Brothers' Journey

**Brother's Journey** is the twelfth episode of Legends of the Lion Guard: Protectors of the Pride Lands.

## Synopsis

Nala takes Kion and Nguruma on a trip to find Udugu.

## Transcript

On a calm day in the Pride Lands, Kion and Nguruma were play-fighting in a grassy patch in front of Pride Rock. Simba and Nala were watching them from the peak. Kovu and Kiara were settled down behind them.

“They’re doing very well.” Simba said.

“Yes, they are. Nguruma’s tracking skills are improving.” Nala said.

“They do seem evenly matched. That means they’re ready.” Simba said.

“Today’s the day.” Nala said.

She and Simba stood up, and began to make their way towards Kion and Nguruma.

When they arrived, Nala cleared her throat.

“Your father and I have a surprise for you.” Nala said.

“What is it, Mom?” Kion asked, as Simba came to sit beside him.

“Both of you are coming with me on the Trail to Udugu.” Nala said.

“The Trail to Udugu?” Nguruma asked.

“Where's Udugu? I've never heard of it.” Kion said.

“Is it in the Pride Lands?” Nguruma asked.

“You'll see.” Nala said.

“Taking the Trail to Udugu is an important part of growing up in the royal family.” Simba said.

“And all royal siblings make the journey, when they're ready.” Nala said.

“Did you go on it, Dad?” Nguruma asked.

“I never had the chance. I don't have a biological brother or sister.” Simba said.

“It’s a long journey to Udugu. We’ll have to cross through the Back Lands.” Nala said.

Kion stood up, and nudged Nguruma to his paws, wrapping his tail around Nguruma’s shoulders.

“Have a safe journey, sons.” Simba said.

He moved forward, and knelt down to nuzzle Kion’s cheek.

“Thanks, Dad.” Kion said.

He watched as Simba ruffled Nguruma’s head tuft.

Nala began to lead Kion and Nguruma towards the Back Lands border.

“This is so nice. I haven’t been alone with the two of you in sunrises.” Nala said, as they entered the Back Lands.

“How long will it take to get to Udugu, Mom?” Kion asked, as he guided Nguruma around a fallen tree branch.

“That’s a tough question. Udugu isn’t easy to find.” Nala said.

They didn’t notice that Joka was observing them from a tree branch.

“Hm. Interesting. This is worth keeping an eye on.” Joka said.

He slithered down the tree trunk, and began to creep after Nala, Kion, and Nguruma.

Meanwhile, Nala had led Kion and Nguruma to the Iroko Tree.

“There’s a baobab fruit buried at the base of this tree. I need the two of you to work together to find it.” Nala said.

“Okay, Mom.” Kion said.

Suddenly, Joka slithered out from behind a bush.

“Not so fassst, let’s talk about what’s for lunch.” Joka asked.

Immediately, Nala leapt in front of Kion and Nguruma, unsheathing her claws.

“Leave, Joka. Now.” Nala ordered.

“Why should I?” Joka asked.

Nala glanced behind her at Kion and Nguruma.

“Get your brother to safety, Kion.” Nala said.

“On it, Mom.” Kion said.

He curled his tail around Nguruma’s shoulders, and led him towards a bush.

“Protecting that blind cub is useless.” Joka said.

“That blind cub is my son. I won’t let you harm either of my sons.” Nala growled.

“How’re you going to stop me?” Joka asked.

Nala lunged forward, knocking Joka backwards with her paw.

“Final chance to leave peacefully.” Nala said.

“I’m not going anywhere.” Joka said.

“Stay here, Nguruma. I’m going to help Mom drive Joka away.” Kion said.

“Okay.” Nguruma said.

Kion rushed over to stand beside Nala.

“Final chance to leave. Or I’ll use the Roar.” Kion said.

“So I made a little missstake. Just let me go, and I promise not to hold a grudge. No hard feelingsss, right?*”* Joka said.

“Mom, go to Nguruma.” Kion said.

He watched as Nala moved towards Nguruma.

Kion unsheathed his claws, and sank them into the earth underneath him.

He braced himself, and performed the Roar.

It sent Joka flying backwards.

Kion watched him slither towards the border.

He glanced behind him at Nala, who was leading Nguruma out from behind the bush.

“Is he okay, Mom?” Kion asked.

“Yes, he’s okay. Well done, son.” Nala said.

Kion moved forward, and nuzzled Nguruma’s cheek.

“Are we still going to Udugu, Mom?” Nguruma asked.

“Actually, I think you've already found Udugu.” Nala said.

“We have?” Kion asked.

Nala nodded.

“You see, kids, Udugu isn't a place. Udugu is another word for kinship. It's the special bond between siblings. You found Udugu when Kion made sure Nguruma’s safety was considered before his own.” Nala said.

“We did?” Kion asked.

“Yes, and I'm very proud of you.” Nala said.

“Can we go home now?” Nguruma asked.

“Yes, we can go home now.” Nala said.

She began to lead the way to the border, her tail wrapped around Nguruma’s shoulders.

They crossed the border, and entered the Pride Lands.

“Do you think Dad, Kovu, and Kiara will be proud of us too?” Kion asked.

“Of course they will, son.” Nala said warmly.

When they reached Pride Rock, they saw Simba, Kovu, and Kiara waiting outside the den.

Kion bounded towards Simba excitedly.

“Hi Dad.” Kion said.

“Hi, son.” Simba said, as he ruffled Kion’s head tuft affectionately.

He watched as Nala approached, leading Nguruma.

“So, everyone, how was your journey? Did you find Udugu?” Simba asked.

“We found it. But it's not really a place.” Kion said.

“It's about us working together as brothers. As a team.” Nguruma said.

“That’s right. Both of you will one day be expected to provide support to your sister, when she and Kovu assume the throne.” Simba said.

## Appearances

### Characters

* **Max Charles** as Kion
* **Lyons Luke Mathias** as Nguruma
* **Rob Lowe** as Simba
* **Gabrielle Union** as Nala
* **Eden Riegel** as Kiara *(cameo)*
* **Jason Marsden** as Kovu *(cameo)*
* **Gerald Rivers** as Joka

### Locations

* Pride Lands
	+ Pride Rock
* Back Lands
	+ Iroko Tree

### Animals

* Lions
* Pythons

## Trivia

* This episode was released on Potato Flakin's 14th birthday.
* This is the second episode where all members of the Lion Guard, sans Kion, are absent. The first was The Rogue Hyena.