Chumvi lead his friends south; he had volunteered them to essentially spy on another kingdom and everyone present knew it. If Sina was to be believed, they could potentially be walking into a very dangerous lion's territory. But, as far as Chumvi was concerned this was exactly what the Lion Guard was chosen for. And as he thought this he looked at each and every one of his subordinates in turn, and marveled at how much they had all changed from the day they were appointed to the Guard. Chumvi himself had even changed, his arrogance and dare-devil attitude being molded into actual confidence in his abilities and leadership qualities that taught him that the idea of 'Lions over all' meant a responsibility to all under them. Gone was the arrogant cub, and he was replaced with a teen who would become exactly what the Fiercest Protector in the Pridelands should be.
For Tojo's part, Chumvi had noticed his changes more than anyone else. And not just that the dark, blackish-brown mane was starting to grace his dark-yellow pelt rather nicely, or his lean muscles were starting to fill out in proportion to his height increase. Chumvi, more than anything, was starting to see that Tojo's cautiousness was not a sign of cowardice and spinelessness, but in fact the very thing that the Bravest Lion in the Pridelands should value. He was not only Chumvi's best friend (and first true friend from childhood, but Chumvi suspected they'd both be best of friends no matter at what point they met), but also his second in command due to his coldly logical and strategic mind. What perhaps did start off as dissonant cowardice given his title eventually turned into a philosophy of managing risks and never unnecessarily putting himself or others into danger for very little reward, and though he was no older than they, Tojo was definitely the wisest of the group.
However, despite his logical and strategic capabilities, his brains were still no match for the sheer, untapped intelligence that the Keenest of Sight possessed. However, Chumvi found Thambo rather difficult to read at times. He was a bit thinner than the other members of the Guard, about the same build as Scar, and his cream fur was sprouting patches of bright, crayon yellow mane that made him seem even lighter than the rest of the Guardians. His green eyes, a bit paler than Chumvi's own, shined with an intellect that the Fiercest was happy to have on his side but knew that it would be a deadly weapon to be used against his enemies. As cubs, Chumvi just saw him as a complete mystery, but as they were growing up he had come to see Thambo as someone who valued silent genius as opposed to fancy words.
Almost as though to contrast him entirely, Kiburi's powerful build, brown eyes, dark red fur, and the patches of jet-black mane housed a very playful and jovial lion who nonetheless was deserving of being known as the Strongest Lion in the Pridelands. Even now, he was making wisecracks and telling jokes that, while they were hit and miss at times, were also told with intent to lighten the mood and the tension that the team is going to face. As cubs, Chumvi found Kiburi annoying and wondered why the Spirits ever chose him. Now, as teens, Kiburi was his second favorite of the group and had proven to be willing to do anything if that's what it took to protect his friends. His loyalty was perhaps the only thing stronger than his body, and for that Chumvi was beginning to respect him.
And finally, there was Upesi, the Fastest Lion in the Pridelands. With his coffee-brown fur, patches of chocolate-brown mane, and lean build, he was built for speed and blending in with the drying grasses of the Wastelands. However, his blue eyes, of a deeper hue than Tojo's, would have given him right away to a predator who was looking to prey on a cub. However, he was no longer a cub, and he had only gained maturity over time. He was usually the one to keep the group focused, to keep the gaurdians from losing perspective. And, as Chumvi was starting to see, the Wastelands were not completely devoid of lessons to teach.
And I, among these guardians, am the leader. The one trusted with the roar. Chumvi found himself thinking as the five of them entered the Goldlands. And, as they quickly saw, the kingdom's namesake exuded a honey-like smell that could hypnotize and entice even meat-eaters to try and taste the grasses that the herds gorged themselves upon. However, even Kiburi managed to resist that urge, thanks to the fact that the lion they were pursuing had been spotted. More specifically, Thambo had spotted him.
"Chumvi, over there." He said, getting the mocha-brown teen's attention. He had been lost in thought, as the rest of the Guard had already followed Thambo to what were clearly the zebra grazing grounds of this kingdom. As he made to catch up with his team, he could see the lion they were pursuing disappear under some brush. At first Chumvi was confused, until he looked towards Thambo's glowing eyes. "There's a cave hidden under all of that brush. And in that cave is at least two lionesses, one other male, and at least 25 dogs." Tojo spoke up at that moment. "So this lion has allies, then? This probably just got more difficult, guys." However, Kiburi simply laughed. "Well, if there's only 25 of them…" Kiburi's suggestion need not be fully voiced. "And what if there's more that Thambo didn't see? The key words here are 'at least'." Upesi pointed out.
And now it's Chumvi's turn to chuckle reassuringly. "Well, in that case, we need a plan. And here's what I'm thinking…" As the Guardians hid to plan out their surveillance, each one couldn't help but feel that they themselves were being watched.