Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy (Chapter 4)

Chapter 4 is the fourth chapter of Legends of the Lion Guard: The Dark Prophecy.
==Synopsis==
Kion's first healing task begins, but he struggles to learn patience.
==Transcript==
The next day, Reth's Pride had assembled outside the Mountain Pass.
“What are we going to do now, Reth?” Slash asked.
“We're going to wait for the perfect opportunity to launch an attack, when the Lion Guard leasts expects it,” Reth replied.
“Do you really think we have a chance of defeating the Lion Guard and that leopon?” Kariuki asked.
“Of course we do. We won't let them win so easily this time,” Reth replied.
Meanwhile, the Lion Guard, Makini, Kenene, Nguruma, and the Night Pride were assembled inside the Tree of Life.
Janna was settled down on the pedestal, her paws resting on roots close to her. The rest of the Night Pride was assembled beside her.
“Ono. The remedy for your eyes is ready. It is time for your healing to begin,” Janna said.
Immediately, Ono flew up into the air, flying in a circle around them excitedly.
“Yes, yes, yes!” Ono exclaimed.
Kion's expression softened as he watched Ono land beside Makini, and Makini led him towards Janna.
“This is what we came here for. We're all so happy for you, Ono,” Kion said warmly.
“Affirmative,” Fuli said.
“It's UnBungalieveable!” Bunga exclaimed.
“Yep,” Anga added, her eyes soft with affection as she watched Ono.
“Poa! This really is amazing. You'll get to see so much here,” Beshte said.
He watched as Makini and Kenene began laying a leaf poultice over Ono's eyes. 
“This'll be really great,” Mhina said.
Janna glanced over at Aminia, who was standing beside Nirmala.
“Watch, Aminia. Someday, you shall have this role,” Janna said.
Aminia nodded, her eyes wide with excitement and interest.
“Okay, Grandma,” Aminia said.
Keeping a paw on a root, Janna placed a paw on the poultice covering Ono's eyes, closing her eyes. Around them, energy coursed through the tree, fueled by the root underneath Janna's paw. The energy soon subsided, and Janna removed her paw from the poultice.
“Ono, your eyesight will be better now. But, it may never be as strong as it once was,” Janna said gently.
“Uh, okay,” Ono said.
“Makini, please remove the leaves from his eyes,” Janna instructed.
Makini stepped forward, and gently pulled the leaves off of Ono's eyes.
Slowly, Ono's gaze focused, and he could see his surroundings clearly, the haziness vanishing as he gazed around him. He felt his body fill with joy and relief as he took in the beauty and majesty of the tree.
“Yes! I can see so much better now!” Ono exclaimed.
He glanced around him at the Guard, the Night Pride, Mhina, Makini, and Nguruma, his expression brightening as his gaze rested on Anga.
“Everyone! I can see all of you!” Ono said excitedly.
He turned to Janna, bowing respectfully.
“Thank you so much, Queen Janna,” Ono said. 
“Of course, Ono,” Janna said.
Anga moved towards Ono, her eyes shining with affection and happiness.
“I'm so happy for you, Ono,” Anga said warmly.
Ono stepped closer to her and Anga wrapped a wing around him.
“Will you fly with me? I want you to be the first one I explore the Tree of Life with,” Ono said.
“I'd love to fly with you, Ono,” Anga replied.
Ono glanced at Kion.
“Is that okay with you, Kion?” Ono asked.
Kion nodded.
“Of course it is. Go on, you two,” Kion said.
He watched as Ono and Anga flew out of the tree.
Nirmala glanced at Kion.
“Are you ready for your healing to begin, Kion?” Nirmala asked.
“Yes. I am.” Kion answered.
“We'll begin at Dirisha,” Nirmala said.
“Perhaps the rest of you would like to join the day patrol with Rani, Baliyo, Aminia, and Danyal,” Janna suggested.
“Sure, they can come with us,” Rani said.
Surak stepped forward from where he'd been standing beside Janna. 
“Perhaps I'll come along as well,” Surak said.   
“That'd be great, Uncle Surak,” Rani said brightly.
Beside Makini, Nguruma glanced around anxiously.
“Where are you, miss?” Nguruma asked.
Rani and Surak exchanged a glance, and Surak moved to stand in front of Nguruma.
“It was me who spoke, Nguruma. I'm Surak, remember?” Surak said gently.
“Oh, I'm sorry, Surak,” Nguruma said.
“It's all right, little one,” Surak said.
Makini placed a palm on Nguruma's shoulder, her eyes wide with concern. 
Mhina moved towards Kion, his eyes shining with affection.
“Good luck, Kion,” Mhina said warmly.
“Thanks, Mhina,” Kion said.
Mhina stepped closer, pressing his muzzle against Kion's cheek, and entwining tails with him. Kion leaned against Mhina's shoulder, feeling his heartbeat quicken.
“I hope your healing goes well,” Mhina said quietly.
“I do too, Mhina,” Kion replied.
Behind them, Rani cleared her throat pointedly.
“We need to start the patrol, Mhina.” Rani said, her eyes shining with amusement as she watched Kion and Mhina pull apart.
“I'll see you later, I promise,” Mhina said.
Kion nodded.
“See you later, Mhina,” Kion said.
Mhina leaned forward, and pressed his muzzle against Kion's cheek.
“Mhina!” Rani called impatiently, from the entrance of the tree, where she was waiting with the rest of the Guard, Baliyo, Surak, Aminia, and Danyal.
“Coming!” Mhina said.
He and Kion gazed at each other for a heartbeat, before Mhina rushed off.
Kion glanced over at Nguruma, and moved towards him.
He bent down, and nuzzled Nguruma's cheek affectionately.
“It's me, Nguruma. I'm leaving now. I'll be back soon,” Kion said.
“Okay, Kion,” Nguruma replied.
Kion straightened up, exchanging a glance with Makini.
“I'll look after him,” Makini promised.
“Thanks, Makini,” Kion said gratefully.
Nirmala came to stand beside him, brushing her tail along Kion's spine.
“Ready to go?” Nirmala asked.
Kion nodded, his eyes sharp with determination.
“The sooner we start, the sooner I'm healed from what Ushari did to me,” Kion said.
Makini watched as Kion and Nirmala headed out of the tree.
Once they'd gone, she turned to Kenene, her eyes bright with enthusiasm and excitement. 
“What are we doing today?” Makini asked eagerly.
“I'm going to tell you the legends of the Tree of Life, and about the mystical herbs that grow here,” Kenene answered.
Janna moved to settle down on Nguruma's other side, gently brushing his spine with her tail.
“I can't wait!” Makini said enthusiastically.
Janna chuckled, noticing the excitement and enthusiasm shining in Makini's eyes.
“Perhaps we should tell them about the many mystical herbs that were discovered by Salamu, when she was the Royal Mjuzi of the tree,” Janna suggested.
“The cave paintings she left taught me about those herbs,” Kenene said.
“Even the Blazing Star?” Makini asked.
“Yes, even the Blazing Star,” Kenene replied.
Nguruma nestled against Janna's pelt, feeling Janna's tail brush against his flank.
“I remember well when Dayaalu and I ruled over the Tree of Life, and Salamu was my Royal Mjuzi and close friend,” Janna said.
“Will you tell us about her?” Makini asked.
“Of course, little Makini,” Janna replied.
Meanwhile, Kion and Nirmala had reached Dirisha.
“This is Dirisha. The River of Patience,” Nirmala said.
“This is where you'll heal my scar? So I can control the Roar?” Kion asked.
“This is the first of many steps on your journey to healing,” Nirmala replied.
Kion's eyes narrowed with frustration.
“How long is it gonna take?” Kion asked.
“That depends on you. As Janna said, you must have patience,” Nirmala said.
She glanced across the river, her gaze resting on a bright orange flower on top of a ridge.
“Look at the top of that ridge. Do you see the bright orange flower?” Nirmala asked.
“Yeah?” Kion replied.
“I need you to bring it to me,” Nirmala instructed.
Kion nodded, preparing to bound off.
“I'll be right back,” Kion said determinedly.
Quickly, Nirmala stepped in front of him, blocking his route.
“Easy, Kion. Aramakaro. You need to follow my instructions. First, you'll need to wait for a log to float past. Hop on to the log, and ride it down the river. Once you reach that sandy bank, jump off. Then take the winding path up to the top of the ridge,” Nirmala said.
“Wouldn't it be faster just to swim across the river? Then climb the ridge to get to the flower,” Kion replied.
“Possibly. But the fast way isn't always the best way,” Nirmala said.
“Okay. I'll try it your way.” Kion said irritably.
He glanced around, his gaze searching for logs among the stillness of the river.
“So where are the logs?” Kion asked.
“One will come,” Nirmala replied.
Meanwhile, Rani, the Lion Guard, Surak, Mhina, Baliyo, Aminia, and Danyal had arrived at Rocky Mountains. 
“Are there any interesting animals here, Rani?” Beshte asked.
Rani nodded.
“The Tree of Life is home to all different species of animals. You probably won't find many like them in the Pride Lands,” Rani said.
“It's beautiful here. It feels so peaceful and quiet,” Fuli commented.
“There's so many different habitats to explore here. It's part of why the Tree of Life is so special,” Danyal said.
“Someday ruling over all of this, and leading the Night Pride will be my responsibility,” Rani added.
“It's definitely a big responsibility,” Mhina said.
Meanwhile, at Dirisha, Kion was settled down on the riverbank, his tail twitching impatiently.
“I could have waited for logs back in the Pride Lands,” Kion said irritably.
“Yes, but Rafiki sent you here to be healed. It's important that you learn patience and concentration,” Nirmala replied.
“Fine.” Kion muttered.
“There's a log approaching, Kion. I know you can do this,” Nirmala said.
Kion glanced at the river, noticing a log floating towards them.
“It's about time,” Kion said.
He dropped into a crouch, his eyes narrowed in concentration. As the log floated closer, Kion leapt forward, missing the log by a heartbeat, and toppling into the water. From the riverbank, Nirmala grimaced sympathetically as she watched Kion stumble out of the river.
“That was a good try, Kion,” Nirmala said encouragingly, as Kion came over to her.
“I missed the log,” Kion muttered.
“Another one will come,” Nirmala said.
Kion's expression hardened as he noticed another log floating towards them.
Carefully, he crouched down, keeping his eyes trained on the log as it drifted closer.
Kion leapt forward, missing the log completely and crashing into the water. Growling, Kion stumbled out of the river, water dripping from his pelt.
“Just keep trying, Kion,” Nirmala said gently.
Kion settled down beside her, and began lapping at his drenched pelt.
“I know this is hard, but you'll be able to complete this task soon,” Nirmala said.
“Not soon enough.” Kion muttered.
Nirmala gently stroked her tail along Kion's spine, her eyes wide with concern.
“I just want to be healed. I don't want it to take too long,” Kion said.
“I know, Kion. You need to have patience. You'll be healed soon,” Nirmala said.
Suddenly, Mhina approached them. When Kion caught sight of him, his expression immediately brightened, his eyes lighting up.
“What are you doing here, Mhina?” Kion asked, feeling his heartbeat quicken as he met Mhina's gaze.
“I wanted to check on you and see how the healing was going,” Mhina replied.
“We still have a long way to go,” Nirmala said.
Her expression softened as she saw Kion visibly relax in Mhina's presence.
Quietly, Nirmala stepped back and moved towards the riverbank. She crouched down, and began to drink from the river.
Mhina moved to settle down beside Kion, pressing himself against Kion's pelt.
“Are you okay, Kion?” Mhina asked gently.
“I don't know. My scar is making me feel really angry. I can't control it. I don't want to hurt any of you,” Kion answered.
Mhina's expression softened and he gently stroked his tail along Kion's spine.
“You don't have to be afraid, Kion. All of us care about you, and want to help you. You can lean on us, you can lean on me,” Mhina said.
“I'm so glad you came with us, I don't know what I'd do without you,” Kion admitted.
“From now on, I'm beside you, no matter what. You're the reason I believe I can be a good ruler of Leopon Plains someday,” Mhina replied.
Kion leaned against Mhina's shoulder, feeling his heart swell with affection.
“What does Nirmala want you to do?” Mhina asked.
“She wants me to ride a log down the river, and get a flower. I haven't had success completing that task yet,” Kion answered.
“I know you can do this, Kion. You just have to try again,” Mhina said encouragingly.
Suddenly, Nirmala approached them, water dripping from her mouth.
“Mhina's right, Kion,” Nirmala said.
Kion sighed and stood up, unsheathing his claws. Mhina stood up and moved closer to Kion, nuzzling his cheek affectionately.
“I should probably leave you to concentrate on your task. Good luck, Kion,” Mhina said.
“See you later, Mhina,” Kion said.
He watched as Mhina headed towards the Tree of Life.
Nirmala came to stand beside him, gently brushing her tail along Kion's spine.
“Are you ready to try again? I can see another log coming closer,” Nirmala said.
Kion sighed and shook out his pelt, flexing his claws anxiously.
He focused his attention on the log, dropping down into a crouch.
As the log drew closer, Kion leapt forward, barely missing the log, and toppling into the river.
Nirmala's eyes widened with sympathy as she watched Kion emerge from the river, water dripping from his pelt.
“Are you all right?“ Nirmala asked gently.
Kion coughed loudly, his whole body shivering.
“I'm fine, Nirmala,” Kion said, as he made his way over to her.
Nirmala moved closer, pressing her pelt against Kion's.
“Do you want to take a break?” Nirmala asked.
“I don't want anything to slow down my healing. I want to keep going,” Kion said.
He pulled away from Nirmala, and moved to crouch down close to the edge of the river.
“The leopon I'm in love with distracted me. How do you think I'm feeling?” Kion muttered.
“I heard that,” Nirmala said, a note of amusement in her tone.
Kion glanced at her, his expression softening when he noticed the look of sympathy and understanding in her eyes.
“There's another log approaching, Kion. You can do this,” Nirmala said supportively.
Kion closed his eyes, unsheathing his claws, and sinking them into the earth underneath him.
He crouched down, preparing to leap forward onto the log.
As Kion lunged towards the log, Ullu suddenly flew up, her eyes wide with panic.
“Nirmala! Rani needs you!” Ullu called.
At the sound of her voice, Kion glanced up, missing the log, and crashing into the water.
“Are you kidding me?” Kion muttered, as he surfaced.
He stumbled out of the river, moving to join Nirmala and Ullu. 
“What's going on, Ullu?” Kion asked.
“Reth's Pride is here! They've split up, and are attacking in two places at once!” Ullu said frantically.
“WHAT!” Kion exclaimed, his tone filled with horror and shock.
“How did they get here, Ullu?” Nirmala asked, her eyes wide with horror.
“Cara and I must've dozed off. We didn't see them coming,” Ullu answered.
“Where are they attacking?” Kion asked.
“Marsh Forest and the Tundra,” Ullu reported.
Kion unsheathed his claws, sinking them into the earth underneath him.
“We need to go help fight them off. They'll hurt every animal here,” Kion said urgently.
“You need to stay here, Kion. Stay focused and finish your task,“ Nirmala said.
Kion sighed as he watched Ullu and Nirmala rush off.
He turned back to the river, his gaze hardening with determination as he watched a log come closer to him. He leapt forward, his claws scrabbling on the bark of the log, and sending him toppling into the river.
Kion swam towards the riverbank, and emerged from the water, shaking his pelt irritably.
“The sooner I complete this task, the sooner I'm able to fight. I can do this,” Kion said.
Meanwhile, in Marsh Forest, a full-out battle was occurring, as Rani, Fuli, and Mhina, faced off back-to-back against Reth, Alasiri, Ekene, and Slash. In the midst of it all, Astuto and her family huddled near their den, their eyes wide with terror and fear. As Mbweha, Tamu, and Mzuri cowered together, Ekene advanced towards them, his claws unsheathed and a menacing look in his eyes. 
He lunged towards them, only to be intercepted by Rani, who rammed into him, sending him crashing to the ground. Ekene leapt to his paws, and lunged towards Rani, his weight easily unbalancing her and pinning her to the ground. 
Ekene pressed a paw against Rani's throat, his claws unsheathed. Rani struggled underneath him, unsuccessfully attempting to kick him off of her as Ekene's paw pressed harder against her throat. 
Rani could feel her eyes closing as Ekene's weight continued to press down on her, and she made one last struggle to kick him away. 
Suddenly, Nirmala and Ullu arrived, their eyes wide with horror as they took in the battlefield. Nirmala's attention was immediately drawn to Ekene and Rani, and she rushed towards them, while Ullu went to help Fuli and Mhina fight off Reth, Slash, and Alasiri, who were advancing towards Astuto and Contenta.
Ekene still had Rani pinned underneath him, his claws inches from her throat.
Suddenly, Nirmala slammed into him, the force knocking him off of Rani.
“Stay away from my niece,” Nirmala growled as she leapt in front of the teenage lioness.
She unsheathed her claws and slashed a paw towards Ekene's muzzle, connecting with enough force to unbalance him. Nirmala's eyes hardened with anger as she glared at Ekene.
Meanwhile, at Dirisha, Kion was pacing impatiently back and forth, his eyes scanning the river as he waited for a log.
Suddenly, his expression brightened as a log came floating towards him, and he crouched down, keeping his eyes focused on the log as it moved closer.
“Patience. Patience,” Kion muttered.
He leapt forward, landing squarely on the log, and digging his claws into the bark. Kion's eyes shone with triumph as the log floated down the river towards the ridge, 
When the log reached the sandy bank, Kion leapt off, and began heading up the ridge.
“Made it. Now where's that flower?” Kion said as he reached the top of the ridge.
Suddenly, he heard a shout from nearby, and he rushed towards the edge of the ridge, peering into the valley below him. His eyes widened with horror as he observed the battle.
“Hevi Kabisa! Rani's down!” Kion shouted.
He glanced at the flower, his expression growing determined.
“Nirmala said to finish the task. No matter what,” Kion said as he approached the flower and bent down to grasp it with his teeth.
“But now I can help!” Kion exclaimed, his voice muffled by the flower in his jaws.
He began rush down the path, towards the noise of the battle.
Meanwhile, at Marsh Forest, Fuli, Ullu, Nirmala, and Mhina were continuing to fight against Reth's Pride. Nirmala and Fuli had helped Rani settle down underneath the shelter of a tree so she could rest. 
Reth was advancing towards Astuto and Contenta, his claws unsheathed. He lunged forward, sinking his teeth into Contenta's tail and pulling him to the ground. Astuto launched herself towards Reth, only to be knocked aside and sent toppling to the ground. Astuto struggled to her paws, her expression dazed. 
Meanwhile, Kion had made it to Marsh Forest, his expression filled with panic as he took in the chaos in front of him.
His eyes widened as he watched Reth advance towards Astuto and Contenta, and he immediately rushed towards them.
Before Reth could strike Astuto again, Kion bounded forward and launched himself at Reth, kicking him away from the two foxes.
Snarling, Reth lunged towards Kion, aiming an unsheathed paw at Kion's cheek, and striking it. Kion ducked underneath Reth, raking his claws against Reth's underbelly, and leaving deep cuts. Reth attempted to strike Kion again, but Kion dodged him, and swiftly kicked him away. 
“It's over. Get out,” Kion growled.
Reth chuckled darkly.
“You win today, Kion. But it won't be long until we're back,” Reth said.
He glanced at Alasiri, Ekene, and Slash.
“Everyone! Retreat!” Reth called.
He and the pride immediately rushed off.
Mhina approached Kion, his eyes widening with concern as he took in the scratches on Kion's cheek.
“Are you okay, Kion?” Mhina asked.
“They're just scratches, I'll be fine,” Kion said.
Mhina moved closer, until he was standing beside Kion, their pelts brushing.
“I'm so glad you're safe,” Kion said quietly, leaning against Mhina's side.
“I'm glad you're safe too, Kion,” Mhina said.
He gently stroked his tail along Kion's flank, his eyes wide with relief and concern.
Fuli, Ullu, Rani, and Nirmala approached them. Rani was leaning heavily against Nirmala's side, Nirmala's tail wrapped around her shoulders.
“Everyone all right?” Rani asked.
“We're all fine. Are you okay?” Kion asked.
Rani nodded.
“I'll be fine. I just need to rest,” Rani replied.
“When we get home, I'll get you some herbs to help you feel better,” Nirmala said.
“Thanks, Aunt Nirmala.” Rani said gratefully.
She glanced over at Astuto and her leash.
“Are you all okay?” Rani asked anxiously.
Astuto nodded.
“Thank you, Rani,” Astuto said, her tone filled with gratitude.
“You're welcome,” Rani answered.
Suddenly, the rest of the Lion Guard approached, followed by Baliyo, Surak, Aminia, and Danyal.
“You should've seen those baddies run after I used my stink on them!” Bunga exclaimed.
“It was awesome!” Baliyo added.
“Stinky too,” Anga commented.
“Affirmative,” Ono said.
Fuli chuckled.
“I think we can imagine how it was,” Fuli said.
Surak's eyes narrowed with concern as he watched Rani lean against Nirmala's side.
“Are you okay, Rani?” Surak asked.
Rani nodded.
“I'll be fine,” Rani answered.
“Was anyone hurt?” Kion asked.
Beshte shook his head.
“Pinguino and his rookery are safe,” Beshte said.
Kion glanced around, his eyes widening as he noticed the trampled remains of the flower on the ground.
“Nirmala? I did get the flower. But it got trampled in the battle.” Kion said.
“You finished the task. Giving me the flower wasn't really the point,” Nirmala answered.
Mhina moved closer, pressing his shoulder against Kion's.
“I'm so proud of you. I knew you could do this,” Mhina said, his eyes shining with affection.
“Does this mean Kion's all better?” Bunga asked eagerly.
“I don't think so. There's more I have to do, isn't there?” Kion said.
“Yes. You've taken the first step. But there's still a long way to go,” Nirmala replied.
“Guess I just need patience,” Kion said.
Beside Nirmala, Rani's eyes were wide with horror and shock. 
“I'd still like to know how Reth and his pride managed to make it all the way here,” Rani said.
Realization struck Kion, and his expression became panicked.
“They must have followed us…” Kion said, his voice trailing off as the realization sank in.
Rani growled, her eyes narrowing in frustration.
“They will kill everyone at the Tree of Life if given the chance, Kion,” Rani snapped irritably.
“I'm so sorry, Rani. We had no idea that they were following us,” Kion said.
==Appearances ==
===Characters===
*Cade Sutton as Mhina
*Max Charles as Kion
*Joshua Rush as Bunga
*Diamond White as Fuli
*Bryana Salaz as Anga
*Atticus Shaffer as Ono
*Dusan Brown as Beshte
*Landry Bender as Makini
*Lyons Luke Mathias as Nguruma
*Ace Gibson as Jivin (cameo) / Dayaalu (mentioned)
*Erica Luttrell as Queen Maya (cameo)
*Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Rani
*Hudson Yang as Baliyo / Danyal
*Lou Diamond Phillips as Surak
*Miki Yamashita as Nirmala
*Bailey Gambertoglio as Aminia
*Marieve Herington as Kenene
*Vyvan Pham as Ullu
*Shohreh Aghdashloo as Janna
*Justin Hires as Reth
*Savannah Smith as Slash
*Jorge Diaz as Ekene (cameo)
*Meghan Strange as Alasiri (cameo) / Astuto
*Johnny Rees as Kariuki
*Bluebelle Saraceno as Mbweha / Tamu (cameos)
*Henry Kaufman as Mzuri (cameo)
*Beck Bennett as Contenta (cameo)
*Jaime Camil as Pinguino (mentioned)
* Mallory Low as Cara (mentioned)
*Catherine Tate as Salamu (mentioned)
*Khary Payton as Rafiki (mentioned)
* Christian Slater as Ushari (mentioned)
===Groups===
*The Lion Guard
*Night Pride
*Reth's Pride
*Pinguino's Rookery (mentioned)
*Astuto's Leash
===Locations ===
*Tree of Life
**Mountain Pass
**Dirisha
**Marsh Forest
**Astuto's Den
**Tundra (mentioned)
**Rocky Mountains
* Pride Lands (mentioned)
* Leopon Plains (mentioned)
===Animals===
*Lions
*Leopons
*Honey Badgers
*Cheetahs
*Eagles
*Egrets
*Hippopotamuses
*Mandrills
*Owls
*Foxes
==Trivia==
* Several lines of dialogue in this chapter are taken directly from The River of Patience.
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