Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy (Chapter 15)

Chapter 15 is the fifteenth chapter of Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy.
==Synopsis==
The villains launch their final attack on the Tree of Life, leaving its residents in peril and putting the territory in danger of extinction. When all hope appears to be diminished, it is up to Kion to utilize what he learned about the Roar of the Elders to save his friends - and prove that the leader inside of him has always been there.
==Transcript ==
The next day, the Lion Guard, Kingiza, and the Night Pride were patrolling the Tundra.
“Was anyone else unsettled by the patrol last night? I didn't get much sleep,” Bunga commented.
From his perch atop Beshte's back, Ono nodded, his eyes clouded with fatigue and his feathers ruffled with anxiety.
“Last night, I….I kept thinking that I could see m-movements in the bushes, or t-that I could hear the voices of M-Mama and the predators…” Ono said slowly, a note of trepidation in his tone.
At Ono's words, the Lion Guard, Kingiza, and the Night Pride exchanged uneasy looks. Beside Ono, Anga stepped closer, wrapping a wing around him protectively, a look of uncertainty in her eyes.
“If the predators had somehow managed to bypass Ullu and Cara again last night, we would've known about it. I seriously believe there is absolutely no way those two would let them get past again,” Rani said firmly, her true feelings betrayed by the note of apprehension in her tone. 
“Don't be ridiculous, guys. There wasn't anyone watching us last night. All of the skirmishes just put us on edge. But we can't let fear control us. We have to be strong, to protect this haven and everyone that depends on us,” Fuli said adamantly.
Meanwhile, Kion had journeyed to Cikha Escarpment.
“Askari?! I'm back!” Kion called.
Kion watched in awe as the clouds in the sky shimmered, Askari's spirit soon appearing before him.
“Greetings, Kion,” Askari greeted warmly.
“I'd like to continue my training,” Kion stated.
“Of course. You've already made great progress,” Askari replied.
“Thank you, Askari. I would be honored to someday be remembered as a legendary leader of the Guard, like you are,” Kion said.
“Very well. Soon, Kion, you will learn everything that the Roar can do,” Askari answered.
Here you stand on the edge of earth and sky
You can command them both, if you try
Look within, you may find even more
As you learn the power of the Roar
Kion squared his paws in front of him, his eyes brimming with devotion and tenacity.
His eyes narrowed in concentration as he focused on a large rock, perched on top of a tall spire. He roared loudly, sending shockwaves towards the rock, shattering it to pieces.
The power of the Roar
The power of the Roar
Kion smiled triumphantly, satisfaction coursing through his veins. He had never managed to split a rock in two with the Roar before.
This was new.
This was special.
And right now, his desire to prove to Askari, as well as experiment with the true extent of the Roar's powers, had taken hold of him.
I have the power.
It dwells inside you
And all around you
In ways you've never seen before
Kion bounded swiftly down a pathway, heading towards a enormous grayish-tan boulder near the edge of the escarpment. Kion unleashed the Roar, louder than before, causing the boulder to lift up slightly, 
The power of the Roar
The power of the Roar
Once you think you've found it all
You'll find there's still much more
What?? I'm using the Roar at its strongest level...no...
Free yourself from anger and from fear
The control that you seek will be clear
Though the Roar goes far beyond wind and sound
It can impact everything all around
Disappointed, Kion's mouth curved in a glum frown, and he looked down. However, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Askari, who glanced at him warmly, silently encouraging him to go on, to persevere, to try again. His smile and his spirit were enough to give Kion the strength he needed.
No. I won't back down! Just because I failed the first time doesn't mean it's not possible to win the second time!
''
With new light renewed in his soul and inner depths of his mind, he focused and let out the Roar of the Elders at maximum power, his claws scraping the rocky ground. The boulder shot up into the sky and was catapulted into the distance.
Hevi Kabisa! Kion thought, his eyes dilated in sheer amazement.
He had that power in him the whole time.
If he could move a boulder the length of a mountain range, he could do anything.
Kion bounded over to a small rock, bracing himself and using the Roar to raise up several boulders on the edge of the escarpment, catapulting them away.
The power of the Roar
The power of the Roar
It dwells inside you
And all around you
In ways you've never seen before
Noticing some small rocks around him, Kion let the Roar loose and picked them up with its force, swirling them around his body and into the sky, kicking up a cloud of dust. Then, seeing a old, blackened dead tree through the dust, he applied more power to the Roar and sent the tornado towards it. The rocks flew into the tree, splintering it in several places, and Kion's eyes gleamed with a thirst for neverending success.
The power of the Roar
The power of the Roar
Concluding his exhilarating and never before seen levels of his euphoric high, Kion unleashed the Roar and collected several large rocks, raising them into the air. He then propelled himself up into the air using the Roar, defying gravity whilst also summoning rock spires with the Roar's immense power. He landed on each and every one until he had touched the clouds - and could meet Askari eye-to-eye.
Once you think you've found it all
You'll find there's still much more
The power of the Roar
Askari's eyes gleamed with immense pride and warmth as he observed Kion.
“Excellent, Kion. I must say, I have never seen one use the Roar quite as skillfully as you before, nor have I seen others perform such feats as you have,” he praised warmly.
“Thanks, Askari. I...I want to stay here and keep practicing the Roar. There's still so much I can do, and I would like your help and eye in doing so,” Kion replied.
Askari chuckled. “You love to learn, young lion. Very well. Use the escarpment to your advantage and make yourself even stronger than before.”
Concurrently, Mhina had decided to take a walk by himself in Bamboo Woods, having needed some fresh air and time away from patrolling, alone with himself and only his thoughts. Suddenly, he heard the sounds of animals screaming.
Fear.
Agony.
Someone's in trouble! Do I have time to warn the Guard? No! There's no time! I have to intervene!
Sharply inhaling, Mhina summoned his courage and strength and ran as fast as he could manage in the direction of the horrid shrieking. His paws crunched on the uneven ground and trampled fallen stems of bamboo. The blood roared in his ears, but it didn't bother Mhina.
This was do or die. Animals were going to perish if he didn't arrive on the scene in time. 
He pressed on. 
Soon, Mhina reached a clearing deep within the bamboo and canopies of Marsh Forest, his eyes stretching wide in panic and horror at the unimaginable bloodshed before him.
All around him, there was blood. On trees, the grasses, the bamboo. It was everywhere. It made him want to vomit and forget he even came here.
And in the clearing were multiple, dead, scaled creatures, their eyes still open, their still bodies unmoving.
P-Pangolins...they're endangered here...
Mhina's lip began to quiver, and his paws wobbled.
This was the most disgusting and most vile thing he had seen in his entire life.
Then, he heard more terrified cries, and the bushes around him rustled. Gasping, he immediately dived into one, fearing what would come into his sight-lines in the next few moments of his life.
Suddenly, a pangolin burst out into the clearing, crying for help, but it would never come in time. A loud, thunderous roar echoed around the clearing, and leaping out of the brush was a massive lion, his ripping muscles being displayed through his dark orange fur.
In his eyes was hunger and sheer bloodlust. Mhina crouched and shrunk, his tail curling around his flank.
The lion lunged at the pangolin, swiping at it with a gigantic paw, and Mhina could do nothing as he heard a snap.
The pangolin skidded in the dirt, hunched into a ball, blood pouring from a mortifying gash on the side of its head, so much so that its eye had been torn out and flung away. The lion, triumphant, licked the blood off his paws. The remaining pangolins squeaked and fled as far away as they could from the tyrant.
Mhina was quaking, paranoid, petrified by what he had just witnessed.
Who was this tyrant? He wasn't a member of Reth's Pride. He wasn't someone he knew.
But it was someone he was dreading.
Something in his heart told him that what he had just encountered, this being, had a motive.
Bad motives.
And whatever those motives were, it involved mercilessly slaughtering innocent pangolins, more or less an endangered species at the Tree of Life.
Mhina's eyes flickered to the dead creatures, then to the blood in the clearing that the lion stood in, his mane drifting in the tense breeze.
Those pangolins. Dead.
He didn't arrive quicker.
I should have done something.
Then, the fear in his veins changed to anger.
Rage.
Blind fury.
This monster! You are a cynical beast for wiping out a population as threatened as these pangolins. I'll...I'LL MAKE YOU PAY!
''
Soaring out of the bushes with a caterwaul, Mhina landed behind the strange lion.
“HEY! TURN AROUND AND FACE ME, YOU TWISTED MURDERER!” he screamed, taking up a battle stance and squaring his hackles.
The strange lion whirled around and faced his advisory with despotic red eyes.
“Oh, goody. Another do-gooder wants to join my party for one,” he remarked, analyzing every inch of Mhina's body.
“No I do not! You owe me an explanation for why you slaughtered these innocent creatures!” Mhina fired back.
“Do I?” the strange lion retorted. “I came here on my own terms, silly leopon. I don't conspire with fools.”
“Answer me directly, snake eyes!” 
The strange lion snorted, scratching his chin with a sharp, black claw. Mhina noticed the scar over his right eye and began to shake.
Why does that feel...familiar...
“I have my qualms with this world. Everyone here is soft and tainted by their own glory. It's pathetic. Useless. True heroes spend their time plotting their next move and eliminating their sworn foes...they're smart. Cunning. Always full of themselves, high on the darker side of life. Am I right, Mhina?” 
The second his name fell out of the strange lion's mouth, Mhina backed away, only to be encroached upon by the strange lion and his bulky form.
“You...you know who I am?? I don't know who you are! You have no connection to me!” he hissed.
“I've known who you are for moons. Ages, it seems. It doesn't seem like too long ago that I left your homeland for good, was it?” Ubaya asked 
Mhina scrunched up his eyes, ghosts in his head whispering in a thousand voices to him, and he clawed at the ground.
No...I don't know him. It isn't him. It can't be him!
"Oh, stop denying it, Mhina. I'm tired of how gullible you and your family truly are,” Ubaya said.
“You aren't him!” Mhina shouted. “I don't know who you are! Get out of here and never return!”
“Pity. This is the most whiny display I've seen in all my years. Your family has never understood the pain I went through. The pain I felt when they exiled me! I wanted to be a king! I wanted to have power! I would have brought prosperity to Leopon Plains if it weren't for your demented family and your grandmother's oh-so-slick friend. If I had been given the chance, I would have killed Atiena to save myself! To prove that I deserved the throne!”
Mhina gasped, backing up. No. It could never be true, he wasn't here, he wasn't hearing this.
It can't be that traitor! That rotten, evil, self-absorbed traitor!
''
“Clearly meeting Atiena was a mistake. She's complacent. Everyone in your bloodline is complacent. Always so sick and dull and wasting away. Someday, I will have my chances for revenge, Mhina. It'll start with your grandmother, then your parents, and then my grandchildren...especially you. I am your grandfather, and as long as I keep breathing, I will spend every opportunity of my life to hunt you down and tear you apart until I can keep your skull as my most prized treasure."
With that, Ubaya let out the most disturbing cackle ever that was quick to extend into maniacal laughter. Mhina's eyes latched on to that scar, his flaming red eyes, his red mane, his muscle, his sharp claws, and the pblood that stained his terrifying teeth and muzzle.
The infamous traitor in Leopon Plains - the very one that tried to wipe out the Royal Family, his family - was his grandfather.
''
He was a liar, a manipulator, and immortal.
They were related.
This was the same lion who slayed the pangolins in the clearing.
This was the same lion who could have murdered Rani in the battle for the Pride Lands.
He could kill everyone here at the Tree of Life!
HE COULD HAVE KILLED RANI!
Mhina's anguish morphed into tears that streamed down his face. He felt shriveled up like a rose in the cold season.
“Since I'm polite, I'll spare your life for now, my dear grandson. But don't scoff at it- I'm coming back for you soon. And you'll be a dead leopon walking.” A final, piercing glare satisfied Ubaya, and he leapt into the bushes that surrounded the clearing.
Mhina could not move. He could not even comprehend this.
I'm...I'm the grandson of a traitor...
I'm the grandson of a MURDERER!
There's something dark inside of me.
Mhina's heart rate shot up and spiraled out of control. His head went into vertigo and spun.
I can't...I can't be here!
Looking up, Mhina saw the blood, bloody pawprints, and the trail of dead pangolins left behind by Ubaya.
Screeching, he ran blindly through Bamboo Woods, tears streaming down his face and staining his pale fur. He tore through shrubs, dips in the ground, rocks, and bamboo thickets, not caring about the pain or anything else but the fact that he was connected to one of the most haunting, despised lions in Leopon Plains.
Eventually, his legs gave out, and he collapsed in another small clearing, weeping his heart out. He had no strength left to find Rani, the Night Pride, or the Lion Guard, not even having the strength to reach out to Kion, the lion he loved the most.
How could he even tell Rani that he witnessed the same lion who had tried murdering her before? The same lion that had almost destroyed a population she worked hard to protect.
Would everyone hate him for this secret?
How can I tell them...I can't tell them...they'll reject me!
''
Mhina had nowhere to go and nowhere to run. His eyes were two waterfalls that didn't stop pouring. He laid there for minutes, but even in those minutes, it felt like moons had passed.
Fifteen minutes later, the tears had finally stopped pouring out, and Mhina sat up, no emotion over than gloom hanging over him.
He knew he couldn't open up to his friends, especially Kion and Rani, about this. Not yet.
Rani is going to flip out and bash my head into the ground once she learns this. And...I can't drive Kion away from me! I'm only still processing my feelings for him...
Where do I turn...
Mhina knew he would need to call upon a spiritual guide. He needed to confide in someone who understood.
Someone who understood him. Understood Ubaya.
Come on...wait.
An idea flashed across his mind.
There was only one leopon in Leopon Plains who knew Ubaya like the back of her paw, oversaw his destruction and made sure he wouldn't come back ever again.
She almost died because of him, but lived to tell the tale and keep the monarchy thriving.
With as much confidence as he could muster, Mhina gently called out to the skies.
"Grandmother Arjana, your majesty?"
The skies shimmered and the clouds parted, and immediately, the head of a leopon appeared. It was pale orange, and her blue eyes gleamed with years of wisdom and experience.
“Mhina. It has been a long time since we last exchanged words," she greeted. "What is it that you request from me today? I observe that something is very awry with you.”
“It's...I saw Ubaya. He's my...he's my grandfather, and...he murdered a whole group of pangolins!! I didn't arrive in time to stop them...I froze like a coward...he wants to kill me...I don't know where to go, Grandmother.” Mhina confessed.
Arjana stiffened, tensing at the mention of the lion who almost caused a coup in Leopon Plains. “I had a feeling this would happen someday. Even when I banished Ubaya, a part of me knew he would return and seek vengeance against my descendants...but Mhina, what you saw today wasn't your fault, and you shouldn't weigh yourself down with negativity. Terrible things happen in life. Murder. Violence. The cycle goes on. It's endless.”
“But I could have stopped Ubaya sooner... and I'm connected to him. He tried to murder my friend!” Mhina exclaimed.
“Mhina, at the end of the day, we can't stop time and can't go back and change things. You did your best. However, our efforts aren't always enough, and it is punishing. This isn't your fault. This situation was far out of your control and you did your best to stop Ubaya and avenge those pangolins. That is what should resonate in your heart - you were selfless and thought of others before thinking of yourself,” Arjana said gently.
“Really?” Mhina asked, lightening up slightly.
“You are never going to be like Ubaya. There is no darkness within you, not a single scrap of what has culmulated in that wretched lion. He isn't who you are, you aren't who he is. You are different and were born in light compared to depths of unspeakable evil. You can do the right thing in this world and fight against Ubaya. Show him you aren't a coward and that he messed with the wrong family,” Arjana advised, her tone polished and serene.
Mhina nodded. “And...how do I tell my friends about him, Grandmother?” he asked.
“That decision can be made whenever you feel ready. It won't be an easy thing for them to think about; it's jarring and it's freakish. But no one is going to turn you away for someone who committed treason way before you were born. You are a valiant soul and they understand that, so they're bound to understand what you went through once you properly explain it,” Arjana replied.
For the first time in what felt like seasons, Mhina felt calmer and had received the clarity he needed. He wasn't a mistake and he wasn't born with darkness just because he was related to Ubaya.
He was different. He was never going to act like him. He wasn't going to become him.
His friends were supportive. Loyal. They'd follow him to the end, notably Kion.
Even if Rani struggled to believe it was true, she would still be his friend.
Mhina formulated a small smile on his face, meeting Arjana's gentle gaze. “Thank you, your majesty,” he thanked, dipping his head out of utmost respect.
“You're welcome, my darling. I must go, but remember, if you need any more advice regarding Ubaya or your situation, I will always be here to help.” Blinking, her form in the sky faded.
Mhina, now more resolute, set off in the direction of the Tree of Life.
At the same time of Mhina's resignation, the Lion Guard and the Night Pride were patrolling Desert Plains. Anga soared above the patrol, her eyes glimmering a shade of orchid, and something got her attention.
“Guys!” she shouted down to them. “There's a camel stuck in the sand! He needs our help!”
"That would be Registaan. Come on, guys!" Rani exclaimed.
As the patrol marched onward, Bunga hung back slightly, thoughts clinging to the back of his mind surging to the surface.
Where on earth is Kion??? He's skipped so many patrols lately it feels like he's not even here anymore. Why isn't everyone worried about this?
“Bunga! Hurry up!” Ono called back to him, and sighing, Bunga followed.
When they reached Registaan, they found that the camel had half of his front legs stuck in thick sand. No matter how hard he struggled, he couldn't get back up to his hooves, and he whined miserably.
“Hakuna Matata, camellyamel! I'll have you out in no time!” Bunga remarked, leaping in front of Registaan and digging at both of his hooves. Surprised, the camel stood still and swallowed down his vomit, not wanting to give the wrong impression to the honey badger. Bunga's paws dug deeper and deeper until one hoof popped free, and then, just a minute later, the other hoof was free.
"There ya go. All better?" he asked.
"Yes. Much appreciated, thank you," thanked Registaan, who then headed off into the plains.
“...really, Bunga?” Fuli muttered in irritation, and alarmed, Bunga turned around to find that he had flung sand all over the cheetah's face - and she looked less than amused.
“Oops.”
Fuli shook the sand off her face, her eyes narrowed in frustration.
“So, has anyone actually seen Kion today? It feels like he hasn't led us on the day patrol in days,” Bunga remarked.
“That's because he hasn't been able to lead us on the day patrol in days. He's had more important things weighing on him than patrolling,” Fuli said irritably.
“Like what? He's the leader of the Guard. What could be more important than actually leading us?” Bunga questioned.
“Maybe…being cured from the venom Ushari inflicted on him?” Fuli suggested sarcastically.
“We've been here for a moon, how much longer does he need?” Bunga retorted.
“Ughh. Kion is fine, Bunga. If he wants to have time to himself, it's none of your business what he's doing. I have complete faith in him, he'll know when he's healed. Now will you please keep your mind on our patrol?” Fuli insisted.
“But where do you think he is, Fuli?” Bunga asked.
Fuli released a frustrated sigh.
“I don't know, Bunga. Maybe in the Valley of None of our Business or in the Field of Be Quiet,” she snapped.
“Those sound like nice places,” Beshte remarked.
“Indeed,” Ono commented.
“Yep,” Anga agreed.
“We've barely seen Kion for days. He could be in in trouble and afraid to tell us,” Bunga pointed out.
“I'm sure Kion would tell us if he was in trouble, Little B,” Beshte said patiently.
“Maybe, maybe not. Y'know what? I want answers. I'll go to the Tree and ask Janna and Makini what they think,” Bunga said, dashing off in the direction of the Tree.
“Bunga! Get back here! The patrol isn't finished yet!” Fuli called after him.
“I'll go get him, keep the patrol going and enjoy the peace and quiet.” Rani said, taking off after Bunga.
When Rani reached the Tree, she saw Bunga striding inside the entrance, immediately, Rani ran after him.
“Bunga! Don't march in like that! Grandmother could be sleeping!” she hissed irritably.
“It's the middle of the day! Nobody's sleeping right now!” Bunga called.
“Well, hasn't it occured to you that we're called the Night Pride?” Rani muttered sarcastically as she headed inside the cavity of the Tree.
“Heyyyyy Jannnaaaaa??? Are you available for a few heartbeats??? I have questions to ask here!” Bunga shouted, only making Rani groan and mask her continuing embarrassment.
“Bunga! Stop it! My grandmother doesn't need you clamoring around like this!” she growled in exasperation.
“Hey, Queen J! Why is it so empty up in here?” Bunga asked.
“Nguruma, Kenene, and Umhlaba went out a while ago to forage for herbs. What's going on?” Janna inquired in turn, sensing that the honey badger was desperate for something.
“We're looking for Kion. We haven't seen him much in days," Bunga replied.
“Actually, I'm supposed to be bringing Bunga back to the patrol. But it seems like I have to help him search for Kion too, I guess,” Rani muttered, approaching her grandmother lightly.
“So Kion has been in and out lately?” Janna surmised. “That is strange, I do admit. Unfortunately...I am of no help here. Kion and I have barely spoken during his stay here, and I, too, do not have any information regarding his whereabouts.” 
At the sound of Kion's name, Makini suddenly burst out of the brambles concealing the back den.
“Kion's missing???” she questioned in shock.
“We've hardly seen fur nor tail of him for days now, I'm suspicious,” Bunga explained. 
“Suspicious of what? Have you searched everywhere at the Tree of Life?” Makini prompted.
“We've taken patrols everywhere in the past few days, and other than the one we took last night, Kion's been a no-show. Thinking about it now, he hasn't slept with us either,” Rani stated, her eyes foreign.
“Have you searched Cikha Escarpment? I know it's remote and patrols don't often go there,” Makini inquired.
Rani gasped. “Cikha Escarpment?? The place where Askari discovered...the Roar??”
“Hold up. You're suggesting that Kion could be practicing the Roar???” Bunga asked in astonishment, his eyes dilated incredibly wide.
Makini nodded. “Cikha Escarpment is where Askari first discovered the Roar of the Elders. If you ask me, Kion must be practicing how to control and master the Roar there. That has to be why he's been forgoing patrols. Here, look,”
Raising her staff, Makini tapped on a cave painting of Askari on a peak in Cikha Escarpment. The painting came to life, glowing in bright colors; the painting of Askari then stepped forward and used the Roar to raise a boulder in the air, proceeding to splinter it in half.
Rani and Bunga faced the painting in awe.
“Grandmother, I remember you telling me about Askari when I was a cub, you've always said he's legendary around here,” Rani breathed.
“Indeed.” Janna purred. “I agree with Makini that Kion has started to master the Roar. Go to Cikha Escarpment with Bunga, Rani. You'll need to show him the way there.”
“Alright! Zuka Zamaaaa!” Bunga called as he dashed out of the Tree's interior.
Rani hesitated for a heartbeat, turning back to face Janna, wondering if this was a solid idea or not.
“Go on, my darling. Bunga needs you,” Janna encouraged.
Convinced, Rani nodded and followed Bunga outside, catching up to him and leading him in the direction of Cikha Escarpment.
Simultaneously, Mama Binturong and her army had assembled at the Mountain Pass.
“Everyone! Listen up! It's time for us to launch our latest and most malicious attack yet!” Mama Binturong announced.
“Malicious? How funny. Every single one of our attacks has failed and you're convinced we're going to conquer this whole territory,” Makucha snorted, flexing his claws in the snow.
“Stop with your sass, you foolish leopard,” Mama hissed in revulsion. “This attack will work. It will be. We aren't playing coy with those freaks any more. We're going to be extra deadly.” 
She leapt down from the tree she was in. “Come close, members of my army! Here's the plan...”
At the same time, Reth's Pride had assembled at the Giant Lake.
“My pride! Today is finally the day that our vengeance takes flight!” Reth announced to his pride, sitting before him on a bank next to the lake. “We are going to relentlessly tear through and slaughter everyone without mercy. We won't go hungry again! Our pride won't be tarnished again! We will WIN!”
“Long live Reth!” Alasiri chanted.
“We're going to be spoiled rich!” Ekene chimed in.
“I can send Mhina to rock bottom. Oh, how it tickles me pink...” Kariuki murmured.
Slash stepped up to Reth. “When is the attack commencing, Reth? My paws are itching for some bloodshed.”
“Right now,” Reth whispered, baring his teeth in a viciously antagonistic smile.
By that time, Kenene, Umhlaba, and Nguruma had returned from their herb gathering expedition. Kenene, Makini, and Umhlaba headed to the back cave to sort out the herb supply, Nguruma settled down in his nest beside Janna.
Suddenly, a voice shouted from outside the den, “Hoo-hoo! Your majesty, you have a visitor!” Ullu called.
“Ullu? Bring this visitor in, please,” Janna requested, shifting her paws, and Nguruma sat up, detecting the sound of heavy footsteps. He tensed.
The visitor promptly trotted in. He was a leopard with a light golden pelt, lighter patches breaking up said pelt on his muzzle, belly, and paws, and mutliple rosettes all over his body. His tail swished from side to side, and he appeared to not only be concerned, but fearing something.
Upon seeing him, Janna gasped, and the scent of the leopard flooded Nguruma's nostrils.
“LEOPARD!” he yelped, instinctively unsheathing his claws and putting distance between him and the stranger. “Makucha??! What do you want from u-us???”
“I'm not Makucha,” the leopard stated nervously. “I'm...I'm his brother, Orji, and I've come to deliver a warning to all of you.”
Makini, Kenene, and Umhlaba pushed the brambles to the back cave aside, and stepping out first, Kenene stood in front of the two younger mandrills, pointing her staff at Orji warily - she didn't trust him, nor did she know if he had a secret vendetta against him just like his felonious brother.
Orji paced in front of them.
“I mean no harm, I truly do. I'm not like my brother. However, I need to warn you that he's plotting to attack this territory. He desires to eliminate every rare animal here, and he-“
“He's already tried to do that!” Makini corrected, stepping up beside her sister.
Orji, gasping, took a few steps backward. "
“Oh...oh heavens, no, I came too late...I'm so sorry...”
“Orji. Calm yourself, please, and come sit in front of me,” Janna beckoned, giving him an earnest smile. Trusting the elderly lioness, he walked up to her and sat down, steadying his breathing, his panic gradually easing.
Nguruma was also becoming accustomed to the leopard and sat close beside Janna, eying him with his blind blue eyes.
“Now," Janna continued, “since you are Makucha's brother, we're going to be asking you a few questions. After all, you must have valuable information since you've known Makucha all your life, yes?”
Orji nodded.
“All right, let's begin.”
Janna, taking a breath, began the interrogation.
“If you knew Makucha had plans to attack the Tree of Life, why did you come so late?” Janna asked.
“I was going to warn you the second I heard about his plan to hunt the rare animals here. However, shortly after he left the Back Lands, a violent harmattan hit. It persisted for days. And when it ended, the Back Lands got battered by heavy rainstorms. I would have come much earlier, but there was too much danger in my homeland,”
“Harmattans are a big deal. That's understandable,” Kenene murmured. “Now, do you know what animal species Makucha said he was going to attack?”
“I don't know. He never clarified. Personally, I believe he wants anything he can put his teeth on,” Orji responded.
“How come you didn't try to stop Makucha's plan at the start?” Nguruma questioned.
“When you're one leopard against a leap of leopards, it wouldn't have done me any good. They would have just murdered me. Makucha already thinks I'm a disgrace for not following in our father's pawsteps. I'm estranged from my father. We don't talk. But what I do now counts toward a brighter future for the Tree. My brother is going to cause a murdering spree if we don't stop him in time. Your majesty...I request your permission to stay here, in addition to helping your subjects figure out a way to defeat Makucha,” Orji answered.
Janna nodded in consideration. “Of course, Orji. This is one of the biggest threats we've had in a long while. Stay for as long as you need. Your information is valuable and will aid us.”
“Thank you,” Orji thanked, dipping his head out of respect for the dowager queen. Ullu flew up to him.
“Come with me, Marsh Forest should be a suitable habitat for you to stay,” Ullu said.
“I'm very grateful to have the chance to visit this safe haven and help defeat Makucha,” Orji replied.
He followed Ullu out of the entrance to the tree.
“Janna…something is going to go horribly wrong today, isn't it?” Nguruma asked.
Janna glanced over at him, an expression of shock and concern in her eyes.
As Orji and Ullu headed towards Marsh Forest, they heard voices and shouts coming from the Mountain Pass.
"What calamity could be going on this time?" Ullu pondered. "Stay here. I'm going to check."
She took off into the sky, and upon glancing in the direction of the pass, she gasped, aghast. She immediately flew down to where Orji waited, landing beside him.
“It's Mama Binturong and her army, hoo! Makucha is with them!” she reported frantically.
“Makucha?!” Orji uttered his name nearly in a stutter. “What's going on? What are they saying?”
“I couldn't hear!” Ullu exclaimed.
“This is our chance, Ullu. We have to spy on them and see what they're planning. Everything is telling me that there is danger and malice in the air. Let's go!”
The two of them began to rush towards the Mountain Pass, taking shelter behind a boulder upon arriving.
Mama Binturong had assembled her army under a dead tree, with her tail wrapped firmly around a branch, making her hang upside down.
“Listen up, my subjects! You know what we're going to do now that I have filled you in. We're going to march in there, hunt the rare animals, and DESTROY THE MONARCHY!!”
“We're going to take that old Janna's life!” Jiona declared, laughing.
“Blood! Blood everywhere!” Julisha chanted.
“Prepare to take your positions that Mama assigned you. We will start with the monarchy, so expect to meet near the Tree of Life,” Smun said, heading over to where his master was hanging.
“We have to do something!” Orji whispered to Ullu, his tail swishing from side to side.
Suddenly, Chuluun tensed and whipped around, observing the swish of a leopard's tail, causing her to gasp and her hackles to rise.
“Spy!” she hissed, her claws springing out. Ullu flew out from behind the boulder, startled. She landed beside Orji, her feathers ruffled.
Immediately Mama Binturong's expression hardened, a growl rising in her throat.
“Well, we have traitors in our midst!" she snapped. “Julisha, Fahari, Smun, Spike, stay with me. We're going to deal with the simpletons. Everyone else, advance toward the Tree and show no mercy!”
The predators, snarling, took off.
Ullu and Orji exchanged a glance, their eyes reflecting the same thought. Immediately, they tried to head down the pathway back to the Tree of Life, but their path was blocked by Smun and Spike.
Fahari snarled. “Orji! How dare you think you're welcome here after refuting Makucha and shaming him, traitorous scum??" With another snarl, he leapt at Orji and sliced the fur on his face, scarring him.
“At least I didn't taint my paws in scarlet!” Orji retorted, slashing Fahari's flank and instantly drawing blood.
Fahari, growling, pinned him down and started clawing at his belly and side.
Ullu quietly spread her wings, preparing to fly off when Mama Binturong shoved her back to the ground with her paw.
“Not so fast! You're only going to meddle with our scheme. Smun, Spike! Incarcerate her!” she spat.
Immediately Smun and Spike closed in on on both sides of Ullu, their quills poking into her feathers, and she winced in pain.
“Now, hmm...what to do with those spies... should they be executed? Or should I hold them as prisoners and torment them...” Mama Binturong deliberated, walking away with a paw curled under her chin.
Ullu could see Orji still battling Fahari not far away, claws slashing and slicing, eyes brimming with hatred of one another. Orji was bleeding from his cheek and on the side of his body while Fahari had mutliple fur clumps missing and a chin matted with blood.
She had to do something! Mama Binturong could give the execution order any minute.
Ullu couldn't fly, the porcupine quills were pressing into her. Her wings weren't useful...
But her head was. In a literal sense, at least.
“We've got our eyes on you, bird. There's no use trying to escape,” Spike said.
“You wanna watch me? Hoo-hoo! Please do. And watch this too,” Ullu said.
She rotated her head around a full one hundred and eighty degrees, and the porcupines, astonished, screamed.
“What the…?” Spike yowled.
“Argh! Her head went all the way around!" Smun stated in shock.
“Hoo-hoo! See you!” Ullu called triumphantly, flying off.
“M-Maybe we don't tell Mama about this,” Smun said nervously.
“You don't NEED to,” Mama Binturong muttered in irritation.
Distracted by the commotion, Fahari's head shot upward to the sky, and seizing his moment, Orji roughly threw him into a rock and sped away. Knowing Ullu could find help, Orji raced off in the direction of the Tree, desperate to find his brother and put a stop to his bloodshed. 
As Ullu flew in the sky, her eyes scanned the territories below her, looking for the Night Pride. She found them in a grassy field and flew toward them at speeds she never managed before.
“Night Pride! Night Pride!” Ullu called frantically upon reaching them.
“Ullu? What is it!?” Surak inquired.
“Mama Binturong is headed this way with all of her army of villains!” Ullu exclaimed.
“We'll go to the Tree and inform Mother that her life is in danger. You find the Lion Guard and Cara, warn them of what's going on, and tell Cara to help you cover the whole territory from above.” Jivin ordered. 
As Ullu flew off, the Night Pride rushed in the direction of the Tree of Life, bolting into the Tree's inner chamber upon arrival.
Startled by their sudden entrance, the gathered members of the pride exchanged alarmed glances, murmuring quietly among themselves. Overhearing the commotion, Kenene emerged from the brambles covering the back cave, Makini and Umhlaba behind her. Beside Janna, Nguruma tensed, his pelt bristling as he sensed the tension in the air. Janna soothingly stroked her tail along his spine, a look of worry and apprehension in her eyes 
“Mother!” Surak called.
“My sons! What is the meaning of this? What has happened?!!” Janna inquired.
“The army of predators is approaching, fast! They've already made it through the Mountain Pass. It means all out warfare. The Tree of Life could be destroyed! Our subjects, including yourself could die!” Jivin explained frantically.
“Everyone! Go out there and fight! Protect our home!” Janna ordered.
“Mother! We'd be leaving the Tree defenseless-“ Surak protested.
"Just go! Lives are depending on you!" Janna fired back.
“Come on! We must drive these villains out and protect the animals!” Jivin called.
Unbeknownst to them, Ora and his bank had assembled outside the entrance to the Tree, surrounding an enormous boulder. They pushed the sandy-gray boulder, and it rolled into the entrance to the Tree's inner sanctum, blocking it off completely. Light vanished from the den, and darkness took over, causing everyone to gasp.
“It was a ruse!” Maya cried.
“We're trapped!” Baliyo exclaimed.
As the Night Pride crowded around Janna, Nguruma could feel pelts closing in on him; his eyes darted in every direction as his heartbeat rapidly accelerated. As the murmurs grew in intensity, he felt the air tightening around him, and he began shuddering violently.
I…can't...breathe...
All this noise, the murmuring, too much is going on! I can't take it!
“S-STOP!“ Nguruma shrieked, toppling off of the pedestal and hitting the ground below. He raised his head up, gasping for air as he struggled to breathe.
“Everyone! Get back! Don't crowd him!” Nirmala ordered quickly.
As the rest of the Night Pride shrank back, Makini slowly approached Nguruma.
“Shwari, Nguruma, it's me, it's Makini. Everything's all right, you're safe, I promise.” Makini soothed, gradually moving closer until she was standing beside him.
“I'm right here, everyone's here. We're all safe. It's gonna be okay,” Makini continued, her tone soft and comforting.
“H-How can you say that? The p-predators are-“
“Nguruma, little one. Sssh. Slow down. Breathe,” Janna assured, placing a paw on his shoulder, and he relaxed slightly with the touch.
“That's it, Nguruma. Just breathe, in and out. Nobody's going to hurt you,” Makini said reassuringly. 
“But what about K-Kion??!! Something could happen to him!!“ Nguruma exclaimed.
“Nguruma,” Nirmala replied “Kion is strong enough to know how to handle the predators. The main concern right now is you. Aramakaro. Relax.”
“I-I c-can't!” Nguruma wailed.
Makini moved so she was standing in front of him, placing one palm over his heart, and the other on his shoulder.
“You're safe, Nguruma. Focus on that, there's nobody inside this cavern that wishes to hurt you. We're here for you,” Makini assured him.
“R-Really?” Nguruma asked tremulously.
“Yes. Count to ten with me. One, two, three...” Nguruma repeated after her ten times, growing more relaxed and less stiff with every number, and finally, he let out a sigh of relief.
“Better?” Makini inquired softly, ruffling his mane affectionately. He nodded.
Nirmala tapped the tip of her tail on Makini's shoulder. “Fetch me some thyme. He'll need it for the anxiety. And, if there's any available, some ragweed. It'll boost his strength and energy.”
“On it!” Makini immediately went to the back den and retrieved said herbs, placing them at Nirmala's front paws.
“Thank you. Nguruma, eat these. It'll ease your shock and give you more vigor,” Nirmala gently instructed.
Nguruna knelt down and lapped up the herbs, chewing them for a minute before swallowing. “Thanks, Nirmala.”
“Anytime.” Giving a brisk shake of her head, she approached Janna. “Janna, Nguruma is calm now. But what about the battle? What can we do?”
Janna turned to her, a flicker of her eyes betraying her disquiet. She then turned to the rest of the Night Pride.
“Strongest members! See if you can shove the boulder away from the Tree!”
Jivin, Maya, Surak, Sâhasí, Ãnanda, and Baliyo rammed their bodies up against the boulder, pushing, shoving, and straining with numerous grunts, but the boulder was too heavy to move.
“It's too heavy!" Sâhasí remarked through pants. “What do we do?”
“Nothing,” Janna admitted grimly. “Our only hope is Kion now. If he's practicing the Roar, that is...”
Everyone gasped.
“Kion??!” Nguruma demanded, his blind eyes stretched far wide in shock.
By that time, Rani and Bunga had reached Cikha Escarpment. 
“Cikha Escarpment is up there, follow me,” Rani said.
Bunga's eyes were wide with astonishment as he gazed up at the tall rock spires above him.
“Woah! UnBungalieveable! So this is where Askari discovered the Roar,” Bunga said.
“Yeah, a long time ago,” Rani replied.
“You think I could get the Roar? And if I did, would honey badgers appear in the sky?” Bunga asked.
“I really don't know,” Rani answered, a frustrated expression crossing her face.
“Hey, why the Fuli face, Rani-“
Suddenly, a loud roar shook the rocks, almost appearing as if it had shaken the whole escarpment, and Bunga and Rani leaped back in surprise.
“What...was that-“ Rani started.
“The Roar of the Elders!” Bunga shouted, jumping up and down in front of Rani. “That was the Roar! The Roar is back! And if the Roar is back, that means Kion is here!” 
Rani's frustrated expression was swiftly replaced by one of awe and wonder.
“What are we waiting for? It's coming from the top of the cliff, let's go!” Rani exclaimed, immediately dashing off towards the source of the roar. 
"Wait for me!!!" Bunga called from behind her as he hurried to catch up.
Once they had reached the top of the escarpment, both stopped in their tracks when they saw that Kion, his stance firm and powerful, was using the Roar to swirl a set of rocks in the air and guide them in all sorts of directions. Using a more powerful blast, he smashed them into each other and created a mini explosion, destroying the rocks. He smiled in satisfaction.
Behind him, Bunga began clapping enthusiastically, a look of extreme excitement and astonishment in his eyes.
“Ohh yeah! The Roar is BACK!” Bunga exclaimed.
Alarmed, Kion jumped backwards, preparing to blast his supposed foe to oblivion, but dropped his shoulders when he saw it was merely Bunga and Rani.
“Bunga?? Rani?? What in the name of spirits' green earth are you doing here?? How…how did you even find me?" Kion demanded, shuffling his paws.
“Grandmother and Makini suggested to us that you'd be here,” Rani explained. “Kion, we've barely seen you at all for days. You wouldn't tell us where you went or what you'd be doing. Bunga was worried about you.”
"Yeah I was worried! But Kion...you're using the Roar! YOU'RE USING THE ROAR!" Bunga screamed excitedly.
“How did you even do that, Kion? Is this what you've been doing all this time?” Rani asked.
“For the most part, I wanted to learn how to gain complete mastery of the Roar, just like Askari did. I wanted to learn how to use it without hurting others I care about ever again," Kion explained.
“Does Mhina know about this, Kion? It doesn't seem like the type of secret you'd keep from him,” Bunga remarked.
“Bunga! Stop trying to get in Kion's private life!” Rani scolded.
“Mhina doesn't know, nobody does. I haven't even told Fuli. I didn't know what the others would think,” Kion said, his pelt bristling at the mention of Mhina's name.
“What will you do once you completely mastered the Roar?” Rani questioned.
“Then...we'll return home,” At the indirect mention of the Pride Lands, Kion felt his heart swell with joy. How he missed the savannah and the constant chatter of the Pride Landers!
Suddenly, the three of them were startled by the arrival of Cara, who flew up urgently, her feathers ruffled from the anxious flight.
“Kion! Bunga! Rani! Emergency!” Cara exclaimed.
“Cara? What is it!? What's going on??” Rani asked frantically.
“It's the army of predators! They've captured the Tree of Life! They've trapped the Night Pride inside! The predators on an endless rampage of bloodshed!” Cara exclaimed. 
“N-NO! No, no, no! T-This can't be happening!! I've spent my whole life protecting the Tree, preparing to become its queen. The predators can't kill everyone! I c-can't f-fail everyone that's d-depending on me. I can't let my family down!! Kion, Bunga, we're leaving. NOW. And we need to find wherever the Lion Guard is IMMEDIATELY!" Rani shouted.
“Go on, Rani. Bunga, go with her. I'll be right behind you two,” Kion urged.
Not wasting a second, Rani and Bunga immediately ran down the pathway towards the Tree of Life.
For a heartbeat, Kion faced the sky and met Askari's shimmering form.
“Thanks for your teachings, Askari. I'm ready.” 
Refusing to stall any longer, Kion ran after Rani, Bunga, and Cara.
Upon their arrival at the battlefield, they found all-out chaos and so many disturbing scenes that Kion wanted to claw his own eyes out.
Reth's Pride had surrounded Saumu's Pounce from all sides, cornering them against a clump of thorny bushes. Inside the bushes, Kea, Zera, Ameena, and Zibara huddled, their eyes wide with fear and horror. Saumu leaped at Reth, intending to scratch his eyes out, but Reth saw through his endeavor and immediately came down hard on his shoulder, tearing it open with vicious claws, and the brown fur became matted in blood. Saumu, groaning, struggled to steady himself.
“Sticks and stones shan't break these bones, but your pain and blood EXCITE ME!” Reth declared, gripping Saumu's injured leg and throwing him aside. The cat leader heard a sickening crunch as he landed, howling in extreme agony - something had broken.
Auri let out a yowl of agony as she watched Saumu fall.
“Cats! Back to Marsh Forest!” Auri shrieked.
As the cats attempted to flee towards the safety of their den in Marsh Forest, Reth let out a loud roar of anger.
"My pride! Don't let them escape to Marsh Forest! Contain them here, then feast on them ALL!" Reth announced, and he and his pride members dashed toward the thick trees, their powerful, strong, bulky bodies blocking the way out.
Near Reth's Pride, Makucha's Leap chased Astuto and her leash of foxes. Jiona snapped at the kits, grabbing one, Mbweha, by the leg and dangling the kit upside down. Contenta, the father, bit Jiona's leg, causing him to drop the kit on her nose, and she scampered away.
“Imbecile! That was a delicacy!” Jiona spat, cuffing Contenta on his cheek and drawing red droplets of blood.
Chungwa and Khurdan chased Astuto. Chungwa leapt in front of her, snarling, while Khurdan bit into her tail, and Astuto squealed in pain, pulling her tail loose and fleeing. Chunks of fur fell to the ground.
Ora and his bank were in hot pursuit of a group of lemurs - Kely and his troop. They snapped and tried to bite at the lemurs, who were screaming up a storm and pelting away in panic.
Around the Tree, Mama Binturong and her army pursued fleeing herds of elephants, camels, donkeys, wolves, tahrs, and more exotic species, all of which screamed in terror and the fear that they would witness themselves - and their loved ones - die in a pool of pouring, unstoppable blood. Mama snorted; she knew they were on the path of winning.
Kion's mouth was unhinged, watching everything the Tree stood for crumble into ashes with disturbed dark teal eyes.
“Where's the rest of the Guard?! Where's Mhina?!!!” Kion called desperately.
“I see them! They're right in the middle of all the fighting! But it looks like they're overwhelmed! Anga seems to be hurt!” Cara reported frantically.
A panicked expression crossed Kion's face, but he shook it off quickly.
“LION GUARD! REGROUP!! NOW!!!” Kion shouted.
At Kion's command, Fuli glanced up, a relieved look in her eyes.
“It's about time! Come on, let's regroup with Kion!” Fuli called.
The Lion Guard and Mhina rushed to where Kion, Rani, Bunga, and Cara were waiting. Anga and Ono were huddled close together on Beshte's back, a deep, bloody gash marring the feathers on Anga's left wing. 
“So, what's the plan? How are we gonna get rid of these baddies, Kion?” Bunga asked.
“We're going to try and melee fight first, see if regular fighting will drive them off. If not, I have a plan B, but I don't think I am able to explain this in words.” Kion stated.
“Ooh, are you gonna use the R-“ Bunga began before being abruptly silenced by Rani's tail slapping over his mouth.
Suddenly, Kion felt his eyes drawn towards Mhina. He felt a rush of reassurance when he saw him, returning the look passionately, seeing the trust and confidence within.
“What are we waiting for? The Tree of Life will be destroyed if the predators aren't driven off,” Fuli said impatiently.
“Wait. Before we rush off into battle, there is something I have to do...something I should have done a long time ago,” Kion announced.
He made his way over to Mhina, feeling confident in his plan to honor the leopon he had fallen in love with. 
When Kion reached Mhina, he pressed his paw square against his shoulder. All of a sudden, it glimmered brightly, and the next thing Mhina knew, an orange Lion Guard mark was now imprinted on his shoulder.
As the significance of the moment sank in, Mhina raised his head, meeting Kion's eyes, and feeling a swell of pride at the thought of serving on the Guard, fighting at Kion's side, until the end. Kion gazed at Mhina, feeling a rush of pride and happiness at finally cementing Mhina's position on the Guard, his rightful place at his side.
Rani cleared her throat purposely, a look of frustration and irritation in her eyes.
"Okay, this is sweet and cute and I should be feeling happy for your important moment, but you fur-brains are forgetting that bloodthirsty predators are attacking my home and are probably killing animals as we speak," Rani snapped.
At Rani's words, Kion and Mhina stepped apart, immediately dashing off in different directions. Rani and the rest of the Guard charged forward into the fight.
Bunga's attention was immediately drawn to Mama Binturong, who was approaching several pikas, huddled near a bush.
“Hiyaa Mama!!” he called, leaping onto her and sitting on top of her head. “How's it going?”
“That Bunga! Get off of me right now!” she growled, halting and reaching for the honey badger.
“Yee-haw! Zuka Zama!” Ignoring her, he dug in deeper, gripping her face fur, and she bucked around in a mad spree, trying to throw him off to no avail.
“GET OFF OF ME RIGHT NOW!” she yelled profusely, finally grabbing Bunga and throwing him to the ground, where he rolled and landed neatly at his feet.
"Aww, that wasn't fair, Mama. I'm going to see you soon for a rematch! Gotta help these pikas to safety. Bye!!!" Allowing the pikas to mount his back, Bunga dashed off, and Mama, embarrassed, snarled.
Not far away, Makucha and his leap were closing in on several Amur leopards. 
As Makucha raised a paw, preparing to strike down on a leopard, Fuli suddenly rushed between them, growling loudly. She lunged forward, attempting to slide underneath Makucha to rake her claws against his underbelly. Before she could, Makucha suddenly slammed a paw forward, his claws tearing into her cheek, leaving deep cuts. 
Fuli slammed into the ground, but rose to her paws. “Huwezi!” she said, dashing toward Makucha, but he side-stepped and grabbed her tail, stopping her, and she felt the muscles near the rear of her tail stretch. Groaning, Fuli collapsed on the ground, her sense of direction and stability compromised heavily. With her dealt with, Makucha returned to chasing the Amur leopards, pouncing on one and slicing its flank.
Ora and his bank were pursuing several Qinling pandas, tahrs, and Tasmanian tigers, growling and snapping at their legs.
“Twende Kiboko!” Beshte called, slamming into Meracuni and Julisha and sending them flying.
Ora, whipping around, bared his teeth at Beshte.
“Stop getting in our way, you rotten hippo. We're feasting and there's nothing you can do to stop it!” Lunging forward, he bit down - hard - on Beshte's leg. Wincing, Beshte fell to the grass, his legs paralyzed.
“Hapana! Beshte!" Ono swooped down, examining his friend when suddenly Putra bit him on his wing. Both wings then went slack, and Ono plummeted onto Beshte, landing on his back.
Now the two were out of the way, and Ora's Bank continued their bloodlusting chase.
Having lost the trail of the cats, Reth's Pride was now setting their sights on some camels and polar bears, and had cornered them near a gully.
Alerted by the shrill shrieks and terrified screams of the animals, Kion and Rani ran toward the lions and weaved their way around them.
“Hey Reth! Come take a piece of me if you're that gluttonous!” Kion jeered, swerving between his legs.
“Arrgh! Little lion!” Reth hissed, swatting at Kion but missing.
Kion, winking at Rani, dashed off. “Get me, then? Whatcha waiting for?”
“Ekene! With me!” Reth shouted. They began to gave chase.
Rani, taking the moment seriously, bit at Slash's heels. “Let's tango, Slash!”
“Alasiri and Kariuki, we're dealing with this petty princess!” Slash snapped, and she, too, gave chase with her pride mates not far behind. The other members of the pride split up and searched for more animals to hunt. Rani found herself surrounded on all sides by Alasiri and Kariuki as Slash stalked towards her.
“You're such a future queen for sacrificing your dignity in exchange for getting murdered...by the four of us!” Slash taunted, her gigantic canines revealing themselves, and Rani shuddered.
No! I cannot and will not let my parents down!
“Shut up!” she spat, clawing Slash's muzzle, but the lion only relished in the pain and instead tore open Rani's cheek from the flesh down to the neck, causing blood.to drip down her body.
“You. Cannot. SILENCE ME!”  In another desperate attempt to salvage what she was losing, Rani leapt at random, aiming to attack whoever her claws reached first, but her efforts were feeble. Kariuki tore into her flank, and Alasiri kicked her nose, causing a thin stream of blood to trail out of it.
Rani could see a thousand stars in her clouded vision, and she could only faintly hear the sounds of battle, screams, and animals fleeing. The more blood seeped from the cracks and scars in her body, the more she feared the inevitable...
What have I done... I'm going to die!
“Well, what are we having to kill the time for, Slash? Let's finish her. I've always wondered what another lion tastes like...” Alasiri murmured, eyes flickering with greed.
Rani gasped, backing up.
“Please...please don't do this. I'll let you hunt anyone you want, just, please... not me...” she hoarsely begged, claws extended.
“Too late to try bargaining, honey. What goes around...COMES AROUND!” Slash, laughing, raised a huge paw up and swung it down near Rani's throat.
“Kitu kwa!”
Suddenly, a loud voice and a blur of tan and red flew across Rani's vision, colliding with Slash and sending her skidding on the ground. Bewildered, the other members of Reth's Pride turned, finding a leopon with a tan pelt, darker rosettes, and a red tuft of mane on his head.
Rani gasped.
“K-Kingiza!“
Kingiza swirled around, his eyes shocked by the damage caused to Rani. There was blood all over her right side and it was gradually dripping down her left as well. He felt sick. Sick that lions like Reth and his pride would do this.
Do this to someone so beautiful...
Rani tried to stand, tried to rise up and nuzzle the fur so soft she'd nuzzle forever, but she collapsed, groaning.
“Rani! They...they messed you up...almost murdered you. Homicide of my l- my...oh, no. No. This won't fly. This is cruel. This is..."
He paused for a moment. Then, he turned to Reth's Pride.
“FACE ME, YOU COWARDS!!“
“Oh wow, there's a second...this is sad.” Kariuki muttered, ripping up a hunk of grass.
“You monsters are going to rue the day you laid claws on her. Tried to kill her. I see those scars. The blood. The pain. The agony. You're monsters. You're demons. You're snakes!"
In a flash, she gripped his throat and dug her claws in, opening thin streams of blood, but Kingiza didn't care.
Not in the least. Not even once.
He felt immune to the pain. Something else flooded his mind.
Rani
Her fur, her build, the way she could command, her temper that gave her fire, her devotion, loyalty, and more importantly, her appreciation of him.
Not many knew, but Rani had taught Kingiza a lot, about life but about himself as well.
And deep down, in his heart, full of work and full of passion, those feelings resonated.
Resonated into something he thought he'd never feel, but should have seen from the start.
These feelings boosted his strength. He snarled, eyes blazing with flames, flames that rapidly consumed him until he spoke the very thing that released a merciless storm.
“Finish me off all you want, Slash. But I stand here today knowing that I will fight until my death for Rani. You almost stole her life. Stole the lion I'd give my heart for in a second. You're nothing more than GREEDY WARMONGERS! Even if you kill me, I will NEVER let you hurt THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!”
Letting out something that could have rivaled the roar of an adult lion, Kingiza tore free of Slash's grip, slashed her across the muzzle violently and kicked her back.
“What???“ Alasiri demanded. “Slash, he's... he has the power of a spirit!”
“So what if he's blessed, we can still murder him!" Slash retorted. “Make him repent!”
“I'm gonna make you repent!” Kingiza snapped, leaping onto Slash and pinning her. She threw him off, but he ducked under and sliced her underbelly with precision, deep cuts left behind.
Rani watched as Kingiza swatted, clawed, and dodged the lions, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Kingiza...
Kingiza loves me.
The more she watched him, the more she saw that she was in just as much love with him. The way he moved, the way he could laugh, tease, and prance around with his head held high. He was busy back home and claimed he "didn't have time for love," but she had her mind blown away and changed by him.
And now, watching him defend her valiantly and with the heart of five hundred lions and leopons combined?
I love you too, Kingiza. And I wish I could say it in words, right now, and make it mean something to you...
While Kingiza battled Alasiri, Kariuki, and Slash, Kion had managed to run, pelting lengths through a small clump of woodland. Reth and Ekene struggled to keep up with the swifter, far more agile teenage lion.
As Kion ran, he suddenly heard a bone-chilling scream nearby. Horrified, he turned, his heartbeat quickening as he caught sight of Mhina, battling a lion he didn't recognize; he had dark orange fur, a dark red mane, red eyes, and a scar across his right eye.
Kion rushed over, desperate to help Mhina defeat this unknown foe; as he neared the fight, he could hear the unknown lion taunting Mhina and Mhina responding angrily.
Wait…what? Mhina knows this stranger? 
As Kion came closer, he saw Mhina laying on the ground, scratches and cuts marring his pelt.
“You can't escape me, Mhina! I am your grandfather! I will always be a part of you!” the lion screamed.
Hevi Kabisa! That lion is Mhina's grandfather?!!
As the lion advanced towards Mhina, raising a paw to strike at his throat, Kion suddenly gasped, knowing that in a few seconds, the very leopon he loved the most would be torn to smithereens.
The thought played in his head. Again. And again. And again.
Fear and paranoia melted to create nothing but sheer, volcanic, potent rage.
Kion focused burning eyes on the strange, vicious lion. He stood strong. Defiant.
Then, he unleashed the Roar of the Elders.
Startled, the strange lion glanced up, his eyes widening as he observed the lions in the clouds. An almost forgotten memory flashed in his mind of another young lion using this same power to defeat him.
As the force of the Roar struck him, the strange lion was catapulted backwards.
“This isn't the end, Mhina, I promise you that! I'll make you paaaaaaaaaay!” the strange lion exclaimed.
As Mhina watched the Roar send Ubaya far from the Tree of Life, he felt a surge of awe and bewilderment overcome him, his eyes widening in astonishment. His heartbeat thudded in his chest as he comprehended the significance of what Kion had done, the power he held within him.
“KION?? How did you...was that the Roar of the Elders?? I thought you didn't want to use it...and it was so loud, and you blasted Ubaya far away...oh heavens, you overheard everything, didn't you? I'm sorry, I...I should have told you earlier, but...this happened, and then you happened, and I-“
Kion gently bumped Mhina's shoulder with his own, silencing him before striding forward, surveying the bloodshed battlefield before him.
We aren't winning this fight at all. Animals are dying, I can't even see Rani, it's time I finally fixed my mistake. I'm the one that led all these predators here, I need to be the one that sends them away.
Determined, Kion stalked forward, positioning his paws on the ground, his claws sliding out.
Startled, the members of the Guard stopped dead in their tracks, memories surfacing of Kion using the Roar in the Outlands, sending Bunga flying.
“Kion's gonna use the Roar with all these animals around!??” Fuli shouted.
“Ooooh, you guys don't know,” Bunga said.
The Guard stared at Bunga, dumbfounded.
“What? I'm right. Just wait and see.” 
“What was that loud noise? I've never heard anything like it.” Ora questioned.
Makucha grimiced, but bit his lip to hide it. “Shut up and act like a komodo dragon!”
Unaware of the concerns of his friends, Kion focused his attention, concentrating on Askari's tutelage.
He unleashed the Roar, the force knocking Ora backwards, catapulting him towards a tree.
Inside the Tree, the Night Pride exchanged bewildered glances, having not heard the Roar of the Elders in their lifetimes. 
“What was that?!” Surak demanded.
“It's the Roar of the Elders!" Makini exclaimed. “A sacred ability given to lions by the Spirits of the Past, which means...”
“…it's Kion! We're saved!” Nguruma cheered.
Janna purred. “Ah yes, I was right...the Roar has returned.”
Kion, whipping around, then unleashed the Roar at full blast, and it collided with Makucha and Chuluun. The two leopards instantly tumbled backwards.
Catching a prickle of angry porcupines marching towards mice and jerboas, Kion picked them up with the Roar, and hearing the snarls of Makucha's Leap, he flung the porcupines onto the leopards, who screamed and collapsed onto the grass one by one.
“Ow ow ow ow ow ow...” Jiona muttered.
“This stinks!” Chungwa hissed, the quills digging into her back. Jiona nodded in agreement.
Kion, spreading his paws out, roared at the ground in front of Putra and Meracuni, and a jagged rock spire formed out of the grass. Putra and Meracuni slammed into it head-first, knocking them out.
Mama Binturong growled. “That foolish lion's roar ain't stopping me! Mama's plans always go as planned!” 
“Kion! Over there! Mama Binturong is trying to flee!” Mhina remarked swiftly.
“Not on my watch,” Kion responded.
Having heard of Bunga's past escapades against Mama Binturong, Kion was struck by an idea of how to defeat her.
“Bunga! Get ready!!“ Kion shouted.
He roared loudly in Bunga's direction, easily sweeping him up in a gust of wind, sending him towards Mama Binturong.
“UnBungalieveable! Zuka Zamaaa!” Bunga called excitedly.
“Oh no!” Mama shrieked. "Not THAT BUNGA!” 
“That's right, Mama! Here's a token to remember me by!” Turning around, Bunga raised his rear in the air and unleashed a cloud of his stink.
Mama hacked, her eyes watering from the foul stench.
“That was great! Let's do that again!” Bunga raised his rear in the air for a second time.
“No! NO MORE!” Mama hissed, cowering on the ground. Compared to tenacious, conniving leader, she was now a big baby and had been humiliated by a flatulent honey badger.
The venom inflicted by the komodo dragons having worn off, Beshte and Ono had come to join Fuli, marveling as they watched Kion use the Roar. 
“This one's for you, Beshte! Hang tight!” Kion called, using the Roar to make the hippo ascend.
“Poa! I've never gotten the chance to fly before!” Beshte murmured in excitement.
Intensifying the Roar's power, Kion flung Beshte in the direction of Makucha, who had attempted to flee the scene.
“Twende Kiboko!” Beshte hollered as his heavy body flattened Makucha to the ground, knocking the air out of him, and he groaned.
“My back...” he muttered. 
“Kion, the Night Pride and the others are still trapped inside the Tree,” Mhina pointed out.
Kion turned his attention to the large boulder covering the entrance to the Tree of Life.
He braced himself and roared loudly, summoning several bolts of lightning which struck the boulder, destroying it.
The Night Pride, Makini, Umhlaba, and Nguruma strode out of the Tree, in awe over the sheer power of the Roar, Ullu and Cara immediately flew over to them.
“Kion! We heard you roaring. What happened out here?” Nguruma asked.
Beside him, Surak gazed around in astonishment at the defeated predators.
“From the looks of it, we've won this battle, little one. The predators are on the ground, unmoving, petrified...it seems like Kion destroyed all of them.” Surak said.
“Woah! That's amazing, Kion! Mom and Dad are going to be so proud of you!” Nguruma breathed.
Ono gazed around him in astonishment.
“Wow! Glad I got my sight restored. I never would've believed this if I hadn't seen it,” Ono exclaimed.
Mhina approached Kion, still in a state of disbelief and amazement at what he'd witnessed.
“Kion? H-How did you do that?“ Mhina questioned.
“It's a long story, Mhina,” Kion replied.
Mhina's eyes scanned the battlefield, observing the predators as they lay sprawled on the ground.
“I've never seen anything like that in my life.” he commented.
“Me neither,” Kion answered.
He and Mhina glanced at each other, suddenly bursting into laughter as they observed the humiliation of the defeated villains.
Once their laughter subsided, they moved closer to one another, exchanging warm, affectionate glances.
Fuli approached them, clearing her throat pointedly to get their attention. Beshte, Bunga, and Ono followed her.
“Everything okay, Fuli?” Kion asked, breaking from Mhina's gaze to address her.
“You tell me,” Fuli remarked amusedly.
“Yeah, I think I'm okay,” Kion responded, his eyes shifting back to Mhina, who stared back at him affectionately.
“So what should we do with them?” Fuli inquired, her eyes sweeping across the field of scattered predators.
“I'd like to convince them to never attack the Tree of Life again,” Kion replied.
“Go ahead, Kion,” Mhina encouraged.
Kion, eyes blazing with conviction, unleashed the Roar for a final time and formed a massive tornado, towering above the Tree in size. He sent it in a full circle around the area, beginning with the leopards, who gripped at the grass stalks with their claws unsuccessfully and were sucked into the tornado afterward. The next to be trapped was the komodo dragons, and then, Mama Binturong, who screeched as she flew into the vortex. The tornado then traveled into the woodland and picked up the whole of Reth's Pride, who hissed and growled. Kingiza, who was still protecting Rani, sighed in relief and helped her up.
The tornado was at its peak power. Kion, with a final blast, sent the tornado far away - and with it, the predators, too. They quickly disappeared out of sight.
Bunga's eyes were wide with exhilaration as he observed the predators being sent away with the Roar.
“UnBungalieveable! Where'd you send those baddies, Kion?” he asked excitedly.
"Back to where they belong," Kion said calmly.
As the others surrounded them, Kion glanced around.
“Everyone okay?” Kion asked.
“Yes. Everyone is okay,” Jivin declared.
Just then, pawsteps were heard, and Kingiza approached, battle-scarred and bloody, a blood-stained and weakened Rani beside him. Anga rested on his back.
“Anga!” Ono, flying toward her, touched his beak to hers affectionately.
“Hey, Ono," she rasped, fluttering over to him and the Guard awkwardly. “It's finally over. We've won!”
“Indeed,” Ono chimed.
Anga and Ono landed on Beshte's back, Ono nestling as close to Anga as he could without further injuring her. Anga wrapped her uninjured wing around him, pulling him closer.
“Rani!” Baliyo cried, running toward his sister and nuzzling her. “Who did this to you? What happened???”
“Reth's Pride happened,” Kingiza growled. “I fought those nasty bloodsuckers to save her. Oh yeah, you were right earlier. I love her more than anything in my whole life.”
The Night Pride gasped and exchanged murmurs. Rani had someone who was in love with her!
“Kingiza...” Rani uttered, struggling to stand on all four paws, and Baliyo moved to her side to steady her.
“Is it true? You...you love me?”
“It's true. Long ago, I didn't believe in love. I thought it would only weigh me down. But, then I met you, and you showed me that love comes in many shapes and forms - but more importantly, I could love...you're enamoring, Rani...can I have the honor of being your mate?”
Rani, purring, surged in strength and licked Kingiza on his cheek. “I'm honored, babe,” Kingiza's pelt burned at the new nickname.
“Alright, we're official. Now... Mjuzi! We need a Mjuzi over here!” Kingiza shouted, immediately summoning Makini, Kenene, and Umhlaba, who were prepared and immediately started to tend to their wounds. They led the couple into the Tree's chamber.
Nirmala walked up to Kion. “You've learned to master the Roar of the Elders in addition to controlling your emotions and overcoming your obstacles through patience and problem-solving. I declare you fully healed, Kion. After you and your friends recover from your injuries, you're welcome to return home.”
Kion beamed. "Thank you, Nirmala. With what I've learned now, I'm certain that our futures will shine brighter."
Facing the lands beyond the Tree of Life, Kion knew deep in his heart that they had prevailed and the predators had lost.
The strife threatening to destroy the Tree of Life was gone.
And in a way, the sunset seemed far more glorious than ever.
==Appearances==
===Characters===
*Max Charles as Kion
*Cade Sutton as Mhina
*Joshua Rush as Bunga
*Diamond White as Fuli
*Bryana Salaz as Anga
*Atticus Shaffer as Ono
*Dusan Brown as Beshte
*Landry Bender as Makini / Tatu (indirectly mentioned)
*Lyons Luke Mathias as Nguruma
*Ace Gibson as Jivin / Jiona
*Erica Luttrell as Queen Maya / Folami (cameo)
*Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Rani
*Hudson Yang as Baliyo / Danyal (cameo) / Kicheko (indirectly mentioned)
*Lou Diamond Phillips as Surak / Saumu (cameo) / Ajani (indirectly mentioned)
*Miki Yamashita as Nirmala / Auri
*Marieve Herington as Kenene / Jamila (cameo)
*Vyvan Pham as Ullu
*Aaron Daniel Jacob as Kingiza
*Shohreh Aghdashloo as Janna
*Bailey Gambertoglio as Aminia / Ameena (cameos)
*Grace Young as Ãnanda
*James Sie as Sâhasí / Smun
*Nika Futterman as Umhlaba (cameo)
*Mallory Low as Cara
*Henry Kaufman as Mzuri (cameo)
*Kate Micucci as Zibara (cameo) / Maua (indirectly mentioned)
*Jorge Diaz as Ojore (cameo) / Ekene
*Jeremy Ray Valdez as Cek (cameo)
*Tiffany Espensen as Rama (cameo) / Atiena (mentioned)
*Dee Bradley Baker as Bakara / Inverno / Ghiaccio (cameos)
*Meghan Strange as Astuto (cameo) / Mare (cameo) / Alasiri / Julisha / Ayo (indirectly mentioned)
*Bluebelle Saraceno as Mbweha / Tamu (cameos)
*Beck Bennett as Contenta (cameo)
*Jaime Camil as Pinguino / Thambo (cameos)
*Kari Wahlgren as Tafiti (cameo)
*Paget Brewster as Jurni (cameo) / Chungwa (mentioned)
*Bobby Moynihan as Addae (cameo) / Khurdan (cameo) / Afua (indirectly mentioned) 
*J. Elaine Marcos as Dani (cameo)
*Eric Bauza as Mbamba / Obayana (cameos)
*John Rhys-Davies as Kolobe (cameo)
*David Kaye as Shamir (cameo)
*Ai-Chan Carrier as Kea / Zera (cameos)
*Carla Hall as Mrija (cameo)
*David S. Jung as Kely / Haiba / Tsah (cameos)
*Toks Olagundoye as Keesha (cameo) / Arjana
*Lin-Manuel Miranda as Farzeen (cameo)
*GK Bowes as Sasem (cameo)
*Danny Jacobs as Registaan
*Michael Luwoye as Askari
*Rachel House as Mama Binturong
*Steve Blum as Makucha / Ubaya
*Kimiko Glenn as Chuluun / Subira (indirectly mentioned) 
*Andrew Kishino as Ora
*Nolan North as Fahari
*Kristofer Hivju as Kenge (cameo) / Meracuni (cameo) / One-Eye (indirectly mentioned)
*Ford Riley as Putra (cameo)
*Johnny Rees as Kariuki
*Justin Hires as Reth
*Savannah Smith as Slash
*Blair Underwood as Orji
*David Tennant as Spike
*Sophie Reynolds as Imarisha / Mahiri (cameos)
*Erica Lindbeck as Tshweni (cameo)
*David Oyelowo as Scar (indirectly mentioned)
* Christian Slater as Ushari (mentioned) 
*Rob Lowe as Simba (indirectly mentioned)
*Moira Kelly as Nala (indirectly mentioned)
* Mekai Curtis as Kopa (indirectly mentioned)
===Groups===
*The Lion Guard
*Night Pride
*Saumu's Pounce
*Cek's Flock
*Astuto's Leash
*Pinguino's Rookery
*Kely's Troop
*Mama Binturong's Army
*Makucha's Leap
*Ora's Bank
*Smun's Prickle
*Reth's Pride
*Pride Landers (mentioned)
*Spirits of the Past 
* Registaan's Herd
===Locations===
*Tree of Life 
**Mountain Pass
**Cikha Escarpment
**Desert Plains
**Bamboo Woods
**Giant Lake
**Marsh Forest (mentioned)
** Tundra
* Pride Lands (mentioned)
* Back Lands (mentioned)
* Leopon Plains (mentioned)
* Outlands (mentioned)
===Animals===
*Lions
*Leopons
*Honey Badgers
*Cheetahs
*Eagles
*Egrets
*Hippopotamuses
*Leopards
*Komodo Dragons
*Monitor Lizards
*Binturongs
*Owls
*Porcupines
*Mandrills
*Pallas' Cats
*Tahrs
*Penguins
*Foxes
*Shrews
*Camels
*Pangolins
*Polar Bears
*Elephants 
*Donkeys 
*Wolves 
*Pikas 
*Qinling Pandas 
*Tasmanian Tigers
*Leopard Cats
*Fishing Cats
*Black-Footed Cats
*African Golden Cats
*Rusty-Spotted Cats
*Wildcats
==Songs==
* Power of the Roar
==Trivia==
*Several lines of dialogue in this chapter are taken directly from Triumph of the Roar.
* This is the first Legends of the Lion Guard installment to feature a song. 
* As of this chapter, Mhina is now an official member of the Lion Guard.
* This is the final Legends of the Lion Guard installment to be released in 2022.
Category:Fanfiction
Category:Chapters
Category:Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy
Category:Princess ava15
Category:Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy Chapters
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