire.
Once to safety, Ma Tembo mourns her destroyed home. An ornery member of her herd, Zito, blames the Lion Guard for failing to save Kilio Valley, to which Kion guiltily accepts the criticism. Ma Tembo turns to Kion for help in finding a temporary home, and he resolves to help the elephants.
Kion leads the elephants to the galagos and then the giraffes, but both groups turn them away. Frustrated, Kion orders Bupu the sable antelope to be patient with the elephants until the Lion Guard can come up with another solution. He then asks Ono for a report on Kilio Valley. Ono does as he is instructed and informs Kion that Scar's army has remained in the valley. A guilty Kion realizes that he has helped enable Scar's plan to take over the Pride Lands.
The Lion Guard then discovers that Ma Tembo has been forcibly outed by Bupu. Kion approaches the herd and assures Ma Tembo that he will find them a new home, but Ma Tembo insists that they must leave the Pride Lands, as no one else wants them. With Ma Tembo gone, Kion seeks advice from the spirit of his grandfather, Mufasa, who encourages him to not doubt himself. Mufasa adds that how one deals with defeat is just as important as how one deals with victory.
Just then, Ono alerts Kion to a new fire that has broken out at Ndefu Grove. The Lion Guard rushes to the grove, where Laini begs them to save her galagos. Bunga, Fuli, and Kion quickly pinpoint the galagos, who are trapped in a tree, and save them from the flames. However, as they are delivering them safely back to Laini, Beshte informs them that the fire is not being put out fast enough. Kion resolves to find help, while the rest of the Lion Guard stays behind to combat the fire.
Kion races across the Pride Lands to where Ma Tembo and her herd are still en route to another kingdom. He explains the situation to her, and she agrees to help the galagos, as she considers the other Pride Landers her family. Zito, however, refuses to help, staying behind to look after the mothers and their calves.
With Kion and Ma Tembo in the lead, the elephants arrive in Ndefu Grove, where they promptly put out the fire. In the midst of the chaos, a tree nearly falls on Kion, when Zito suddenly appears and catches it on his back. Kion is delighted at Zito's change of heart, and Zito explains that he should not turn his back on his family.
After the fire is put out, Laini thanks the elephants for their help and offers them a place in Ndefu Grove. Ma Tembo gratefully accepts, but laments the loss of Kilio Valley. Kion promises her that they will retake her home, to which Ma Tembo states that while Kilio Valley is just land, the Pride Lands is home.
===="Undercover Kinyonga"====
The Lion Guard waits on the border of the Outlands and the Pride Lands, when Ono suddenly appears, being chased by Mwoga and Mzingo. The vultures fail to catch him, and Ono lands safely among his teammates, reporting that Janja and his clan are paying a visit to Scar.
Just then, Thurston's frightened brays attract the Lion Guard's attention, and the team approaches him and his herd, asking what the problem is. Thurston reports that a nearby rock has been talking to him, though the team has its doubts. However, Twiga soon appears with a similar claim about a tree. Kion calms the animals, promising to figure out what's going on.
The Lion Guard investigates Twiga's tree. A chameleon briefly appears before the team, then races away, blending in with her surroundings as she goes. The team takes chase, and Ono is able to spot her with his keen sight. The chameleon then reveals herself to them, as she realizes that they are the Lion Guard, and introduces herself as Kinyonga. She then sings "Now You See Me, Now You Don't", in which she explains her camouflage abilities to the team.
After parting ways with Kinyonga, Ono apologizes for having been spotted by the vultures. Kinyonga overhears the dilemma and offers to sneak into the Outlands and spy on its inhabitants for the Guard. Kion is hesitant to place her in so much danger, but Kinyonga insists that she has ventured undetected in the Outlands before, to which Kion reluctantly agrees to her plan.
Later, the Lion Guard worries over what is keeping Kinyonga. As they wait, Bunga jumps out of the underbrush, decked in camouflage. Kion orders Ono to look for Kinyonga, and Ono spots her being pursued by the skinks. He reports back to the team, and Bunga suggests storming the Outlands and taking on any enemies who try to stop them. Kion worries that a battle will not save Kinyonga and declares that he has an idea as to how they can enter the Outlands unseen.
Back in the Outlands, Kinyonga finds herself cornered by skinks in a dead-end. Just then, Shupavu hears a mysterious voice and turns to find that the Lion Guard has snuck up on the skinks by using foliage and mud to conceal themselves. The skinks bank a hasty retreat, and Kinyonga explains that Scar plans to cut off the water source at Hakuna Matata Falls. The team resolves to return to the Pride Lands to foil the plot.
Come nighttime, the hyenas attempt to block up the river, but the Lion Guard once more camouflages themselves and launches a surprise attack. As the hyenas retreat, Cheezi wonders how the Lion Guard had managed to learn such a trick, to which Kinyonga suddenly appears and takes the credit. Her unexpected appearance startles the hyenas, who fall into the river and careen over the edge of Hakuna Matata Falls.
Once at the bottom, Janja decides to lie to Scar, claiming to have been scared away by rocks and foliage instead of the Lion Guard. Kion orders the clan to leave the area, and they scuttle away. He turns to thank Kinyonga, but the chameleon has already disappeared.
The next morning, Ono reports that Kinyonga is still missing. At that moment, the Lion Guard notices Thurston speaking to a rock and figures that it must be Kinyonga at work. They approach Kinyonga and question her to why she had disappeared, to which she expresses guilt over scaring Janja and his clan into the river. Bunga assures her that it doesn't matter if the hyenas get spooked, and she vows to never scare anyone again. However, Thurston is frightened by her appearance, and he and his herd flee from the rock. The Lion Guard quickly takes chase.
===="Cave of Secrets"====
The Lion Guard examines paintings in the Lair of the Lion Guard in the hopes of finding a way to defeat Scar. Kion notices a boulder blocking a painting and instructs Beshte to move it. With the boulder out of the way, the Lion Guard finds a secret passage leading deep into the heart of the Lair. Makini uses her bakora staff to bring a painting to life, which details how the original Lion Guard, led by Askari, had defeated a great evil by venturing deep into the Lair's chambers. Determined to find a means of defeating Scar, Kion leads the Guard into the caverns, while Makini stays behind for her own safety.
As the Lion Guard ventures deeper into the Lair, they reach a weak section of floor, where the ground collapses beneath them. The Guard then sets off in a new direction, though they continually meet dead-ends. Eventually, they realize that the underground chamber is a test, in which they must prove their worth as a good Lion Guard. Just then, Makini arrives, having followed the Guard's pawprints, and Kion reluctantly allows her to join the quest.
The Lion Guard enters a chamber, only for a rock fall to lock them in complete darkness. Kion roars softly to get a feel for his surroundings, and guides the team out of the dark by following the sounds of echoes.
Under Kion's leadership, the team reaches another chamber, where Makini leads them to a painting. She explains that a group of evil lions had attempted to overtake the Pride Lands, but Askari and his Lion Guard had foiled their plans using an unstoppable force. She then leads them into a chamber where there is a pool of water and yet another painting.
At first, the team cannot decipher where the unstoppable force is, but then Kion realizes that it is their reflection - or the Lion Guard itself - that is the unstoppable force. As one, the Guard looks up at the painting, which shifts into the symbol of the Guard, and cries out their catchphrase, determined to take down Scar.
===="The Zebra Mastermind"====
The Lion Guard saves a pair of hyraxes from a dust devil. Nearby, Thurston the zebra is aggravated by the storm and proclaims to the Lion Guard that they should be putting a stop to the dust devils. Just then, Ono spots another dust devil, and Kion leads the team to the site of the storm. He and the Guard rescue a pangolin from a dust devil.
Later, the Lion Guard is helping the pangolins when Cheezi and Chungu attack them with red flowers. Beshte uses his strength to dispatch of the two, and Kion wonders why the attack had been so odd. The team then takes off to deal with another dust devil.
The Lion Guard rescues Mbuni and two other ostriches from sand that has filled up a gully. Goigoi approaches with berry stripes painted on his fur, but is soon noticed by the Lion Guard. Disappointed, he retreats, and Fuli questions the strange occurrences.
Tamka and Nduli then attempt to tickle the Lion Guard's bellies, only to be blown away by Kion's Roar of the Elders. Kion voices his concern that Scar is behind the attacks, and orders Ono to scout out the Outlands. Ono soon spots Thurston being beset by Cheezi, Chungu, Goigoi, Nduli, and Tamka. Since he is a Pride Lander, Kion decides that it is their duty to save him.
The Lion Guard chases off the Outlanders. Thurston then reveals that he has been advising the Outlanders, and the Lion Guard realizes why they have been the butt-end of such strange attacks. Together, the team and Thurston leave the Outlands to return home.
===="The Hyena Resistance"====
The Lion Guard defends the Pride Lands from a three-way attack by Janja's clan, Kiburi's float, and Reirei's pack.
Eventually, the Guard defeats the Outlanders, who retreat to the Outlands. Just then, Jasiri tackles Kion to the ground, having been watching the skirmish. She comments on how strange it is that all the Outlanders have been banding together, and Kion explains that they are all fighting under Scar's banner. He offers Jasiri and her clan a place in the Pride Lands for protection, but she insists that they must protect their turf. She then gets an idea.
Back in the Outlands, Jasiri overhears Janja plotting with his clan to take over Mizimu Grove with Kiburi and Reirei's groups. She sends Madoa to warn the Lion Guard, while she and the rest of the clan intercept Janja's clan. The plan works, with the Lion Guard defeating Kiburi and Reirei in Mizimu Grove, and Jasiri and her clan blocking Janja's access to the Pride Lands with a rock slide.
After the three failed such attacks, Jasiri celebrates the Hyena Resistance's success with Kion on the border of the Outlands and the Pride Lands.
Later, Madoa informs the Lion Guard that Scar is planning their biggest attack yet on Mizimu Grove, unaware that it is a trap. She returns to Jasiri, only for the clan to be set upon by Janja, Kiburi, and Reirei. Across the Pride Lands, Ono scouts the Outlands and catches sight of Jasiri's clan being attacked. The Lion Guard rushes to their aid and defeats the three groups.
After the battle, Jasiri and Kion solidify their alliance in overthrowing Scar.
===="The Underground Adventure"====
The Lion Guard rushes to Pride Rock, following the sounds of Tiifu and Zuri yelling for help. However, once they arrive, they find that the cubs are simply distressed about how the heat is messing up their fur. Beshte suggests that Tiifu and Zuri visit the mudpots at the edge of the Pride Lands to moisturize their fur. They agree enthusiastically and invite Kiara to join them. Nala sends Kion and Bunga to watch over the cubs.
Together, the five travel to the mudpots and play in the mud. Muhangus the aardvark, who lives in a warren nearby, becomes annoyed at the noise and orders the cubs to keep quiet. Unbeknownst to the cubs, Njano and Shupavu are also watching their antics, which they report to Scar. Scar then orders Mzingo the vulture to set fire to the grasslands near the cubs.
Mzingo does as he is commanded, and the cubs find themselves walled in by flames. Kion, Bunga, and Kiara attempt to create a fire line, but the flames spread too quickly, and the cubs are forced to escape through Muhangus's burrow. Once underground, they search for a way out.
Along the way, the friends encounter Kuchimba, a golden mole, who tries to protect his tunnels from them. Once he realizes that they are simply passing through, he offers to help them find their way out. Eventually, he leads them to the end of his tunnel and instructs them to take the main tunnel out into the Pride Lands.
Once Kuchimba is gone, Kion realizes that there are several tunnels to choose from. As the friends continue navigating the tunnels, they hear nearby hooves pounding, and run into Thurston the zebra. They question Thurston as to which direction he had come from, but he is unable to recall where he'd been.
Just then, Kion gets the idea to track down Muhangus and ask him for directions. At first, Muhangus is loath to help the friends, but he leads the friends to the end of the tunnel. Once above ground, the friends are met by Beshte, Fuli, and Ono, who were putting out the fire and searching for their missing friends. Bunga explains what had happened.
===="Beshte and the Beast"====
At the watering hole, the Lion Guard regulates when the giraffes and zebras take turns to drink. Suddenly, a gorilla appears, smashing everything in sight. While Beshte and Ono calm the panicked giraffes and zebras, Kion, Bunga, and Fuli confront the gorilla. At first, the gorilla is hostile, but he backs down upon realizing that he is facing the Lion Guard.
The gorilla introduces himself as Shujaa and explains that the king of the Theluji Mountains, Sokwe, had sent him to assist the Lion Guard. The Lion Guard explains that Beshte is the strongest in the Pride Lands.
Just then, Ono informs the Lion Guard that the crocodiles, hyenas, and jackals are attacking Big Springs. Alongside Shujaa, the team races to the rescue and confronts the invaders. However, before the Lion Guard can step in, Shujaa heaves boulders and trees at the Outlanders, effectively driving them away from Big Springs. In the process, he destroys the nearby area, blocking aardvark dens, trapping hares in mud, and tangling oryx's horns. Though Shujaa is upset, the Lion Guard resolves to clean the mess.
No sooner have they finished when Ono alerts them that the crocodiles, hyenas, and jackals have returned to hunt a herd of sable antelope. Kion suggests cutting through Nyani Grove, which inspires Shujaa to charge through the grove and begin clearing a wide path. In doing so, he knocks the baboons from their trees, and they charge into a herd of cape buffalo, inciting a stampede. Beshte and Fuli rush after them to calm them, while Kion, Bunga, and Ono follow Shujaa.
As Shujaa approaches the Outlanders, Kion enters the scene behind him and orders the sable antelope to move. He then uses the Roar of the Elders to blast the Outlanders away.
Beshte and Fuli return, and the Lion Guard laments the state that Nyani Grove is in. Kion explains to Shujaa that he does not know his own strength, and Beshte offers to teach the gorilla what he knows. Shujaa agrees, and the two move off together to train.
Not long after, the Lion Guard is forced to defend Big Springs from yet another attack from the Army of Scar. Together, the Lion Guard works to put out the blaze and fight the invading Outlanders, but in the midst of the fight, Beshte injures his leg and is unable to move. Ono begs Shujaa for help, and the gorilla agrees to fight for the sake of Beshte.
The Lion Guard praises Shujaa and comment that they are glad that Sokwe had sent him. Before leaving, Shujaa promises to help the Lion Guard if they should ever need him again.
===="Pride Landers Unite!"====
The Lion Guard rushes to stop Bupu's herd and Laini and her galagos from stampeding. Once calm, the groups admit to having been scared of a jackal attack, and the Lion Guard concludes that the Pride Landers must unite against the threat of the Outlanders. They gather together Bupu's herd, Laini's group, Ma Tembo's herd, and Mbeya's crash ("Pride Landers Unite!").
At first, the Pride Landers are tense, but Kion works to defuse the tension. He instructs the animals to race toward Bunga. However, the event soon gets out of hand, for the animals trip over the galagos and end up in a heap.
Kion then gets the idea to call Makuu the crocodile for help. Makuu begrudgingly agrees to help, but his training is too rigorous and ruthless for the other Pride Landers to master. Kion urges Makuu to be kinder to his fellow Pride Landers, but Makuu leaves in a huff and vows to only look out for his own float if trouble should arise.
Unbeknownst to the Pride Landers, Shupavu and Njano spy on the proceedings and report back to Scar. Scar decides to attack Makuu's watering hole since the crocodiles' alliance with Kion is fraying.
The Army of Scar besieges Makuu's float, with Kiburi targeting Makuu. Ono witnesses the battle and reports his findings to Kion. Together, the Lion Guard and their Pride Lander allies storm the watering hole and fight off the Army of Scar.
===="The Queen's Visit"====
After meeting with Simba atop Pride Rock, Dhahabu is escorted on a tour around the kingdom by Kiara, Tiifu, and Zuri. The Lion Guard tags along at Dhahabu's insistence.
Before long, the Lion Guard runs into Dhahabu's assistants, Raha and Starehe, who are depressed that their queen has no need of them. Ono offers to find her for them and soon discovers that she is being set upon by the jackals. Together with Raha and Starehe, the Lion Guard rushes to the rescue and fights off the pack. During the fight, Tiifu and Zuri cower behind Dhahabu, while Raha and Starehe fiercely fight off their queen's attackers. Much to the Lion Guard's surprise, Raha and Starehe do not correct Dhahabu and instead let Tiifu and Zuri take the credit.
After the fight, Kion questions Raha and Starehe on their motivations, and they explain that Dhahabu keeps them around to be a positive influence. If they were to become her bodyguards, they would lose that illusion of happiness.
Not long after, Dhahabu is freshening up in a water hole when the jackals attack again, this time with crocodile allies. Ono informs the Lion Guard of the predicament, and Raha and Starehe race off to defend their queen. This time, they fight in front of Dhahabu, who is incredulous at their skills.
After the fight, Dhahabu relieves Fuli, Tiifu, and Zuri of their duties and appoints Raha and Starehe in their stead. Together, the group returns to Pride Rock, where Dhahabu renews her water treaty with the Pride Landers.
===="The Fall of Mizimu Grove"====
At Big Springs, Timon and Pumbaa wander by on the trail of a slug. No sooner have they left when Makini arrives and shows off a plant root that will be part of her mpando mpaya, which is the traditional planting of a new baobab tree by a Royal Mjuzi. This prompts Kion to chase after Timon and Pumbaa, and ask them to perform at Makini's mpando mpaya. That way, the Pride Landers will treat it like a celebratory event and have their spirits raised. Delighted, Timon and Pumbaa agree.
At Mizimu Grove, Rafiki and Simba announce the celebration, and Timon and Pumbaa perform their song ("Tujiinue"). In the midst of the celebration, the Army of Scar attacks, and the Pride Landers rise up to defend themselves. The battle pauses when Scar appears in the flames and threatens to overtake the entirety of the Pride Lands, gloating about his success in destroying Kilio Valley, Big Springs, and Mizimu Grove. Frightened by Scar's unexpected appearance, the remaining Pride Landers flee Mizimu Grove.
Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to defeat the Outlanders, while Simba deliberates what to do with Ma Tembo. He approaches the Pride Landers once the Lion Guard has calmed them and admits that he has had knowledge of Scar's return for some time. The Pride Landers disapprove of his dishonesty, though Ma Tembo notes that she understands why he'd kept it a secret. The herds deliberate whether they should leave the Pride Lands, and Simba tells them to inform him of their decision the following morning at Pride Rock.
That night, Kion seeks advice from his grandfather, Mufasa, who suggests that he hold on to hope even in the darkest of times. After their talk, Kion notices something on the ground and rushes off to speak to the Pride Landers. At Pride Rock, he interrupts Simba's somber opening statement and implores the Pride Landers to follow him to Mizimu Grove before they decide to leave the kingdom.
The herds follow Kion to Pride Rock, where Makini's baobab tree seed has survived the fire. This inspires the Pride Landers to remain in the kingdom and work together to defeat Scar. Makini then plants her baobab tree as the Pride Landers look on.
===="Fire from the Sky"====
When fire sticks begin raining down from the sky, the Lion Guard rushes to protect Twiga's herd. In the midst of the attack, Ono attempts to find the source of the fire sticks, but the high altitude forces him to return to the ground. This gives Beshte the idea to talk to Anga, a high-flying martial eagle.
The Lion Guard finds Anga in a grove of trees, and she agrees to help them find the source of the fire sticks. Just then, another attack begins, and Anga and Ono take off to investigate the problem, which is revealed to be the vultures. Anga reports back to the Lion Guard, and Kion suggests that they rally the kingdom's birds to help stop the vultures. Ono suggests asking Hadithi for help. Together, Anga and Ono depart to ask for Hadithi for help.
Ono implores Hadithi to help the Lion Guard, and Hadithi agrees, leading his followers to where the Lion Guard has gathered to plan their next move. Once the birds and the Lion Guard have rallied, they take off to thwart another attack, this time over the Maumivu Thorn Patch. They round up the vultures, and Kion uses his Roar of the Elders to banish them back to the Outlands. Kion thanks the birds of the Pride Lands for their help.
===="Battle for the Pride Lands"====
For several months, Kion leads the Pride Landers in an epic struggle against Scar and his army as they attempt to overtake the Pride Lands. Over time, Kion and his friends grow older, with Kion's Roar becoming especially powerful ("We Will Defend"). Eventually, Simba informs Kion that they must take the fight to Scar in the Outlands. Kion agrees, as does Jasiri and her clan. Together, the Lion Guard gathers the other Pride Landers at Pride Rock to prepare for an assault on Scar's volcano. Unbeknownst to the Pride Landers, Scar's skinks overhear their plans to assault the Outlands.
Across the savanna, the Pride Landers continue to train together. Kion doubts his abilities, but resolves to fight against Scar with his team ("On the Last Night"). That night, Janja and his clan bait the Lion Guard into following them into the Lair of the Lion Guard. At the same time, Kiburi, Goigoi, and their allies set fire to Pride Rock, trapping the Lion Guard and Janja's clan in the Lair. The Lion Guard uses an underground pool to escape the Lair, along with Janja's clan.
No sooner has the Lion Guard escaped when Scar appears in the flames of Pride Rock and tells the Pride Landers to abandon their home. Simba refuses to surrender, and Scar mocks him for not having the power to defeat him. As the flames die down, so does Scar, with a final menacing laugh. After the fight, Jasiri arrives with Janja and implores the Pride Landers to trust him. Janja explains what Scar had told him about Kion's ability to defeat Scar once and for all. The Pride Landers then resolve to assault the Outlands and use Kion's Roar to take out Scar.
Later, the Pride Landers assault the Outlands, and the Lion Guard breaks into the volcano's inner chamber. Ushari sneaks up on Kion and slashes his eye, giving him a scar and injecting him with venom. Scar taunts Kion, asserting that Kion is now marked by evil and has the same destiny as Scar himself. Instead of giving in to his anger, Kion summons the Great Lions of the Past, who judge Scar by sending down rain that melts him away.
After the fight, the Pride Landers celebrate their victory. Jasiri becomes the leader of the Outlanders, with help from Janja and his clan. However, Ono mourns the loss of his sight due to too much exposure to smoke and volcanic fumes. The Lion Guard decides to bring both Kion and Ono before Rafiki for healing. Along the way, Kion's scar causes him so much pain that he accidentally uses the Roar on Bunga. He tells Rafiki how much he has been suffering, and Rafiki tells the Lion Guard that they must travel to the Tree of Life for healing. In Ono's stead, Anga becomes the Keenest of Sight, while Kion reappoints Ono to be the Smartest.
The group leaves the Pride Lands shortly after, along with Makini, to find the Tree of Life. The Pride Landers gather on the morning of their departure to bid them farewell.
===="The Harmattan"====
While en route to the Tree of Life, the Lion Guard arrives at the first landmark of their journey: a waterfall in the Back Lands. With the help of Anga, they spot the next landmark, an iroko tree, in the distance.
The team starts toward the tree, only to be thwarted by Makucha, who demands that they leave his territory. He and his friends, Fahari and Jiona, attack the Lion Guard until a dust storm called a harmattan interrupts the fight. Anga uses her eyesight to guide the Lion Guard to a cave by the waterfall, but Makucha and his friends have already taken shelter there.
Kion, irritated by the pain in his scar, nearly starts a fight with Makucha, only for his friends to calm him down. Makini encourages him to chew on tuliza in order to clear his head, and he does so. At peace once more, Kion implores his team to leave, but Makucha explains that a harmattan can last for weeks and that he does not want them staying in his territory for so long. He offers to guide them out of his territory, and despite Fuli's protests, Kion accepts the offer.
Together, the leopards and the Lion Guard venture out into the harmattan. They take shelter in a canyon, but a loose rock tumbles down toward Kion. Makucha shoves him out of the way, saving his life, much to the shock of Fahari and Jiona. Makucha merely claims that he had been trying to save himself.
Makucha leads the Lion Guard to a canyon that ends in a cliff. However, the Lion Guard cannot see the danger through the dust. Ono gets blown away in the storm and realizes that the direction of the wind has changed, which means that Makucha is leading them astray. Ono warns his team members, who turn to face Makucha and his friends, and a brief scuffle breaks out. The winds begin to pick up, and Ono warns the Lion Guard to take shelter behind rocks. The leopards do not hear his warning and get blown away. Once the storm slows down, Kion and his friends continue their journey to the Tree of Life, unaware that Makucha is following them.
===="The Accidental Avalanche"====
The Lion Guard struggles to climb up a mountain on their way to the Tree of Life. The team wonders if they should travel around the mountain, but Kion insists that they climb over it to save time. However, he slips on snow and knocks the entire Lion Guard down the slope with him.
After the fall, Fuli suggests that they take the route around the mountain, but Kion angrily insists that they continue climbing. He paws at his scar, and Fuli worries over him. Just then, Makini spots a family of snow monkeys relaxing in a hot spring. Anga flies over to ask for directions, only to scare them, as they are afraid of birds of prey. Kion scolds Anga for her failure.
Impatient, Kion decides to use the Roar of the Elders on the mountain in order to blow a hole through it. Fuli warns him that he is not thinking clearly because of his scar, but he orders her to follow his lead. He then uses the Roar and starts an avalanche that comes barreling toward them. The Lion Guard manages to rescue the snow monkeys from danger, but their home gets buried in the process.
Kion apologizes to the snow monkeys and vows to find them a new home as repayment. Yuki, the matriarch, explains that they want a hot spring with plenty of available food and no trees for large birds to nest in. Anga spots a hot spring, but warns that it is out of their way and has many nearby trees. Fuli cautions Kion that they do not have time for such a delay, but he refuses to see reason and insists that they journey to the hot spring.
When they arrive, they are greeted by flying squirrels. The snow monkeys are scared off and end up falling into a deep hole in the snow. Anga witnesses their disappearance, and Kion orders his team to investigate. Once more, Fuli warns Kion that he is not thinking clearly, but he brushes her aside.
When the Lion Guard arrives on the scene, Bunga falls into the hole himself. Ono warns the others that they cannot get too close, else they will fall in as well, and that any movement within the hole will cause the snow monkeys and Bunga to fall deeper. Though the team looks to Kion for direction, he asks Fuli for help, as he is not thinking clearly. She agrees and orders Anga to lift the snow monkeys out in her talons.
Once the snow monkeys and Bunga are rescued, Fuli tells Anga to find a new hot spring for the snow monkeys. Anga follows Fuli's orders, and the Lion Guard leads the snow monkeys to a new home. Once there, Fuli allows the team to take a brief reprieve, as they have earned it.
===="Ghost of the Mountain"====
While on their way to the Tree of Life, the Lion Guard reaches a bamboo forest. Anga spots a patch of tuliza, and Bunga offers to fetch some for Kion. He bounds up a cliff to reach the tuliza, but slips and falls a great height to the snow below, prompting Kion and the others to check on him.
Kion and the others find Bunga surrounded by a pack of red pandas who hail Bunga as "Songoson Khün." When Kion questions them, a red panda named Dughi explains that a Chosen One was destined to fall from the sky and defeat the Ghost of the Mountain. Just then, the pack's leader Domog approaches and explains that their pack has been haunted by an invisible force that has driven them from their homes. Kion agrees to help the red pandas defeat the ghost in order to keep the Circle of Life in balance.
The team journeys up the mountain, where they are set upon by an invisible foe. The team struggles to catch the "ghost" until it leaps onto a rock, allowing Anga to see that it is a catlike creature. Ono identifies the "ghost" as a snow leopard, and the Lion Guard tracks its footprints up the slope.
Eventually, through teamwork, the Lion Guard corners the snow leopard, Chuluun, against a rock. Kion warns Chuluun to leave the red pandas alone, but she asserts that she follows her own rules. However, before she can escape, Bunga tackles her, covering her in his orange paint. Chuluun fights him off and escapes.
No sooner has she disappeared when the team overhears fearful cries. Anga spots Chuluun, marked by orange paint, attacking the pack. The Lion Guard races to the rescue, only for Chuluun to evade them again. Domog questions if they had found the Ghost of the Mountain, and the team explains that Chuluun is behind the ghostly attacks. They then implore the red pandas to join them in defeating Chuluun.
Together, the Lion Guard and the red pandas follow Chuluun and corner her at the edge of a cliff. However, Chuluun rolls around in the snow to mask herself once more. Bunga orders the red pandas to keep Chuluun surrounded, then releases gas in her face. A shocked Chuluun loses her footing and plummets off the cliff.
Back at the bamboo forest, Bunga is hailed as a hero by the pack, and Makini identifies the next moja kwa moja stone, so the Lion Guard continues on their way.
===="Marsh of Mystery"====
The Lion Guard travels through a marsh and are suddenly attacked by a group of mongooses, which they easily defeat. In the middle of the fight, they get separated from Makini and Ono, so Kion and the others set off to find them.
While looking for Makini and Ono, they are once again attacked by mongooses and easily defeat them again. Kion and Fuli then track Makini and Ono by scent. They find Makini's footprints and are baffled that the prints lead in circles.
Not long after, the mongooses attack again, but Kion pins one and demands to know why they keep attacking the Lion Guard. The mongoose explains that Bunga keeps eating their snails. Kion apologizes on Bunga's behalf, but the mongooses refuse to accept his apology and demand more snails. Just then, Makini and Ono emerge from underground. Makini hits a tree branch while helping Ono get out, revealing lots of snails inside, which appeases the mongooses. Together, the Lion Guard journeys toward the next moja kwa moja stone.
===="Dragon Island"====
The Lion Guard stumbles upon an island. Kion wonders where the next moja kwa moja stone is, and Anga explains that it is on a hill on the island. The team ventures toward it, only to stop at the edge of the sea, where they briefly meet a dolphin named Lumba-Lumba before continuing toward the island.
As the team starts to cross a land bridge to the island, they are stopped by an old civet, who warns them about the dragons that inhabit the island. The Lion Guard brushes off his warnings and continues on their way.
Once on the island, Makini bounds off to gather tuliza for Kion. No sooner is she gone when a Komodo dragon named Ora attacks with the help of his minions. A desperate Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to blow his foes away, but in doing so, he causes the water to recede from the island, then come back as a tidal wave.
The Lion Guard struggles to escape the tidal wave, which decimates the island and causes Makini to lose her tuliza. Just then, the team hears Lumba-Lumba crying for help from the beach. They find her stranded on the sand and vow to help her. Kion admits that he is not in the right head and puts Fuli in charge. She commands Anga, Makini, and Ono to find the next moja kwa moja stone while the rest of the team digs a tunnel from the sea to Lumba-Lumba.
While the Lion Guard works to save Lumba-Lumba, a wave washes Ora and his friends back to shore. Not too far away, Anga, Makini, and Ono identify the next landmark: a tree on a cliff. They overhear the Komodo dragons attacking the Lion Guard and race to their rescue. Together, the team fends off the attackers.
After the fight, Makini explains that they cannot leave the island, since Kion's Roar destroyed the land bridge. Kion then uses his Roar to create a path through the waters. The resulting waves wash Lumba-Lumba back to sea, and she thanks them for saving her. The Lion Guard then journeys across Kion's path through the waves, with Ora and his minions in hot pursuit. However, once the team reaches the shore, Kion stops roaring, and the waves crash in on the Komodo dragons.
While the Lion Guard journeys toward the next moja kwa moja stone, Makucha recruits Ora to join him on his quest to get revenge on the Lion Guard.
===="Journey of Memories"====
The Lion Guard finds a moja kwa moja stone at a dry riverbed. Bunga questions why the stone shows a river, and Ono explains that landscapes can change with the seasons. Makini recalls having visited the river before with her parents, Fikiri and Kitendo, when they'd journeyed to the Tree of Life to present Makini to Rafiki. Makini then starts to remember more things about the place and asks for a little detour, which Kion agrees to. However, Kion and the others start to get annoyed when Makini's memories don't match their surroundings.
Eventually, the Lion Guard reaches the next moja kwa moja stone, which is located at a dry pool. Ono explains that the next landmark is a patch of four flowers in the shape of a diamond. Anga reports that she cannot find any white flowers, only a desert. Makini exclaims that she had to cross the desert in order to reach a series of cliffs. The team is doubtful of her memory, but with little else to go on, they let her take the lead.
The Lion Guard crosses the desert, enduring extreme heat and sandstorms. In the middle of their journey, they encounter a booming sand dune, or a sand dune that makes a hollow, echoing noise when bounced on. Makini starts to play on it, but accidentally gets sand in Kion's eye, which severely irritates him. When Kion seems to calm down, Bunga takes a turn playing, but the disturbance awakens a jerboa named Tupp, who yells at the team for interrupting his sleep. A short-tempered Kion growls and scares Tupp off.
After Tupp's departure, Kion decides to go back the way they had come. However, another sandstorm strikes, erasing their footprints and shifting the landscape so that they do not recognize where they are. Makini offers Kion some Tuliza, but he spits it out due to the sand in it. Ono then suggests that they build a shelter for the day and wait until nighttime to continue their journey.
That night, as the Lion Guard sleeps, Makini remembers her parents' life lessons. Beshte approaches, and Makini vents her frustration about how poorly her memories have served the team. Beshte reminds her that things have changed since her childhood. Kion approaches and agrees.
Just then, Tupp appears and leads them to a plant with water on its leaves. The Lion Guard drinks, and Makini washes off enough Tuliza for Kion to have a dose. Anga questions how Tupp had found the plant, and he explains that desert creatures use the sky to navigate their surroundings. This causes the team to realize that the four white "flowers" are really stars. They follow the stars to a series of cliffs, confirming that Makini's memories had been right all along.
===="The Race to Tuliza"====
The Lion Guard struggles to cross a desert. A fatigued Kion trips, and Makini offers him her help. However, the irritation in Kion's scar causes him to snap at her and insist that he is fine. Fuli tells Makini to give Kion a dose of Tuliza, but Makini admits that they are out.
While Anga looks for Tuliza, Bunga inadvertently annoys Kion. Fuli rushes to calm Kion down, saying that Bunga was fooling around, while Beshte adds that Bunga is just being Bunga. Kion apologizes to Bunga, who immediately forgives him, admitting he is good at being annoying.
Anga spots a patch of Tuliza past a nearby sea. The team arrives at the sea, only to find that the water is extremely salty. Makini suggests that Kion relax in the water, and he relents. Once in the water, he calms and begins to float on his back. In the meantime, Fuli leaves on her own to collect the Tuliza.
However, Kion's peace is disturbed when a group of flamingos arrives to play. The rest of the Lion Guard then struggles to keep Kion calm in the middle of the flamingo flock. However, the team gets distracted and loses track of Kion, who gets prodded by the flamingos. He awakens, irritated, and nearly uses the Roar of the Elders. Just then, Fuli approaches with the Tuliza and gives him a dose. Immediately, Kion calms down and apologize to the flamingos for snapping at them. The team then continues on its way.
===="Mama Binturong"====
The Lion Guard journeys through a forest and are bewildered by the animals living there who panic and flee whenever Tuliza is mentioned. Unbeknownst to the team, they are being watched by a porcupine, who reports the incidents to a binturong named Mama Binturong. Mama Binturong declares that every Tuliza flower belongs to her and that she will never let another animal have any.
When Anga rescues a civet from drowning after falling for Bunga's prank, the Lion Guard attempts to question him on why the forest animals are afraid to mention Tuliza, but the civet flees in fear once again.
After the incident, Mama Binturong approaches and watches the Lion Guard from afar. She witnesses Makini fetching Tuliza from her Bakora Staff, and orders her porcupine minions to steal the staff for her. The Lion Guard notices the theft, but only after Mama Binturong has taken the staff and retreated to her hideout.
The team questions a gibbon on where the staff could be, but he panics when they mention Tuliza. However, after being cornered by Anga and Bunga, he advises them to talk to a mongoose. The mongoose refers them to another animal, and he to another animal, and so on, until at last, the Lion Guard meets up with the gibbon in a cave. The gibbon explains that he could not have talked to them earlier, lest Mama Binturong's spies catch on to his activities. He informs the team that Mama Binturong hoards all the forest's Tuliza in her hideout in the Stone Forest. The Lion Guard takes off to deal with the problem.
Once at the Stone Forest, the Lion Guard struggles to fit between the pillars. Only Bunga is able to squeeze through, so they reluctantly depend on Bunga alone to retrieve Makini's staff. After a while, Bunga returns to the Lion Guard and gives Makini her staff back, after which the team moves on to find the next moja kwa moja stone.
===="Friends to the End"====
While en route to the Tree of Life, Kion pushes the Lion Guard to travel as fast as they can. Eventually, the team stops for a break at a watering hole, but Kion cuts the break short, insisting that they should keep moving. Fuli asks Makini to give Kion some tuliza, but the herb does not soothe his bad temper.
The team eventually reaches a canyon, where they spot several goslings jumping off a cliff. Beshte insists on saving them, much to Kion's annoyance. However, the mother goose arrives and lectures the team for ruining her goslings' attempts to leave their nests. After the incident, Kion chastises Beshte and declares that they will no longer be helping animals who do not need their help.
Shortly afterward, the Lion Guard finds their way blocked by a procession of peacocks. Impatient, Kion bulls his way through, purposefully knocking over one of the peacocks, shocking his friends and convincing Bunga that Kion is turning evil.
After leaving the canyon, Beshte befriends a clouded leopard named Yun Mibu, who is skilled at hanging from his feet. Kion is irritated by the delay and growls at Yun Mibu until he flees. He then turns his ire on Beshte, which prompts Fuli to challenge him. The two nearly get into a fight until Bunga breaks it up and reminds Kion that Rafiki had warned them about the venom's effects. This horrifies Kion, who runs off into the forest.
Kion laments his awful behavior. He looks into a pool of water and sees an image of Scar, which taunts him for his turn to evil. The encounter solidifies Kion's resolve to apologize to his friends, but as he turns to go back, he falls off a cliff and only barely manages to catch on to an overhanging branch.
Fuli begins to worry about Kion's long absence and sends Anga to check on him. She spots him hanging perilously from the branch and is unable to save him herself, so she fetches the rest of the Lion Guard. Once there, they try and fail to think of a solution. Eventually, Beshte gets the idea to summon Yun Mibu for help.
At first, Yun Mibu is afraid to help Kion due to their earlier encounter, but with some encouragement, he agrees to the task. Kion apologizes for his rude behavior and promises to never growl at a clouded leopard again. Yun Mibu then hangs by his feet over the cliff and, with some help from Anga, pulls Kion to safety.
Once to safety, Kion apologizes for being so mean to his teammates. They forgive him, and Makini gives him some tuliza for good measure. Kion suggests that they head out again, but Fuli orders him to get some rest first. He relents, and the team settles down for a much-needed break.
===="The Tree of Life"====
The Lion Guard crosses a frozen lake. The ice begins to crack beneath their weight, and the team scrambles to reach solid ground. Makini barely escapes, losing her bakora staff in the process. Since the Lion Guard no longer has Makini's staff to activate the moja kwa moja stone, they rely on Ono's memory of Rafiki's map to find their way. Unbeknownst to the Lion Guard, Ullu the owl spies on their activities and leaves to inform the Night Pride.
The Lion Guard enters the pass, but Bunga accidentally starts a rockslide by climbing the walls to reach a beehive. The rocks trap Bunga and block the pass, which frustrates Kion. Not long after, the Night Pride arrives, and Baliyo attacks the Lion Guard. A fight ensues, in which Kion loses control and uses the Roar of the Elders on Baliyo. The leader of the Night Pride, Rani, condemns Kion and forbids him entry to the Tree of Life.
As Kion's team works to free Bunga from the fallen rocks, Kion laments his bad choices and resolves to rely on his friends instead of himself ("Kion's Reckoning"). He returns to his team and admits it is his fault that they cannot enter the Tree of Life. Beshte suggests explaining their situation to Rani, and Kion agrees, as he wants Ono to receive healing for his sight.
The group clears the pass and has a second encounter with Rani, who has been told by her grandmother Janna to allow Lion Guard entry. Kion apologizes to her and implores her to accept Ono for healing. Impressed by his selflessness, Rani allows Kion to come to the Tree of Life. The Lion Guard follows the Night Pride through the pass until they behold the Tree of Life for the first time.
===="The River of Patience"====
Kion and his friends meet Janna, who kindly welcome them to the Tree of Life. After Kion and Ono are checked by Janna, she instructs Nirmala to take Kion to Dirisha, the River of Patience, since his problem is more than just his scar. At the river, Nirmala tells Kion to fetch her a flower on the opposite bank. First, he must wait for a log to float down the river. Then he must ride it to a sandy bank. Finally, he must climb a winding trail up the side of the cliff until he reaches the flower. Kion worries that it will take a long time for a log to appear, but Nirmala assures him that they will wait as long as necessary, even days. When a log passes by, Kion attempts to jump on it, but his impatience causes the log to tip. Just then, Nirmala is called away to join the rest of the Night Pride, leaving Kion alone to worry over the team's fate.
The Night Pride takes on Makucha and his allies, defeating them easily, as they do not work well together. At the same time, the rest of the Lion Guard joins Kion and relates how Rani had been called away to face down a threat to the Tree of Life. Kion frets that the Night Pride could be in danger, and the Lion Guard heads off to help defeat the unknown foe. However, they find that the Night Pride has already chased away the intruders. Upon finding out that Makucha, Chuluun, and Ora were the intruders, Kion admits that he had failed to notice that the Lion Guard was being followed. To make up for this, Kion offers the Lion Guard's service to help defend the Tree of Life, but is rebuked by Rani, who insists the Night Pride can handle things just fine. Janna reminds Kion that he has yet to finish his task and tells him to return to Dirisha.
Nirmala and Kion return to Dirisha, where Kion paces restlessly, waiting for a log to approach. Once more, a log floats down the river, but Kion is too impatient to properly land on it. This time, after falling in the river, he stubbornly decides to fetch the flower his way. He struggles against the current and attempts to climb the cliff face, but Nirmala uses her own path to beat him to the flower. Seeing this inspires Kion to properly follow Nirmala's advice. The next morning, Kion uses patience to properly land on a log, jump to the sandy shore, and climb the cliff trail. However, in the middle of the lesson, Nirmala is called away to deal with Makucha's army.
The Night Pride battles against Makucha and his allies, but Baliyo gets bitten by Ora, which paralyzes him. Kion spots the disastrous battle, but chooses to finish his task first. After fetching the flower, he rushes to help the Night Pride. Afraid of the Roar, Ora flees, but Makucha and Chuluun attempt to climb the cliff to reach the Tree of Life. Kion uses the cliff trail to cut them off and, with Rani's help, defeats them. The rest of the Lion Guard arrives in time to chase Makucha's army away. After the fight, Kion apologizes to Nirmala, since his flower had gotten trampled in the fight. She explains that it had been the task that was important, not the flower. She then encourages him by telling him that he has completed his first step in the path toward healing.
===="Little Old Ginterbong"====
While the Lion Guard, Baliyo, and Rani relax at a water hole, Kion washes off a layer of healing mud on his face. Nirmala explains that Kion still has much to do before he is fully healed, but that Ono's eye remedy is ready. Excited to see Ono's healing, Kion and his friends promise that they will be there to support Ono during his healing procedure. Once Ono is ready, Kion and the rest of the Lion Guard except Bunga go to the Tree of Life. On their way, the Night Pride introduce Mama Binturong as a sick animal in need of protection. Since Bunga is the only one who has met Mama Binturong, Kion and his friends do not recognize her. At the Tree of Life, they watch Janna restore Ono's eyesight, much to everyone's relief. They then look for Bunga to show him that Ono has been healed.
That afternoon, just as the Night Pride is ready for their patrol, Ullu informs the Lion Guard that Mama Binturong is in peril. However, Ono is able to realize Mama Binturong's deception because she'd called Chuluun by name, proving that the two are familiar with one another. This prompts the Lion Guard to head to the Tree of Life instead and chase away Makucha, Chuluun, and Ora, who are about to enter. After chasing away their enemies, Kion notes that while Ono is no longer the keenest of sight, his intelligence and sharp wit as the smartest member makes him irreplaceable as a member of the Lion Guard.
===="Poa the Destroyer"====
While on a break, Kion and his friends find amusement from watching Bunga talk about Binga in his sleep. After Bunga wakes up, Nirmala tells Kion that they will begin his next healing session, so Kion excuses himself and goes with Nirmala. Kion is instructed to sit on a tree branch and stays there while frogs jump on his body. Kion asks Nirmala how long he has to stay put, and Nirmala answers that the frogs are the ones who will decide. The healing session is interrupted by Rani, who questions Kion on how well he knows Beshte. The question confuses Kion, making him worried that something bad has happened to Beshte.
Rani then gathers the Night Pride and the Lion Guard at the Tree of Life to explain that Beshte has earned a bad reputation due to his destructive tendencies. Realizing that the situation is a misunderstanding, the Lion Guard decides to host a meeting at the Tree of Life where Beshte can earn the animals' trust back. When the animals gather together, Kion and Rani explain that Beshte is friendly and did not mean to cause destruction. Just then, Beshte approaches with Pinguino on his back. Pinguino declares that Beshte had saved his life, effectively clearing Beshte's name.
===="Long Live the Queen"====
Mama Binturong and her army attack a tiger named Varya and her cubs, who are seeking sanctuary at the Tree of Life. The Lion Guard and the Night Pride arrive, saving the tigers from further harm. Just then, Ullu arrives and warns Rani that Janna wants to see her, Kion, and the rest of the Night Pride immediately. While the Lion Guard stays behind to care for Varya and her cubs, the Night Pride and Kion follow Ullu to the Tree of Life. Once there, they see a crowd of animals outside the Tree of Life and realize that Janna is dying.
Together, the Night Pride and Kion enter the Tree of Life, where Janna lies in a weakened state. She expresses her gratitude for Kion and tells him that she wishes for him to stay at the Tree of Life. After Janna passes away, Kion comforts Rani. Makini then informs the gathered crowd of Janna's passing and Rani's upcoming coronation. After Janna's funeral, Kion comforts Rani once more. Rani expresses her doubts about becoming queen, and Kion admits that he had felt the same when he'd first become the leader of the Lion Guard. He mentions having been encouraged by his grandfather, Mufasa, at the time. He adds that ever since he got his scar, he has not spoken with Mufasa, as he feels he doesn't have the right to face him while looking like Scar. Rani assures Kion that everyone has their own scar and that he might actually feel better if he speaks with his grandfather. Kion thanks Rani for her advice and decides to follow it.
Kion finally speaks with Mufasa, who has been worried since it's been a long time since they had last talked. Kion apologizes to his grandfather and admits that he had been afraid of facing him because his scar makes him look like Scar. Mufasa, however, assures Kion that the scar doesn't matter to him and that Kion can always talk to him. Kion thanks his grandfather and promises that he won't be afraid to speak with him again. Afterward, Kion attends Rani's coronation with the rest of the animals at the Tree of Life.
===="The Lake of Reflection"====
Makucha and his army launch an attack on the Tree of Life. The Night Pride challenges them, though Baliyo's yawning exposes how exhausted they are from a night of patrolling. The Lion Guard arrives in time to help, but Kion and Rani's dual leadership results in confusion. Eventually, the Lion Guard and the Night Pride succeed in driving off the army, though Rani criticizes Kion for not following her lead. Fuli jumps to Kion's defense, but Kion admits that he no longer has control of the Roar. Nevertheless, he offers to patrol the Tree of Life during the day in order to give the Night Pride time to rest, and Rani gratefully accepts his offer.
Later, Nirmala leads Kion to Pratibimba. She explains that Kion's scar does not define him and that he must reflect on his past and future actions in order to remember who he is. After a while of looking at his reflection in the lake, Kion is approached by Rani. The two walk around the area as Kion admits his doubts about his scar and his ability to lead the Lion Guard without the Roar. Rani wonders if the Roar is necessary and considers if the Roar should be returned to the Tree of Life. They are interrupted by the Lion Guard, who brings the disputing Heng Heng and Kely before Rani. After Rani solves the problem between the two animals, Kion is left alone to reflect. As Kion continues to lament his inability to lead without the Roar, his friends try to convince him otherwise. Anga relates the time that a much younger Lion Guard had rescued Ono's egg from Janja's clan. Remembering the past, Kion feels inspired and revitalized, having realized that he does not need the Roar to lead his team.
Just then, Ullu arrives and warns the Lion Guard that Makucha's army is launching another attack. The Night Pride arrives, and Kion leads the two teams in their attack. This time, the teams succeed in their teamwork, and Rani praises Kion for his great leadership skills. The next morning, Kion tells Mufasa that he wants to return the Roar to the Tree of Life, as he has regained his confidence to lead the Lion Guard, even without the Roar. Mufasa advises him to go to Cikha Escarpment, where Askari had discovered the Roar. Kion does so, but when he arrives, Askari's spirit appears and offers to teach Kion everything he knows about the Roar.
===="Triumph of the Roar"====
Makucha and his army sneak into the Tree of Life due to Ullu falling asleep. The Night Pride arrives, only for the Lion Guard to take over the shift and defeat the army. After the fight, Bunga compliments Kion for his good leadership skills, and Nirmala agrees, adding that Kion's healing is complete. Rani worries that this will prompt Kion to return to the Pride Lands, but Kion assures her that he and the Lion Guard will help defend the Tree of Life from Makucha's army first. Bunga then urges Kion to use the Roar again, but Kion replies that he's not ready yet, confusing Bunga. Kion then leaves to speak with Askari, leaving Fuli in charge of the Lion Guard.
At Cikha Escarpment, Kion meets with Askari for more training. Askari reminds Kion that only one who is willing to let go of the Roar of the Elders can master it, and Kion confirms that he does not need the Roar to lead the Lion Guard. Kion continues to train with Askari, learning to use the Roar in incredible ways, such as lifting rocks, creating pillars, and more. Bunga and Rani, who are suspicious of Kion's refusal to use the Roar despite already being healed, go to Chika Escarpment after Makini reveals that Askari had mastered the Roar at the same place. They witness Kion practicing his Roar. Just then, Anga arrives and brings news that the Tree of Life is under attack. Before leaving, Kion tells Askari that he is ready.
At the Tree of Life, Beshte attempts to move a rock that is trapping the Night Pride in the Tree of Life, but is thwarted by Ora and his minions. Just then, Kion, Bunga, and Rani arrive, and Kion uses the Roar to defeat the villains. He then strikes the rock at the Tree of Life's entrance with lightning, destroying it and freeing the Night Pride. Finally, Kion sweeps Makucha and his army into a tornado, which sends them far away from the Tree of Life. Nirmala declares that Kion is truly healed, and Rani thanks him for saving the Tree of Life. She then tells him that he should stay at the Tree of Life, surprising Kion.
===="Journey to the Pride Lands"====
Kion is torn between staying at the Tree of Life and returning to the Pride Lands, so he seeks advice from Mufasa. He explains that he could use more training with the Roar of the Elders and that the Night Pride needs help protecting the Tree of Life. He notes that his whole family is in the Pride Lands and that he has a duty to his homeland. Mufasa tells Kion to choose the path that is best for him.
Just then, Rani approaches Kion, who teasingly remarks that she had once said that the Lion Guard will never be welcome at the Tree of Life. Rani retorts that it had been a long time ago. Rani then tells him that they make a good team. Kion agrees that the Lion Guard and the Night Pride work well together, but Rani makes clear that she's talking about the two of them individually. Kion agrees. The two travel around the territory, enjoying their time together while helping troubled animals, and finally confess their love for each other.
Kion assures Rani that she'll make a great queen without needing anyone's help. Rani adds that a great queen could use a great king and proposes to him. Before Kion can answer, they are interrupted by the arrival of the Lion Guard, who are ready to return to the Pride Lands. However, Kion admits to his friends that he has considered staying at the Tree of Life to help Rani, since the Pride Lands should be safe from any threat.
Just then, Ullu approaches, heralding the arrival of Azaad, Janja, and Jasiri. Jasiri informs Kion that Zira is invading the Pride Lands and that the royal family needs the Lion Guard's help. Kion decides to return, as it is the Lion Guard's duty. Rani bids them farewell and reaffirms that the Lion Guard will always be welcome at the Tree of Life. Makini stays behind, as she is now Rani's Royal Mjuzi.
Azaad leads the team to the fastest route home: a narrow canyon pass. Beshte is too wide to squeeze through, so Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to widen the pass. Next, the team comes to a canyon that is too wide to jump across, and Kion uses the Roar to funnel his teammates to the other side. Finally, Kion creates a rainstorm that fills a dry riverbed, allowing the team to hitch a ride on a floating log. The Lion Guard continues their journey, passing familiar landmarks, such as the marsh, the mountains, and more ("As You Move On"). Eventually, they reach the Great Stone Wall. Kion uses the Roar to break apart the rock, not knowing that the wall functions as a dam, and accidentally opens a fissure that spurts water. Kion continues to Roar in order to hold the water back while the Lion Guard rescues nearby animals.
Suddenly, Ono gets the idea to throw rocks into the path of Kion's Roar in order to cover the damaged section of the wall. The team works together, heaving rocks into the Roar, until there are enough to fix the hole in the wall. Kion stops Roaring, and the rocks fall, effectively blocking the dam. Kion compliments his friends on their teamwork, and Azaad leads the team around the stone wall. They eventually arrive in the Outlands, where they catch a glimpse of Pride Rock in the distance. The Lion Guard then enters the Pride Lands, determined to save their kingdom.
===="Return to the Pride Lands"====
In the Outlands, Kion and his friends reunite with Madoa, Cheezi, Chungu, and Mzingo. Madoa informs them that Zira's pride has already entered the Pride Lands. Kion leads his friends to the way back to the Pride Lands, but they are intercepted by Vitani, who has formed her own Lion Guard. The two groups clash and are equally strong. Kion decides to use the Roar to defeat Vitani and her team, but is interrupted by Kiara's arrival. Seeing Kovu behind her, Kion thinks that Kovu means her harm, but Kiara reveals that Zira's pride has joined the Pride Landers, except for Zira, whom Kovu reveals to have died. With the fight settled, Kion thanks Jasiri for her help before returning to Pride Rock and reuniting with his parents. Simba and Nala are concerned since Kion still has his scar, but Kion assure them that even though the scar will stay, he is fully healed, as the venom is gone.
Rafiki, Kovu, and Kiara then explain everything that had happened during the Lion Guard's absence, with Kion noting that they had missed a lot. At peace, Kion and his friends spend the rest of the day together with their family and friends, who welcome them back to the Pride Lands. At night, after he and his family speak with Mufasa, Kion stays behind at the edge of Pride Rock, staring at the four stars that had led him and his friends to the Tree of Life. Kiara notices Kion not returning to the den and stays with him. Kion tells Kiara that seeing her with Kovu reminds him of Rani. Realizing that Kion is in love with Rani, Kiara assures Kion that he might be able to return to the Tree of Life someday.
The next day, the Lion Guard returns to their lair, but discover that Vitani and her Lion Guard are already there. Vitani argues that she's the future king's older sister, so she and her lionesses should be the Lion Guard. However, Kion retorts that he is the future queen's younger brother and has the Mark of the Guard, so he and his friends are the Lion Guard. Their argument is interrupted by Laini, who asks for their help to free a stuck Thurston. This causes another argument between the two Lion Guards over who will help Thurston, until Azaad does the job for them. Kion comments that they must sort out their problems in order to avoid quarreling. Thurston suggests a competition to determine which team is better, and both Lion Guards agree to the challenge.
Later, Rafiki announces the Battle of the Lion Guards to a crowd of Pride Landers. He explains that there will be five competitions to determine who is the fiercest, strongest, fastest, keenest of sight, and bravest in the Pride Lands. Ono, being the first smartest member, acts as the judge. The two Lion Guards compete until they are tied, leaving only the competition between Kion and Vitani as both leaders of their respective Lion Guards. Vitani calls for a mashindano, or a physical fight. Kion is appalled and warns her that she does not stand a chance against the Roar, but Vitani asserts that she can be the fiercest without the Roar. This causes Kion to recall Askari's statement that only one who can let go of the Roar can truly master it. Realizing that Vitani is truly worthy of being leader of the Lion Guard, Kion relinquishes his team's duties to Vitani and her Guard. 
Askari appears in the clouds overhead and praises Kion for his decision. He adds that Kion has truly mastered the Roar, but Kion counters that he is no longer the leader of the Lion Guard. To this, Askari reminds him that the Tree of Life needs the Roar's protection as well. The Mark of the Night Pride that was bestowed on Kion by Queen Jana before her passing appears on Kion's shoulder. The rest of Kion's Lion Guard agrees to protect the Tree of Life alongside Kion and instantly gain the Mark of the Night Pride as well. After Kion's decision, Vitani questions Kion on what it means to master the Roar, and Kion demonstrates by picking up Pride Rock with the power of the Roar, which amazes everyone, especially Vitani.
As he is no longer the protector of the Pride Lands, Kion returns to the Tree of Life and marries Rani, with their families and close friends attending their marriage. Rani expresses that she is looking forward to ruling the Tree of Life with him, and Kion asserts that they will rule together. After Makini officially announces Kion as king of the Tree of Life, the crowd erupts into joyful cheers. Kion and Rani then roar together, officially beginning their reign as king and queen.
==Physical appearance==
Though quite similar in appearance to his father, Simba, Kion bears a striking resemblance to his grandfather, Mufasa. While Simba is more rounded in appearance, Kion is robust and block-like, with a square jaw and a pronounced chest. He possesses a pale golden pelt broken only by patches of lighter fur on his muzzle, paws, and underbelly. His fur is several shades lighter than his father's and carries more yellow undertones, as opposed to his sister Kiara's orange. This trait most likely comes from Nala, whose tawny color mixed with Simba's gold to result in a rich yellow.
Kion inherited dark ear rims from Simba. However, Kion's ear rims are black on the top and brown on the sides. Kion bears spots on the backs of his legs and the Mark of the Guard on his left shoulder. His tail tuft matches his head tuft in color, being somewhat bushier than his father's, and his eye rims follow the usual pattern, with the top shade being darker than his main pelt, while the bottom shade is lighter than his main pelt. His eyes are orange-brown.
As an adolescent, Kion is taller and more muscular. His mane has also grown longer and is more red, and most of the spots on his legs have faded. During the final battle against Scar, he is bitten by Ushari, resulting in a scar over his left eye. Unlike Scar and Kovu's scars, Kion's has two slashes instead of one. When Kion gives up his position as the leader of the Lion Guard to Vitani, his Lion Guard marking vanishes and is replaced with the Night Pride marking on his right shoulder. Kion later gains a painted blue marking on his forehead to symbolize his kingship over the Tree of Life.
==Personality and traits==
Kion is a stickler for the rules. Even in the face of temptation, such as when his baobab ball is lost in the Outlands, he heeds the words of his parents and intelligently recognizes the signs of potential danger. This strong sense of responsibility is in part why Kion is so level-headed and less likely to jump into dangerous situations than his best friend, Bunga.
However, despite this more accountable side, Kion still enjoys a good tussle with his friends. He can be careless when it comes to games, as seen when he disrespects his father and sister during their morning lesson with his game of Baobab Ball. Though mature in aspects of obedience and rule-following, Kion is still young and is less confident when dealing with more adult concepts such as romance.
Though not entirely well-versed in the adult sphere, Kion is strong-willed and able to trust his instincts, which is in part due to the gentle guidance of his grandfather, Mufasa. Undoubtedly, he is a cub who follows his heart, even in matters where those he loves oppose him, and is willing to follow the call of duty over pleasing family and friends.
His creativity knows no bounds, which is likely due to his straightforward nature and ability to see every side of a situation. This shines through most prominently when he is seeking members for the Lion Guard, for instead of simply following the path of duty and gathering a team according to tradition, Kion assesses all aspects of the job and picks the animals he feels are most qualified for the job. Even when his ideas are challenged, Kion is steadfast in his beliefs and brave enough to take a stand for what he feels is right.
However, Kion can be prideful when pitted against his sister, Kiara. He is usually capable of acknowledging his mistakes and he is not above apologizing or admitting when he is wrong to his friends, but will stubbornly refuse these same mistakes in front of Kiara due to the fact that he does not want to give her the satisfaction of knowing that she was right. Whenever Kiara boasts and teases him for something that she's able to do better than him, Kion is quick to get annoyed and retaliate by being sarcastic or pounce on her.
In his adolescence, Kion grows more mature. He is willing to give Janja a chance when the latter reforms and is quick to forgive him and his clan, having learned from his earlier experience with Makuu. This helps Kion not to give into his anger, even allowing him to forgive his great-uncle, Scar despite knowing how evil he is and what he did to his grandfather years ago before he was born.
Kion's one and only main fear is that he will give in to his anger and use the Roar for evil, thereby turning him into a power-hungry lion like Scar. His fear intensifies after he receives a scar of his own, tainted with Ushari's venom. This causes him to constantly lose his temper and control of the Roar. He also becomes hesitant to speak with his grandfather, Mufasa, as he feels he doesn't have the right to face him when his scar makes him resemble Scar. His fear increases to the point that he loses confidence in leading the Guard without his Roar.
Through the encouragement and support of his friends, Kion finally realizes that neither his scar nor the Roar makes him who he is; as a result, he regains his confidence as a leader, even at the expense of the Roar.
==Trivia==
* Kion was voiced by Max Charles. His singing voice for the latter half of Season 3 was provided by Aaron Daniel Jacob.
* Kion's name is likely short for "kiongozi," which means "leader" in Swahili.
* Kion's catchphrase, "Hevi kabisa!" means "Totally intense!" in Swahili.
* During early development, Kion sported a pawprint mark on his shoulder, as opposed to the finalized lion head.
* In The Lion King: Six New Adventures, a book series inspired by The Lion King, Simba has a son named Kopa, whom Kion bears a striking resemblance to. Both cubs are male, have golden pelts and reddish head tufts, and make friends with a spunky female hyena.
* Kion's Lion Guard is the first and only Lion Guard to have non-lion members and six members in total.
* Kion is the first leader of the Lion Guard who creates a new position: the smartest.
* Kion is the only lion who is known to have fought off the influence of the Mark of Evil and remained on the side of good.
==References==
Category:Animals of the Tree of Life
Category:Canon articles
Category:Characters
Category:Leaders
Category:The Lion Guard characters
Category:The Lion Guard members
Category:The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar characters
Category:Lions
Category:Males
Category:Pride Landers
Category:Pride Lands royal family
Category:Night Pride members
Category:Tree of Life royal family