"You are useless"
"Pathetic little fool"
"Ugh, is this going to be another boring day?" Mheetu groaned..
"At least there's no chaos," Malka remarked.
"But it's so dull," Mheetu retorted.
"I actually like this. Relaxing with no signs of trouble is nice," Haraka chimed in.
"Everyone, I've spotted something that could be a threat!" Juu exclaimed.
"What is it? Are the hyenas causing trouble again?" Malka asked.
"Not exactly. Follow me," Juu replied, leading the guard.
"I wonder where she is. I'm impressed she managed to hide this long," a lioness commented.
"There they are! Rogue lions in the Pride Lands!" Juu announced.
"Hey, you! What are you doing here in the Pride Lands?" Malka demanded.
"Well, well, well. Look who it is: Malka, the leader of the Lion Guard," the lioness, Zira, sneered.
"How do you know who I am?" Malka asked.
"My name's Zira, and I'm not here to cause trouble. I'm searching for someone I believe is hiding here," Zira replied.
"And who might that be?" Malka asked.
"None of your business. Just bring her to me, and I'll leave your precious Pride Lands alone," Zira growled.
"What do you want with her? You don't seem like you'll be kind," Malka pressed.
"This is your last chance, Malka. Someone like you wouldn't want to die this early," Zira threatened.
"I won't back down, Zira. I'm not afraid of you, and you certainly wouldn't want to mess with us," Malka growled back.
"Well, perhaps we could discuss this another time. See you soon, Malka," Zira said before running off.
"She's weird," Mheetu said.
"And kinda creepy," Haraka added
"Why did we leave? Are we really following the orders of a mere cub?" a lioness complained.
"No, of course not!" Zira hissed.
"Then why did we leave?" the lioness asked.
"You'll see. Just wait and watch," Zira replied.
Mheetu grinned, "That crazy lioness wouldn't be so bad. What's the worst she could do?"
"I heard she eats cubs," Haraka joked.
Mheetu gasped, "Really?"
Haraka chuckled, "Of course not"
Malka called out, "Hey, Tama!"
Tama turned to Malka, "Oh, hey there."
Malka asked, "Can we hang out?"
Tama declined, "No, thanks. I'm good."
Malka persisted, "Are you sure? We could hunt together."
Mheetu interjected, "Everyone here knows that you're bad at huntin-"
Malka covered Mheetu's mouth and asked Tama again, "You in?"
Tama relented, "Fine, just this time."
Malka exclaimed, "You won't regret this!"
"And you guys should take a rest. Consider the patrol done," Malka added.
"This day was boring anyway," Mheetu agreed.
"Simba, you lead the hunt," Sarabi stated.
"Ready?" Simba asked.
"I'm ready when you are. You're our leader, Simba," Tojo responded.
"I'm with Tojo on this one. Let's just get it over with and move on to something more enjoyable," Chumvi complained.
"Come on, Chumvi, focus," Simba said.
"Tojo, I can't wait for Simba to see me hunt those gazelles. I'll show him my tracking and pouncing skills," Tojo boasted.
"Sure thing," Chumvi replied sarcastically.
"Hey, look, Queen Sarabi is watching us. You better show her how fierce you are," Chumvi added.
"Really? Umm... growl!" Tojo growled.
"Do I have to hunt with these two?" Tama asked.
"Don't worry. You'll get used to them," Malka reassured her.
"Okay, follow me, guys," Simba commanded.
The two cubs followed Simba, but Tama also joined them, outshining the two.
"Who does she think she is, hunting next to the future king?" Tojo complained.
"Who cares? Hunting is so boring. Let the girl hunt for us," Chumvi replied.
"Why is she even here? Isn't she an outsider?" Tojo questioned.
"Ask Malka," Chumvi replied.
"Are you ready?" Simba asked before roaring.
"Stop!" Sarabi declared.
"What?" Tama whispered.
"Great job on the tracking, Simba. You're making progress," Sarabi complimented.
"But we missed the gazelle!" Tama pointed out.
"That's because we're still training for Simba's first hunt," Sarabi explained, then turned to leave. "Let's go, boys."
"Hold up, I don't get to eat? What's the point of hunting if I don't get to eat?" Tama asked, blocking Malka's way.
"I don't know. You got to hang out with us. Isn't that better than hunting alone?" Malka responded.
"If I hunt alone, I get to eat. If I hunt with someone, I don't get to eat. So, I'd rather be alone," Tama snapped. "Also, what's going on with you lately? You've been acting strange."
"I just thought you'd be happier hanging out with us," Malka explained.
"Do I look happy?" Tama asked furiously.
"No, not really," Malka replied.
"Malka, you need to mind your own business!" Tama snapped, storming off.
"Tama, wait!" Malka called after her.
"What is going on with him lately? Normally he isn't like this" Tama asked herself
"Oh hello there Tama"
"Z-Zira?!" Tama gasped
"I messed up, Mheetu. What am I going to do now that Tama is mad at me?" Malka asked, feeling worried.. "Don't worry, Malka. You can just get a new girlfriend," Mheetu replied.
"What?!? Oh, come on, Mheetu, it's not like that!" Malka protested.
"Yeah, sure, but come on, it'll be fine. Just give it time," Mheetu replied, trying to reassure him.
Suddenly, a vulture interrupted their conversation, announcing, "Malka, leader of the Lion Guard."
"Who are you? And you're not supposed to be here!" Malka demanded.
"The name's Mzingo. And calm down, little prince, I'm just here to send a message," Mzingo replied.
"What message?! Coming from who?!?" Malka asked, feeling suspicious.
"Zira, and she wants to meet you at the Outlands... Alone," Mzingo replied.
"For what?!? Give me a reason why I should go to the Outlands!" Malka asked, feeling hesitant.
"Well... She's got Tama, so if you don't go, she will most likely kill her," Mzingo replied, delivering the chilling news.
"What?!? Where is she?!?" Malka demanded, feeling panicked.
"Like I said, in the Outlands. You need to meet Zira to discuss some negotiations," Mzingo replied before leaving.
"Grrr," Malka stomped his paw in frustration. "I hate that crazy lioness already."
In the outlands
"Zira! I'm here alone.." Malka announced
"Very well, we do need to discuss something together," replied Zira.
"That's why I'm here! Where is Tama?! And who are you supposed to be?" demanded Malka.
"So many questions," Zira replied with a grin. "I suppose Mufasa hasn't told you about the story of the legendary war between the Outlanders and the Pridelanders."
"I've never heard of that war," replied Malka.
"Well, you know this war happened years ago, even before your father was born," recalled Zira. "We were once a united pride, however, the Pridelanders were too soft and weak to support the circle of life. It's limiting our power as lions!"
"The circle of life is important!" snapped Malka.
"No, no, it isn't. It's a system that is holding us back. We lions should have all the freedom to dominate every animal!" Zira continued.
"And then the Pridelanders were too weak, so we tried to take over the Pridelands to abolish the circle of life and finally free Pride Rock from such an outdated system, but we failed. However, we will never give up. One day our goals will be implemented," Zira concluded.
"That will never happen!" growled Malka.
"Oh, Malka, there is no need for hostility. One day you will understand that we, as lions, could be more. That's why I'm asking you to join us," replied Zira.
"Never!" growled Malka.
"Well, it looks like you won't get Tama back," replied Zira.
"Bring her back or else!" threatened Malka.
"Don't even dare to use the roar on us. If you do, you will lose it. Using the roar on lions is prohibited, and you would lose the roar by doing so," said Zira.
"Wait, what?! I don't believe you!" replied Malka.
"Have the Pridelanders told you how Scar lost his roar? As the leader of the Lion Guard, he roared at his fellow lions like us, and then he lost the roar," chuckled Zira.
"That's impossible. I don't believe you," replied Malka.
"Well then, do it. Roar on us, and you will lose it," suggested Zira.
Malka was conflicted. What if it was true? What if he lost the roar? Losing the roar would mean that he would lose his status as the leader of the Lion Guard.
"...Alright, fine. Tell me about your pride," said Malka.
"That's what I thought," chuckled Zira. "You know, Malka, we could be a good team as lions, and we will finally unite the two prides to end this war," added Zira.
Lions Over All
Song not owned by me
Credit: Walt Disney Pictures
Zira:
There is no greater power than to rule over the land
We both have it inside us
It's here where we stand
My friend, You know its true
Look close and you will find
Ruling every animal is destiny for our kind
So if we're joined together
We will never fall
Lions must rule forever
Lions Over All!
Lions Over All!
No Animal is more grand!
Lions over all
It's why we rule the land!
We crush any resistance
So enemies keep their distance
Lions, Lions over all
Malka:
If we do what you suggest we'll be evil and cruel
Using force and threat
That is no way to rule
Zira:
But if we're joined together
We will never fall
Yes, lions must rule forever
Lions over all!
Lions Over All
No animal is more grand!
Malka:
Stay noble and grand!
Zira:
Lions Over All!
It's why we rule the land!
Malka:
We must protect the land
Zira:
We crush any resistance
Malka:
Friendship and kindness
Zira:
So Enemies Keep Their Distance
Malka:
Will always find us
Zira:
Lions, Lions Over All!
"Zira, I want to know where Tama is," Malka stated..
"That's why we're here to talk," Zira replied.
"Malka, I'm sorry," Tama apologized.
"It's alright, Tama. I just need you to leave," Malka responded.
"But there's something I haven't told you," Tama added.
"We can discuss that later," Malka said.
"So, Malka, have you made a decision?" Zira asked. "If you join us, Tama will be saved. But if you don't, she's as good as dead. Without the roar, you're nothing but a little brat. You have no power."
"You're nothing but a random cub without the roar," Zira added.
"Well, Zira, I've made my decision," Malka said.
"What is it?" Zira asked with a grin.
"Till the Pride Lands end, Lion Guard defend!" Malka called out.
The Lion Guard appeared, much to Zira's surprise. They fought against Zira's lionesses and emerged victorious.
"You said you were alone!" Zira hissed.
"Well..."
"Hey Lion Guard I have to go to the outlands!" Malka announced
"Really? Why?" Haraka asked
"I have to save Tama the lions we met earlier took her" Malka replied "And I have a plan"
"Juu, follow me in the outlands and when you hear the signal the lion guard will attack!" Malka commanded
"Will do Malka" Juu replied
Zira sneered, "You brat!"
Malka snarled, "You have nothing left, Zira!"
Zira scoffed, "A Lion Guard with only two lions? Pathetic! Stand tall, my lionesses, we outnumber these cubs and other animals!"
More lionesses joined in and soon outnumbered the Lion Guard. Malka's friend, Mheetu, suggested, "Maybe we could use the roar now?"
Malka hesitated, "I can't use the roar against other lions. That's how Uncle Scar lost the roar."
"Says who?" Mheetu questioned.
"Says her," Malka replied, nodding at Zira.
"And you believe her? Do you really trust the bad guy?" Mheetu challenged.
"Believe me, Malka, you certainly wouldn't want to lose your title early," Zira grinned.
Malka retorted, "I don't believe you."
Zira hissed, "Oh no, you wouldn't!"
Malka took a deep breath and roared, sending the Outlanders flying. He wasn't sure if it was the right decision, but he was willing to sacrifice his title to save his friends. To his surprise, he still had the title after using the roar on lions. Zira was lying.
Mheetu reassured Malka, "See? I told you everything would be fine."
Malka asked, "Tama, are you okay?"
"I'm fine. There's something I need to tell you," Tama replied.
Malka suggested, "Let's talk about it when we get home."
In the Lion Guard Lair
Tama recounted, "Since the day I was born, Zira and her lionesses trained me to be a killer. I never knew my real parents, and Zira was the only one I had as a parental figure, but she wasn't the kind of parent anyone would want. She pushed me through brutal training and constantly spoke against the circle of life, insisting it held us back as lions."
"Leaving was the only thing I wanted," Tama continued, "and so I did. But I was always afraid they would come after me and hurt me more if they found me again."
"I never wanted to be a part of Zira's plan to destroy the pridelanders," Tama admitted, "but I also didn't want to join the pridelanders. I just wanted to be myself...until I met you.
"Well, that explains why she's always so angry," Mheetu joked.
"Tama, I had no idea. I'm sorry," Malka comforted.
"I should have told you sooner," Tama confessed.
"It's okay. I'm glad you told us when you were ready," Malka replied.
"I guess so" Tama sighed
"I'm just glad that you're safe now," Malka said. "And from now on, you're not alone. We're here for you, no matter what."
Tama smiled weakly at Malka's words. "Thank you, Malka. You and Mheetu have been like the family I never had."
Mheetu grinned at Tama. "Hey, we're always here to have your back, sis."
Tama chuckled softly, feeling a sense of warmth spreading through her chest. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she belonged somewhere.
"Hey, I have an idea," Malka said, breaking the silence. "Why don't we go and visit Pride Rock? It's been a while since we've seen Simba and the others."
Tama's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "That sounds like a great idea!"
Mheetu nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's go!"
As the three of them walked away from the place where Tama had been held captive, they felt a sense of relief washing over them. They knew that there would be challenges ahead, but they were ready to face them together.
In the outlands
Scar appeared and remarked, "So you faced my nephew and almost got him. I'm impressed. And if it wasn't for that roar, he'd be dead by now."
Zira growled, "Scar, what are you doing here?"
"Just checking," Scar replied. "You know you and I are alike. Sisi ni sawa."
Zira threatened, "What tricks are you trying to pull here, Pridelander? If you are trying to mess with us, then it would be your biggest mistake!"
Scar persisted, "I was thinking maybe we should team up."
Zira retorted, "And why would I team up with a Pridelander?"
Scar replied, "Oh, Zira... We have the same enemies. You hate the guard, I hate the guard. You hate the Pridelands, and I hate the Pridelands. If I become the king, your goals will finally become a reality. What do you think?"
Zira asked skeptically, "And why should I trust you? You were the leader of the Lion Guard once!"
Scar retorted, "Well, Zira, I killed the Lion Guard. That's why I lost my roar. And I met someone who was in this pride. I was once recruited into this pride that claims to be the king of the Outlanders. He had a snake friend that gave me this scar."
Zira asked in shock, "Are you talking about my father?"
Scar chuckled, "Oh... So you are daddy's little girl."
Scar added, "I'm giving you a choice. Your pride will finally have some power in the Pridelands once I become king. The Circle of Life would be abolished under my reign. So, what do you say?"
Zira considered the proposal and replied, "Sounds good... But if you betrayed us like a snake, it would be the biggest mistake of your life."
"Well, let's consider that a deal," Scar said with a grin.