Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy (Chapter 9)

Chapter 9 is the ninth chapter of Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy.
==Synopsis==
Kion and Mhina spend some time in the Willows; the Lion Guard, Night Pride, and Kingiza patrol Marsh Forest while Janna shares another story with Makini and Nguruma.
==Transcript==
On a peaceful day, the Lion Guard, along with Kingiza, Mhina, Ullu, and the Night Pride had gathered outside the Tree of Life.
“Can you take charge of the Guard on the patrol today, Fuli?” Kion asked.
He glanced sideways at Mhina, feeling his pelt burn as he noticed the affection in Mhina's eyes.
Fuli suppressed a purr of amusement as she watched them.
“Of course I'll lead the Guard today,” Fuli said.
She and Rani exchanged an amused glance as they observed the affectionate look shared between Kion and Mhina. 
“We're going to start the patrol in Marsh Forest today, everyone,” Rani announced.
“That sounds great, Rani.” Kingiza said.
He moved to stand beside her, entwining his tail with hers.
“Let's get started.” Fuli said.
Rani and Fuli began to lead the Lion Guard, Ullu, Kingiza, and the Night Pride towards Marsh Forest. 
Kion glanced at Mhina, suddenly feeling a wave of nervousness sweep over him.
“D-Do you want to spend time in the Willows, with me?” Kion asked.
Mhina felt his heartbeat quicken as he met Kion's gaze.
“Yes. I-I'd love to, Kion,” Mhina replied.
The two of them began to walk towards the Willows, moving close enough for their pelts to brush together.
When they arrived, they settled down amongst a patch of flowers.  
“Has Nirmala told you what the next healing exercise will be yet?” Mhina asked.
“Not yet. Hopefully it's better than tree frogs jumping all over me,” Kion replied.
He and Mhina chuckled in amusement.
“I'm glad we get to spend time together. It's beautiful here,” Kion said.
“Yeah, it is. It's peaceful here too,” Mhina commented.
“I still feel responsible for leading Reth and Makucha here. It's my fault they've been launching attacks and disrupting the peace,” Kion admitted.
“It's not your fault. Reth and Makucha made their own decisions to follow us. Jivin and Maya know that you'd never lead them here deliberately, Rani does too,” Mhina said. 
“You heard Rani after the last attacks. She blames me for Astuto's Leash and Cek's Flock being attacked and Baliyo being paralyzed,” Kion replied.
Mhina's expression softened, and he shifted closer to Kion, brushing his tail against Kion's flank.
“No, Kion. She doesn't blame you. Rani's just worried about keeping everyone safe. None of the attacks were your fault,” Mhina said firmly.
Kion sighed.
“How can you be so sure?” Kion asked.
“I'm sure because I know you, Kion, and I trust you. You've always had the drive to protect and care for others,” Mhina replied.
Kion glanced at him, feeling a wave of warmth and affection sweep over him.
“I'm also realizing that I'm beginning to miss my parents, as well as Kiara. I know Nguruma misses them too, and he misses Mahuluti,” Kion said.
“I miss my parents and siblings too. But I'm glad I'm here with you. I don't regret joining you to come here at all,“ Mhina answered.
Kion pressed his pelt closer to Mhina's, feeling their tails entwine.
“I'm so glad you're here with me,“ Kion said.
“You don't have to face this alone. I'm with you, stride by stride,” Mhina replied.
“I'm proud to fight beside you. We make a great team,” Kion said.
“We always will,” Mhina answered. 
Meanwhile, the Lion Guard and Night Pride, along with Ullu and Kingiza were finishing the patrol in Marsh Forest.
Rani glanced up at Anga and Ono, who were flying above them.
“Do you two see anything?” Rani asked.
“Nope. It's all clear,” Anga reported.
“Affirmative.” Ono added.
Kingiza moved to walk beside Rani, matching her stride with his.
“Don't worry, Rani. The predators don't stand a chance against all of us. We'll be ready for their next attacks,” Kingiza said.
“We have to be ready. Dad trusted me to help protect everyone. I don't want to let him down,” Rani admitted.
“You won't let him down. You're a great fighter, Rani. You'll be a wonderful leader someday,” Kingiza replied.
Rani stepped closer to him, pushing her shoulder against his affectionately.
“You're a great fighter too, Kingiza. I'm glad you decided to come help us,” Rani said
“Me too. I'm glad it gives me the opportunity to spend time with you,” Kingiza said.
“I've enjoyed spending time with you too,” Rani replied.
Meanwhile, inside the tree, Janna was settled down on the pedestal, Nguruma settled close beside her and Kenene, Umhlaba, and Makini gathered around them.
“What are we going to learn today, Kenene?” Makini asked.
“Today, Janna and I are going to tell you about how the Tree of Life was discovered by Bahan and Berenike,” Kenene replied.
Immediately, Makini's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. 
“Really?” Makini asked eagerly.
Janna nodded.
“Many seasons ago, Bahan and Berenike, my parents, had embarked on a journey across the savannah in search of a safe home in which to raise myself. Their travels soon led them to the Mountain Pass, where they elected to settle for the night. As they slept, a Great Lion of the Past came to my mother in a dream, prophesying of an ancient haven in which all could find safety and prosperity. My parents were intrigued by this prophecy, and decided to extend their search to find this haven,” Janna began.
Makini's eyes were wide with excitement as she listened to the story. Beside her, Umhlaba was gazing at Janna in astonishment.
“They set off at dawn, and soon reached the Tree of Life, where they settled down, soon establishing the Night Pride and becoming the rulers of the Tree of Life. The Great Spirits had also foretold of ancient healing powers, which could be unearthed through the Tree of Life and harnessed by one chosen to heal those that came to the Tree seeking help and safety,” Janna continued.
“Soon afterwards, Salamu travelled to the Tree of Life and the Great Spirits sent a sign to Bahan that she'd be the Royal Mjuzi, and assist her in healing those that were hurt or sick. Salamu soon became known for her extensive healing knowledge and her talent for identifying the many different herbs that grew around the Tree, chronicling them all in cave paintings, so future Mjuzis like myself and Umhlaba could gain knowledge from what she left behind,” Kenene said.
Suddenly, Surak cleared his throat from the entrance of the tree.
“What is it, my son?” Janna asked.
“I've brought some prey for Nguruma,” Surak explained as he came forward, setting the prey down in front of Nguruma.
Nguruma leaned forward, sniffing the prey.
“What animal is this?” Nguruma asked.
“It's part of a musk deer,” Surak explained.
“Thanks, Surak,” Nguruma said gratefully.
“You're welcome, little one.” Surak replied.
“Do you and Janna want to share this with me?” Nguruma asked.
“Certainly, Nguruma,” Janna said.
Surak settled down close to Nguruma, watching as Nguruma bent down to take a bite of the prey.
“Which legend are you sharing, Mother?” Surak asked. 
“How your grandparents discovered the Tree of Life,” Janna replied.
“That's an important one,” Surak commented.
“Do you know any stories, Surak?” Makini asked eagerly.
“Yes, I do. I've heard many legends of the Tree of Life,” Surak said.
“Will you tell us some of them?” Makini asked.
“Yes, I'd be happy to,” Surak replied.
== Appearances==
===Characters===
*Max Charles as Kion
* Cade Sutton as Mhina
*Joshua Rush as Bunga (cameo)
*Diamond White as Fuli
*Bryana Salaz as Anga
*Atticus Shaffer as Ono
*Dusan Brown as Beshte (cameo)
* Landry Bender as Makini / Tatu (indirectly mentioned)
* Lyons Luke Mathias as Nguruma
* Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Rani 
* Hudson Yang as Baliyo (cameo) / Kicheko (indirectly mentioned)
* Lou Diamond Phillips as Surak / Ajani (indirectly mentioned)
* Miki Yamashita as Nirmala (cameo)
* Marieve Herington as Kenene
* Aaron Daniel Jacob as Kingiza 
* Shohreh Aghdashloo as Janna
* Nika Futterman as Umhlaba (cameo)
* Vyvan Pham as Ullu (cameo)
* Toks Olagundoye as Bahan (mentioned)
* James Sie as Berenike (mentioned)
* Catherine Tate as Salamu (mentioned)
* Rob Lowe as Simba (indirectly mentioned)
* Moira Kelly as Nala (indirectly mentioned)
* Eden Riegel as Kiara (mentioned)
* Kate Micucci as Mahuluti (mentioned) 
* Meghan Strange as Ayo (indirectly mentioned) / Astuto (mentioned)
* Mekai Curtis as Kopa (indirectly mentioned)
*Ace Gibson as Jivin (mentioned)
*Erica Luttrell as Queen Maya (mentioned)
* Jeremy Ray Valdez as Cek (mentioned)
* Steve Blum as Makucha (mentioned)
* Justin Hires as Reth (mentioned)
===Groups===
* The Lion Guard 
* Night Pride 
*Astuto's Leash (mentioned)
* Cek's Flock (mentioned)
*Reth's Pride (indirectly mentioned)
*Mama Binturong's Army (indirectly mentioned)
===Locations===
* Tree of Life 
** Willows
** Marsh Forest
=== Animals ===
* Lions 
* Leopons 
* Honey Badgers 
* Cheetahs 
* Eagles
* Egrets
* Hippopotamuses
* Mandrills 
* Owls
* Tree Frogs (mentioned)
* Musk Deer
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