WE'RE BACK FOLKS!🎉🎉🎉
For those of you who don't know. I've been sick recently. But I've gotten better. So if you see any mild lacking anywhere in the editing like a typo or two. Forgive me. Plus I'm gonna be lacking in banter content for the authors notes in both here and the epilogue.
But rest assured. You will love this chapter. Because I'm gonna mash up two of the best songs about letting our worries go in the jungle. 😁
"is 'Don't Worry Be Happy' in that combo?" Maverick asked. 😃
Sorry Mav. But no. But don't worry, one of the stories might use it later. 👌
"Alright." Maverick shrugged.
Also yes I've been watching both Bad Batch Season 2 and the new Last Of Us TV series. Yes I love them! 😁 I hope every future Disney Remake takes some notes from the Last Of Us series and makes better content. Please please please! Don't mess up the Little Mermaid!
Anyhow. Let's answer some comments.
RustyPete12: Thank you! Yeah Connor and Melody are not bullcraping themselves anymore. They love each other and they knew it. And now that they've admitted it. They'll continue this journey as a genuine couple. And Lol, yeah it's a definite given who the traitor is. But this will lead to an epic battle between the Tigroids and Leonoids. And I'm glad my Heartless idea worked. However there won't be any Heartless for this battle. I mean an army of humanoid tigers is satisfying enough right? 😁
SPYRO 101: Oh trust me Pal. Things will look ahead in this one. Thank you for helping me write this, Buddy. 👍
Alright! Now that we're all here!
LET'S GET DANGEROUS! 😎
A Wild Battle.
Back over at the Leonoid village...
Connor and Melody ran over with Mini-Mav. Donald and Goofy. After being alerted that the Tigroids were attacking the village. Connor figured that while he and Melody were busy passing the trials to collect the Kulkul staff. Shere Khan would attack while they were busy and away.
But by the time they got them. Melody gasped in horror to see the villager homes burning to the ground. Dead Leonoid troops across the street ways. And trees lit on fire. Even the fields. Were on fire.
"We're too late!" Goofy panicked.
"Oh nooo!" Donald exclaimed.
"Master! Master's prisoner! Those kitties are big and vicious! Not kitties but demons in kitty suits bought from Party City!" Dug yelled as he barked and ran over and Melody opened her arms form the whimpering dog as if he was scared.
"FELICITY. Status on casualties." Connor said to his A.I.
'There are over a dozen Leonoid troops that are dead. But thankfully none of the villagers are harmed. I recommend heading towards the throne room to check on Mufasa and the others.' FELICITY suggested.
"Right." Connor said and looked at the team. "Donald, Goofy. Search the area around the settlement. Find any wounded Leonoids and use your Cure Spells to heal them."
"Got it." Donald said with a serious look.
"You can count on us." Goofy said with a nod.
"Mini-Mav. Take Dug and head back to the Stingray. Get the ship's weapons ready for battle and the big splash." Connor ordered and winked as he hinted at the plan.
"Jawohl, Herr Commandant!" Mini-Mav spoke in German with a German accent while giving a salute.
"Oh, boy! We're gonna make a big splash! All the bad Kitties are gonna get wet!" Dug panted enthusiastically.
"Let's go, Mel. I'll teach you how to cure spell while we check on King Born Free and the others." Connor insisted.
"Okay." Melody said with a nod before the two of them took off to find King Mufasa.
Then the Guardians split up into different directions to help the wounded and get civilians to safety. Unfortunately the damage done was already severe. Not in a casualty way. But in a personal way.
Down at the Throne Room...
On the ground in the middle of the throne room were the Leonoids' beloved king wounded fatally with a stab wound on his side. Mufasa winced and hissed in pain. Growled in pain as Sarabi. Simba. Zidane and Nala were helping him sit up as they were on the ground tending his wound.
Zazu was on the floor next to back and forth
"She...Will...Answer for her...Crimes..." Mufasa growled in pain. As he grimaced.
"My Love, take it easy." Sarabi said softly as she tried to keep him from hurting himself any more than he already was.
"Just hang in there, Dad." Simba said with a strained voice.
"We'll get you back on your feet soon." Zidane said.
"But you need to take it easy until then." Nala said.
Just then. Connor and Melody ran in and gasped to see King Mufasa wounded on the ground. The keyblader couple quickly went over and Sarabi helped Mufasa sit up straight as Connor stood and knelt down to check his wound. Making Mufasa wince.
"Oh thank goodness!" Zazu said in relief seeing them arrive.
"Melody quick. Hold your hands out to his wound and say Cura." Connor instructed the young Princess.
"Alright….." Melody said with a determined look before she held out her hands to his wounds and concentrated. "Cura."
With that word, green light shone from her hands and towards Mufasa's wounds, healing them in a matter of seconds.
Mufasa breathed as he was relieved to not feel anymore pain. And he sat and was feeling much better. But he felt very sore due do the fact that he lost a lot of blood. He was pretty pale. But otherwise Mufasa was going to be okay.
"My King?" Nala asked out of concern.
"Are you better, Love?" Sarabi asked out of concern.
"Yes. I am." Mufasa smiled at his wife before turning to Melody as he held her hand. "Thank you so much, My Dear."
"You're welcome, Your Majesty." Melody said politely before she looked serious. "Who did this to you?"
"It was Genera Zira. She betrayed us all." Simba revealed with an angry expression.
"The ***k? She did this to you?!" Connor gawked.
"Yes! That treacherous scum lead the Tigroids into our village and started attacking anyone and everyone they came across!" Mufasa growled before his eyes showed concern. "Did the villagers make it out alright?"
'They did. I just ran a scan. They all made it out. A dozen of your troops took casualties but the majority of your army is still standing.' FELICITY answered for Connor
"What she said." Connor stated with a smile.
Mufasa let out a sigh.
"YOUR MAJESTY!" Everyone heard a scream, and turned to see Petra running into the room with a fearful look. "They took her! Those monsters took Garnet!"
"WHAT?!" Zidane screamed in horror.
"I saw a bunch of Tigroids ambushing her and another girl she was with at their club house! I tried to stop them but they knocked me down!" Petra exclaimed with tears now welling up in her eyes. "They tied them up and took them away as I could only lay there while it all happened!"
"HEY, GUYS!" Everyone heard Baloo yelling as he ran into the throne room. "I just saw those striped cowards running off with Mowgli and her new friend all bound up!"
"No..." Melody looked dreaded by the news.
"Who was with the troups?" Connor asked.
"Just Zira." Petra whimpered
"And some over the top punk in an aquatic-like armored suit!" Baloo snapped angrily before he winced. "No offense."
"Sea Slayer." Connor and Melody concluded.
"GUYS GUYS! PUMBAA'S GONE!" Timon screamed as he ran in. "They're about to cure his meat until tender and mount what's left on the wall! AND..." Timon stopped screaming when he noticed Pumbaa hiding under a table in the corner. "Oh. Never mind." Timon shrugged.
"Alright. Clearly Zira ratted us out to Shere Khan. She always resented me and Garnet. So she's taken in with the Tigroids." Zidane concluded as he paced back and forth while worried about Garnet.
"I knew we shouldn't have trusted that cold hearted..." Simba growled.
"Save it for the Frost Flakes, Whiskers." Connor insisted firmly as he stepped up. And held up the Kulkul Khan staff in front of them. "We still have a plan. I just need everyone to keep it together. We're gonna get back at them."
"You guys were able to retrieve the Kulkil Khan staff?" Simba said with shocked surprise.
"That means we still have a chance to save the girls and stop Shere Khan for good." Zidane said with hope building inside him. "So, what's the plan, Connor?"
"The plan. Is that we get our church clothes on." Connor declared as shifted into their keyblader outfit and automatically shifted Melody's suit back as well. Surprising her a bit. "Then. We give those vermin one hell of a baptism using the dam above their city. I've narrowed down the weak points along the front. Once they're too busy with the flood. We move on to phase two." He stated while pacing back and forth in front of them.
"And what's phase two?" Simba asked.
"Mel and I swim in to direct the waves around the pride lands, to keep the troops from escaping. While you two free range into enemy territory to bring the heat." Orion said to both Simba and Zidane.
"Any idea what he means by 'bring the heat'?" Simba asked Zidane.
"No idea. But I have a feeling we're not gonna like it." Zidane said to Simba before addressing Connor. "But where will the girls be?"
Connor pulled up some holographic files from his Mav Ring and started reading some of them.
"Well for starters, by 'freefall' I meant for you to march up with an army. And If the reports from Mini-Mav spying on the Tigroids are correct...Damn." Connor bit his bottom lip while looking disturbed. "They're going to sacrifice their hearts to the eclipse in one hour."
"WHAT!?" Everyone shouted in shock and horror.
"Oh my God! My baby!" Petra exclaimed in fear as tears fell.
"Why those miserable little bastards." Baloo growled.
"Why would they do that?!" Zidane exclaimed angrily.
"I don't know. But it can't be good." Simba growled.
"They're going to sacrifice the girls! Of course it can't be anything good!" Nala snapped.
"Those poor girls. They must be terrified." Sarabi said.
"We won't let them get away with this atrocity." Mufasa growled.
"But why are they doing this? What could they gain from this?" Melody asked with a deep frown.
"Because it's not their physical flesh hearts they want. It's their inner. What makes the soul and what a Heartless is made of. He'll take their hearts and leave them as empty husks and use their hearts to make his power permanent with his body." Connor realized as he connected the dots.
"Oh my goodness." Petra said with a hand over her mouth.
"I'll tear those beasts apart." Baloo growled.
"I'm unfortunately in no condition to fight in the coming battle." Mufasa said before turning to Simba. "Simba, you will have to lead the army in my stead."
"What? But father..." Simba said with shock and doubt. "I don't think I'm ready for that."
"Come on, Simba. You got this covered." Nala said with confidence.
"You've been training for this moment for a long time. You're ready for this." Zidane said with an encouraging smile.
"We believe in you, Simba." Sarabi said.
"And you won't be alone in this." Melody said smiling.
"I...I don't know if I can do this without you, Father." Simba said looking afraid.
Like the cub Simba once was. Simba desired this dream by his father's side. This was the first time Mufasa's first born son ever had to lead an army. Let alone see an army raised.
Which made Mufasa raise up and smile warmly at Simba while placing his hand on his shoulder.
"Son. This is your time. Embrace it. The time has come to take back the Circle of Life. Not just for the Pride Lands. Not just for our tribe. For all of Saltuvia. I believe in you my son. I always have." Mufasa encouraged with a stern motivational words. Before he placed his hand on Simba's chest. "Carry me inside here. With you on the battle field."
Meaning his heart.
Simba was inspired by his words as tears built up. He moved to hug his father.
"I will." Simba said before pulling away from the hug to give his father a determined look. "I won't let you down, Father. I promise I will lead us to victory."
Mufasa smiled proudly in response. Ane so did Sarabi.
"Well. If you're all going. Count us in." Timon said as he walked up.
"Besides. They attacked our friends and burnt our grub and crops." Pumbaa declared.
"And I'm not sure which is more worse. So they deserve a large whiff of the atomic-pum special." Timon smacked his fists with a smirk, hinting at Pumbaa's gas.
"Just how deadly is Potbelly's gas?" Connor inquired while gesturing at Pumbaa.
"It's the most lethal weapon we have up our sleeves." Timon boasted.
"It's so bad, you'll wish you were dead because even the memory of it is traumatizing." Simba said with a far away look.
"Hope you never finding out the hard way." Nala added with a nod.
"Well. In that case. You're with us, Pork N Beans." Connor smirked mischievously at Pumbaa before he shifted into his Maverick form.
And Melody shifted into her Tsunami form. And Connor made a mental note to put Donald and Goofy back in their normal forms before the battle starts. And to alert King Louie's army that it's time to 'stick it to the stripes'.
"One more thing. I've also learned that the people down in the Pride Lands. The civilized Tigroids. They live under an un-easy tyranny in Shere the Khan's grasp, the same as everyone else does. Like the Mongol invasion of old." Maverick stated out something he learned recently. "So no matter what. We focus on Shere Khan and his army. But we spare the civilians. No innocent blood gets shed. Are we all in agreement?"
"Right. It's Shere Khan and his forces that did this. Not the civilians." Simba said with a nod.
"I refuse to stoop to the same lengths as Shere Khan and his band of crooks." Zidane agreed.
"I wasn't planning on killing anyone anyway. Just give those soldiers a good knock on the head." Baloo said.
"Yeah. Those creeps need a good beat down to learn how to treat your fellow animal." Timon said.
"And we'll give that lesson good." Pumbaa said.
"Very wise words, everyone." Mufasa said with pride.
"Yes. Knowing exactly who is innocent and who is not is very important." Sarabi added.
"Indeed." Petra agreed before looking at them pleadingly. "Please bring my baby and her friend back home safely."
"We will." Tsunami nodded to Petra.
"Alright. All of you get the army of extra teeth ready." Maverick said as he started to walk out looking serious. "It's time I get the prime reinforcements ready."
And by 'prime reinforcements' Maverick meant the army of Cercopia. For it was time for the Leonoids to not only storm in and rescue some damsels. But it was time for them to take back what's rightfully theirs.
Their kingdom.
Later down at the gates of the Pride Lands...
Below the mountain resembling an open jaw. Was a large stone staircase leading up into the entrance of Metropolitan city that once belonged to the Leonoids. In between the main gate of the entrance were two large golden tiger statues. Twelve feet tall and standing on their feet while baring their teeth.
Surrounding the gates were the army of Shere Khan. Numbering above the thousands as they cheered with roars and praises for their emperor.
And stationed underneath the tiger statues. Were their two prisoners. Mowgli and Garnet.
Both girls were stripped of their usual clothes and forced to wear only black loincloths that barely covered their privates, and ritualistic necklaces. They were both on their knees, their hands were tied behind their backs and their bare feet were tied up. Both their hands and feet were connected to the ropes of the poles behind them, which forced them to stay on their knees. And they had red tiger-like stripes painted all over their bodies. With their chests bare and exposed. Having just the painted stripes to cover them.
Both girls were blushing a deep red. Garnet looked absolutely terrified and ashamed by only wearing a loincloth while Mowgli was angry, and embarrassed by their predicament.
Suddenly. Coming out from the main gates of the city. Were General Zabor of the Tigroid army. And Sea Slayer of Atruma's elite. And shockingly to Garnet's horror. Was General Zira.
She was the one who betrayed the Leonoids to the Tigroids. Feeding the enemy information and working on both angles.
Then. Shere Khan himself. Stepped out to stand in between them as the army cheered for their lord and master. While Shere Khan carried the Ak'b'al staff in one hand. He raised his other hand to silence his men.
"Brothers! Tigroids! The true rulers of Saltuvia! Our time has come! For too long we've have hunted down those who were a great to our order! My brilliant new beginning to bring glory to all of Saltuvia! And imagine my suprise to discover, that there were survivors of not only the Wuvoid tribe! But a Mancub among them." Shere Khan shouted before he grinned down at Mowgli.
'Screw you, you Monster! I'll kill you the second I get out of this!' Mowgli thought as she silently glared at the Tigroid leader with nothing but hate.
This tyrant was the one who personally killed her parents. And now he's humiliated her and her friend Garnet for who knows what's about to happened next.
"But! This works in our favor. For because of the hearts of these two young girls! We shall have the means to become one with Ak'b'al's power! And the means to spread our glory across the stars! And nothing shall stand in our way!" Shere Khan declared as his hands were out and his army cheered for their ruler.
"Now. Prepare the sacrifice." Sabor commanded his men.
Suddenly they laid two golden round metal disks in front of Mowgli and Garnet. As the light from the sun reflected against their chests and faces, making them wince from the brightness.
"THE TWILIGHT IS UPON US! PUT FORTH YOUR DARKNESS! YOUR LIGHT AK'B'AL! AND MAKE US ONE WITH YOUR GLORIOUS POWER! FOR I HAVE MADE MYSELF WORTHY! TAKE THESE PURE HEARTS! AND TAKE ME AS A VESSEL!" Shere Khan roared as his eyes began to glow white.
As the twilight eclipse began to form and display over the sky. The girls gasped as they realized what was about to happen. It seemed like how was lost and they were doomed to become empty vessels while Share Khan's power will become one with him and he'll stop at nothing to bring all of Saltuvia to its knees.
Then...Suddenly. The eclipse ended up being blocked by a ray field of neon projected from the Stingray Gummi Ship.
All of the Tigroids gasped and Shere Khan's eyes stopped glowing. And the Tigroid Lord became outraged that the ritual was interfered.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Shere Khan growled loudly as something was preventing him from reaching greater power.
Then Mini-Mav spoke out of the ship speakers. As music began to play from the ship in the air.
(Guns N Roses - Welcome To The Jungle)
Oh my God
Jump
*"Don't you talk back to Daddy, little Kitties! You're all getting both! Whether you like it or not!"* Mini-Mav snapped as he fired three neo missiles locked on to the weak points of the dam.
***BOOM! BOOOM! BOOM!***
Then. Suddenly Shere Khan looked up with widened eyes in horror.
Welcome to the jungle, we got fun and games
We got everything you want, honey, we know the names
We are the people that can find whatever you may need
If you got the money, honey, we got your disease
In the jungle, welcome to the jungle
Watch it bring you to your shun-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n, knees, knees
Mwah, ah, I wanna watch you bleed
"RETREAT!" Shere Khan ordered his men as everyone ran out towards the fields. Leaving the girls behind to drown with the incoming flood.
Both of the girls struggled in their bindings but it was no use. They were stuck there to those poles they were bound to.
"Mowgli! What do we do?!" Garnet panicked while looking at her friend.
Before Mowgli could respond. She heard a voice. Deep inside her heart.
"May your heart be your guiding key. Mancub."
Mowgli began to see her entire life flash before her eyes. But not in the effect of sudden death. But more like the start of a new life. A rebirth. Before her eyes, Mowgli even saw a very repressed memory of herself as a baby. And detailed memories of someone she did think was still alive.
Mowgli's birth mother…
A second later, a flash of light shined from Mowgli's body, and when it died down, Mowgli was free from her ropes and standing in a brand new outfit. A Keyblader's outfit.
She was now wearing a red and black skin-tight top that left her midriff exposed, and a necklace made with tiger fangs. She also wore fingerless gloves. And she wore black leather pants with red stripes. The pants went to just above her knees, leaving her knees down exposed as she was also barefoot.
In her hand was a keyblade, with a purple and red hand guard with bones on the edges. The blade was made of bone, and the teeth were rib bones from some wild animal, all held together with cloth and magic. And the keychain is a butterfly, attached to the keyblade by a piece of vine.
"Woah! This is awesome!" Mowgli cheered at her new weapon and outfit before she remembered the situation they were in. "Oh, right. Hold on, Garnet!"
Mowgli used her new keyblade to cut the vines that bound Garnet to the pole behind her. And set her friend free. Garnet almost tripped as she was freed and Mowgli helped her up while Garnet used her arms to cover up her top exposure.
"Mowgli?! Is that..." Garnet looked shocked to see her with a keyblade.
Then suddenly. Four Tigroid troops growled as they lept out from the entrance.
Surrounding the two girls. Mowgli stood in the offense stance with her friend protected behind her. And she growled back. Before she took a blue rock from her pants, hoping it was still there. Then she struck her keyblade with the rock to spark some blue Greek Fire. Causing her keyblade to light up with blue fire.
Welcome to the jungle, we take it day by day
If you want it you're going to bleed, but it's the price you pay
And you're a very sexy girl, it's very hard to please
You can taste the bright lights, but you won't get there for free
In the jungle, welcome to the jungle
Feel my, my, my, my serpentine
Oh, ah, I wanna hear you scream
Then Mowgli launched forward and slashed at the first two. Knocking them into the air while burning them with Greek fire.
Then she did an axel spin and slashed at the next incoming troop and blocked the sword of the last one before she thrusted the tip into his torso. Knocking the troop into the wall.
"Come on!" Mowgli gestured as they both ran for the Pride Land fields.
As the girls were running. they both looked up to see that the dam had bursted open. But the water didn't flood and spray into the city. Instead it flowed above the city. In three large pillars of water. With Maverick and Tsunami riding the pillar in the middle.
Obviously those two were controlling and commanding the water.
"OH YEAAAH! HELL YEAH! Eat your heart out Dasani!" Maverick cheered as he was riding the pillar with Tsunami in toe.
"This is so awesome!" Tsunami exclaimed as they rode on the water. "Surf's up, Baby!"
She learned that phrase from watching TV with Connor.
Welcome to the jungle, it gets worse here everyday
You learn to live like an animal in the jungle where we play
If you got a hunger for what you see, you'll take it eventually
You can have anything you want, but you better not take it from me
In the jungle, welcome to the jungle
Watch it bring you to your shun-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n, knees, knees
Mwah, I wanna watch you bleed
"And now our barrel of monkeys...And apes, don't wanna sound spiecisted, are about to start charging in...Right...Now!" Maverick timed it right.
Then suddenly. Large stone boulders were being launched into the air from out of the trees. As they came down. And smashed into Shere Khan's troops who all screamed as the instant death of their impacts took them.
***SMASH! SMASH! SMASH! SMASH!***
But Shere Khan glared as he held his staff out. And caused the remaining rocks to explode in bursts of flames. Or at least blew up the rocks that were heading towards them. But there were too many incoming boulders to stop.
Coming in from ahead was no other than King Louie and his army of apes. Riding in to come and smash some Tigroids while running out of the trees. King Louie was in his Gigantopithecus form as he ran on all fours looking serious. While Zidane was riding on his back.
"Wooooooohoooooooo! You rock, king of the primates!" Zidane cheered as he hung on.
"I got a fever!" King Louis exclaimed as he rampaged. "And the only prescription, is more dead Stripes!"
And when you're high, you never
Ever want to come down
So down, so down, so down, yeah
Then as his gorilla troops and monkey soilders were seen running out with swords and spears. The Leonoid army were seen running on all fours like the lions they are.
And Simba was leading them ahead with Nala by his side. As they both roared together to boost the troops moral.
Coming out of the woods as well was Donald and Goofy. Not only back in their normal forms. But riding on top of Gallagher the blind rhino. Using a melon on a fishing pole to lead him into battle.
"Yahooooo! I love this rhino!" Donald cheered.
"Ahyuck! I told ya so!" Goofy beamed.
Then suddenly Baloo the bear and Bagheera was also running with the Leonoid troops on all fours. Right beside Rafiki. And Timon who was riding Pumbaa.
You know where you are?
You're in the jungle, baby
You're gonna die
Just then. Connor gain control of the two water pillars in between the one he and Tsunami were riding and he looked back at Tsunami.
"You've got control of this one, Right?!" Maverick called out to Tsunami as he was referring to the center water pillar.
"Like you even have to ask!" Tsunami said with a confident and smug tone.
"Then let's make it rain, Babe!" Maverick lept off and thrusted the two main water pillars around the west and east ends of the open fields. Trapping the Tigroid troops to encounter and fight the incoming army ahead.
While more boulders were raning from the sky for Shere Khan to keep blasting.
"DO NOT FALTER MY TROOPS! STAND AS ONE AND KILL THE INVADERS!" Shere Khan roared.
In the jungle, welcome to the jungle
Watch it bring you to your shun-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n, knees, knees
In the jungle, welcome to the jungle
Feel my, oh my, my, my serpentine
Jungle, welcome to the jungle
Watch it bring you to your shun-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-n, knees, knees
Then Suddenly Maverick lunched into the air after landing onnyhe ground as he was fast thrusting himself in a freeflow neon beam towards Shere Khan who had the staff held up.
Now was his chance!
Once he got close enough! Maverick slashed his keyblade into the tip of Shere Khan's staff.
*Slash!*
And in mid point. He grabbed the the pearl and thrusted it into the tip of the Kulkul staff.
"What?!" Shere Khan raged.
Maverick landed and turned to face Shere Khan.
"Sorry, Cheeto Puffs. This ain't your victory. It's his." Maverick stated as he tossed and passed the Kulkul staff to Simba who came in and lept in the air and caught it.
Simba landed on his feet while holding the staff in one hand. He held a sword in his other hand. And stood against Shere Khan.
"Shere Khan. So-called Lord of the Tigroids. For your crimes against the Leonoids and all of Saltuvia. I hear by sentence you, to death by combat." Simba growled.
Shere Khan lets out a chuckle as he his hands lit on fire. Showing he still has control of the power. But not for long.
"I generously make the same offer." Shere Khan mocked as he stood with two swords.
Then they both roared and clashed their weapons.
The Guardians and Leonoid troops as well as the Cercopian troops knew not to interfere. Because this was Simba's battle.
Meanwhile. Baloo and Bagheera were taking on a bunch of Tigroids troops together as they stood back to back using their claws to slash at them.
While Timon and Pumbaa were up against a rock.
"What do we do?! What do we do?!" Pumbaa asked Timon with urgency.
"There's only one thing we can do, Pumbaa. When the going gets tough, the tough get going." Timon said while he pounded his fist into his hand. "That's our motto."
"I thought our motto was Hakuna Matata." Pumbaa said with confusion.
"Pumbaa, stop living in the past. We need a new motto." Timon said before jumping off the rock he was standing on. "Yee-Haa!"
Timon and Pumbaa then ran towards a group of Tigroids, ready to fight them only for one of them to roar loudly.
"Aaaah!" Both Timon and Pumbaa screamed in terror.
"Like I said. Let's get going!" Timon shouted as he and Pumbaa ran for it with the Tigroid group now chasing after them.
They ran for several minutes until they were cornered at the base of a cliff, Pumbaa crashed into it, forcing him to turn around while Timon tried and failed to climb up the rocks.
The two friends stared at the Tigroids surrounding them with their teeth bared, making Pumbaa turn around and cower while Timon was hyperventilating at the situation they were in.
Timon looked about frantically for a way to get out of this. He turned his gaze to Pumbaa, and saw that his butt was in the air facing the Tigroids with his tail up, making Timon chuckle at the perfect opportunity to unleash their secret weapon.
Timon jumped onto Pumbaa's back and grabbed his tail and primed it like it was a gun before pointing it at the Tigroids.
"Don't anybody move! This thing's loaded!" Timon threatened while pointing Pumbaa's tail at the Tigroids. "I'll let ya have it!"
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" The Tigroids screamed like little girls before running away as fast as they could.
"Hahaha!" Timon chuckled before whipping Pumbaa's tail around. "Talk about your winds of war."
Rafiki was using his staff and karate based attacks to smack the crap out of the Tigroid troops who ran in to attack him. But they all didn't stand a chance against the Monkey Shaman.
In the jungle, welcome to the jungle
Watch it bring you to your, it's going to bring you down, huh
Meanwhile Nala was clashing her weapons with the traitor Zira. Nala showed great skill while Zira showed great confidence as she believed she could win over a novice. Unfortunately for Zira. Nala trained under the tutelage of Sarabi. The Queen of the Leonoids.
***CLANG! CLASH! CLASH! BLOCK! PARRY!***
Finally Nala had managed to slash into Sira's left knee before they reached a block hold.
"Surrender or die!" Nala growled.
"Never!" Sira growled.
Nala growled as she pushed back and did a back flip. And at that moment, Zira looked up to see a shadow casted above her. As her eyes widened in horror. And in an instant.
*SMASH!*
A boulder fell on top of Zira. Crushing her to death.
Nala nodded as she felt a since of justice was done. She and everyone else wasn't completely sure why Zira did what she did. Maybe it was just because of her resentment towards the human kids living in their settlement. Or the fact that Bagheera out ranked her. Her jealousy was never a secret. Either way, it serves Zira right for betraying their people and attacking their king.
Meanwhile Simba was commanding the power of the Kulkul staff as she sent water waves to counter attack Shere Khan's fire attacks. While their weapons kept clashing. But during this battle. Maverick was attacking and keeping back any Tigroids who would try to interfere with Simba's battle. Even Tsunami was sending waves of water from the Pillars to push them back.
Obviously Tsunami was the biggest help.
But then as Maverick was pushing the enemy back and doing his part. He ended up getting grabbed back the neck and send into the ground by Sea Slayer.
Maverick grunted and got back up in time to shift his keyblade into a trident and block Sea Slayer's attacks from his electric bowstaff.
"Are you mad at me?! I feel like you're mad at me for some reason!" Maverick quipped as he was blocking his attacks.
Meanwhile Zidane was still riding on top of King Louie as he rampage across the field
Smashing any Tigroids he could find. When suddenly General Sabor was scene straight ahead. Slashing and killing five Leonoid troops woth great skill. Which anger Zidane. As he gripped his spear. Then Sabor narrowed his eyes as he saw the adopted human prince of the Leonoids. And charged for him. And as Sabor got close enough. He jumped into the air. Raised his swords.
But as he got close enough. Zidane thrusted his spear. Right into the Sabor's chest
*Stab!*
Sabor growled in pain and fell to the ground as Zidane pulled his spear out. And the general of the Tigroid army died instantly.
Then suddenly he saw Mowgli straight ahead. Who to his suprised the female mancub was using a keyblade to fight the Tigroids and protecting Garnet. Much to his gratfulness. Zidane hopped off of King Louie and ran for Garnet.
"Gar!" Zidane showed.
Garnet gasped in tears of relieving joy as she ran for Zidane.
"ZID!" Garnet cried out as she ran up and tackled him with an embrace.
Baloo and Bagheera ran up to see the scene with great relief.
"Gar? By the Stars! What did they do to you?!" Zidane noticed she was almost exposed and covered in painted stripes.
"They..." Garnet sobbed as she couldn't say but she leaned her head into her boyfriend's muscular chest. As she felt safe in his embrace.
"It's okay...Gar...It's gonna be okay." Zidane comforted her in his strong protective hug.
"They humiliated us during their God forsaken ritual! But it doesn't matter. Shere Khan will finally pay." Mowgli growled as she was about to walk over and kill Shere Khan.
But Bagheera firmly grabbed her arm making her look up at the humanoid Panther by suprise.
"He will pay. But not by your hand." Bagheera stated.
"No. You don't understand. He took everything from me he..." Mowgli said angerly as she was fighting back tears.
"Little Britches. We've all suffered because of him. No one knows your anger better than everyone else. So just this once. Let this be done by the books." Baloo insisted.
Mowgli looked up at her mentor. And Bagheera. As she looked down to the ground. Balling her fists. Knowing that they were right. She had just recived a keyblade. And if she kills out of vengeance instead of justice at the hands of a true future king. She'll officially become unworthy of it.
So Mowgli backed down and watched the fight with everyone else. While Baloo placed his paw on her shoulder. Being proud of Mowgli for backing down.
Suddenly as Maverick and Sea Slayer were swimming through the water pillars. Clashing their weapons. Tsunami suddenly created a projectile of water to appear up in the air. And thrusted it into Sea Slayer.
****Smash!***
Tsunami smashed Sea Slayer over fifty miles away from Maverick to end the fight between. And save her boyfriend from having to fight any longer.
No doubt Sea Slayer survived that. And there will be a continuation of this battle. But Maverick gave a two finger peace sign to Tsunami who smiled and returned it.
Then as Simba was gaining the upper hand on Shere Khan. Finally Simba stomped the ground. Causing a water build up so smack Shere Khan into the air. And then. Simba jumped into the air. And finally.
***Thrust!***
Simba thrusted his sword into Shere Khan's chest. Making the Tigroid emperor grunt in pain as he felt on his knees. On the ground. As Simba landed and stood above the dying Tigroid ruler.
"You've fought like a true king Young Prince." Shere Khan wheezed in pain. "Mufasa...Has...Taught you well."
Then at that moment. Shere Khan breathed his last. And finally died. And on that note. The remaining Tigroid troops. Or what was left of them. Saw that their ruler was truly dead. So they laid down their weapons and held their hands up in surrender. This victory. This day belongs to the Leonoids and to all those who fought by their side.
Tsunami sent the water pillars out onto the lakes surrounding the Pride Lands. And she landed next to Maverick as they admired how they brought victory to the Leonoids. Donald and Goofy stepped off of the blind rhino they were riding to stand with them.
The battle was over. And the reign of Shere Khan was no more.
Suddenly from the mouth of the Pride Rock mountain. A large glowing keyhole appeared. As Maverick was about to seal it. Mowgli stepped up and held her hand up.
"Wait. I'll stake this one." Mowgli smiled and summoned her keyblade.
Much to the Guardians' shock at seeing the Jungle Girl with a keyblade.
Mowgli who followed her heart and the details from the stories. She pointed her keyblade up directly at the keyhole. And then she caused a white beam to form as it shot out towards the magic keyhole. Once the beam went in. They heard a large sound of a lock turning. And then the keyhole faded. Thus this world was secure from the Heartless ever showing up and trying to plunge it into darkness.
After that moment. Maverick approached Simba from behind and stood beside him to see that the tyrant Shere Khan was finally dead.
"You've earned this victory, Braveheart." Maverick patted his shoulder. "Everyone. Especially Atlantis will be singing about this one for eternity."
"Thank you, Connor. Because of you and your friends, we were able to win this day." Simba said as he looked out. "After all this time, it's finally over."
Maverick hopes he will one day say the same thing about his people's war with Attuma. But for now. This large victory brings him yet another step closer to realizing that goal.
"Of course if I were you. I'd drop this old bag into a volcano, in case any stupid plot twists happen. Like I don't know his ghost haunts the town." Maverick mused about Shere Khan's body.
"Yeah, you don't have to tell me twice. I plan to make sure not even a trace of him is left behind." Simba said while giving Shere Khan's body a hard look.
"Also. The pearl shard?" Orion pointed at the shard on top of the Kulkul staff
Simba nodded and removed the shard from the staff.
"Right. Here. Make sure this thing never falls into the wrong hands." Simba said while holding the shard out to Connor.
"I don't plan to do anything else. And if I ever become the wrong hands. I'll just ask Mel to cut my hands off." Connor shrugged as he held the shard in his hand. Then he looked at Simba. "So. What's next for you and the National Geographical tribe?"
"Well, for starters. We'll take the city back." Simba said to Connor. "Hopefully the Tigroids will accept a peace treaty with us now that Shere Khan is gone. We do not plan on treating them the same way he did."
"And your old man gets to take back the best seat in that house. Let's also hope that Shere the Dead Khan didn't dent it with his sorry ass." Connor remarked as they shared a little chuckle.
While looking up as the solar eclipse ended as a new day began over Saltuvia.
After the battle in the entrance of the Pride Land palace...
King Mufasa stood with his best men. And Zidane stood with both Garnet who was back in her normal jungle attire. Standing with her mother Petra, who was relieved to have her back. Bagheera who was standing next to Baloo and Mowgli. And Rafiki who stood besides the royal princes.
All of the current citizens of the Pride Lands. The Tigroid civilians numbered by the dozens as they seemed afraid of what their new king might do. Even the Tigroid children were afraid as they huddled under their mother. Shere Khan made them all live in constant fear. Something Mufasa doesn't plan to do.
"Citizens. Tigroids of the Pride Lands. Have no fear. I am Mufasa of the Leonoid Tribe. The true King of the Pride Lands. Like all of you. I and my people have suffered under the tyranny of Shere Khan and his lust for power. But I assure. That power as finally been brought to an end. We are all apart of Saltuvia. And one in the great Circle of Life. And now we must all stand as one. And not yet our differences in species divide us any longer. Stand with us. To a better tomorrow. We're you will never have to live in fear or a need to drain your resources for the glory of someone standing above you. Because the only glory I seek, is the betterment of your lives and the lives of many around us." Mufasa declared as he held his hand out. "Join us. So together we can realize the true dream of Saltuvia. And our world will one day become a better place for all tribes. And all you live under the same sky."
And on that note. All of the Tigroids citizens held their hands out to Mufasa as they shared a cheer. His words not only touched their hearts. But he won their loyalties inatantly. And thus. They accepted his peace treaty. And the Leonoids and Tigroids were United.
Later at the Pride Lands Throne Room...
Zazu flew in and perched on top of the throne within the main chamber of the palace. As he gave a bow and gestured for Mufasa to take back jis rightful place.
"You're throne, Sire." Zazu smiled.
Mufasa walked in and looked around to see that despite how bloodthirsty and power hungry Shere Khan was. Nothing had changed in this place. The throne room was exactly how Mufasa had remembered it. Simba walked in to check on his father as he sees him stroking his hand over the arm of the throne. Recollecting over better days.
"For years I always wanted to show you this place. The birthright of your family lineage. What do you think?" Mufasa said as he looked back at Simba.
"I used to dream about this place. Too bad I didn't dream big enough. Because the drawings Zid and I had were much smaller than what I'm looking at right now." Simba remarked as he looked around.
"Yes. It certainly is quite the sight to behold." Mufasa said with a chuckle as he ran a hand onto the the backrest of the throne. "This place….It brings back many memories from before we were cast out. The day my father passed the throne to me. The day I met your mother. The day she accepted my hand in marriage. Even the day she told me she was to conceive a child."
"We'll both make up for lost time. Make new memories of this place." Simba said with a smile.
"Indeed we shall, My Son. Indeed we shall." Mufasa agreed as he finally sat down on his throne.
"These dark days have finally truly ended over these lands." Zazu sighed as he too was happy to finally see this day come.
Then suddenly they heard some bare feet steps coming up from the entrance. And Simba and Mufasa saw Mowgli enter in all by herself. As she looked around in awe. And then cleared her throat as she knelt on one knee in respect to the king.
"I hope I didn't break any capital laws for coming in unsummoned." Mowgli timidly said.
"None at all, my Dear. Please rise." Mufasa said kindly, prompting Mowgli to stand on her feet again. "So, what can I do for you, Mowgli?"
"During my capture. Not only did I received my keyblade. But for a brief moment. I also had a vision. I believed it was a memory of when I was a infant." Mowgli revealed.
"What did you see?" Simba asked curiously.
"All I saw. Were Tigroid troops. Tearing a man apart. And a bunch of humans dragging away a screaming woman to safety on board a gummi ship. And I...I believed I had seen my parents. Shere Khan's troops killed my father. But I think..." Mowgli was hesitant to say it.
"You believe your mother is still alive, out there among the stars." Mufasa said in understanding.
"Yes." Mowgli nodded as she wiped her eyes of any tears and looked up. "I know I don't deserve to request you of anything. Especially since I almost robbed your son's victory by taking Shere Khan's life out of vengance."
Mowgli sitll regrets that she came this close to doing so.
"It's alright, Mowgli. You have nothing to be sorry about." Mufasa said to Mowgli, which got her attention. "Shere Khan truly made you suffer with his actions. Your feelings of grief, and the need for justice, are perfectly understandable and acceptable. And even though you desired revenge, you listened to your heart and the wisdom of your friends to tell you otherwise, which is proof of why the keyblade chose you. And why you deserved it.
Mowgli nodded as she felt the words of the king touch her heart. As she finally stated the real reason why she was there.
"Thank you. Your Majesty." Mowgli replied softly.
"You're most welcome, Daughter of the Wuvoid. Now. As for the real reason you came?" Mufasa asked with a smile.
"Right. You see. Connor is fixing up Garnet's ship. With something he called an auto repair mod. And he said it will be fixed in the morning." Mowgli revealed.
"That's great! Zidane and Garnet have been talking about wanting to fly across the stars for who knows how long." Simba said as he was glad to hear that.
"And if I may ask. Would it make your journey to find your mother a lot easier. If they went with you?" Mufasa asked amusingly as he walked up to Mowgli.
"That's what I wanted to ask. Baloo is also coming with me. And Petra is joining with Garnet as well. We all want to do this journey. And yes, it will be less of an impossibility to find my mother if they're with me." Mowgli declared with a small smile. "I already asked the Queen and she's already in agreement."
"Then permission granted. Far be it from me to disagree with my wife. And to keep you from your mother." Mufasa granted Mowgli's request as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Go with them. Find your mother. And may your heart be your guiding key."
Mowgli smiled genuinely up at the King of the Pride Lands. To have a ruler so compassionate, encouraging and supportive. Is a blessing that even the Tigroid citizen will rest easy. Knowing that they're being watched over by Mufasa.
Later down at the Celebration...
In the middle of the town square. All of the stone buildings that stood two stories tall and the Tigroid and Leonoid children were running around playing along with the Cercopian children. Their were food stalls of every kind of accommodations. And King Louie as a orangutan was out about dancing to the music that was playing. As his band was up on a large stage.
With monkeys playing all types of musical instruments. Mostly bamboo looking ones. But they all had a jazzy-like affect and sound as they played up a tune. And some female bears were up on stage dancing. Along with Mowgli and Garnet were on stage together dancing. Garnet was back into her usual attire which was a relief to discard what Shere Khan forced her to wear before the final battle.
Baloo, Timon and Pumbaa were up on stage in front of the audience of Leonoids, Cercopian and Tigroids as they decided to mash up their motto songs together. Since they both talk about letting go of their worries.
And Baloo started singing first as he held a microphone looking plant. Not that it made his voice louder.
Not that he needed his voice louder.
"Look for the bare necessities~ The simple bare necessities~ Forget about your worries and your strife~" Baloo sang as he danced before he passed the mice plant to Timon.
"It means no worries~ For the rest of your daaaaays!~" Timon sang before he and Pumbaa sung the next verse together. "It′s our problem-freeeeeeee philosophyyyyy!~
Hakuna Matataaaaaa!~"
Then Timon pasted the mice pant to Garnet who was dancing to thr music still as she sang.
"What a wonderful phraseeee!~" Garnet harmonized beautifully. "Hakuna Matata!
Ain't no passing craaaaze!~"
Then Garnet passed the mice plant to Mowgli who song the next verse.
"It means the bare necessities~ Old Mother Nature′s recipes~ That brings the bare necessities of life~ Wherever I wander, wherever I roam~ I couldn't be fonder of my big home~" Mowgli sang beautifully while dancing next to Garnet.
Down below Connor and Melody were dancing with the crowd along with Donald and Goofy. Mini-Mav was dancing like a disco star while Dug was running around with the other children in the crowd.
Then Mowgli tossed the mice plant back to Baloo who kept the song going.
"The bees are buzzin' in the tree~ To make some honey just for me~ When you look under the rocks and plants~And take a glance at the fancy ants~ Then maybe try a few~" Baloo sang before tossing the mice planet back to Timon and Pumbaa.
"Slimy, yet satisfying." Pumbaa hummed
"You got that right, Pal!" Timon replied before they both sang. "The Hakuna Matata of life will come to you!~"
Then Timon tossed the mice plant back over to Mowgli and Garnet.
"Hakuna Matata!~ What a wonderful phrase~ Hakuna Matata!~ Ain′t no passing craaaaze!~" Mowgli sang the first line.
Then Garnet sang the next line together with Mowgli.
"It means no worries~ For the rest of your days~ It′s our problem-freeeeeeeee philosophyyyyyyy!~" The girls sang together.
And together all of them sang the next lines.
"Hakuna Matata!~ Hakuna Matata!~ The bare necessities of life will come cause It means no worries, yeah!~ The bare necessities of life will come to you~ Hakuna Matataaaaaaaa!~" Baloo. Timon. Pumbaa. Garnet and Mowgli all sang together.
As they all welcomed in a new era for all of Saltuvia. Showing that they have no more worries.
"As soon as I introduce chips, dip and rap battles! Than these shindigs will be complete!" Connor yelled out as he was still dancing to the music.
The Guardians of the Depths have made a big impression with this world. And no doubt Mufasa's people will be there for Connor and his people when the time comes. Bur for now. Connor and his team soon left after the party. Saying 'see you later' to all of their new friends. Promising they'll come and visit later on. With Zidane and Garnet promising everyone the same thing. In fact they would only be gone a few days once Garnet's ship was fixed. Though Mowgli would plan to stay with her mother once she found her. And Baloo.
The big old Papa Bear will always be there for his Little Britches no matter what.
Even Bagheera wouldn't admit that he would miss Baloo. Even if a small part of him was still relieved that his past experiences with Baloo's shenanigans won't be repeated.
But in the end. All was finally looking bright for Saltuvia's futures. And it was the hope that the same bright future would come for all of Atlantis.
Later on that night onboard the Stingray...
While Donald and Goofy were piloting the ship across space. Using the new Pearl shard they collected which gave them coordinates to their next world.
Conmor turned in for the night knowing that they'll arrive in the morning. Connor was inside his room. Laying back on his bed while looking up at the stars using the ceiling window so he could admire the view whenever he went to sleep.
Connor was wearing a black tank top and black drawstring shorts and was bare foot as he was leaning back with his hand on the back of his head. Relaxing as he continued to admire the vast beauty of space
Then he heard his door knock.
"Come on in. It's open." Connor called out.
A second later, the door slid open and in came Melody, who was wearing a white tank top, black short shorts, and was barefoot.
"Hey, Connor." Melody said timidly and cutely as she crawled onto the bed and laid down next to Connor. She cuddled against him while giving him a small kiss on the lips. "How are you doing?"
"Ah well. We all just liberated a zoo-like planet and stuck it to the man tiger. So as you can tell. I'm sore and drained. But hey. That was one hell of a party we just took our exit on." Connor mused as he wrapped his arm around her.
"Yeah, it definitely was." Melody agreed before looking up at the ceiling and noticing the window looking out into space. "Wow. They're so many stars out there."
"We're flying across out space an in between dimensional barriers, Mel. Of course they're a lot of stars. Space is like ninety percent stars." Connor pointed out. "But believe it or not. Some of them are actually other worlds like the one we just visited."
"Really?" Melody said in wonder. "That's amazing. Can you tell which stars are actually other worlds?"
"Nope. I may have heightened hearing and double thw twenty-twenty vision. But I can't tell either one of those stars are a planet. Gas giant or some guy on a ship leaving who hated the piss poor rent on his last world." Connor shrugged.
"Oh. Well….It's still amazing." Melody said with wonder. "I mean, even if it's only some of those stars being other worlds, that still means there are so many worlds out there."
"And yet I never would've thought or expected to land in a world like where we just were." Connor remarked and informed Melody. "Oh and if you're wondering why I didn't seal the keyhole like I was suppose to. Mowgli did that for us after the fight was over. Who would've thunk that she'd end up in the key chain gang like the rest of us?"
"Yeah. It was pretty exciting. And now she, Garnet, Zidane, and Baloo are going to be traveling the stars on their own journey. Maybe we'll even see them again while we're traveling." Melody said before her smile became soft and she snuggled even closer to Connor while her toes curled with glee. "I can't believe that you and I are now officially a couple now. It's almost mind-blowing."
"Almost. But not exactly shocking. I mean you kept kissing me which sent all the signals that we were in a total relationship. I just wanted to make sure it was something you were comfortable with having." Connor admitted as he looked down at the beautiful girl relaxing against his chest.
"More than anything. I wanted us to be official just as much as I wanted to become part of the vast sea." Melody said lovingly.
"Well now you got both with no refunds. And you're now part of vast cosmic ocean with endless universes of possibilities." Connor assured as he held her closer.
Truly Melody had the same passion for love wanting to be part of something bigger. Just like her mother did. And as if Ariel's prayers were answered. This part of Melody's journey was somehow easier on her.
"And I wouldn't trade it for anything." Melody said before kissing Connor on the lips while she wrapped her arms around him.
They both shared a passionate kiss under the stars. As they were now one. On the same path towards destiny. Towards the light. And towards victory.
"I love you, Mel. More than anything." Connor whispered to his girlfriend.
"I love you too, Connor, with all that I am." Melody whispered back before she drifted off to sleep in Connor's arms.
Connor soon fell asleep with her. As he was now with a new found certainty. Whatever challenges they'll face next. They'll face them together. Because together. They can overcome every odd and every obstacle that comes their way. They still had some worlds to visit. And pearl shards to collect. Hopefully they'll get lucky and have this war against Attuma over soon. They've already ended one war. Who's to say they can't end this one the same way?
Here's hoping that the Guardians will get lucky. For their journey is not over yet.
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS! 🎉🎉🎉
Whelp. That's it for the jungle world. And you're probably all wondering what's up next right?
Do you all remember Pleasure Island from Pinocchio? Did you all wonder if those kids and donkeys were ever rescued? I sure have. Granted I understood that it was a harsh but necessary moral lesson to teach rebellious boys to never trust strangers. And in real life many are hardly ever rescued the moment they realize they're deep in it.
But for this story we'll make an exception. Because the Guardians of the Depths are traveling to Pinocchio's world next and to deal with Pleasure Island and its dark secrets to rescue the guests that were abducted and transformed into donkeys. 😉
So look forward to the next chapter everyone. 😁
Thank you all so much for reading! Don't forget to Fave and Follow if you like what you see and be sure to add your thoughts and reviews in the comments to let me know your thoughts!
And as always Disney/Square Enix fans!
FISTBUMP! 👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊👊