Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy (Chapter 1)

Chapter 1 is the first chapter of Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy. 
==Synopsis==
As the Lion Guard and their allies begin their journey to the Tree of Life, Makucha's Leap schemes to follow them and create chaos.
==Transcript ==
The next day, the Lion Guard, Mhina, and the Pride Landers had assembled at Pride Rock.
“Is everyone ready to leave?” Kion asked.
Mhina's expression softened as he met Kion's gaze.
“We're with you, Kion,” Mhina said.
Simba and Nala stepped forward, Simba was guiding Nguruma, his tail wrapped around Nguruma's shoulders.
“Safe travels, Lion Guard,” Simba said warmly as he guided Nguruma to stand beside Kion.
“Thanks, Dad,” Kion said.
Nala's eyes shone with pride and affection as she gazed at Kion.
“We'll miss you, all of you,” Nala said. 
She moved forward and bent her head to nuzzle Kion's cheek. Kion pressed himself against Nala's pelt.
“I love you, Mom,” Kion said quietly.
Nala ruffled Kion's head tuft affectionately, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
“I love you, my darling,” Nala said.
She moved over and knelt down to nuzzle Nguruma's cheek. Nguruma nestled against Nala's pelt.
Simba and Mhina exchanged a glance.
“Bring my sons home, safe,” Simba said.
Mhina nodded, his gaze fixated on Kion.
“Of course, your majesty,” Mhina said.
Simba moved towards Kion and Nguruma and knelt down to nuzzle Kion's cheek.
“Good luck, son,” Simba said warmly as he ruffled Kion's head tuft. 
“Thanks, Dad.” Kion said as he pressed himself against Simba's pelt.
“I love you, my boy,” Simba said warmly. 
“I love you too, Dad,” Kion replied.
He watched as Simba moved over and knelt down to nuzzle Nguruma.
Kiara moved forward and ruffled Kion's head tuft affectionately.
“Good luck, little brother,” Kiara said.
“Thanks, Kiara,” Kion answered.
Kiara bent her head and nuzzled Kion's cheek.
“Look after Nguruma, Kion. Make sure he has an escort if he explores around the Tree of Life,” Kiara said.
“We'll take good care of him, I promise,” Kion said.
Kovu stepped forward to stand beside Kiara.
“Good luck, Kion,” Kovu said.
He moved forward and bent down to rub his muzzle against Kion's cheek. 
“Thanks, Kovu,” Kion answered.
Kion watched as Kovu and Kiara moved towards Nguruma.
Jasiri moved to stand beside him, nudging his shoulder affectionately.
“I'll keep the Pride Lands safe while you're gone, Kion. I promise,” Jasiri said.
“Thanks, Jasiri,” Kion said gratefully.
Behind them, Ayana had approached Fuli.
“Will you be back soon?” Ayana asked.
Fuli knelt down, and nuzzled Ayana's cheek.
“I don't know when we'll return, Mari. But it won't be long, I promise,” Fuli said gently.
Ayana gazed up at Fuli, her eyes shining with tears.
“I'll miss you, Fuli,” Ayana replied.
Fuli rubbed a paw against Ayana's cheek.
“I love you, Mari. I'll miss you too,” Fuli said.
“I love you, Fuli,” Ayana said.
Merah came up behind Ayana, and wrapped her tail around Ayana's shoulders.
A few tail-lengths away. Kohana had approached Anga and Makini.
“I'm going to miss you two. I can't wait to hear all about the Tree of Life when you come back,” Kohana said.
“We'll tell you everything, Kohana,” Makini said.
Anga nodded.
“We'll miss you too, Kohana,” Anga added.
She spread her wings, and Kohana and Makini pressed close in an embrace.
Nguruma's expression brightened as he caught a familiar scent and heard Mahuluti's pawsteps approach.
“Mahuluti,” Nguruma breathed, feeling his heartbeat rapidly quicken.
Beside him, Nala's expression softened as she watched Mahuluti approach Nguruma.
“I'll miss you, Nguruma,” Mahuluti said softly, her eyes shining with affection.
“I'll miss you too,” Nguruma said, feeling his heart clench with emotion.
Mahuluti leaned forward, pressing her muzzle against Nguruma's.
“I love you, Mahuluti,” Nguruma said quietly.
“I love you too,” Mahuluti answered.
Kion cleared his throat.
“It's time to head out, everyone. We need to get to the Tree of Life as soon as possible,” Kion said.
Makini came over to Nguruma, and helped him to his paws.
“Stay close to me, Nguruma. You can ride on Beshte if you get tired,” Makini said, as she led Nguruma towards Kion.
Simba moved to settle down beside Nala, and they watched as the Lion Guard, Nguruma, Makini, and Mhina headed towards the border.
“Look at our little boys, Simba,” Nala said, her eyes shining with tears.
Simba leaned over, and nuzzled Nala affectionately.
“They're not cubs anymore, my love,” Simba said.
As the Lion Guard, Nguruma, Makini, and Mhina reached the border, Kion glanced behind him, feeling his heart twist as he made out the outline of Pride Rock.
“Til the Pride Lands' end,” Kion said quietly.
Mhina came to stand beside him, brushing his tail against Kion's flank.
“Are you okay?“ Mhina asked.
Kion nodded.
“Let's keep going, I need to be healed as soon as possible,” Kion said.
He and Mhina began to lead the way into the Back Lands, their pelts brushing.
As the Lion Guard, Makini, Nguruma, and Mhina entered the Back Lands, they didn't notice Makucha was observing them from behind a bush, the rest of his leap was assembled behind him.
Makini's eyes were alight with eagerness and excitement as she walked beside Beshte, keeping a palm on Nguruma's shoulder.
“I can't wait until you meet all the animals at the Tree of Life. The rarest animals from everywhere live there. Kenene says they all come to the Tree of Life to be safe.” Makini said eagerly.
“Poa! It sounds amazing, Makini,” Beshte said.
Chuluun moved to stand beside Makucha, and they exchanged an intrigued glance. 
Neither of them noticed Nyeusi observing them from the shelter of a tree branch.
“I can't wait to show you all the places that Kenene's told me about, and share the stories I've heard from her,” Makini continued.
From his perch on Beshte's back, Ono gasped suddenly, his gaze struggling to focus on several rocks ahead of them.
“What's wrong, Ono?” Beshte asked.
“I see something behind those rocks,” Ono said, indicating with his wing.
Kion and Anga exchanged a glance.
“Can you take a look, Anga?“ Kion asked.
“I'm on it,” Anga said.
She flew over to where Ono had indicated, examining the rocks.
“There's nothing here, just more rocks,” Anga reported.
“Sorry, everyone,” Ono said dejectedly.
“It's okay, Ono,” Fuli said gently.
Ono sighed, and Anga flew over, settling down on Beshte's back beside him and wrapping a wing comfortingly around him.
“Don't worry, Ono. If anything happens, I'll get you to safety,” Makini promised.
“That's the problem, Makini. I'm on the Lion Guard. I should be helping animals to safety. Not the other way around,” Ono replied.
From the shelter of the bush, Makucha glanced behind him at his leap.
“I have a new plan, everyone,” Makucha announced.
“What's the plan, Makucha?” Jiona asked.
Makucha chuckled darkly,
“The Lion Guard's going to the Tree of Life.  We're going to follow them there,” Makucha replied.
“The Tree of Life?” Fahari asked skeptically.
“Yeah. Rare animals from all over go there to be safe. And there's nothing I like better than rare animals who think they're safe,” Makucha said.
Intrigued, Nyeusi slipped down the tree trunk, and disappeared amongst the grasses, heading towards the border.
Suddenly, Orji stepped out from behind a bush, and approached Makucha.
“I overheard your scheme, brother,” Orji said.
“Have you finally come back to the leap at last, Orji?” Makucha asked.
“I would never join you. I won't watch you hurt and kill innocent animals,” Orji growled.
Makucha scoffed.
“I should've known you wouldn't follow me. You've always been more like Uheri and Mapigano. You've never followed in Dad's path as I have,” Makucha growled.
“Uheri managed to keep Mapigano from succumbing to your influence. I knew I made the right decision when I left the leap, I've found my own path to follow, not yours or Dad's,” Orji retorted.
He stepped away from Makucha, and bounded off.
Makucha glanced behind him at his leap.
“Anyone want to follow my brother?” Makucha asked.
Chuluun stepped forward, entwining her tail with Makucha's.
“We're with you, Makucha,” Chuluun said.
“Count us in,” Fahari added.
“We shall follow you to the Tree of Life and take part in your scheme,” Jiona said. 
Meanwhile, the Lion Guard, Makini, Nguruma, and Mhina had reached Mirihi Forest.
“We're almost there!” Makini said excitedly.
Suddenly, Kion groaned, and began rubbing a paw over his eye.
“You okay, Kion?” Bunga asked worriedly. 
Kion closed his eyes, grimacing as the pain coursed through him.
Anga glanced over at Makini.
“Kion looks like he could use some tuliza,” Anga commented.
Leaving Nguruma beside Beshte, Makini came forward, untying the gourd tied onto her staff. She opened it, dropping tuliza into her palm.
She moved towards Kion, holding her palm out.
“Have some tuliza, Kion. It'll help you feel better,” Makini said encouragingly.
Kion leaned forward, and gulped the tuliza down.
“Thanks, Makini,” Kion said gratefully.
Nguruma stepped forward unsteadily, his paws stumbling over several large stones. Beshte attempted to steady him, and gently nudged Nguruma away from the stones. Nguruma glanced around, flexing his claws. 
Immediately, Makini moved towards him, placing a palm on his shoulder.
“It's okay, Nguruma,” Makini said gently.
Beshte cleared his throat.
“You're welcome to ride on my back, Nguruma. I'll carry you,” Beshte offered.
He knelt down, and Makini carefully began to guide Nguruma onto his back. Fuli came over to help, and nudged Nguruma up. Makini climbed up behind him, pulling Nguruma over to lean against her.
Kion watched them, relaxing as Nguruma curled up and closed his eyes.
“Take a break, everyone,” Kion said.
He noticed a puddle of water, and moved towards it, gazing at his reflection.
“What if I really am turning evil, just like Scar did?” Kion murmured.
His expression hardened as he gazed at his reflection in the water.
“I look just like Scar,” Kion muttered.
As Kion gazed into the water, a vision of Scar suddenly appeared, startling him. Horrified, Kion gasped, stumbling backwards.
“You have the Mark of Evil, Kion! Accept your destiny, there is no other choice!” Scar exclaimed.
“No! You're wrong, Scar!” Kion growled.
“Sisi Ni Sawa, Kion!” Scar taunted.
“I may look like you, but I'll never act like you!” Kion exclaimed.
He slashed a paw downwards angrily, distorting the vision.
Mhina stepped forward, his eyes wide with concern.
“What's wrong, Kion?” Mhina asked gently.
Kion relaxed as Mhina came over to stand beside him, gently brushing his tail along Kion's spine. 
“It's nothing, Mhina. I'm fine,” Kion said dismissively.
Mhina pressed closer to him, and Kion turned to meet his gaze, his heart leaping as he noticed the concern in Mhina's eyes.
==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 / Jasmin (cameo)
* Lyons Luke Mathias as Nguruma / Frerin (cameo)
*Rob Lowe as Simba
*Moira Kelly as Nala
*Eden Riegel as Kiara
*Jason Marsden as Kovu
*Matthew Broderick as Gula (cameo)
*Lacey Chabert as Vitani (cameo)
*Ivy Bishop as Kohana
*Fiona Hart as Ayana / Wema (cameo)
*Bailey Gambertoglio as Na'Zyia (cameo)
*Gene Miller as Regandi (cameo)
*Maisie Klompus as Merah / Madoa (cameos)
*Penny Johnson Jerald as Sarafina (cameos)
*John O'Hurley as Hasani / Hadithi (cameos)
*Alfre Woodard as Sarabi (cameo)
*Khary Payton as Rafiki (cameo)
*Heather Headley as Kitendo / Fila (cameos)
*Christopher Jackson as Fikiri (cameo)
*Behzad Dabu as Azaad (cameo)
* Deb Doetzer as Tama (cameo) 
*Jeff Bennett as Zazu (cameo)
*Kevin Schon as Timon (cameo)
*Ernie Sabella as Pumbaa (cameo)
*Fiona Riley as Binga (cameo)
*Kimiko Glenn as Amira (cameo) / Asante (cameo) / Chuluun / Cheza (cameo)
*Maia Mitchell as Jasiri
*Ace Gibson as Mlinzi (cameo) / Jiona
*Hudson Yang as Xolani / Shauri (cameos)
* Crimson Hart as Tunu (cameo)
*Marieve Herington as Kenene (mentioned)
*Lana McKissack as Sukuma / Nyeupe (cameo)
*Dee Bradley Baker as Kesho / Nyeusi (cameos)
*Paget Brewster as Kubariki / Chungwa (cameos)
*Kate Micucci as Mahuluti 
*Allison Janney as Kuuma (cameo)
*Evan Kishiyama as Uchoraji (cameos)
*Matthew Yang King as Ajali (cameo)
*Blair Underwood as Makuu (cameo) / Orji
*Lynette DuPree as Ma Tembo (cameo)
*Julie Kavner as Ma (cameo)
*Charlie Adler as Max (cameo)
*Erica Luttrell as Boboka (cameo)
*Michael Dorn as Bupu (cameo)
*Nick Watt as Zito / Nane (cameos)
* Nolan North as Fahari 
*Mckenna Grace as Kiazi (cameo)
*Ogie Banks as Kroko (cameos)
*Rico Rodriguez as Mizani (cameos)
* Beck Bennett as Toa / Macho (cameos)
* Jacquez Swanigan as Salehe (cameo)
* Michelle Gomez as Zuwena (cameo)
* Bluebelle Saraceno as Ona (cameo)
* Kevin Michael Richardson as Basi (cameo)
* Rachel House as Mfukoni (cameo)
* Gerald Rivers as Pua / Daima (cameos)
*Steve Blum as Makucha
* Bobby Moynihan as Khurdan (cameo)
* Justin Felbinger as Mtoto (cameo)
* Kristofer Hivju as One-Eye (indirectly mentioned)
* Gary Anthony Williams as Utupu (cameo)
* Elise Allen as Kulinda (cameo)
* Jorge Diaz as Mapigano (mentioned)
* Toks Olagundoye as Uheri (mentioned)
*David Oyelowo as Scar
* Dawn French as Rina (cameo)
* Jennifer Saunders as Rada (cameo)
* Sarah-Nicole Robles as Kubali (cameo)
=== Groups===
* The Lion Guard
* Simba's Pride 
* Pride Landers
* Basi's Pod
* Fila's Coalition
* Bupu's Herd
* Fikiri's Troop
* Makucha's Leap
* Kubariki's Clan
* Ma Tembo's Herd
* Max's Colony 
* Sukuma's Flock 
* Back Landers 
* Makuu's Float
===Locations ===
* Pride Lands 
** Pride Rock
* Back Lands 
** Mirihi Forest
* Tree of Life (mentioned)
===Animals===
* Lions
* Leopons 
* Cheetahs 
* Honey Badgers 
* Hippopotamuses
* Egrets
* Eagles 
* Mandrills 
* Hornbills
* Warthogs
* Meerkats
* Hyenas
* Leopards
* Elephants
* Antelope
* Crocodiles 
* Skinks
==Trivia==
* Several lines of dialogue in this chapter are taken directly from The Harmattan and Friends to the End.
*This chapter marks the final time Lynette DuPree is credited for the role of Ma Tembo, as the actress died on February 6th, 2023 near the end of its production.
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Category:Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy
Category:Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy Chapters