A Fragile Hope

**A Fragile Hope** is the eleventh episode of Legends of the Lion Guard: Protectors of the Pride Lands.

## Synopsis

Jivin falls ill with greencough and struggles to recover.

## Transcript

On a peaceful day in the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard was patrolling Urembo Meadows.

“Everything's certainly been peaceful lately.” Ono said.

“That's true.” Fuli said.

Suddenly, Zazu flew up to them.

“Lion Guard, Simba's sent me to find you, and bring you back to Pride Rock.” Zazu said.

“What's going on, Zazu?” Kion asked.

“There's been an urgent message from the Tree of Life.” Zazu said.

Kion glanced at Beshte, Ono, Fuli, and Bunga.

“Come on, we'd better go see what's going on.” Kion said.

He and Zazu led the way to Pride Rock.

When they arrived, they saw Simba, Nguruma, Rafiki, and Makini settled down outside the den.

“What's going on, Dad?” Kion asked, as he, Zazu, and the Lion Guard approached.

“Kion, Ullu's sent us word that Jivin has fallen ill with greencough, and Kenene and Nirmala have asked for Rafiki and Makini's assistance in healing him.” Simba said.

Kion exchanged a glance with Fuli.

“Can we go too, Dad?” Kion asked.

“Of course, son. You're welcome to join them, and provide help to the Night Pride.” Simba said.

“We'll be leaving immediately.” Rafiki said.

Beside Simba, Nguruma cleared his throat.

“Can I go to the Tree of Life too?” Nguruma asked.

“Yes, Nguruma. You can go too.” Simba said.

“Come, we'd better be heading off.” Rafiki said.

Simba stood up, and moved towards Kion.

He ruffled Kion's head tuft affectionately.

“Safe journey, son.” Simba said.

“Thanks, Dad.” Kion said.

He watched as Makini led Nguruma over to Simba, and Simba knelt down to nuzzle Nguruma.

Rafiki began to lead Fuli, Ono, Beshte, Bunga, Makini, Nguruma, and Kion into the Pride Lands.

Meanwhile, in Leopon Plains, Ajani and Ayo had assembled Mhina, Kopa, Tatu, Kicheko, Kamaria, and Anika in Msafiri Forest.

“Ullu's sent us word that Jivin has fallen ill with greencough, and Kenene and Nirmala have asked for Kamaria and Anika's assistance in healing him.” Ajani said.

Mhina exchanged a glance with Kopa and Tatu.

“Can we come too, Dad?” Mhina said.

“Of course you can, Mhina.” Ajani said.

“You must leave at once.” Ayo said.

Mhina glanced at Kopa, Tatu, Kicheko, Kamaria, and Anika.

“Come on, let's go.” Mhina said.

He began to lead the way to the border.

Meanwhile, Rafiki, Kion, Ono, Bunga, Fuli, Beshte, Makini, and Nguruma were heading towards the Back Lands border.

“Do you think Jivin's going to be okay?” Bunga asked.

“I hope so, Little B.” Beshte said.

“Me too.” Fuli said.

Suddenly, Ono landed on Beshte's back.

“It looks like Mhina, his siblings, Kamaria, and Anika are going to the Tree of Life too.” Ono said.

“What makes you say that?” Bunga asked.

“They're coming towards us.” Ono said.

Kion's expression brightened as he watched Mhina, Tatu, Kopa, Kicheko, Kamaria, and Anika approach.

“Hi Kion.” Mhina said.

“Hi Mhina. Are you going to the Tree of Life too?” Kion asked.

Mhina nodded.

“Kenene and Nirmala want Anika and Kamaria to help heal Jivin.” Mhina said.

“They want Makini and Rafiki to help too, so we're going to the Tree of Life too.” Kion said.

“It makes sense for us to travel together then.” Mhina said.

“Yeah, it does.” Kion said awkwardly.

He and Mhina exchanged a significant glance.

Rafiki cleared his throat pointedly.

“We've now entered the Back Lands. The first Moja Kwa Moja Stone is located in Acacia Woods.” Rafiki said.

“That's not very far from the border.” Ono said.

“Indeed. We will be there soon.” Rafiki said.

Rafiki began to lead the way to Acacia Woods.

When they arrived, he tapped his staff against the stone.

“Yes, this is the right path.” Rafiki said.

“The Moja Kwa Moja Stone is so pretty.” Makini said.

“It certainly is.” Rafiki said.

“Where's the next landmark?” Kamaria asked.

“At a waterfall not far from here.” Rafiki said.

“Come on, let's keep going.” Kion said.

Rafiki began to lead the way to the waterfall.

When they arrived at the waterfall, Makini moved forward, and tapped her staff against the stone.

“We're almost there.” Makini said.

“Well done, Makini.” Rafiki said warmly.

“Thanks, Uncle Rafiki.” Makini said.

Behind him, she helped Nguruma navigate around a fallen tree branch.

Rafiki cleared his throat.

“We must make haste to get to the Tree of Life. Jivin will need treatment immediately.” Rafiki said.

“Okay.” Kion said.

Rafiki lead the way towards the Back Lands border, and they began to head towards the Tree of Life.

When they reached the Mountain Pass, they saw Ullu and Kenene waiting by the entrance.

“Good. You're all here. Nirmala and I don't have enough herbs to heal Jivin.” Kenene said.

“Makini and I have brought feverfew, tansy, and catmint.” Rafiki said.

“Kamaria and I brought borage leaves and juniper berries.” Anika said.

“Come. We'll take you inside to see Jivin.” Ullu said.

Behind her, Makini had approached Kenene, and was hugging her tightly.

Ullu began to lead the way through the Mountain Pass.

When they reached the Tree of Life, Kenene led them inside the tree.

They saw Nirmala, Maya, Rani, Baliyo, Surak, Janna, Umhlaba, Danyal, and Aminia crowded around Jivin, who was laying in a nest of moss.

Ullu cleared her throat.

“Queen Maya, as requested, Kenene and I have brought Anika, Kamaria, Rafiki, and Makini.” Ullu said.

Maya stood up, and approached them.

“I'm glad you're all here. Jivin's very ill, and Nirmala and Kenene's herb store is low.” Maya said.

“We're happy to be of assistance, your majesty.” Kamaria said.

“We'll begin the treatments at once.” Rafiki said. “We shall prepare an herb mixture of tansy, catmint, and feverfew. That should help ease his breathing.”

Anika brought a gourd over to him, and she and Rafiki began to mix the herbs in it.

“We've been giving him moss soaked in water, but he won't drink much.” Nirmala said.

“This herb mixture will help him. We will spare no effort to heal him.” Kenene said, as she helped Anika shift Jivin's head, and pour the mixture into his mouth.

“How can I help, Uncle Rafiki?” Makini asked.

“Fetch some more moss, and soak it in water, honey. He'll be thirsty later.” Rafiki said.

“Yes, Uncle Rafiki. Of course.” Makini said.

“Go with her, Umhlaba.” Kenene said.

Umhlaba nodded, and rushed after Makini.

“Uncle Rafiki, can you make a poultice to put on his chest, to help ease his breathing?” Kenene asked.

“Of course, Kenene.” Rafiki said.

“I'll go get some extra herbs.” Kamaria said, and she rushed off.

Behind Nirmala, Janna cleared her throat.

“My son will be fine. He'll survive this.” Janna said firmly.

“Of course he will, Grandma.” Aminia said gently.

Meanwhile, Kion, the Lion Guard, Mhina, his siblings, and Nguruma had joined Rani and Baliyo.

“Don't worry, Rani. Jivin will be fine.” Mhina said.

“I know he will. Grandmother's just worried because greencough is what killed Grandpa.” Rani said.

“The mjuzis and healers will heal him. He'll be okay.” Kion said.

Suddenly, Makini and Umhlaba returned, each holding a ball of moss, dripping with water.

“We have the water, Uncle Rafiki.” Makini said.

“Well done, you two.” Rafiki said.

Makini and Umhlaba moved forward, setting the moss down beside the pile of herbs.

Kenene glanced up as Kamaria appeared at the entrance to the tree.

“Do you have the herbs?” Kenene asked.

Kamaria nodded, she was clutching a herb wrap in her jaws. She moved forward, and set the herb wrap down.

Kenene unwrapped the herbs, and began to mix them into the herb mixture. She and Nirmala poured the mixture into Jivin's mouth.

“Let the mixture pass through him. It is more than just knowledge, the powers of the Tree of Life flow through every ailment, it's a unique and special quality of our haven. It is how so many have been healed before him.” Janna remarked.

Anika moved towards Janna, holding a sprig of goatweed.

“Take this, your majesty. To ease your grief.” Anika said.

“Thank you. Anika.” Janna said, as she took the goatweed.

Anika glanced at Maya, Rani, and Baliyo.

“Would the rest of you like some?” Anika asked.

“Yes, Anika. That would be helpful.” Maya said.

Anika moved forward, and gave them each a sprig of goatweed. Maya, Rani, and Baliyo gulped it down.

Suddenly, Rani's eyes filled with tears, and she pressed herself closer to Maya's pelt.

“I don't want him to die, Mom.” Rani said tearfully.

“Me neither.” Baliyo said, nuzzling against Maya's other side.

“Oh, my darlings. Don't worry. Your father will be fine. I promise.” Maya said.

She gently nuzzled Rani on the top of her head, and ruffled Baliyo's head tuft.

Behind them, Kion exchanged a glance with Mhina and Fuli.

Suddenly, Kenene glanced up, and cleared her throat.

“Everyone, Jivin's breathing has eased. He'll recover.” Kenene said.

“But he'll be very weak for a while.” Anika said.

Instantly, Rani and Baliyo rushed towards Jivin, falling to their paws beside him.

“Easy, you two. Your father is very weak.” Nirmala said gently.

“He'll recover, Aunt Nirmala.” Rani said, nuzzling Jivin's cheek. Baliyo had pressed himself against Jivin's pelt.

Maya moved forward, and settled down beside Rani.

She glanced at Kenene, Makini, Rafiki, Kamaria, Anika, Nirmala, and Umhlaba.

“Thank you, all of you.” Maya said gratefully.

“You're welcome, your majesty.” Anika said.

Maya glanced at Kion, the Lion Guard, Mhina, Kicheko, Tatu, Kopa, and Nguruma.

“Would you all like to stay the night? You can leave in the morning.” Maya said.

“That would be wonderful, your majesty.” Kion said.

Rani glanced up, still pressed close to Jivin's pelt.

“We can send Ullu to tell your families.” Rani said.

“Yes, we can. Come, let's settle down. It's been a tiring day.” Maya said.

She watched as the Lion Guard, Mhina, Kicheko, Tatu, Kopa, and Nguruma settled down.

Kenene cleared her throat.

“I'll stay awake, and keep watch over Jivin, your majesty.” Kenene said.

“I'm staying up too.” Makini said instantly.

Rafiki chuckled.

“That's a wonderful idea.” Rafiki said.

“Thank you, you two.” Maya added.

Surak exchanged a glance with Danyal and Aminia.

“We will take care of the night patrol.” Surak said.

“Thank you, my son.” Janna said.

Maya cleared her throat.

“Let's all get some sleep.” Maya said.

The next morning, Maya, Rani, Baliyo, Kenene, Makini, Rafiki, Kamaria, Anika, Kion, the Lion Guard, Mhina, Kicheko, Tatu, Kopa, and Nguruma assembled outside the entrance to the Tree of Life.

“I'd like to thank you all again for coming to help heal Jivin, and provide support to my cubs and myself. We won't forget it.” Maya said.

“It was our pleasure, your majesty.”' Beshte said.

Behind him, Rani approached Kion and Mhina.

“Have a safe journey.” Rani said.

“Thanks, Rani.” Mhina said.

Makini approached Kenene, embracing her tightly.

“I love you, sis.” Makini said.

“I love you too.” Kenene said.

## Appearances

### Characters

* **Henry Kaufman** as Mhina
* **Max Charles** as Kion
* **Joshua Rush** as Bunga
* **Diamond White** as Fuli
* **Atticus Shaffer** as Ono
* **Dusan Brown** as Beshte
* **Meghan Strange** as Ayo
* **Shohreh Aghdashloo** as Janna
* **Rob Lowe** as Simba
* **Landry Bender** as Makini / Tatu *(cameo)*
* **Lyons Luke Mathias** as Nguruma
* **Bailey Gambertoglio** as Aminia
* **Khary Payton** as Rafiki
* **Mekai Curtis** as Kopa *(cameo)*
* **Ace Gibson** as Jivin *(cameo)* / Dayaalu *(indirectly mentioned)*
* **Erica Luttrell** as Queen Maya
* **Peyton Elizabeth Lee** as Rani
* **Hudson Yang** as Baliyo / Danyal / Kicheko *(cameos)*
* **Lou Diamond Phillips** as Surak / Ajani
* **Miki Yamashita** as Nirmala
* **Marieve Herington** as Kenene
* **Lana McKissack** as Anika
* **Vyvan Pham** as Ullu
* **Paget Brewster** as Kamaria
* **Jeff Bennett** as Zazu
* **Nika Futterman** as Umhlaba *(cameo)*

### Groups

* Simba's Pride
* Tumaini Pride
* Night Pride
* The Lion Guard

### Locations

* Pride Lands
	+ Pride Rock
	+ Urembo Meadows
* Leopon Plains
	+ Msafiri Forest
* Back Lands
	+ Acacia Woods
	+ Waterfall
* Tree of Life
	+ Mountain Pass

### Animals

* Lions
* Honey Badgers
* Leopons
* Cheetahs
* Eagles
* Egrets
* Hippopotamuses
* Mandrills
* Owls

## Trivia

* This episode marks the first appearance of the Back Lands and the Tree of Life in Legends of the Lion Guard.