Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy (Chapter 13)

Chapter 13 is the thirteenth chapter of Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy.
==Synopsis==
Kion and Mhina turn a snow day into an adventure; Nguruma reveals a more tender side of himself to Makini when exploring with their friends.
==Transcript ==
The next day, Kion and Mhina had decided to go to Icy River to spend time together.
“Y'know, it's been a while since we've last hung out together...alone," Kion said.
“Yeah, I think it's nice that we're able to take a break from the patrol,” Mhina replied.
Kion gazed at his surroundings, in wonder and in awe. The arctic landscape wasn't like any place he had seen before, so surreal, so new, and so inviting.
“I've never been to Icy River before. It's kinda chilly here, isn't it?” Kion commented.
“It is pretty cold. I'm glad I have a winter coat to keep me warm,” Mhina remarked.
"You have a winter coat?" Kion asked.
Mhina nodded.
“When the temperatures drop in Leopon Plains or when I venture into snowy, freezing areas for long periods of time, I start to grow a winter coat. It keeps me nice and insulated," Mhina explained. 
“That must be useful to have in a habitat like this,” Kion responded.
“Do you maybe wanna…uhm…snuggle? With me?” Mhina asked nervously.
“As in cuddling?” Kion asked.
"Yeah, if you don't mind, I…I don't want to make you uncomfortable,” Mhina said quickly.
In response, Kion shifted closer, snuggling against Mhina's pelt, feeling their tails entwine. 
“This doesn't feel uncomfortable at all…it feels….nice, really nice,” Kion commented.
A new feeling welled in Kion, making his heart beat a little faster, but he didn't know what it was nor could he identify it. The feeling, however, was as strong as lightning pulsing through his veins.
“How's your scar feeling? Has there been any pain lately?” Mhina questioned. 
“The pain was pretty bad when we got here. I kept pawing at my eye, it felt like something was wrong from within me. Nirmala's healing exercises did help, especially with what I learned from Pratibimba and from my grandfather. Back when I first got scarred, I thought Scar and Ushari were trying to corrupt me into becoming a bearer of the Mark of Evil.” Kion revealed.
“What do you think now?” Mhina inquired.
“Now...I don't think that way. I...I'm beginning to feel like myself again," Kion confessed.
Mhina's expression softened as he met Kion's gaze, a look of affection shining in his eyes.
“I'm so proud of you, Kion. You've come so far since we came here. I'm glad I chose to come with you on this journey. Every day has felt like an adventure, with you,” Mhina said.
Kion felt his heart lift at Mhina's praise, and smiling warmly, his eyes reflected nothing more than fondness and gratitude.
“It feels like I've known you forever, Mhina. I know it's just been a few seasons, but I haven't felt this close to anyone before. I'm glad you're by my side,” Kion replied.
“You're my favorite to be around, Kion. It's like I don't have to put pressure on myself to be someone else around you,” Mhina said.
“You're one of the best parts of my life. My favorite thing about you is, well... you. You have the patience I always wished I had, and great leadership abilities,” Kion said.
“There are few who are better leaders than you, Kion. You have both the energy and the drive to take command. You're a great leader of the Guard. Scar could never measure up to you,” Mhina stated. 
“When I'm with you, I feel like I can fly just like a bird," Kion admitted.
"Like a phoenix..." Mhina responded.
“What's a phoenix?” Kion asked, intrigued.
"Oh, um, it's a bird species that I learned of through cave paintings,” Mhina explained.
"Cave paintings? It must be very sacred, then," Kion commented.
"Mhm. Phoenixes were a bird species. Rumors are constantly spread that when they die, they reincarnate in bursts of flame like no other. They're extraordinary, I've been fascinated with phoenixes since cubhood. They're one of my favorite animals, probably my favorite. I wish you could see cave paintings of their feathers and flames, it's just so cool," Mhina said.
“What are other animals you like?” Kion questioned.
“Red pandas, giant pandas, and tigers. I think they're all really awesome. I love seeing the ones that live in Leopon Plains,” Mhina replied.
“Are giant pandas like red pandas?” Kion asked.
“Nah. Red pandas are small, reddish, and have striped tails. Giant pandas are large, very large, and are black and white,” Mhina said.
“You make me want to see one,” Kion remarked.
“Well, you never know. You might!” Mhina said.
“Leopon Plains is a really unique and special place, just like the Tree of Life is. They both have beautiful habitats and amazing animals,” Kion commented.
“The Pride Lands has some pretty amazing animals too, Kion,” Mhina remarked, glancing over at Kion meaningfully.
He shifted closer, pressing his muzzle affectionately against Kion's cheek. Kion nuzzled Mhina, his eyes shining with affection and happiness.
Just then, Mhina's attention was drawn to Pinguino's Rookery, who were gliding down an ice slide a few tail-lengths away.
“Woah! Did you see that, Kion? I've never seen penguins slide that fast,” Mhina exclaimed.
“I know! They sure are going fast. It's really amazing to watch,” Kion remarked.
“It looks like they're having fun. Do you want to try it, Kion?” Mhina asked.
“Absolutely!” Kion agreed enthusiastically.
They made their way over to the ice slide, where Pinguino and his rookery had gathered.
Mhina approached the edge of the ice slide and settled down, preparing to push off towards the lake. Mhina shoved off, gliding smoothly down the ice towards the lake.
Woah. Mhina's really good at that. Being raised in Leopon Plains must've taught him a thing or two.
After a few heartbeats, Kion approached the edge of the ice slide, preparing to push off towards Mhina. Suddenly, his paw slipped on the ice, propelling him rapidly down the slide after Mhina. Alarmed, Kion unsheathed his claws, attempting to dig them into the ice, but his claws merely scraped against the frozen surface, and he continued to accelerate rapidly towards Mhina.
Before he could stop himself, Kion crashed head-on into Mhina, sending them both speedily towards Pinguino's Rookery, who had assembled at the bottom of the slide.
The two of them collided with the penguins, catapulting them in all directions as Kion and Mhina landed in a snow mound. 
Mhina burst into amused laughter as he and Kion stood up, shaking snow off their pelts.
“Woah! That was fun! I've never slid down that fast!” Mhina shouted, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
“Yeah! Even Bunga would've loved that! It was such a wild ride!” Kion exclaimed.
“Hey! What do you think you're doing?! You two could've ruined our ice slide!” Pinguino shouted.
“So..what do you wanna do now? We've got an entire day to ourselves to do anything we want,” Mhina said.
Struck by an idea, Kion's eyes gleamed with amusement.
“I wanna…play tag! You're it!” Kion declared, dashing off and sending snow onto Mhina's pelt.
“Ooh! It's on, Kion!” Mhina called out, racing after him.
"Oi! Come back here at once! Troublemakers!" Pinguino exclaimed.
Pinguino's rant went unheard as Kion and Mhina chased each other around the trees surrounding the river, their laughter echoing around them.
Quickly, Mhina sprung forward, pouncing on Kion and pinning him to the ground. Breaking into delighted laughter, Kion swiftly flipped them over, pinning Mhina underneath him.
“Wow! You're fast, Kion!” Mhina exclaimed.
"Yeah I am! I'm leader of the Lion Guard, I gotta keep up on my game,” Kion replied.
Mhina's eyes gleamed with amusement as he rolled over, sending Kion off of him. 
“You wanna race with me, Kion?” Mhina asked.
“Absolutely! You're on!” Kion shouted.
The two of them dashed off, their laughter resounding off the trees around them. 
Soft, white snow covered the trees and bushes around the two of them, the snow on the ground marred by their pawprints as they ran around each other.
Mhina's eyes lit up as he noticed Kion approaching a tree, which had a low hanging branch covered over with snow. 
An idea formed in Mhina's mind, and he swiftly sidestepped to the other side of the tree, bumping it as Kion passed and sending snow down onto him. Kion was covered in the powdery snow, white flecks breaking up the golden frame of his body and clinging on to his mane. His body shivered, sending white puffs cascading to the ground. Kion faced Mhina, a playful challenge reflected in his eyes. Before Mhina could react, Kion lunged forward, grasping Mhina's shoulders with his forepaws and pulling him so he collapsed in the snow beside him. Mhina's pelt and mane soon became covered in the soft snow, his fur fluffed up against the chill in the air. Mhina's eyes widened as he gazed at Kion, who was shaking snow from his pelt.
As Mhina gazed at Kion, he felt an intense surge of fondness and affection from within him, his heart glowing with a feeling of companionship and belonging.
Kion really is the best part of my life. I've never felt like this with anyone at home until I met him. He's so strong, confident, and fierce. He's one of the the best leaders I know. He'll always be my hero.
Drawn to Mhina's gaze, Kion felt a deep feeling of admiration and tenderness swell within him, a familiar emotion of love and happiness present in his heart.
Being with Mhina like this makes me feel like I don't have to be the leader everyone else sees, I can just be me. There's just something about Mhina that makes me feel so...elated. It's like when I'm with him, I want to touch the clouds, and without him, I'm not the same. He's my safe place. He's who I belong with, my soulmate, my one and only. Mhina is my guiding light in the fading wind...I'm...I'm proud to have him. With him, I'm Kion, far more than just the leader of the Lion Guard.
Kion's expression softened, his eyes shining with affection as he watched Mhina shake snow from his pelt, his fur bristling against the coldness in the air. 
“Today has been one of the best days I've had since the battle. I haven't felt this relaxed or at peace in ages. I've had a lot of fun with you, Mhina. I haven't even had any scar pain at all. It feels like it's back to the days before the battle, when we were just spending time together patrolling, I feel so free and contented, when I'm here, with you, everything is in perfect harmony,” Kion admitted.
Mhina pressed closer, his muzzle brushing against Kion's cheek as they nestled together, gazing up at the clouds spread across the sky. 
“Kion, I may not know what the future holds, but I do know one thing. I'm by your side, whatever happens. We'll take things one day at a time,” Mhina said confidently.
Kion turned to face him, his eyes reflecting the same affection and fondness Mhina felt in his heart.
Meanwhile, Makini, Kenene, Janna, Umhlaba, and Nguruma were gathered outside the Tree of Life.
“What are we doing today?” Nguruma asked.
“Today, Janna and I have decided to take the three of you to see the Blazing Star,” Kenene replied.
At Kenene's words, Makini's eyes lit up with enthusiasm and exhilaration. Beside her, Nguruma's eyes widened with anticipation.
“Really?” Makini asked excitedly.
Kenene nodded.
“Janna and I think today's a perfect day to show it to the three of you,” Kenene said.
“It sounds amazing. I'm glad I get to go with you,” Nguruma said exuberantly.
“Yes it does, little one,” Janna said gently.
Beside Nguruma, Umhlaba's eyes widened with curiosity and interest.
“Is it very far from here?” Umhlaba asked.
"Wait and see, darling. You'll love it when we get there," Kenene responded.
“Come, children. Follow me,” Janna called, leading them in the direction of Pratibimba.
Makini reached over to Nguruma, intending to nudge him and encourage him to get moving, but suddenly, Nguruma leaped up to his paws and bounded up alongside Janna eagerly, seemingly not needing Makini's help at all.
Makini, confused, scratched her head. That was new; he had usually required assistance up to his feet. Shrugging it off as eager behavior, she walked alongside her sister.
“Ah. It feels nice to stretch my legs again,” Janna commented, breathing in the crisp air.
“Don't overdo it, your majesty,” Kenene encouraged. “Your bones are getting more fragile with your age.”
“Young Kenene. You have no reason to worry about me. I may be old, but it doesn't mean age is going to slow me down anytime soon. I still have a Tree and sons to keep an eye on,” Janna replied, giving her a small chuckle.
The group approached a muddy field. Pratibimba was still some distance away.
Carefully, they trekked through the mud. Makini went to Nguruma's side, preparing to catch him should he fall.
“Nguruma, watch your step. I don't want you to-“ Makini began.
“Slip? Makini. I'm fine. I can hear where everyone is walking,” Nguruma stated, leaping over a puddle and onto a patch of dry grass next to Umhlaba. He walked forward, not noticing a big log.
“Nguruma, there's a-“ Makini began. 
Before she could finish her warning, Makini watched in surprise as Nguruma cleared it. He turned back in her direction, eyeing her pointedly with a blind blue stare.
Makini frowned. What had gotten into Nguruma today?  I don't want him to be too reckless. He's blind. Simba and Nala trusted me to look after him.
Makini sprinted back up to the others, her eyes perturbed.
As she caught up to Kenene, Kenene glanced other at her, her expression softening as she noticed the concern in Makini's eyes.
“Something wrong, Makini?” Kenene prompted gently.
“No….N-Nothing's wrong,” Makini replied.
"Are you sure?" Kenene inquired, and Makini pointed to Nguruma, who kept a steady and focused pace behind Janna.
“Oooh, now I see. Don't worry about him, sis. Nguruma is older now, he knows what he's doing,” Kenene advised, holding her younger sister's palm and stroking it.
“I hope,” Makini whispered anxiously. She couldn't let Nguruma injure himself, or the guilt would stick to her like a thorny burr.
“There's not anything he'll slip on or injure himself on. Clear path ahead, clear skies, weather is nice. Come on now, let's enjoy our day, shall we?” Kenene said.
“Do you think Uncle Rafiki would want to hear about the Blazing Star? He told me it's so ancient even he's never seen it,” Makini said.
“Of course he would! You know how he likes details for new cave paintings and stories to tell the young ones,” Kenene answered.
“Maybe I could even paint it for him when we get back home!” Makini exclaimed. 
Walking ahead of them, Umhlaba turned around to face Makini.
“That sounds really cool. I'll have to stop by and visit when you're done.” Umhlaba said.
Ahead of them, Janna and Nguruma were walking together, Janna's pawsteps helping Nguruma find his bearings on the path. Nguruma padded closer to Janna, turning to her and smiling brightly.
"How long have you presided over the Tree of Life, your majesty?" he asked curiously.
"Ah. Many moons before you were born, young one. I've seen many things in my seasons here, in my leadership to watching my son's ascension. I've seen the good, the bad, the strange, and the unpleasant. All part of life. Yet in my time now, I still have the beauty of enjoying nature run its course and letting the Circle of Life act in perfect balance," Janna replied.
Nguurma's eyes were alight with interest as his blind blue gaze met Janna's.
“Was it difficult for you to pass rulership of the Tree over to Jivin after Rani's grandfather completed his journey in the Circle of Life?” Nguruma asked.
“Yes, it was difficult, but I knew that I was putting the Tree in good paws with my son and his mate, and they would continue the legacy Dayaalu and I created, I will always be here to guide both of my sons, and my grandchildren wherever they need me. Grief is not easy to deal with, but my loved ones supported me regardless of my decision. I know Dayaalu is watching me from above just as he once did when he was living, silently telling me a joke like he always did. Oh, how I miss that,” Janna reflected.
Janna studied Nguruma as he halted, sniffed, and maneuvered around a fallen tree branch and sharp rock.
“You've honed in well on your senses, little one,” Janna noted.
“Thanks, your majesty,” Nguruma beamed with her praise.
Behind them, Makini's eyes suddenly lit up, her face alight with excitement and anticipation.
“Look! We're here! We're at Pratibimba!!” Makini shrieked delightedly.
“Sweet!” Umhlaba cheered, taking Makini's palm and jumping alongside her.
"Pratibimba. The Lake of Reflection. Where one comes to reflect and think about their personal troubles or to gain a relaxing escape from reality. The Blazing Star is not far from here,” Kenene said.
"Indeed, Kenene is right. Come now, children,” Janna said.
Makini fell in place by Nguruma as they trekked once more. She noticed that a gap in the ground was ahead, and fearing that Nguruma would sprain a paw, she nudged him aside.
“Watch out, Nguruma! There's a hole in the ground,” Makini cautioned.
“I knew that was there. The ground was getting lighter,” Nguruma explained, bounding ahead of her.
Makini, dismayed, followed. Why was Nguruma refusing her assistance? He had always required it, or so she thought.
Nguruma heard the lap of the lake water against the shore, and intrigued, he sniffed, approaching the edge gingerly.
“Nguruma! Be careful! You hate water!” Makini shouted, waving her palms around.
He put his paw forward, hearing the squelch of thick mud. Okay. So the water is about ten pawsteps away from-
“Nguruma!“ Makini yelled, and all of a sudden, she ran up to him, trying to pull him out of the thick mud and dangerously close edge of Pratibimba. 
However, in her haste, she didn't slow down and instead collided into the lion, sending them both into the water and mud.
Reliving flashbacks from moons ago, Nguruma instinctively and instantly surged upward, crawling to the bank. Makini did the same, now slightly covered in mud and drenched in lake water.
“Nguruma, I'm so sorry! You were going to walk in the lake and I didn't want you to drown and I-“ Makini began frantically.
"Honestly, Makini, I'm more worried you're going to drown yourself. I appreciate you trying to help me, but I'm fine,” Nguruma retorted, now irritated, and huffing, he shook himself dry and went up to a sympathetic Janna, who whispered something in his ear, causing him to relax.
Sighing, Kenene approached her downcast sister. 
“Makini. Nguruma's going to be okay. You don't need to worry about him so much,” Kenene said gently.
If only you understood how much I have to protect him. He almost died moons ago, in my care. I owe him, but why can't I prove that? Makini thought to herself, feeling desolate even with the company of her loved ones and friends
“Come, everyone. Follow me to where the Blazing Star grows,” Janna said.
She began to lead the way towards a secluded growth of bushes and vines, the others falling into step behind her. Nguruma focused on Janna's pawsteps as she walked ahead of him. 
Using her staff, Kenene pulled aside a curtain of vines, revealing the entrance to a sheltered grove. 
The grove was surrounded by tall trees reaching to the sky, seemingly touching the clouds. Flowers of various shades surrounded the grove, dotting it in reds, blues, purples, and more, and in the middle was a beautiful flower that was yellow in color, flecked with orange and red. It had a dark maroon center and pointed, star-shaped dark green leaves. Each petal of the Blazing Star did actually look like the points of a star.
"Ooh! So pretty!" Makini gushed, kneeling down to examine the flower.
“So remarkable,” Umhlaba added.
“What does it look like? Is it shaped like a star?” Nguruma questioned.
“Come closer, little one,” Janna encouraged.
Nguruma stepped forward, crouching down, and sniffing the flowers.
“This is a yellow flower, with pointed leaves and petals, that are indeed shaped like stars. It's very lovely,” Janna described.
“It sounds beautiful. I know someone really special to me who'd love to see it,” Nguruma said, his eyes glowing as thoughts of Mahuluti surfaced in his mind.
"Do you have a crush?" Umhlaba inquired. Nguruma confirmed this with a nod.
"Yeah. Her name is Mahuluti. She's wonderful," Nguruma said.
Makini reached out her palm to touch a petal, but Kenene pulled her hand back gently.
“Don't touch the petals,” She warned gently. "The Blazing Star is a sacred and fragile flower. If one is destroyed or tampered, even just for a second, it could cause great harm to the flower. Hmm... didn't I tell you that?"
“Oh, right, right," Makini responded in embarrassment, sitting down and resting her head in her palms. She glanced around, observing that Janna was resting in a patch of sunshine. Umhlaba was studying the lichen on a tree, humming to herself.
“Kenene! I have a question. Does lichen have any healing properties? Should we collect some?” she asked, trying to pluck some of the tree bark.
“Settle down, my dear!” Kenene called, rushing up to her apprentice and putting a palm on her shoulder. "No, lichen does not provide any form of healing, nor can it cure ailments. But it can be used to make nests,"
“Ooooh.” Umhlaba murmured.
Nguruma, compared to the others, kept sniffing around the area, chasing scents and hearing distant birdsong. It was really serene here, and sighing in peace, he walked around more.
Makini saw him begin to stray away from the group, and worried, she followed him. Nguruma did not sense her presence, as the wind blew her scent backward, and so he kept on.
Makini navigated through tall grass and a boulder here and there, but just then, she saw a fire ant nest - and Nguruma was directly approaching it.
No! If the king and queen find their son covered in bites, I'm gonna fail my duty to protect him!
“NGURUMA!” Makini shrieked, heart pounding, and immediately acting on her first instinct, she lunged at Nguruma, throwing him into a bush.
The others, startled by the commotion, ran over to the bush where Makini, on top of Nguruma, lay.
“What on earth happened here?!” Kenene questioned in shock.
“He was going to trod over a fire ant nest! Nguruma, are you okay? Did you get bitten?” Makini asked, clambering back up to her feet.
Nguruma got up and growled, his blind eyes defiant and livid.
“What in the Pride Lands, Makini?! I knew that ant nest was there. I could scent it. Why are you insisting on protecting me when all we're doing is taking a harmless trip out of the Tree of Life???” Nguruma growled.
“I don't want you to get hurt!” she protested. “You're blind! You're going to get injured if you're not careful! I have to guide you!”
“BE QUIET!” Nguruma hissed, baring his teeth in a snarl, much to the astonishment of everyone around him, even the level-headed Janna, who stared at the ground and shuffled her paws. The outburst had hurt everyone, and Makini, regret filling her, stepped back.
Nguruma's bout of aggression faded, and whirling around, he said, "I just want to be alone." Then, he dashed off in the opposite direction toward Pratibimba, leaving behind his friends.
To say that Makini was stunned was an understatement. The mandrill fell to the ground and sat there, tears brimming in her eyes. Worried, Kenene, Janna, and Umhlaba approached her.
“Young Makini... your heart was in the right place,” Janna soothed, stroking her tail down her back.
Makini wiped away the tears in her eyes. “I... I just wanted to help him. He's going to injure himself if I don't guide him...” she said tearfully.
“Perhaps you are not placing enough faith in Nguruma, sis," Kenene said, sitting down beside her younger sister and pulling her into a side hug. "He's not a cub anymore. He's a teenager. While he deeply, deeply values you as his friend, you're also getting in his way - that's why he's been so annoyed with you during the trip.”
“But... if he comes back hurt, the Royal Family is going to be furious... I... I don't want to let them down,” Makini sobbed.
“Maybe you should talk with Nguruma?” Umhlaba suggested.
“He's mad at me, Umhlaba. Shouldn't I just leave him alone?” Makini pondered out loud, her heart aching.
“Well, the way I know things, to get on common ground means to communicate with those we love. I do that with Kenene when I need advice,” Umhlaba advised.
Janna nodded, standing beside the young mandrill. “Rani frequently comes to me when she's doubting herself. She has a big role to play, being the future queen of the Tree of Life. I've helped her and many others stand taller and brighter, and you can do the same with Nguruma. Go and find him, we'll wait right here for you.” 
Slowly, Makini brought herself to nod in understanding and blinked away the last of her tears, hugging her sister tightly. “O-Okay. Thank you.” With a parting glance at Kenene, she dashed off, looking around Pratibimba for Nguruma - he couldn't have gone far.
She circled the peremeter of the reflective lake, her steps light and eyes searching for Nguruma. After a few minutes, she finally found him sitting on a jutting rock, staring at the water. He was downcast, giving off a negative feel that twisted her heart further.
I can make this right. I caused this, it's time for me to fix it.
Carefully, Makini approached the rock and tapped it a few times, capturing Nguruma's attention, as he twitched his ear in response.
"May I sit here?" Makini asked.
Nguruma nodded, giving her the consent to do so, and Makini sat down.
“Hey, Nguruma. I know you're probably not happy I followed you here. But, it goes without saying that I owe you an apology.” Makini murmured, staring at her distorted reflection in Pratibimba. "I didn't give your your space nor did I pick up on the cues that you wanted me to leave you be. Yet... why didn't you tell me you didn't need my help? It isn't like you. And don't you need someone to guide you too? Since you're blind??"
Nguruma sighed, turning his eyes to her. “Look, Makini. I'm not mad at you, at least, not anymore. You're very young and gifted, and you want to care for everyone, so I didn't mean to snap at you back there. However, every time you reached out to me, you got in my way. I got the impression you thought I was useless because I was blind and couldn't do anything but injure myself, and then I'd sit there, confused, disoriented, and having a breakdown. That's not who I am and I thought you knew that...”
Makini was shocked. Nguruma thought she believed he was useless. The guilt surged right back up, and tension filled the air as Makini gulped.
“I'm so sorry...you're not useless. I was only trying to guide you," Makini said slowly.
“Which I get. But I'm not a cub, I'm a teenager. Just because I'm blind doesn't mean I can't use my other senses to navigate. I can follow by scenting someone, I can hear where someone is walking, and I can feel the earth around me. Not being able to see isn't a loss for me, and as I've grown, I've come to accept it,” Nguruma said.
Makini moved closer to him as he continued his rant.
“I may be blind, but I'm not useless. I don't want to be consistently guarded by others. And, well... I want my family to see that. They insist I go out with an escort, even to the nearest place to Pride Rock, even though I can navigate without problem now and can detect if someone aims to attack me. Everywhere I go, Timon and Pumbaa trail me, or it's a member of the pride, or even Kiara herself because she thinks that I'm going to get mauled if I leave Pride Rock alone,” Nguruma ranted.
“I didn't know you had conflict with your own family...” Makini muttered.
“No, I've never shared my sentiment out loud, that's a whole mound of worms I haven't wanted to open yet. But it's true, my family's too overprotective of me. Sure, I needed guarding when I was a cub, I was more careless and wanted to explore then, and I was easy pickings for any enemies. As a teen, I get they were paranoid with Scar and his army. And, to be honest, I was horrified to step out of Pride Rock after Reth's Pride attempted to drown me,”
“Are you still horrified now?” Makini inquired.
“Truth be told, somewhat. That experience was really scarring, I thought I was going to die that day. Kiara was yelling in the den that I should've had more security, I should not go out for moons, I needed to be watched by someone in case I would randomly die in the middle of the night or something. Sometimes, I do want to cuff her on the ears for excessively worrying about me,” Nguruma lamented.
“You don't like Kiara?” 
“Whoa, of course not. I love my sister," Nguruma corrected, chuckling. "She has my heart. But she's overprotective and the one badgering Mom and Dad over escorts. Kion obeys her without question, I won't lie. He's a bit of a sucker to following the rules,”
Makini giggled. "Yeah...I've noticed that."
----
“Someone else? Was that the crush you mentioned earlier?” Makini questioned.
Tentatively, Nguruma nodded. 
“It's Mahuluti. We've started to talk more, especially since after the battle. Every time she locks her stare on mine, I feel butterflies in my stomach. She loves nature and looking pretty, and when I'm alone, she enjoys spending time with me. She tells me the stupid jokes her father tells her, tales of lands she had yet to explore, and when she's allowed to, she takes me around the Pride Lands and we just hang out. The more I'm with her, the more I fall in love with everything about her. The way she runs, her sweet voice, her effortless desires and dreams... I really want to-“ 
Suddenly, Nguruma cut himself off, his eyes wide. Whoa, he had gotten far too carried away on his rant. His cheeks were as red as the sunset.
"You want to what? Ask Mahuluti to be your mate?" Makini questioned in surprise.
“Y-Yeah...” Nguruma agreed, scraping his claws against the rock. “I'm in love with Mahuluti, and I can see in her eyes that she loves me back. When I return home... I'm going to ask if she wants to be my mate.”
Makini smiled, putting a palm on Nguruma's shoulder. 
“I'm going to be there to support you. And... I'm still sorry about earlier. I understand now, you deserve your space and time to be independent and on your own. But I really want to be there for you, Nguruma. You're one of my best friends, and even if you may not need it, you might still need me to guide you... and I don't want to lose our friendship because of this misunderstanding,” Makini said.
Nguruma's mouth went agape, but quickly, he regained composure and affectionately brushed his cheek against Makini's. 
“Makini! I promise I'm not mad at you. You understand now and you heard me out, and I appreciate that. We are still friends and will always be friends. And yeah... I will need you to guide me on the way back. I can't remember the terrain for the life of me. Haven't traveled much, you know what I mean?” Nguurma aaid.
“Completely!” Makini jovially replied back, and she pulled Nguruma into a hug. “You're amazing. Show your family that. Anyways... we should get back to the others now... I think we've kept them waiting long enough.”
“Want to walk with me?” Nguruma offered.
"You bet,” Makini agreed, and together, the two circled back around Pratibimba and in direction of the others, their friendship now as strong as the Blazing Star itself.
== Appearances==
===Characters===
*Max Charles as Kion
* Cade Sutton as Mhina
* Landry Bender as Makini
* Lyons Luke Mathias as Nguruma
* Marieve Herington as Kenene
* Shohreh Aghdashloo as Janna
*Nika Futterman as Umhlaba
* Jaime Camil as Pinguino
* Dee Bradley Baker as Inverno / Ghiaccio (cameos)
* Meghan Strange as Mare (cameo)
*Joshua Rush as Bunga (mentioned)
* Miki Yamashita as Nirmala (mentioned)
* Rob Lowe as Simba (mentioned)
* Moira Kelly as Nala (mentioned)
* Eden Riegel as Kiara (mentioned)
* Kate Micucci as Mahuluti (mentioned) 
*Khary Payton as Rafiki (mentioned)
*David Oyelowo as Scar (mentioned)
*Christian Slater as Ushari (mentioned)
* James Earl Jones as Mufasa (indirectly mentioned)
* Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Rani (mentioned)
* Ace Gibson as Jivin (mentioned) / Dayaalu (mentioned)
* Erica Luttrell as Queen Maya (indirectly mentioned)
* Lou Diamond Phillips as Surak (indirectly mentioned)
* Beck Bennett as Toa (mentioned)
* Jorge Diaz as Mapigano (mentioned) 
*Kevin Schon as Timon (mentioned)
*Ernie Sabella as Pumbaa (mentioned)
* Justin Hires as Reth (mentioned)
===Groups===
* Pinguino's Rookery
* Reth's Pride (mentioned)
* Simba's Pride (indirectly mentioned)
* The Lion Guard (mentioned)
* Scar's Army (mentioned)
===Locations===
* Tree of Life
** Icy River
** Pratibimba
* Pride Lands (mentioned)
** Pride Rock (mentioned)
* Leopon Plains (mentioned)
=== Animals ===
* Lions 
* Leopons
* Mandrills
* Penguins 
* Red Pandas (mentioned)
* Giant Pandas (mentioned)
* Phoenixes (mentioned)
* Tigers (mentioned)
* Fire Ants 
Category:Fanfiction
Category:Chapters
Category:Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy
Category:Princess ava15
Category:Princess ava15's Fanfics
Category:Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy Chapters