Makini

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* Infant

 File:Season 3-Makini.png
 **{{{Row 2 title}}}**

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**Makini** is a female mandrill. She is the daughter of Fikiri and Kitendo.

She served as Rafiki's apprentice, before becoming the Royal Mjuzi of the Tree of Life.

## Appearance

As an infant (on the cave painting) Makini's face is pink and her fur is brown. Makini is a young, dainty mandrill with grey fur covering her body and a pale grey underbelly. Towards her hands and feet are bands of dark-brown fur, which are longer near her hands. This same brown fur also collars her neck. Atop her head is a slightly lighter yet still dark-brown fur. Her hands, feet, and muzzle are pink. Her face is grey which rims around the eyes, with blue stripes settling just underneath. On her nose and reaching towards her forehead is a large magenta "stripe", which ends just before her eyebrows. Her eyes are olive green. Her teeth, whilst petite, are sharp.

Makini's overall appearance is more similar to her father while her eyes, facial features, and hairstyle are more similar to her mother. Her character reminds one of her mother, who is both, caring and kind.

## Personality

Makini is a friendly, spirited, perky and curious mandrill, who is very excited about being Rafiki's new apprentice. She admires Princess Kiara and Fuli and has admitted that she is very proud of the latter. Due to her innocent nature, she is very easy to deceive, particularly if others are friendly towards her.

Her excitable demeanor often leads to excessive talking, though she takes no offense to those who interrupt her. She is eager to befriend everyone that she meets. She tries her best to help out in any way that she can, even though she may be frightened or not skilled enough to succeed.

Makini worries about her shortcomings rather frequently. From losing her bakora staffs to running out of paint for the Ukumbusho, Makini is quick to put the blame entirely on herself or become severely overwhelmed. So long as she is offered another chance, she will do her best to rectify problems, regardless if it was her fault or not.

Makini relies heavily on *shwari* (calm) to keep her calm in stressful situations and remind herself to calm down when she gets too excited.

### The Lion Guard: The Rise of Scar

 File:TLG-The-Rise-of-Scar (311).png  Makini is first seen hiding in a bush, secretly watching Kion talking to his grandfather Mufasa; then she makes herself known to the lion cub, amazed by his ability to talk to the deceased. She also tells Kion that she is in training to be the next Royal Mjuzi under her mentor Rafiki, and is very excited that she'll be able to hear the Great Lions of the Past. Kion tells her to keep quiet about his ability, and Makini agrees. She starts to sing but is cut off when Ono arrives, seeking Kion. The two-part ways.

 File:TLG-The-Rise-of-Scar (609).png  She arrives at Rafiki's Tree to receive her first lesson about being quiet, shwari, but she becomes so excited that she can't sit still and even tries to sing to her mentor. So Rafiki suggests that Makini finds her own Bakora Staff and she is directed to some sticks outside of her mentor's home. He tells her that if she listens hard enough the staff will choose her. As she searches for her staff, Makini comes across Ushari, who lies about being good friends with Kion. They get into a conversation about the Lions of the Past, and Ushari asks her if they can hear the bad lions as well as the good ones. Makini ponders the question but suddenly discovers her staff. Ushari leaves, but Makini is still intrigued and, when she returns to Rafiki, starts to ask him.

 File:TLG-The-Rise-of-Scar (1023).png  Rafiki leads Makini to The Lair of the Lion Guard and introduces her to the full Lion Guard. She is especially impressed by Fuli for being the first-ever female member. Then, while Kion gets his parents ready for her arrival, she asks if the evil lions of the past can also be heard. Rafiki explains that the Bakora Staff can bring them back and that they appear in the fire as opposed to the clouds. Makini thanks her mentor for telling her but Rafiki adds on talking to bad lions is a really bad idea. Kion comes in and tells them that the Royal Family is ready to meet her.

 File:TLG-The-Rise-of-Scar (1167).png  As Rafiki tries to introduce his young apprentice Makini beats him to it. When Rafiki officially introduces her, Simba places his paw on her staff giving her their blessing and states that she is always welcome at Pride Rock and the young mandrill embraces the Queen, King, and Kiara each with a hug. When Kiara hears that Ma Tembo is having trouble, she receives her parent's blessing to help and when Makini asks if she goes with her, Nala and Simba see it as an opportunity on how the future queen and Mjuzi will work together, and the pair set off.

 File:The-rise-of-scar (897).png  When they reach Ma Tembo, they do this even more, because the animals are relying on her to find a new water source. Makini suggests that she and Kiara start digging for water, and the two start to move away from the other animals. But while searching, Makini is unable to keep quiet. Janja's Clan pounced on her, striking her staff away and stealing Kiara from her. Makini makes a hasty retreat back to the Lair, explaining what happened to the Lion Guard. She watches as they leave.

 File:TLG-The-Rise-of-Scar (1878).png  Later, with Kiara saved, Ma Tembo is still unable to find a source, with many animals chanting 'water water water' all around. Makini then remembers shwari and asks for everyone to be quiet. With the noise gone, Ma Tembo can finally find the water source. The animals all join together to dig, unleashing a new watering hole. Makini is overjoyed to have found the importance of silence and starts to sing again, but remembers that her staff is missing. Rafiki tells her not to worry, and that they can get her a new one.

### Rafiki's New Neighbors

 File:Rafiki's-New-Neighbors (87).png   In Rafiki's Tree, Rafiki is teaching Makini how to paint. After hushing his apprentice, he listens to the Great Lions of the Past to hear what they want him to paint. He paints a portrait of princess Kiara and hands the bowl to Makini. After listening for a while, she starts to paint but a commotion causes her to drop the bowl onto the tree instead. The two drop-down to investigate and discover an elephant named Chama, a monkey named Furaha, and a sable antelope named Mzaha messing around. After introducing themselves, they tell Rafiki that they're moving in downstairs, but Rafiki insists they leave. Makini, noticing how friendly they are, persuades her mentor to let them stay, provided they stay quiet enough for Makini to practice. After revealing to her that she will be painting for the royal family, Makini is somewhat shocked. Although the animals promise to be quiet, they leave the two mandrills with a loud belch and a fit of laughter before the pair climb back up.

 File:Rafiki's-New-Neighbors (216).png  When Rafiki leaves Makini to practice alone to get some quiet time, he returns with the Lion Guard in tow. When they arrive, they see Makini, Chama, and Mzaha cheering Furaha as he beats his bug-eating record. When Rafiki approaches Makini and asks if this is her practicing, she tells him she needed a break for inspiration, before quickly crawling back up the tree, satisfied with her inspiration, and assuring him that she can now get back to work.

 File:Rafiki's-New-Neighbors (486).png  Later, Makini starts to paint again, but her bowl is knocked out of her hands by a familiar commotion. With Rafiki startled, he peers down to see the three animals have returned, discussing their new living quarters. They tell Rafiki that they just don't belong in their herds, which Makini states is 'sad' with a mild upset in her voice. However, Rafiki orders them to find their own home, and the disappointed group eventually leaves, much to Makini's dismay.

 File:Rafiki's-New-Neighbors (588).png  With Makini finally finishing her first painting, she stands back to ask Rafiki what he thinks. He is about to answer when he starts sniffing the air. Makini wonders if you're supposed to sniff the painting too and comes closer. But Rafiki reveals that a fire has started, just outside their home. They start crying for help, and Makini notices someone in the distance. Chama, Mzaha, and Furaha arrive to help, and after getting close enough, Rafiki lands on Chama and Makini land on Mzaha, dropping her Bakora Staff in the process. Rafiki refuses her to go back for it since another staff can be found, but another she cannot. After the mandrills are safe, they express their gratitude, and the three animals return to save the tree.

 File:Rafiki's-New-Neighbors (723).png  When the Lion Guard arrive, they heard from Makini and Rafiki about what happened, and quickly assist them in putting the fire out. After thanking the Guard, Rafiki turns to Chama, Mzaha, and Furaha, and permits them to live near his tree. But they tell everyone that they have found a new home near Big Springs instead. Rafiki insists that they at least be his guest at the ceremony, and they accept. Makini, however, worries a little.

At Pride Rock, Simba announces Makini's duties. After listening to the Lions of the Past, she paints an image of Simba, Nala, Kiara, and Kion, which amazes the surrounding animals.

### The Ukumbusho Tradition

Having been told by Rafiki that she will be painting for the Ukumbusho event, Makini makes her way over to Mizimu Grove, apologizing to Ma Tembo for her tardiness. After being directed to some fruits, Makini gets to work.

As Makini tries to decide which paints to use, Zito and Johari arrive for their paint. Makini overworks herself, unsure of

 File:The-Ukumbusho-Tradition (57).png  which color she should choose. After reminding herself of shwari, she calms herself and concludes that if there's no wrong place to start, then there cannot be the right place to start either, allowing her to pick a color of her own choice, to begin with.

She overhears Ma Tembo's concerns about the Lion Guard always being lions and offers to paint the other Guard members so that they look like lions. They agree, and, once Makini is finished, she notices the position of the sun, and bounds away to continue working on the elephants.

 File:The-Ukumbusho-Tradition (237).png  However, she runs out of yellow paint halfway through Zito's sunburst due to painting the Lion Guard. As tensions rise with Zito becoming aggressive towards her, Kion and Ma Tembo arrive to see what all the fuss is about. Kion tries desperately to find a solution that will work for both sides, and Makini is then granted some extra time to locate some more yellow paint. She leaves and eventually locates some yellow flowers which she believes will be just perfect. She shoo's the bees surrounding them and returns to finish her job.

 File:The-Ukumbusho-Tradition (351).png  With several elephants and Simba's Pride all waiting anxiously around Mizimu Grove, the event begins, with the Guard singing "May There Be Peace", and telling the tale of Askari, the first Lion Guard leader, and how he brought peace between the elephants and lions, agreeing to protect each other and everyone who obeys the Circle of Life. Makini watches as the event runs smoothly, until a swarm of bees suddenly arrive, chasing the elephants away, causing Makini to dive out of their way.

 File:The-Ukumbusho-Tradition (678).png  Later, having discovered that the bees had attacked due to the pollen from the flowers she had used, Makini apologizes. Ma Tembo assures her that it isn't her fault, and Makini suggests finding more yellow paint to try again. But Kion suggests trying it without anymore the paint. Ma Tembo is hesitant to break with tradition, so Simba suggests looking at it as starting a new tradition. Ma Tembo agrees, and the new Ukumbusho begins.

### The Bite of Kenge

 File:The-Bite-of-Kenge (472).png  After Kenge paralyzes Beshte, Fuli, and Kion, Ono goes to Rafiki's Tree to ask for his help. When he arrives, Makini tells him of Rafiki's temporary absence and her task of watching his tree. When Ono explains the situation, Makini offers to help instead. She and Ono rejoin the other members of the Guard, and Makini states that Ponya flowers might be able to help heal, but has no idea what they look like.

Ono can quickly locate a patch nearby but also notices Kenge and the hyenas returning to the melons. Kion realizes the situation, and sends Bunga and Ono to deal with them, while Makini collects the flowers.

 File:The-Bite-of-Kenge (659).png  When Makini has collected the flowers, she decides to try wearing, smelling and eating the flowers, when Bunga arrives with Ono, who had been bitten by Kenge. Bunga explains that the hyenas had gotten away, but expresses his confidence at being able to deal with them alone. The Guard asks for Makini to help Bunga, and she uncertainly agrees. Kion comes up with a plan, and Makini expresses her hope of it working. Makini and Bunga notice the hyenas and Kenge heading through Embamba Canyon and begin their plan.

 File:The-Bite-of-Kenge (837).png  While Bunga distracts Kenge and the hyenas, Makini gathers the melons. After Kenge had bitten Cheezi and Chungu, his attention is drawn to Makini. Makini throws her bakora staff at the lizard and sadly laments upon its loss. Bunga joins her and calls up to Kion. He uses the Roar of the Elders to send Kenge and the hyenas back into the Outlands.

They approach Makini, who is overjoyed that the flowers worked. She and the Guard begin rolling the melons back to the patch. After Bunga jokes about being okay handling Kenge and the hyenas, but the melons were a different situation, Makini joins in as the Guard laughs.

### Timon and Pumbaa's Christmas

 File:Timon-and-Pumbaa's-Christmas (5).png  Makini listens to her mentor as he explains Kupatana. He goes on to say that as a Mjuzi, she too, will need to know all Pride Land traditions. She notices a painting of Timon, and Rafiki shows her how Timon is placing a Star Fruit on top of a Christmas tree. Confused, Makini happily accepts Rafiki's offer to explain Christmas to her.

After telling the tale of how Timon and Pumbaa brought the holiday to the Pride Lands, Makini concludes that she believes Christmas to be the very essence of the Circle of Life and Rafiki agrees.

### The Golden Zebra

 File:The-Golden-Zebra (32).png  When a drought hits the Pride Lands, Simba speaks with Rafiki about the water shortage, asking if any of the previous Kings ever found a solution. Rafiki states that if they did, they left very few clues, tapping one of his paintings depicts to animate it. The painting shows an earlier King leading his animals to a large, unknown watering hole.

Simba asks Rafiki where that particular watering hole is, and Makini pipes up to inform Simba that she has seen the same watering hole in the Back Lands and that it is owned by a herd of zebras. Simba quickly concludes that the watering hole belongs to Dhahabu. When the Guard arrives, Simba asks them to locate her and request that she share her water, urging them to offer something in return.

### The Scorpion's Sting

 File:The-scorpions-sting (13).png  Makini and the Lion Guard are in The Lair of the Lion Guard, discussing Scar's defeat at the paws of Simba ahead of the Kumbuka celebration, with Bunga arguing that his uncles Timon and Pumbaa were just as responsible for saving the Pride Lands as Simba. Makini becomes visibly annoyed at Bunga for detracting from Simba's efforts and tries to draw the focus back to Simba, but Bunga is still adamant with his belief. They universally agree that if Scar was still around, things wouldn't be very good.

 File:The-scorpions-sting (216).png  That same day, Makini attends the Kumbuka celebration on Pride Rock, listening to her mentor perform "Good King Simba". When the song finishes, Simba collapses, and they soon discover that he has been stung by a scorpion. Makini and Rafiki quickly start trying some concoctions that they hope will cure him, but to no avail. When Rafiki remembers the cure, volcanic ash, the Lion Guard agrees to go with Kion to the Outlands Volcano to retrieve it. After Bunga breaks a gourd, Rafiki decides to send Makini along with them, who will take care of the gourd instead. She applies the gourd to her staff with great enthusiasm. With the cure needing to be back before sundown, Makini and the Lion Guard race away to the Outlands.

 File:The-scorpions-sting (321).png  When they reach the Outlands, Kiburi's float challenges them to a fight. With time fleeting, Kion sends Beshte to move them aside. When they carry on, they discover Reirei's pack waiting. Bunga is up next, who uses his odor to stop the jackals from fighting. Finally, Janja's clan stands in their way, but before Nne and Tano can attack Makini, Beshte slams them away. Fuli calls for Makini to stick out her staff and she does so, albeit unknowingly. When Cheezi trips over the protruding staff, Makini realizes why she was asked to do that. They continue.

 File:The-scorpions-sting (357).png   When they finally enter the Outlands Volcano, Ono guides them to the volcanic ash, and Makini swiftly pours a handful into her gourd, sealing it shut and re-attaching it to her staff. Just as they are about to leave, Scar rises from the lava. Kion recognizes his evil great-uncle, but refuses to engage with him, reminding his friends that they need to get back to his father. Scar reveals that he was behind the attack, leading Fuli to work out that the other attacks were planned as well. Scar commends them for their cleverness. The Lion Guard starts to leave regardless, but the fallen King calls for his army. Suddenly, Ushari, Shupavu, and her group of skinks, and Kiburi's float emerge. The Guard change their direction, but Janja's clan block their other pathway. When the final path is blocked by Reirei's pack, the Lion Guard realize they are surrounded. As Kenge joins the skinks and cobra, Makini and the Lion Guard start to back away to a ledge hanging over the lava. Thinking quickly, Kion orders Ono to find a way out, but the egret is knocked down by Mzingo and his parliament, where Makini comments to Fuli on how Scar has a lot of friends, despite being evil.

 File:The-scorpions-sting (488).png  Trapped, Kion resorts to the final option. Scar warns him that using the Roar will cause the volcano to erupt, but Kion responds by telling Scar that he doesn't know as much about the Roar as he does, before using it on Shupavu's skinks, Kenge and Kiburi's float to clear a partial pathway out of the Outlands Volcano. He continues to use the Roar on Reirei's pack, and finally, Janja's clan. Makini and the Lion Guard make their hasty leave.

 File:The-scorpions-sting (609).png  But as they leave, Makini stumbles on a ledge and falls behind the rest of the Lion Guard. Not long after, the vultures start to attack her, aiming for the gourd. They manage to separate the staff from Makini, and the fearful mandrill makes a desperate dash to grab the gourd before it vanishes into the lava with the staff. With a bit of help from Ono, Makini can recover the gourd, just before Kion arrives at Roar the vultures back into the volcano.

 File:The-scorpions-sting (706).png  As the Lion Guard race across the savannah back in the Pride Lands, they start to worry about making it back in time. With Fuli being the only one fast enough to reach Pride Rock before sundown, Bunga offers to carry the gourd on her back. The offer is accepted, and Fuli speeds away having received the gourd from Makini. The two reach Pride Rock just in time. When Makini and the rest of the Guard arrive back, they are relieved to find out that Simba will be just fine. Rafiki ushers them out, and Makini makes her way to the edge of Pride Rock. When joined by Kion, the cub announces that they *will* defeat Scar, as the group peers out over their home.

### The Wisdom of Kongwe

 File:The-Wisdom-of-Kongwe (20).png   Having received advice from Mufasa to locate a wise animal in the Pride Lands, Simba and Kion task Makini with locating a Pride Lander named Kongwe, much to her surprise. Beshte mentions knowing Kongwe and, when Makini asks if he knows where she lives, he replies with "Urembo River", a half-day walk from their current location. When Simba shows concern, Fuli steps forward to offer her assistance, confident that she can get there faster. It is accepted, and Rafiki announces that she will escort Makini. The trainee becomes excited and starts talking to the cheetah about their upcoming trip, causing Fuli to go on ahead without her at first.

 File:The-Wisdom-of-Kongwe (116).png  While Makini speaks about her favorite animals, the two soon notice that they have reached Urembo Rivers, but neither of them knows what she looks like, nor what kind of animal Kongwe is. While Fuli laments about not being able to find her faster, she stands on the tortoise by mistake. Kongwe offers her some sage words, leading Makini to realize that this must be Kongwe. She goes on to say that the King wishes to speak with her and they begin to depart, though Kongwe offers advice that goes against Fuli's fast lifestyle. Although Makini is amazed by her wiseness, Fuli is positive that the trip will be a long one.

 File:The-Wisdom-of-Kongwe (259).png   When Kongwe stops to observe a Gloriosa Superba's bloom, Makini waits behind to inspect it with her. Fuli arrives back reminds her that they also need to see the King, but Kongwe keeps returning to the subject of observation, leading Fuli to explain how she sees things when she's going faster. After her explanation, Kongwe thanks her for sharing it, then recoils into her shell to ponder Fuli's words.

 File:The-Wisdom-of-Kongwe (335).png   Fuli decides to move the tortoise herself, turning to Makini for assistance. The young mandrill has an idea, and wedges her Bakora Staff into a rock, hoping to lift Kongwe with it. The result is another broken staff. The two join forces to move her over a small ledge, causing her to be flipped upside down. When she lands, Kongwe finally comes out of her shell, flipping herself the right way. With no other way of getting her back up the ledge, they traverse through the canyon.

 File:The-Wisdom-of-Kongwe (377).png   They continue along the path until they come across a tree half rooted into the side of the canyon. Kongwe stops to marvel at it, and Makini places a hand on the tree, which causes it to collapse. Fuli swiftly rushes in to save Makini, and the apprentice suggests that maybe fast is better, but Kongwe isn't so sure. Although safe, she is on the other side of the tree. She also goes on to say that, she had not stopped them, they may all have been crushed. With no other way for her to get over the tree, Fuli and Makini resort to using a path through the Back Lands instead.

 File:The-Wisdom-of-Kongwe (419).png  Makini and Kongwe are engaged in a conversation when Makucha makes his presence known with sardonic hospitality. Makini mistakes his sarcasm and approaches him kindly, but is taken aback by his roar. Fuli steps between the leopard and her two associates, warning him away and, although Makucha succumbs to her wishes, he warns her that she's in his territory. Makini marvels at Fuli's actions and the group continues moving.

 File:The-Wisdom-of-Kongwe (568).png  Later, Makucha leaps out at Makini and Kongwe and, once again, Fuli stands between him and the other two animals while Makini ducks behind the tortoise. This time, Fuli chases Makucha away, but the leopard fools Fuli into getting her claws stuck, allowing him to return to the mandrill and tortoise. Before Makucha can take a bite out of Kongwe, Makini appears behind her, using her broken staff as a nunchaku. This fails to have an impact on Makucha, who bats her away. He states that she's lucky he doesn't like a mandrill, which causes Makini to cry. The distraction works, and Fuli tackles Makucha again.

 File:The-Wisdom-of-Kongwe (608).png  After chasing him off again, Kongwe tells Fuli that, to defeat the leopard, you must observe the leopard. Fuli angrily retorts that she *has* observed him, and Makini suggests using shwari to help. With both Kongwe and Makini's advice, Fuli realizes that Makucha always zigzags and that there's no reason for her to mimic his actions. Using her new technique, she can defeat Makucha, allowing them safe passage through.

 File:The-Wisdom-of-Kongwe (705).png  That evening, they converge paths with the rest of the Lion Guard and continue to Pride Rock, where Kongwe confesses that not even she is sure how to defeat Scar. She claims that "it is the patient animal that eats the ripe fruit", and Fuli explains that what she means is that they will find the solution eventually and that they just need to look. Kongwe assures everyone that she has seen many things, and that goodwill always triumphs over evil, in time.

### Cave of Secrets

 File:Cave-of-Secrets (21).png  Makini is first seen helping the Lion Guard find a cave painting that will give them the answer to defeating Scar. She claims that there are many paintings in the lair that they have not yet found. Soon Kion discovers a painting that has been cut off by a big boulder. After Beshte does a lot of pushing the boulder moves opening more caverns in the lair. Makini tells the guard that the painting is the Mark of Evil. She brings the painting to life and explains how it seems to suggest that Askari's Lion Guard once fought a great evil, and how the secret to defeating that evil lies in a chamber deep within the lair.

 File:Cave-of-Secrets (356).png  Makini stops them from entering at first, showing them a painting that warns them of the dangers within. Kion decides to go anyways but Makini stays behind to look at more paintings. Later Makini looks at a painting of Mizimu Grove. She moves across to view more paintings but notices how far she is from the entrance. Remembering that the first painting warned her that it was dangerous there, she turns back but soon halts when she remembers that all the paintings would have been painted by Royal Mjuzi just like her. Makini soon notices another painting of a warning when the guard went down to the maze. Makini finally catches up to the lion guard by following their footsteps. They move through a passage and enter a chamber with a large canyon below, and an entrance at the other side. The gap between the paths is too big for anyone to jump.

 File:Cave-of-Secrets (471).png   Makini calls them over, having found another painting, this time of the bravest lion. When she brings it to life, it shows him walking over the crevasse, seemingly on thin air. Bunga decides to jump and lands on an "invisible bridge." Everyone walks across and Makini says that she'll paint an invisible bridge but Fuli questions how she can do that. In the next area, Makini notices another painting that suggests that they're close to the final chamber. Template:Clear

 File:Cave-of-Secrets (582).png   However, a large boulder blocks their path. Beshte considers moving it but realizes that he's already had his test, prompting Bunga to conclude that maybe it's just a rock. After he knocks on the boulder, it comes loose, and everyone starts to run. Kion asks Ono to check for an escape route, but the passage is too narrow. Fuli then has an idea. She stops and leaps onto the top of the boulder, reaching her claws in and running across it to slow it down. When this fails, she switches around and starts to speed up the boulder, pushing it along the walls for it to go around everyone. Everyone commends Fuli for her quick thinking, and they continue on their journey.

 File:Cave-of-Secrets (786).png   Bunga ponders on what Kion's test could be, but in doing so, he accidentally walks into a rock that sets off a small avalanche. With everyone trapped in total darkness, Kion begins to roar softly to get a feel for his surroundings. With the others stumbling over one another, Kion asks them to follow his voice, while he uses his roar to determine empty areas and locate a pathway out using his echo. The group finally locate the exit and are in awe at the final chamber, which is decorated with small pillars containing more paintings.

 File:Cave-of-Secrets (819).png   They are soon called over by Makini, who locates the story of what happened all those years ago. Long ago a group of evil lions tries to take over the Pride Lands so Askari decides to make a great force to defeat them with a group of good lions. They soon find the chamber and the guard finds out that they're the secret to defeating Scar. Makini apologizes, with her belief that she could have noticed the signs earlier and thus saved the Guard the hassle of going through the tests in the first place. But Kion states how much they needed to go through them so that they knew they were ready. Filled with new invigoration, the Lion Guard peers up at the Mark of the Guard painting on the wall and cry out their catchphrase, ready to take on Scar.

### The Fall of Mizimu Grove

 File:The-Fall-Of-Mizimu-Grove (69).png  Makini calls out to the Lion Guard who is at Big Springs. She explains about her Mpando Mpaya that she'll be planting in Mizimu Grove. She invites the Lion Guard and Basi's Pod to the event. With how down everyone has been lately, Kion decides to make a huge celebration to lift everyone's spirits. He asks Timon and Pumbaa to sing a song for this celebration, to which they gladly accept.

 File:The-Fall-Of-Mizimu-Grove (450).png  At the party, the Army of Scar crashes it and a battle begins. Scar soon reveals himself in front of all the Pride Landers and explains his plan to take over the Pride Lands. The herds start to panic and run so the Lion Guard goes to stop them. Makini laments over the loss of Mizimu Grove and Rafiki tells her to be calm. The apprentice gathers all of her strength and uses shwari to soothe her nerves.

 File:The-Fall-Of-Mizimu-Grove (712).png   The next morning the herds meet at Pride Rock to tell Simba if they want to leave. Kion comes with an announcement and pleads with everyone to let him speak. He leads them back to the destroyed grove, where he shows that Makini's tree has survived the battle. After a speech from Kion, the herds decide to stay in the Pride Lands, and Makini finally plants her tree.

### Battle for the Pride Lands

Makini is there with Rafiki, Simba, and Nala when the sun comes up. Makini is also seen in the

 File:TLG-Battle-for the-Pride Lands (1442).png   Lair of the Lion Guard when Ono's eye is hurt. Rafiki says that there's nothing he can do about it. He then takes a look at Kion's scar and says that he can't fix that either. Makini gets Tuliza for Kion to make his scar feel better. Rafiki tells the Lion Guard to go to the Tree of Life where animals go to get better. He also tells them that when he went there for the first time he met Makini and her parents. So Rafiki suggests for his apprentice to accompany the lion guard on her journey because she knows how to get where they need to go. Then both, the Lion Guard and Makini say goodbye to the other Pride Landers and start their journey to the Tree of Life.

### The Harmattan

Kion asks Anga how much farther it is to get to the Waterfall. She says that it's not far and sees the next Moja Kwa Moja stone. Makini says that they're on the right path to the Tree of Life. Ono remembers Rafiki's map and says that the Back Lands Waterfall is the first landmark a

 File:The-Harmattan (11).png  fter Pride Rock, and Kion tells Anga to lead the way. When they make it to the stone, Ono says they need to find an Iroko Tree.
While on their way to the tree, Makucha's Leap comes to attack the guard. Makini drags Ono to the top of a tree to protect him. During the fight, a dust storm comes and the Guard gets blown away. They soon find shelter but Makucha's Leap follows them. Makucha tells them to leave, but there's nowhere else to go. Kion says that they need to get along and stay together to

 File:The-Harmattan (678).png  survive the Harmattan. Makucha says that he'll show them the way out. Fuli talks to Kion alone, saying that she doesn't trust him, but Kion wants to get to the Tree of Life as fast as possible. The Guard leaves with Makucha's Leap and Makucha overhears Makini talking about the Tree of Life. Kion thinks that Makucha left when he hasn't. He kidnaps Makini and Kion tries to save her. Bunga falls and hangs onto a tree but is saved by Anga. After Makucha loses, the Guard continues on their journey. The Guard makes it to the Iroko Tree and Kion thanks Ono for getting them out of the Harmattan.

### The Accidental Avalanche

The Lion Guard climbs up a snowy mountain. Makini doesn't remember climbing up a mountain the last time she went to the Tree of Life. Ono says that the map says they need to go around the mountain, but Kion decides that going over it will be quicker. Kion soon slides down the mountain making the rest of the guard slide down too. Ono

 File:The Accidental Avalanche (105).png  almost falls but is saved by Anga. Beshte stops them before they slide off a cliff. Kion says to try it again but Fuli says they should go around the mountain. Kion says they're going the way he wants to go since he's the leader. Kion then suggests finding a shortcut through the mountain. Makini spots some Snow Monkeys and says they could help us. However, it turns out that they're scared of large birds. Anga tries to talk to them but they just panic. Kion then uses the Roar of the Elders to blast a hole through the mountain.

 File:The Accidental Avalanche (562).png   However, the roar made an avalanche happen and the guard saves Yuki's Troop. The monkeys start to get scared of Anga again but Kion says she's a nice bird. After seeing their home destroyed Kion suggests finding them a new home. They find a hot spot that is surrounded by a bunch of trees. Snow Monkeys are scared of the trees because it attracts big birds. Soon a group of flying squirrels comes by. The guard tries to protect the snow monkeys from the squirrels. After talking to the squirrels the guard sees the monkeys have run away. Turns out they're hiding in snow and Bunga is with them. Anga pulls all of them out and Kion finds them a better home. The lion guard hangs out with the snow monkeys in their new home. The snow monkeys start to like Anga. Kion thanks Fuli for her help even though he doesn't make the right decisions he knows that she's on his side.

### Ghost of the Mountain

The Lion Guard is having fun in the snow. They soon see a bunch of bamboo trees. Kion asks Makini and Ono what they think and if they should find another way around. Ono says the next moja kwa moja stone is through the trees. Beshte suggests going 34

 File:Ghost-of-the-mountain (34).png  through the trees. Anga finds some tuliza on a ledge. Bunga tries to climb up and get it but he falls down the cliff. Soon, he meets a group of Red Pandas and claims Bunga as the "Chosen one." They say that Bunga is chosen to fight the ghost of the mountain. After Kion introduces himself and says that Bunga is part of the Lion Guard. They soon meet the red panda's leader

 File:Ghost-of-the-mountain (154).png  Domog. He teaches them the legend ghost of the mountain. The guard soon talks in private with Bunga and Beshte thinks they should help the red pandas. Fuli doesn't believe in ghosts but they all agree to help. After they spot it the guard decides to look for footprints and track it by scent. Anga spots the tracks and Kion says to stay close. They soon find the ghost who happens to be a Snow

 File:Ghost-of-the-mountain (528).png  Leopard named Chuluun who happens to be attacking the red pandas. Bunga asks if Chuluun cares about the Circle of Life. She said she makes her own rules. Bunga attacks her but she vanishes and Anga spots her attacking the red pandas. Bunga saves the red pandas by using his stink. Domog's Pack cheers and says that the legend of the chosen one is over. Makini finds the next moja kwa moja stone. The guard leaves the red pandas and continues on their journey.

### Marsh of Mystery

The Lion Guard walks through marsh and Fuli questions why they need to walk through it. Kion says they'll be on the other side soon. Anga ays she can see the next moja kwa moja stone beyond the edge of the marsh. Bunga says that this place isn't bad

 File:Marsh-of-mystery (169).png  and the snails are great. Fuli says it's nice for Bunga since he's not in the mud. However, Bunga jumps into the mud and gets Fuli covered in it. They soon hear a bunch of screaming animals, and Ono isn't sure what it is. Makini gets scared and hops on top of Beshte. Makini suggests getting Ono somewhere safe, but Ono doesn't like the idea since they don't know what it is. Turns out it's a bunch of mongooses who are trying to attack the Lion Guard. Meanwhile, Makini spots a blue light and tries to follow it. She gets them lost

 File:Marsh-of-mystery (571).png  and they fall through the marsh. Makini tries to climb the cavern but she slips and she suggests for Ono to fly out, which he can't do because of his eyesight. Ono tries to think but he can't since Makini is making a lot of noise. Makini falls through a hole and waters come out. She spots a tunnel and Ono suggests going through it. Ono soon starts to hear a sound that turns out to be bats. Ono says he doesn't like bats but notices that they could be their way out. When they notice no bats around, Ono suggests using echolocation. Ono tries to snap his beak to hear a sound, but Makini starts talking. When it doesn't work, Makini suggests having a high-pitched sound. Ono says she should scream "Anything". The pair thinks that they could be a great team when Ono no

 File:Marsh-of-mystery (964).png  tices they're getting close to the surface. Makini and Ono soon come up and they knock over a log. The mongooses find the snails and start eating them. That night Anga spots the next moja kwa moja stone and Bunga spots the blue light. Anga grabs him before he gets lost. Bunga spots more snails and demands that Anga let him go. Anga doesn't agree and flies off.

### Dragon Island

Kion says that Anga spotted the next moja kwa moja stone. They soon hear a strange sound which happens to be water. Anga shows them an ocean. Kion asks if the next

 File:Dragon-island (278).png  stone is in the ocean but Anga says it's on top of the hill. Bunga jumps in but notices there's no water. He soon gets washed away by a lot of water but is saved by a dolphin. The dolphin's name is Lumba-Lumba and she says she's never met a Beshte before. She says that the ocean is her home. The guard goes to get some more tuliza. Soon, a civet comes and tells them about the Komodo Dragons. Soon Ora spots them and says he likes to play with his food. Makini drops the tuliza, and the guard spreads out. Ora soon brings his friends

 File:Dragon-island (598).png  to share the meal. Kion soon uses the Roar of the Elders The guard notices that Kion blew everything away even the water. The water soon comes back and the guard starts to run. Anga saves Makini but the rest of the guard gets washed away. Kion notices that the roar made an island that they're stu

 File:Dragon-island (831).png  ck on. Makini goes to get more tuliza. Ono thinks he sees another dragon but Anga says it's just more rocks. Makini, Ono, and Anga find the next moja kwa moja stone. Ono remembers Rafiki's map and says that there's a cliff with a tall tree on top. The rest of the guard fight the dragons and Anga and Ono throw seaweed on them. Bunga soon uses his stink on Ora, and Ono drops the seaweed on him. Makini gives Kion some tuliza. He soon gets Lumba-Lumba back into the ocean. The Guard even escapes the dragons. The guard continues their journey to the Tree of Life.

### Journey of Memories

Makini pots the next moja kwa moja stone. Bunga says it's a painting of a river but he doesn't see one. Kion asks Ono where the next landmark is. Ono says he sees a pool of water with rocks all around it. Makini remembers the river she was her with her parents

 File:Journey-of-Memories (71).png  Fikiri and Kitendo. Fuli is happy to cross the river without water. Beshte asks Makini if she was here with Rafiki. he says her mom and dad were taking her to the Tree of Life to meet Rafiki. Makini soon remembers a flashback playing in the river with her parents. She says that her mother says "to test the water before diving in." Bunga says where's the fun in

 File:Journey-of-Memories (209).png  that and Makini says he sounds like her dad. Makini soon remembers a waterfall which is the opposite direction from the pool. Kion says a little detour wouldn't hurt. Turns out the water has all dried up. Makini spots a painting that looks like a moja kwa moja stone but it isn't. Makini soon remembers a rock where u can be put you're hand through. The rock is covered up with dirt. Bunga soon kicks the rock and hurts his foot. Makini soon remembers a mountain that looks like a monkey's face. However, the guard doesn't see anything and move on. Ono spots the next moja kwa moja stone. Ono soon remembers

 File:Journey-of-Memories (439).png  Rafiki's map and says there's a field with small white flowers. Kion tells Makini no more detours and they need to keep moving. Makini remembers another flashback with her parents. They say that Rafiki is excited to meet Makini since she'll be the next Royal Mjuzi. Anga says there are no white flowers but there's a desert. The guard walks across the desert when Beshte starts to get burned. Anga flys over him to cool him off. A wind storm soon comes and the guard takes cover. Makini hops down Beshte and makes a loud thump noise. Kion's scar starts bugging him and asks Makini if she brought them to the desert to have fun. Fuli suggests giving him some Tuliza.
They soon see a little Jerboa who tells them to stop stomping while he's sleeping. Kion gets mad at him and he runs away. He suggests following their footsteps and go back to the next moja kwa moja stone. However, another big wind storm comes.

 File:Journey-of-Memories (997).png   Kion sees that their footprints have disappeared. Kion asks Fuli if she can track themselves by scent. Fuli says she can't tell. Kion eats some tuliza but he can't since it's covered in sand. They decide to take shelter and wait for night. Makini remembers another flashback that her mom would say "As You Move Forward, don't forget to look back". The guard comes up to Makini and says that she's trying her best. The jerboa comes back Kion says sorry for scaring him. He says his name is Tupp and sees that they took his advice. Tupp soon shows them the flowers and says the water is in the plant. They all drink the water and Makini cleans the tuliza. They soon see stars in the sky that look like flowers. Anga says the next moja kwa moja stone is on top of a cliff. Kion thanks Tupp for his help and the guard goes on their journey.​​​​​​

### The Race to Tuliza

The Lion Guard is all hot from the sun. Kion as trouble with his scar and he falls down a little hill. Makini tries to help Kion but he says he doesn't need any. Fuli asks if he might need some more tuliza. Makini opens up her gourd but there is no more tuliza. Anga ays she'll go find some. Bunga

 File:The-Race-to-Tuliza (420).png  starts to become thirsty and Kion doesn't want him to fool around. Anga finds some but it's very far away. They soon spot a sea which turns out to be salty water. Makini suggests floating in the salty water. Kion tries and soon the rest of the guard except for Fuli. Fuli suggests going to get the tuliza and goes on her way. Anga says that they need to get going to the Tree of Life. But Kion doesn't wanna leave since he feels so relaxed. Soon a bunch of Flamingos come by and say theirs on migration. Kion is confused about what's happening and Makini moves him away.

 File:The-Race-to-Tuliza (816).png  Beshte says if they're here Kion can't relax. Ono is talking to them but they start to have a Flamingo Dance Party. Kion soon gets mad at the flamingos and scares them. Fuli and her new friend Azaad come back to the guard and Fuli hops into the sea. Kion eats the tuliza and says sorry to the flamingos. Azaad says goodbye to Fuli and hopes to see her again. The lion guard soon gets going on their journey.

### Mama Binturong

Beshte makes a new friend Tenuk. Tenuk introduces Beshte and Bunga to his other friends. Beshte says that everyone is very friendly here. Tenuk says they're

 File:Mama-Binturong (51).png  welcome to stay as long as they want. Anga says they're just passing through. Tenuk says if there's anything they need to let him know. Makini says they need some more tuliza. Tenuk starts to panics, runs away and says to leave him alone. Tenuk's friends question the Lion Guard on why they scared him. Beshte said they didn't mean to scare him. Makini says all they asked for was tuliza. The two animals panic and run away. Bunga says that everyone's running away whenever Makini says "tuliza." Beshte says that it's not Makini they're scared of. Fuli thinks that they might be scared of tuliza. A Porcupine named Smun is there spying on the guard. Bunga yells "tuliza" at a Civet. The civet is soon saved by Anga when he falls into a river. He soon panics and runs into the porcupine who says that they heard the civet say "tuliza." Tompok says he was just saying the word. Kion's scar starts to bother him and Makini gets some tuliza. She gives it to Kion and Kion starts to feel

 File:Mama-Binturong (556).png  better. Mama Binturong steals Makini's staff which had the tuliza in it. Fuli asks Makini if she forgot and anything and she remembers her staff. She goes to the log where she placed it down but it wasn't there. e guard starts to track Makini's staff but has no luck. Fuli says they need to find her staff to find the Tree of Life. They soon spot a Gibbon and asks him if he's seen the staff. He says to ask the Mongoose. The mongoose says to ask the civet. The civet says to ask the Mouse Deer. The mouse deer says to go back and asks the gibbons. The gibbons explain to the guard where to find Mama Binturong and Makini's staff. After fighting Mama Binturong, Bunga comes back to the Guard with Makini's staff. They soon head off on their journey to the Tree of Life.

### Friends to the End

The Lion Guard is seen running in a hurry as Kion urges them on, which Ono knows that they're almost at the Tree of Life. Fuli likes the change to going faster. Bunga asks Kion to race but Kion tells him not to get in his way. Soon after, Bunga trips on a branch and crashes into Kion, with both stopping near a pond. Though Kion briefly glares at Bunga, he lets the matter go in good humor. The rest of the Guard arrives at the pond and, in awe of its beauty, decides to take a break on it. Kion denies them a break believing they can rest at the Tree of Life.

Seeing Kion's scar acting up, Makini gives Kion some tuliza to help calm him down. Despite eating it, Kion'

 File:Friends-to-the-End (162).png  s mood notably doesn't change and he irritably orders the others to keep moving, ending the break. Moving on through the forest, Makini states to Fuli that the tuliza hasn't been working like it used to. By hearing this, Bunga tells them his belief that the venom in Kion's body is turning him evil just like Scar. Unamused, Fuli tells Bunga that Kion won't turn evil. While walking through a canyon, Beshte and Makini talk about the animals at the Tree of Life, with Beshte excited about making new friends. Anga then spots a baby goose above, where they all witnessed in horror as it falls from its nest. The Guard rushes over to save it, though Kion stays behind, annoyed

 File:Friends-to-the-End (241).png  at what he sees as a delay to the Tree of Life. After catching the baby, Besthe convinces a reluctant Kion to let Anga return it to its nest. Before the Guard can move on, though, another baby goose falls out of the nest, though it is soon caught by Bunga. At that point, the mother goose arrives and asks what is going on. When Besthe explains what they did, the mother goose surprisingly gets angry at the Guard, much to their confusion.

Ono then realizes that the babies were actually leaving the nest for the first time and thus didn't require saving. The mother leaves in a huff despite Beshte's apology, deeply annoyed that she now has to get her son to leave the nest all over again. Angered by the false alarm, Kion orders the Guard to not waste their time stopping to help animals who don't need their help. Staying behind, a worried Bunga talks to Besthe about Kion's order, believing it's a sign that he is changing. While Beshte admits that Kion is acting weird, he chalks it up to wanting to get to the Tree of Life as soon as possible.

Soon after, the group comes across a group of peacocks marching in formation, which Ono recognizes as their traditional display dance. When the peacocks refuse to stop,

 File:Friends-to-the-End (437).png  Kion forces the others to make their way through, refusing to wait any longer. In his rush to get through, Kion roughly pushes a peacock in front of him who calls him out for being rude. Kion, in turn, accuses the peacock of doing the same before snarling, shocking all the birds to a halt. Noticing everyone staring at him, Kion angrily defends himself, claiming it was the fault of the peacocks for thinking they own the place. The others worry about how Kion deliberately pushed the peacock, with Bunga telling Ono and Anga his theory about Kion turning evil. Once again, Fuli refuses to believe Bunga before moving on, leaving the peacocks to resume their dance.
Everyone besides Fuli and Kion meets a clouded leopard named Yun Mibu

 File:Friends-to-the-End (589).png  . and, amazed by his hanging abilities, stop to talk to him in a clearing. Kion finds out the others stayed behind and quickly turns back in anger, worrying Fuli.
When Beshte tries to present Kion to Yun Mibu, Kion reminds him they don't have time for new friends. When Yun Mibu tries to defend the others, Kion angrily snaps that he wasn't talking to him before growling, scaring the clouded leopard away. Kion then turns towards Beshte, berating him for stopping to make friends before yelling at him to stop being nice. This confuses Beshte greatly since, being naturally friendly, he doesn't know how to act

 File:Friends-to-the-End (666).png  any other way. Worried, Makini tries to give Kion tuliza again, only for Kion to angrily bat the blossoms from her hands, yelling that the effects of the tuliza aren’t working anymore.
Seeing this, Fuli finally confronts Kion, saying he is out of control, but Kion argues that he only wants to get to the Tree of Life and feels that the others are slowing him down. Fuli tries to reason with Kion, pointing that with the pain in his scar, he isn't thinking straight and is being mean. Still, Kion refuses to believe her, even glowering at Bunga for when he agrees. Worried, Fuli suggests taking over for Kion until he feels better. Now deranged, Kion refuses and instead challenges Fuli to a fight for leadership of the Lion Guard, who braces herself as everyone else stares in disbelief. Having had enough, Bunga comes between

 File:Friends-to-the-End (755).png  Kion and Fuli, saying Rafiki's prediction is coming true. Confused, Kion listens to his best friend points out that the venom has been affecting him and making him mean. The others remind Kion of his acts from earlier as Bunga says it all points to Kion being evil. Shocked and hurt, Kion asks the others if they all think he is evil. When most hesitate to answer, Bunga insists that they all think so, and Fuli's attempt to tell Kion otherwise fails when Bunga interrupts her. Feeling betrayed, Kion loses his temper and yells that he is not evil, growling at his friends as his scar furthers his rage. Now hearing himself, Kion comes to his senses and, horrified, wonders if he is evil after all. Ashamed, guilt-ridden, and heartbroken, Kion runs away from the group.
While Fuli assures Beshte that Kion will be back, Bunga jokingly wonders if he will return evil or not. When Fuli chews Bunga out, he defends himself by pointing out how they all saw the way Kion was acting, claiming someone had to say it. Furious,

 File:Friends-to-the-End (978).png  Fuli yells that nobody had to say it because Kion is not evil, though Bunga remains skeptical. The others stand by Fuli, saying Kion will never turn evil and they'll be there for him because they are his (song) friends to the end. At this point, Ono worriedly asks if they are still going to the Tree of Life, reminding the others he also needs to heal his eyes as well. Fuli reassures Ono they will continue as soon as Kion comes back.
Anga tells the group that Kion is hanging from a tree branch. Bunga pulls Fuli aside, believing Kion could be setting a trap, though Fuli rebukes him. Wit

 File:Friends-to-the-End (1284).png  h Anga and Ono unable to fly up and help Kion, Bunga tries to hang from the cliff to reach him, though this also fails. After making a quick check to ask if Kion is evil, Bunga apologizes for having doubted him, telling Kion he will still be his best friend even if he does turn evil, cheering up Kion. Returning to the others, Bunga asks Fuli for their plan. Realizing they need a strong climber, Beshte suggests Yun Mibu.

However, the clouded leopard is unsure about seeing he has to save the "scary guy". Bunga and Makini manage to convince Yun Mibu to help, insisting Kion is a nice guy and that he wasn't himself earlier. Yun Mibu approaches Kion, who tries apologizing for earlier, though Yun Mibu settles for Kion promising to not growl at him. When Kion wonders if the plan will work, Ono assures him that clouded leopards are excellent climbers, something Yun Mibyu proves by hanging from a stump by his tail. When the tree branch starts to break, Kion is forced to jump to Yun Mibu's paws, allowing Anga to fly them both to safety.

After Yun Mibu bids them farewell, Kion apologizes to the others for earlier, with Beshte quickly forgiving him. Makini offers Kion some tuliza, noting it wouldn't hurt even if it isn't working like it used to. Afterward, Kion, thinking it was his

 File:Friends-to-the-End (1538).png   fault for losing a lot of time, begins to turn his mind to the Tree of Life, only for Fuli to stop him. Reminding him she is still in charge, she insists that he rest after what he has been through with the others agreeing. When Kion tries to protest, Makini calms Kion down, saying he will be himself after a quick rest. Knowing his friends support him, Kion goes to a nearby rock to take a nap.

### The Tree of Life

While traveling through the snowy forest at night, the Lion Guard comes across a big frozen lake. Anga spots the last moja kwa moja stone on the other side, causing Ono to note that they are almost at the Tree of Life, much to Kion's relief. Kion asks Anga how long it will take to get around the lake, who reports it might take them all night since it's big. Feeling pain in his scar, Kion irritably insists that they get going. At that point, Bunga calls Kion to show him how the lake is hard, causing Ono to explain how the lake has frozen over due to the extreme cold, turning the water into ice.

Seeing the water is hard enough to walk on it, Bunga suggests crossing the lake. While some are unsure about the ice, Kion agrees with Bunga, believing the lak

 File:The-Tree-of-Life (48).png  e is the fastest way to go. The Guard begins crossing the lake, with some stumbling on the slippery surface. Unfortunately, the combined weight of the Lion Guard begins cracking the ice, sending them all running as the lake begins to fragment. While the Lion Guard makes it land, Makini gets stuck on a small piece of ice. With Anga unwilling to risk toppling Makini's island with wind from her wings, Kion and Fuli attempt to rescue Makini.
While trying to reach another slab of ice, Makini accidentally falls into the icy water. Kion and Fuli soon reach her and pull her out, taking her away from the ice. Back on

 File:The-Tree-of-Life (111).png  land, Kion asks Makini for tuliza for his scar. Unfortunately, Makini realizes she lost her staff and their stash of Tuliza at the lake, with Anga confirming it has sunk. Kion reassures Makini, pointing they are at least close to the last moja kwa moja stone. When Anga points them to it, Ono despairs upon realizing that they can't activate the painting without Makini's staff, leaving them unable to confirm if it's a moja kwa moja stone.

Kion then asks Ono to remember Rafiki's map, saying the Tree of Life must be close by if this is the last moja kwa moja stone. Ono recalls the map, remembering that there is a narrow mountain pass up ahead, with the Tree of Life on the other side. When Anga spots the pass, Kion tells the others to head for it. Fuli tries to stop Kion, believing they should wait until morning when they can see better. Kion turns her down, saying he isn't going to get better just waiting around, leading Ono to assure Fuli that Kion will get better at the Tree of Life, with Fuli hoping he does before telling the others to move.

As the Guard reaches the pass, Bunga spots a beehive above the entrance and makes his

 File:The-Tree-of-Life (256).png  way towards it, planning on eating the bees and the honey. Ignoring Kion's warnings, Bunga tries to reach for the beehive, dislodging the rocks below him and accidentally causing a rock slide that blocks the entrance to the pass. Enraged, Kion turns to the frightened Guard, angrily asking Bunga why he didn't listen to him before realizing he isn't there.

It is then revealed that Bunga got stuck between the rocks, much to Kion's frustration. Though Makini tries to calm him, Kion snaps at her, pointing how their only entrance to the Tree of Life has been blocked. Kion orders the Guard to start clearing the rocks and set Bunga free.

Soon a male lion named Baliyo takes the Guard by surprise, ambushing Kion while

 File:The-Tree-of-Life (370).png  Anga informs Fuli of other lions coming. Taking charge, Fuli has Beshte and Anga help her fight while Makini and Ono try to free Bunga. At one point, Fuli tries to reason with Rani, though the lioness refuses to listen, blaming them for the rock slide and for Kion attacking Baliyo, even though it was her brother's fault.

After fighting for a while, Kion loses his temper and uses the Roar of the Elders on Baliyo, sending him flying. At this point, Fuli gets Kion to calm down just in time for him to be tackled by Rani. Holding Kion down, Rani presents herself as the leader of the Night Pride, a group of lions dedicated to protecting animals at the Tree of Life from those who would harm them, making it clear that she sees Kion as a threat.

Remorseful, Kion tries to apologize and explain himself, though Rani refuses to listen. Fuli convinces Rani to let him go, saying they don't want to hurt anyone. Kion presents himself to Rani, explaining how he and his friends have traveled to the Tree of Life to get help. Rani, though, treats Kion coldly, reminding him he sent her brother flying with his Roar, and thus she can only imagine the damage he could to everyone at the Tree of Life. Ignoring his protests, Rani furiously tells the Lion Guard they will never be welcomed at the Tree of Life and to leave and never return before departing.

The Lion Guard is left shocked and dismayed at this surprising turn of events, Kion especially. When Anga asks what happens now, Bunga reminds them he is still stuck,

 File:The-Tree-of-Life (582).png  prompting them to try and free him. Bunga tries consoling Kion, saying he doesn't have to listen to Rani because he has the Roar and he can use it to fight her. Fuli and Beshte oppose this, wanting to be welcomed at the Tree of Life instead of forcing their way in. Beshte, in particular, has no ill will towards the Night Pride, believing they were just defending their home, something the Lion Guard would have done in the same place.

When Makini wonders if this they are not going to the Tree of Life, Fuli assures her they just need to come up with another plan. When Fuli turns to Kion for help, the Guard finds him walking away despondently. Knowing Kion needs some time alone, the Guard goes back to helping Bunga.

Kion starts making his way back to the pass, by which point the others have managed to free Bunga from the rocks. On his return, Kion admits to the Guard that he lost control of the Roar again.

Believing Rani was right to banish him, Kion apologizes to everyone, noting they've all followed him loyally only for him to ruin everything in the end. The others forgive Kion, knowing he didn't mean to lose control and suggest talking to the Night Pride again to explain themselves. Ono also assures Kion that, even without Tree of Life, they can still find another way to heal Kion's scar. Regaining his confidence, Kion refuses to give up, pointing out how Ono's eyes also need to be healed.

Surprised, Rani approaches Kion, who apologizes for using the Roar. Kion tells Rani that even if she won't allow him to enter the Tree of Life, he begs her to take Ono instead, noting he wasn't part of the earlier fight and his eyes need to heal, clearly not wanting him to pay for his friend's mistakes.

Touched by Kion's selfless devotion to his friends, Rani declares they are all

 File:The-Tree-of-Life (724).png  welcome at the Tree of Life, much to Kion's relief. Bunga then presents the group as the Lion Guard, though Baliyo notes they only have one lion. Now on better terms with each other, Rani starts leading the way to the Tree of Life. Along the way, Baliyo asks Kion to never roar at him again, with Kion promising he won't. Both groups reach the end of the canyon as the sun begins to rise. As the Lion Guard stops to marvel at the beautiful sight and the end of their journey, Rani welcomes them all to the Tree of Life.

### The River of Patience

The Lion Guard finally makes their way to the Tree of Life where they meet Rani's grandmother Queen Janna. Kion tells Janna that he and Ono have come to be healed. Seeing that they have the Mark of the Guard Janna knows that they're from the Pride Lands and Rafiki sends them. Janna soon asks Nirmala to take a look at Kion and Ono. Janna explains that while healing Ono will be simple, with his remedy being ready in a few days, Kion's ailments will take both time and patience. Wanting to start right away, Kion is led away by Nirmala to begin his healing.

 File:The-River-of-Patience (108).png
While the rest of the guard goes on a tour with Rani Janna asks Makini to stay. Surprised that the Queen recognized her, Makini begins talking about her last visit to the Tree of Life which she remembers as the place where Rafiki started her training. Janna tells Makini they would like to continue her training here, honoring her.

Janna shows Makini a painting depicting Askari discovering the Roar of the Elders for the first time. Remarking its been a while since she's had a Royal Mjuzi with her, Janna

 File:The-River-of-Patience (395).png  gifts Makini with the Bakora staff of her former Mjuzi. At that point, Kion and Rani show up in the chamber arguing. Rani angrily accuses Kion of leading an army of predators to the Tree of Life, believing they should never have allowed him to enter it. Remorseful, Kion apologizes for the trouble he has caused as the Queen notes the predators won't leave now that they've found the Tree of Life.

When Kion offers to let the Guard help, Rani loses her temper, yelling that they can handle it. Janna firmly reprimands Rani, who immediately calms down and apologizes. While Janna appreciates Kion's offer, she agrees with Rani that it's the job of the Night Pride to deal with threats to the Tree of Life, telling Kion he must help himself before he can help others. She advises him to continue his healing, pointing out that it's the reason he came in the first place.

### Little Old Ginterbong

Inside the Tree of Life, Janna tells Makini to put Ono in front of her, declaring it's

 File:Little-Old-Ginterbong (232).png  time. Instructing Nirmala to pay attention, saying this will be her role soon, Janna places one paw in the tree roots in front of her and the other in Ono's bandaged eyes. The Tree of Life begins glowing with a strange light as energy passes through Janna to Ono's eyes. When the light dims back, Janna tells Ono that his eyesight will be better now, though it may never be as strong as it once was. After Makini removes the bandages, Ono's vision remains blurry for a moment before he makes out Queen Janna.

### Long Live the Queen

Makini tends to a dying Queen Janna in the Tree of Life until Kion and the Night Pride arrive telling them that her condition is not good. After Queen Janna bids her family

 File:Long-Live-the-Queen (689).png  goodbye, Makini tells the residents of the kingdom of her passing. After Janna's funeral, Rani returns to the Tree of Life, Makini emerges from the vines behind the rock and takes Rani through them, wanting to show her many paintings, stories depicting of the Tree of Life's past and Janna's stories, Makini told Rani that Janna wanted to have access to her wisdom, whenever she needed it. Later, at sunset, she declares Rani the new Queen of the Tree of Life.

### Triumph of the Roar

 File:Triumph-of-the-Roar (212).png  Bunga goes inside the Tree of Life looking for Queen Rani. Makini tells him to be quiet and that Rani needs her rest. Rani wakes up and greets Bunga, who asks her about Kion's suspicious behavior. Though Rani doesn't know anything, Makini speculates Kion is still working on the Roar. She shows them a painting, explains how Askari would go to Cikha Escarpment and practice the Roar, learning everything that it could do.
Thinking over all this, Rani has an epiphany and realizes she needs to talk to Kion in private. However, unable to shake Bunga, Rani allows him to come with her as well. Makini says that she was sorry for wakin

 File:Triumph-of-the-Roar (538).png  g Rani up. After Ullu warns the Night Pride about Makucha's army they go inside the tree. Makini says that Rani went to look for Kion and they get trapped inside.

Beshte tries to move the bolder but Ora and his dragons stop him. Kion soon uses the Roar of the Elders to break the boulder. He then blasts the bad guys far away from the Tree of Life. Makini knew that Kion was working on his Roar and Rani asks if Kion and the guard were to stay.

### Journey to the Pride Lands

When Janja and Jasiri come to tell the Lion Guard that Zira is back. The guard decides to

 File:Journey-to-the-Pride-Lands (230).png  go back home to stop her. Makini decides to stay since she's Queen Rani's Royal Mjuzi and it her place in the Circle of Life. They all say goodbye and Rani hopes for the Roar to return someday.

### Return to the Pride Lands

Rafiki notices that Makini isn't with them, Kion reveals she decided to stay at the Tree of Life by

 File:Return-to-the-Pride-Lands (860).png  becoming the new royal Mjuzi, causing Rafiki to announce that Queen Janna had been right all along: Makini's true destiny was always at the Tree of Life. When Kion gives his role of leading the Lion Guard to Vitani, Makini presents Kion as the Tree of Life's new king. She then hugs her parents.

## Family

* Kitendo: Father
* Fikiri: Mother

## Songs

* Today is my Day
* The Wisdom on the Walls
* Anything
* Friends to the End
* Long Live the Queen (song)

## Trivia

* Makini was first seen in early January 2017, on a French sticker album due for release in March 2017. The image of Makini was removed before release, but several months later the same image was used on a bucket in Poland. On June 27th, 2017, a plush toy of Makini was released, despite her lack of appearances in the show itself.
	+ This makes Makini the first character in the series to have merchandise available ahead of her official debut.
* Since her debut, a running gag with her is that she keeps losing her bakora staff, requiring her to keep replacing it.
	+ The gag is mostly dropped in Season 3 due to the necessity of the bakora staff confirming the Moja Kwa Moja stones that guide the way to the Tree of Life and the Staff's gourd containing Tuliza for whenever Kion experiences symptoms from his scar. However, in The Tree of Life, Makini loses her Bakora Staff once again when she falls into the water underneath a frozen lake. Fortunately, the Lion Guard was very close to the Tree of Life and Queen Janna gives Makini a replacement Bakora Staff from the previous Royal Mjuzi and it becomes her permanent staff.
	+ Since the gag with her losing her bakora staff is dropped completely after taking the Bakora Staff of the previous Royal Mjuzi of the Tree of Life, it is possible that this was the work of the Great Lions of the Past showing her that she is meant to be the Royal Mjuzi for the Tree of Life rather than the Pride Lands.
* Makini now serves as Kion's and Rani's Royal Mjuzi, serving the royal family of the Tree of Life instead of the Future Queen Kiara and King Kovu for the Pride Lands who are the members of Kion's family and Rani's in-laws.
* In Timon and Pumbaa's Christmas, it is revealed that Makini is a newcomer to the Pride Lands.

## References

1. ↑ File:Garde-du-roi-lion-300stickers.png
2. ↑ File:WP 20170612 11 43 58 Pro LI.jpg

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