Patrolling across the Pride Lands was just usual business for the Lion Guard. So far, everything was alright, and there have been no attacks from hyenas or jackals whatsoever, peculiarly Janja's clan, and Reirei's pack. At first, Kion decided to just go home after another successful day, or at least play with his friends. It was just then Kion noticed something in a distance. There was smoke, and it could only mean one thing: there was a fire in the lands. He and his friends rushed over to see what was happening, and saw a family of black rhinos in danger from the flames
"Oh no! Limali and Drani are in danger! You know what to do, guys. Till the Pride Lands end:"
"Lion Guard will defend!" everyone else said boldly. They were being quick on their feet to help the two rhinos be safe from the roaring firing. They wondered how a large fire could have happened like that in the first place, but they didn't have time to waste, Limali and Drani had to be safe from harm. Ono was still flying to see any openings or any water to put it out.
Beshte saw a river nearby, and saw this as a perfect way to extinguish the flames. He piled up as much water as he can with his mouth, and tried to put out any scattered flames that were burning the grass.
Despite the young hippo putting a great effort into putting out the flames, it was to no avail. The fires were still spreading, and the rhinos were out of the flames. But now it wasn't the rhinos that were the concern, without warning, the fire would spread all across the Pride Lands, causing great destruction and devastating countless homes and habitats the animals live within the area.
Fuli was running as fast as she could to try and escort the rhino family out of the flames circling around them with Bunga's help. Both of them managed to get them out, but there was still the problem with the fire spreading across the area.
It looked like the fire was completely indestructible, but then Ma Tembo, and her herd of elephants suddenly came, and noticed the flames. "Not to worry, Lion Guard!" she said boldly. "We'll take care of this." She and all the other elephants readied their trunks, sucked in as much water from the nearby river, and all used the water within to put out the fires.
Just like that, the fires were all put out in a matter of minutes. "Are you two okay?"
"Of course, Kion." said Limali gratefully. "Thank you so much for helping me and my daughter, Lion Guard. We owe you a great debt."
The lion cub smiled. "There's no need for that. Besides, Ma Tembo and her family were the ones that put out the fire. We tried to stop it, but there was so much of it."
"Oh, Kion." the black rhino sighed. "You still risked your lives to save us, and that is certainly a perk for you and your friends."
"She speaks true, young cub." said Ma Tembo. "Even though we helped you, it was certainly nothing to be ashamed of."
"I know, Tembo." said Kion. "But what caused the fire anyway?"
"It was Janja!" said Drani. "He and those hyenas were causing trouble again."
He and the other Lion Guard members scowled on their faces. "That Janja has done it this time, almost causing great destruction in the Pride Lands." Ono said in anger.
"Where are they now?" Bunga asked, pounding his right fast against his left hand three times."
"Don't bother." said Lilami. "Those poachers went all the way back to the Outlands. I managed to scare them off, and broke Janja's leg in the process. I would have gone after them further, but the fire prevented me from doing so."
Kion then looked at the canyons and chasms that separated the Pride Lands from the Outlands. "What if he and his friends come back and terrorize the Pride Lands some more?'
"No, Lilami said she broke Janja's leg. And Cheezi and Chungu can't really plan anything without their leader since Janja's the smartest." said Fuli.
"Fair point." said Kion. "Those two don't really go anywhere without their leader." And then he looked back to the rhino family. "Are you two hurt?"
"No, of course not." said Drani. "We're rhinos. We're meant to be as tough as boulders."
"Right. I thought so."
"And if not for Ma Tembo putting out the fire, we would have been burned to crisps." Lilami remarked.
"Well, I do not want to take all the credit from the Lion Guard, would I?" Said the elephant leader. "They were just as brave, bold, and noble as we were. I can imagine how proud Mufasa must be of you, Kion."
"He's always proud of me." Said the lion cub. "Well. I guess you're right, but maybe we should take a look if Reirei and her family are causing trouble. They always keep to themselves with their plans."
"They are sneaky." Said Ono. "Perhaps that's a good idea."
"Well, thanks again for saving us, Lion Guard." Said Lilami. "Come on, Drani my dear, we still need to look for your father near the Eland plains."
"OK, mommy." Said Drani. "Bye guys, see ya soon,"
All the Lion Guard saidntheir byes to the two rhinos and decided to resume their patrolling for anything bad happening. Looking all over many parts of the Pride Lands again, they didn't find Reirei or her family anywhere. It was good, for Janja was unable to trespass in the Pride Lands now due to an injury.
Turns out that Reirei and her family of jackals were nowhere in sight in these beautiful Lands. "Hmm, well there's nothing bad happening right now." Said Bunga. "Why don't we call it a day?"
Thinking about it, Kion Said "Well... I guess your right. Janja probably wom't com here for a while If his leg's broken. Besides, if there was any more trouble, Zazu, or you, Ono, would let us know, right?"
"Of course!" Said Ono boldly. "I'm always the eye in the sky. If there is any more trouble on the Lands, I would inform you all about it."
"Right." Said Beshte. "Nobody messes with the Lion Guard!"
"You said it, Beshte." Said Kion in agreement. "Well, see ya guys soon."
"Bye Kion!" The four replied to him before going back to their homes in different directions, leaving Kion alone for a while. Just then, he heard a rustling on the grass, like something was watching and stalking him.
Being very cautious, Kion looked around to and fro, and growled to try and scare off whoever it was. He slowly backed away defensively, and saw something black run past him in the speed of light. The cub recognized who it could be stalking him like this.
"Janja?" He thought. Then Kion heard even more rustling around him. He was becoming a little scared, for this thing looked like it was starting to appear like a ghost. "You should know better not to sneak up on me, Janja. A leader of the new Lion Guard." he waited for something to jump out at him, but it suddenly grew quiet. Kion waited for ten long minutes for something to happen, but alas, nothing popped out to scare him. "Hmm. Must be hearing things, probably even seeing things."
He turned around to the direction home, and then something touched it his nose "Peek-a-boo!" Kion jumped on his back with a loud yell. The creature laughed at his reaction in front of him. "Ha! You should have seen the look on your face." It was none other than Jasiri herself, all the way in the Pride Lands.
"Jasiri?" Kion said. Then an annoyed expression formed on his face. "That was not funny!"
"Oh come on, Kion. Admit it, i got you there." Jasiri smirked.
"Okay, okay, you just caught me by surprise. There's a difference between that and scared."
"i was just playing with you. Can't take a joke?" asked the hyena.
"I can." Kion said. Then Jasiri helped him back on his feet. "What are you doing here anyway?"
"What? A hyena like me can't come here to the Pride Lands to visit his closest Lion friend?" she replied. "Just wanted to visit ya in your homeland."
Kion was rather surprised to hear that. "Really? But... what about your parents? are they okay with it?"
"Of course they are." said Jasiri. "My parents know very well that I can take care of myself. It's every animal for himself out there in the Outlands, You remember me telling you that, right?"
"Right. I forgot about that. But what about my parents. I can imagine them exploding hanging out with a hyena here in the Pride Lands."
"No, that's crazy talk. Have you forgotten that your parents and mine were talking about peace together. And besides, they know about us being friends now, so there's nothing worry about, Kion."
Thinking about it, Kion didn't really know what to say. "But what if my parents find out that you were... trespassing here in my home?"
"I'm pretty sure I'm not trespassing here. Besides, your parents don't hate me, and they have made peace with my parents and Ed before. You were there with me when that happened."
"Okay, that's true." Kion admitted. "But of course it's always nice to see you, Jasiri." and he gave her a smile. "Well I'm just done with another patrol. Janja and his friends started a fire, but Ma Tembo and her herd of elephants came to put them all out with the waters from that lake over there."
"Ah. Aren't you worried about an attack from them again?" and they both began to walk down the plain together. "You know how Janja and his cronies can be with plans."
"not this time, no." Kion replied frankly. "because this time, Limali the black rhinoceros broke Janja's leg, so I don't think he or his friends will come back and attack the Pride Lands, or the animals any time soon."
"Wow, I wish I could have broken his legs. Janja and his friends love to cause trouble for me and my clan. Still, at least he won't be able to harass us for the a little while."
They both stopped at the water hole three miles north of where they met and decided to have a little drink together. "So how's your hunting, Kion?"
"Still learning from my dad. I'm... still just a cub." he admitted. "But still, my dad, mom, sister, Kovu, and Vitani are still teaching me how to hunt properly. But sometimes, my mom and sister worry about me when I hunt, similar to how dad was worried about Kiara hunting."
"Nah, you're a capable cub. We've fought Janja countless times before, and we already make a great team."
"Can't argue with that." Kion agreed. "They never stand a chance against us together."
"Exactly!" then a sly smirk appeared on her face. "Do you still know how to pounce or take down small animals as your food?"
"I do. Well.. I'm still trying to learn how to be precise and- Whoa!" all of a sudden, Jasiri suddenly pounced on him. Kion was trying to fight back, but it turned into a cartwheel and Jasiri ultimately pinned him down.
"Pinned you!" she said playfully.
Kion had an annoyed expression on his face again, and pulled Jasiri off of him. "Get off me." he said. That smile wasn't taken off of Jasiri's face however, and then a sly smile appeared on his face. He made a small growl and jumped on her. He tried to put in a great effort in trying to pin Jasiri back in revenge, but the process repeated, and instantly pinned him to the ground with her paws again
"Pinned you again!" she sang.
Just then a sudden roar was heard, like another lion. From the brushes, Kiara and Kovu appeared, looking quite fierce and angry towards Jasiri. "Get off of my brother!" Kiara said. She and Kovu were ganging up on her slowly, and Jasiri was looking quite afraid thinking about what they would do to her.
"Guys wait!" Kion intervened. "This Hyena is not a threat!"
Kiara and Kovu didn't really look so convinced by the cub was saying. "She... She is?" asked Kovu
"Of course. This is Jasiri. Mom and dad told you guys about her?"
Kiara and Kovu then looked at each other, looking a little confused. "Are you sure?" asked Kiara. "Mom and dad did tell us about her, but... she was tackling you."
"We were just playing, princess. I promise." Jasiri remarked. "I was trying to teach him how to hunt a little properly, and how to catch a small prey for his food."
"She's telling the truth, guys. I promise. Have I ever lied to you before?"
"Oh." said the two.
"I'm so sorry." said Kiara.'
"yeah, me too." Kovu added. They two put their claws away and went up to her in a non-threatening way. "Name's Kovu, the future king of the Pride Lands."
"And i'm Kiara, future queen, and Kion's big sister. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience, Jasiri."
"No, it's alright." said the Hyena. "and i can assure you all that not all hyenas are like Janja and his little cronies."
"We know." said Kovu.
"You are treating my little brother rightly, are you?" Kiara asked her. "I mean, I know I shouldn't ask you this, but Just looking out for my baby brother here."
"Kiara." Kion groaned in embarrassment.
Jasiri made a cute laugh. "It's alright. I would never hurt Kion. I used to think that Lions were nothing more than ego maniacs who only care about their manes and their royal status."
"Hey now." Kovu said in mild offense.
"But then I met Kion, and I learned that you all care for the circle of life as much as many other hyenas."
"Oh. I see. Perhaps there are many things we lions can learn from hyenas like you." Kiara remarked.
Jasiri was happy to hear that. "Of course, princess."
"So, what are you guys doing here anyway?"
"We saw the fire, and we were extremely worried about you before the fire was put out." Kiara explained. "Mom noticed it and sent us to find you and the others."
"It's okay, Kiara." Kion remarked. "We were saved by Ma Tembo and her elephants, they put out the fire."
Both the future king and queen sighed in relief. "That's good." said Kovu. "You're parents were worried about you."
"Yeah. We're just glad you're okay." Kiara said, hugging her little brother. "So wait, where are Bunga, Fuli, Beshte, and Ono?"
"They went back home."
"Oh, okay."
Kion was then thinking of something that he never thought would actually happen. "Jasiri, you want to... visit Pride Rock?"
The hyena, Kiara, and Kovu had surprised looks on their faces. "Me come with you to Pride Rock?" said Jasiri. She had a very unsure look on her face, and then remarked "I don't know, Kion. I know my parents and yours had a peace talk between us hyenas and you lions, but if i visited Pride rock, I would greatly upset your parents."
"Not that I'm against you, Kion," said Kovu "But, she has a point. The last thing we want is all of Pride Rock to try and kill her. I know it will never happen, but what it that happens?"
"No, Kovu." Kion doubted. "You've been living with Zira too much before you came to Pride Rock with the other former outsiders."
"Fair enough." Kovu mildly agreed. "mother was always a lioness that was mentally unstable."
"They would murder me if I set foot in there?" Jasiri asked in a really worried voice.
"No!" Kion said. "They wouldn't. You already met our parents. They'll understand."
Jasiri was thinking and replied "I suppose. But what about your sister and brother-in-law here? What will they think?"
"I would permit you to come to Pride Rock, Jasiri." said Kiara warmly.
"And so would I. I think you would definitely deserve a visit to Pride Rock."
The young hyena made a smile of gratitude to the future rulers of the Pride Lands. "Thank you both. I really appreciate that. But still, will Simba and Nala be alright with this?"
"My mother and father are very understanding lions." said Kiara. "They'll understand, and you did meet them before like Kion said. If they give you a hard time, we will talk them around. We promise."
"So do I, Jasiri." Kion stpped up boldly.
"Anyone who is a friend of my brother, is a friend of mine as well." Kiara remarked.
"Now come on, and don't worry, don't listen to what the other lions will say about you." said Kion. "They just need to warm up to you and understand you more, along with the other hyenas that are not named Janja."
"Of course. Well, let's go." then Jasiri followed Kion, Kiara, and Kovu down the place where the ruling animals of the Pride Lands lived in as one. It was a rather long walk, but they made it back. When they set foot in the ground, the lionesses all stared at the hyena suspiciously. "Mom, dad, I'm home." Kion called out to the king and queen.
"Kion!" just then, Nala came rushing in and hugged his son very tightly. "I heard about what happened with the fire spreading where you were. Are you alright?"
"I'm okay, mom." Kion replied. Then Nala immediately let go of her son.
"Sorry, i was just so worried about you, sweetie." Nala said
"We all were." said Simba, walking in the stone room. The two noticed Jasiri, looking a little uncomfortable and nervous seeing the king and queen again. "Jasiri?" Simba noticed. "What are you doing in the Pride Lands?"
"Dad... Jasiri wanted to come and visit me here in my home." Kion admitted. "I know she lives in the Outlands, but you and mom met her before. She's nothing like Janja and his followers. I promise." At first, it was quiet, and Kion was afraid he would get in big, big trouble for bringing a hyena to Pride rock, and it almost made him faint on the spot.
"Come on father." said Kiara. "Please do not punish Kion and banish Jasiri."
Simba and Nala looked at one another, and laughed. "Don't be silly, Kiara." Nala said. "Why would you think that?"
"Because Jasiri is from the Outlands." said Kovu
"Well yes." said Simba "But she's not like Janja or his clan of hyenas who try their best to unbalance the Circle of Life." Then he and Nala looked at Jasiri again. "Jasiri, I give you a warm welcome to your visit in Pride rock."
She herself was surprised to hear that, and Jasiri said "You're really welcoming here, your majesty?"
"Of course." said Nala. "We understand that you are a good friend of Kion."
"And you have helped him on more than one occasion, Jasiri." Simba admired her. "Feel free to stay here as long as you want."
"Thank you, your majesty." Jasiri bowed to him in respect."
"You can just call me Simba." He remarked.
"Very well, Simba." Said Jasiri.
"Come on, Jasiri, why don't I show you around?" Asked Kion.
"What is a hyena doing here?" Asked Vitani, coming into the room. "She's mine!"she growled at Jasiri, and barred her teeth at the young hyena. Jasiri was in a defensive pose against the lioness.
"No! Vitani!" Kion intervened. "This is the one I told you about, Jasiri."
"Jasiri Hmm?" Said Vitani. "But I still got my eye on you, hyena. Play any tricks, and i'll Kill you."
"Vitani!" Kovu scolded her.
"Pay ho attention to her, Jasiri." Said Kiara. "Vitani, She is a guest, treat her like one."
Vitani sighed and simply replied "whatever, I don't care."
"Come Jasiri, we have so much to talk about togrther." Said The king
"Of course, Simba."
Kion followed the others on the top of the stone pillar while Vitani walked another way down Pride Rock. Kion was worried about if Vitani will get along with Jasiri. Still, he was glad his parents invited her over to his home. Perhaps talking with Jasiri would help a lion's perspective once they get to know one.
