Lions of the Outlands
(Special Guest Stars: Nika Futterman, Andy Dick, Jason Marsden and Lacey Chabert)
The Pride Lands' savanna was filled with the laughter of four animals playing baobab ball in a two v two with Kion and Kufu vs Bunga and Dalia. Kion ran ahead of the group holding a baobab fruit in his mouth. He tossed it up and swatted at it with his paw, sending it through the air towards his teammate.
"It's all mine." Kufu laughed as he jumped to catch the fruit.
"Hot on your tail, Kufu!" Bunga laughed as he ran after him. Kufu kicked up some dirt to temporarily blind the honey badger so he could make an escape. Bunga spit out some dirt that got in his mouth, "Not fair, Kufu!"
"All's fair in love and war my friend." Kufu said with a laugh as he tossed the baobab ball to Kion.
"I don't think so!" Dalia exclaimed as she caught it in mid air before running off with it.
"Nice catch, Dalia!" Bunga cheered before Dalia tossed the baobab ball towards Bunga. "Zuka Zama!" The honey badger exclaimed before jumping up and grabbing the baobab ball and landing on his feet and he held the baobab fruit above his head, "Winner, winner! Zebra dinner!" he shouted as he laughed and continued dancing as the three lion cubs caught up to him.
"Well, boys, looks like Bunga and I win." Dalia said with a smirk.
"We just let you two win." Kion said, smirking back.
"I call for a rematch because that was just foul play." Kufu said as all four of them shared a chuckle.
Their laughter was short lived with a panicked voice shouting, "Hyena in the Pride Lands!" a group of about six gazelles jumped over the nearby bushes, their eyes wide in fear.
"Hyena in the Pride Lands?" Kufu and Kion repeated.
"Hyena in the Pride Lands?" Bunga and Dalia chorused the next moment.
"Alright, hyena, you picked the wrong day to come into the Pride Lands" Bunga warned, smoothing out the fur on his arms as Dalia turned around, ready to pounce on the hyena.
However, the hyena that jumped out of the bushes was a familiar, friendly hyena.
"Hey, Bunga." Jasiri greeted with a giggle.
"Wait, you're not in Janja's clan." Bunga said in surprise.
"Yeah you're that hyena that helped Kion when he was stuck in the Outlands and put my dork of a brother in his place." Dalia said with a chuckle.
"Well we helped each other out." Jasiri said with a smile. "And your brother had it coming." She added with a chuckle.
"Ain't that the truth." Dalia chuckled.
"Jasiri!" Kion and Kufu greeted the female hyena as they ran up to her.
"What are you doing in the Pride Lands?" Kion asked.
"Looking for you." the female hyena answered, her ears falling to the sides. "I have a problem back home, and I need your help."
"Don't tell me it's Janja and his clan again." Kion rolled his eyes.
Jasiri shook her head, "Actually, it's lions." she corrected.
"Lions?" Kufu and Dalia exchanged a confused look.
"In the Outlands?" Kion and Bunga shared the same confused glance.
Jasiri nodded in confirmation. "They've taken over my family's watering hole...and they won't share it." she lowered her snout.
"But there shouldn't be any lions in the Outlands." Dalia noted, looking between the three members of the Lion Guard.
"How many lions are there?" Kufu asked, raising his eyebrow.
"It's a whole pride of lions." Jasiri answered.
"OK, well, I'd be happy to talk to them, Jasiri." Kion offered. "Maybe they're lost or something."
"Asante, Kion." Jasiri thanked, giving the lion prince a smile.
"I'm going with you, Kion." Kufu said as he stepped up beside Kion. "You might need some Lion Guard backup on this one, we don't know what to expect with these lions."
Kion pondered Kufu's words for a moment, then gave a nod, "You're right, Kufu." he agreed. "I'm sure we can get to the bottom of this.
Kufu nodded before turning to Dalia. "Hey, Dal, do you wanna come with us?"
"Ahh, gee, I don't know." Dalia said in thought. "Do I wanna go with you guys? Or spend the rest of the afternoon with my dork of a broth... I'm in let's go!" She said which made them all chuckle.
"Bunga." Kion looked at the honey badger. "Go back to the lair and let the rest of the Guard know that me, Kufu, and Dalia are going to the Outlands with Jasiri."
"Got it." Bunga nodded. "We'll meet up with you there."
"No need." the Guard's leader shook his head. "We should be right back."
"Besides," Kufu shrugged his shoulders. "It's probably all just a misunderstanding."
"I sure hope so." Jasiri sighed.
"Lead the way, Jasiri." Kion gave a nod to his hyena friend.
The female canine nodded back and led the way to her territory, while Bunga ran in the opposite direction towards the Lair of the Lion Guard.
"You know, Kion, I was kinda worried you might not help me." Jasiri admitted as she led the three lions through the Outlands towards her home.
"Why wouldn't I?" Kion asked as he ran up to walk alongside his hyena friend. "We've helped each other before."
"That was different. Last time the bad guys were hyenas." Jasiri reminded him. "This time they're lions."
"Those lions probably don't realize there are good hyenas in the Outlands." Kufu pointed out, walking on the other side of Kion, while Dalia walked beside him. "I had that problem too." He gave Jasiri a friendly, and apologetic, smile.
"That is true." Jasiri chuckled.
"And I wanna apologize on behalf of Fuli when she growled at you." Kion said with a sheepish smile.
"It's alright I understand why she growled at me." Jasiri said before her smile turned into a teasing smirk. "Because everyone knows a jealous girlfriend when they see one." She teased which made Dalia and Kufu burst out laughing.
Kion's face turned red as he gave them a look. "Fuli is not my girlfriend." He growled in embarrassment.
"Keep telling yourself that, Kion, keep telling yourself that." Dalia laughed which caused Kion to groan as they continued walking.
Jasiri led her friends to an enclosure in the canyon where her clanmates were resting. Two hyenas, one was a female, with gray-purple fur and a beige underbelly, dull purple stripes, dark purple legs, and brown eyes
The other was a male and he looked bizarre. On a pelt that would normally be gray with black spots, it was instead red with black stripes, his eyes were a dark, emerald green, black fur covered all the way from his paws to halfway up his legs, and running from the back of his head to his back was a mane of pure white.
The two hyenas were basically playing with two hyenas pups. One pup had gray fur, indicating male, while the other had dark purple fur, indicating female. Both cubs squeaked back at the older hyenas playing with them.
The playing stopped when the two older hyenas saw Jasiri returning.
"Jasiri, you're back." The female hyena grinned as the two hyenas walked up to her, only to stop when they saw the three lions behind her.
"Wow! Your sister wasn't kidding. She really is friends with lions." The male hyena said in surprise.
Jasiri giggled, "Madoa, Tombie." she greeted, "These are my friends. Kion." The golden-furred cub tipped his head. "Kufu." The brown furred cub lowered his muzzle and smiled. "And Dalia." The female cub gave a nod and a warm smile. "Guys, this is my sister, Madoa and her mate Tombie." Jasiri introduced.
"Nice to meet you." the three lions replied, all bowing their heads.
"Uh, yeah. You too." Madoa replied with a smile.
Kufu then looked at Tombie with a look of surprise and confusion. "No offense but I've never seen a hyena like you before."
Tombie just let out a chuckle. "It's OK, I get that a lot." He said with a smile. "Although I'm pretty sure that you have already met my older brother Janja."
"Janja's your brother?!" The three lions exclaimed in shock.
"Yeah, he's my brother." Tombie said with a nod before looking down. "Me and him had a falling out considering that I respect the Circle of Life but he doesn't and just wants to hunt." He said with a sad sigh.
"Don't worry, Tombie, I'm sure someday Janja will come around." Madoa said, giving her mate a nuzzle.
"I hope so." Tombie said in a hopeful tone.
The two pups Madoa and Tombie were playing with jumped behind a rock to hide, frightened by the three felines.
"Aww, they're adorable." Dalia sighed.
"Hey there, little guys." Kion said softly. "Don't be afraid of us." He said as the two pups hid behind the rock.
"You can't blame the pups." Madoa noted.
"All they know are bad lions." Tombie told them.
"Like the ones who stole our watering hole." Jasiri added.
"Well, that's why we're here." Kufu informed them.
Kion nodded in agreement. "I don't know why those lions are in the Outlands, but I'm sure we can clear things up." he exchanged a glance with Kufu, who nodded his head.
"I hope so." Madoa sighed, glancing at the two pups. "Those little ones need the water."
"We all do." Tombie followed.
"Then let's go." Dalia voted.
Jasiri led them to the watering hole her clan was using before it was taken over by the evil lions.
Meanwhile, in the Pride Lands.
Rafiki was busy adding new paintings to the lair's walls, detailing more of the new Guard's adventures. The rest of the Guard were discussing about Fuli and Ono racing.
"Ready?" Fuli asked, standing at the starting line with Ono.
"Ready." affirmed Ono.
"I'll be the ref!" Bunga volunteered, climbing up a vine to get a better view. "On your marks..." Fuli licked her paw and ran it over her ear, flattening it down as her and Ono prepped their stances, "Get set...Go!" The two friends took off down the path that went around the lair. "And they're off! It's Fuli in the lead!" Bunga commentated.
"I'm right on your tail, Fuli!" Ono chuckled, flying right over the cheetah's tail.
The female feline just glanced over her shoulder, "That's what you think." she challenged. "Huwezi!" The cheetah picked up speed and gained a fair amount of distance.
"And the winner is..." Bunga waited until the vine marking the finish line snapped, which happened when the Guard's Fastest ran through it. "...Fuli!" he announced.
Ono panted as he flew past the honey badger and landed in front of Fuli.
"Nice race." she complimented.
"Yeah, do it again." Bunga urged, tapping the egret's wing. "You almost had her that time."
"It was close, wasn't it?" Ono questioned. He pondered for a moment, flattening his crest feathers with his wing. "Maybe if I flatten my head feathers to reduce the drag..." he muttered, "...and stay closer to Fuli's tail to take advantage of her slipstream..."
"Drag? Slipstream?" Bunga repeated. "Whatcha talking about, Ono?"
"I'm talking about winning!" the Keenest of Sight laughed, spreading his wings.
As Jasiri led Kion, Kufu, and Dalia to the watering hole, they were unaware of someone watching them.
"Once we get to the watering hole, I'm sure we can work things..." Kion began to speak, but was cut off when another lion pounced on Jasiri.
"We told you to stay outta here, hyena!" a mangy-looking lion yelled, baring his teeth. His main pelt was brown, with a grey muzzle, underbelly, and paws, a scrawly black mane, along with a patch of black fur on his chin and elbows, and red eyes.
"Hey!" Kion growled, tackling the older lion, pinning him on his back. "Back off!"
"You OK, Jasiri?" Kufu asked, helping the hyena to her feet.
Jasiri shook herself off, "Yeah." she breathed. "Thank you."
"Who's that guy?" Dalia quirked her brow, staring at the teenage lion currently on his back.
"Who are you?" the teen lion growled, glaring up at the cub pinning him.
"Name's Kion." The Guard's Fiercest answered, narrowing his amber-brown eyes into a glare of his own. "Who are you?"
"Nuka!" called the voice of another cub, who was a little taller than Kion, only he had dark brown fur and a darker brown mane tuft, with green eyes. "Hey, Nuka."
"Kovu!" The mangy lion known as Nuka addressed the cub. "Tell him to let me up." he looked from the dark colored cub to the golden one still pinning him.
"A friend of yours?" Kion asked, looking at Kovu.
The darker furred cub sighed, "He's my brother." he informed.
"That's right!" Nuka warned. "So you better let me up. It's two against one now."
Kion let the older lion go as Kufu, Dalia, and Jasiri joined them.
"It's two against four." Kufu corrected with a growl.
"I might not be part of the Guard, but at least I know how to fight." Dalia growled as she flattened her ears and baring her teeth.
The six animals started circling each other.
"It should be five against one!" Nuka pointed out with a scoff. "What kind of lions are you? Siding with a hyena." he rolled his red-brown eyes.
"What are you two lions doing in the Outlands?" Kufu asked, keeping his eyes fixated on the pair. "Why aren't you in the Pride Lands?"
"Like our family's welcome there." Nuka scoffed.
"Why wouldn't you be?" Kion questioned. "I'm sure my dad would welcome you there."
"And who's your dad?" Nuka asked in a mocking tone, him and his brother ceasing the circling.
"The King of the Pride Lands." Dalia answered, standing firm and tall. "Simba."
Nuka's and Kovu's eyes went wide, "Simba?" They both repeated.
"You really think he'd allow us into the Pride Lands?" Kovu asked, hopefully and with a smile.
"I don't see why not." the lion prince shrugged.
"Especially if you give Jasiri's family their watering hole back." Kufu added, standing at the right of the prince.
"Back to the Pride Lands?" Kovu muttered, still smiling. "That means I could see Kiara again." His smile only grew wider as he thought about the princess.
Dalia raised her brow, "You know Kion's sister?" she questioned, quickly glancing at Kion before looking back at Kovu.
"Yeah." the dark brown cub answered, before looking away with his ears falling to the sides. "Uh, it was a while ago." He said nervously.
"Wait a minute, you're Kovu?" Kion said, looking at the dark brown cub with a raised brow.
"You know me?" Kovu said in surprise.
"More like I've heard of you." Kion answered with a chuckle. "Kiara never shuts her mouth about you and has been wanting to see you again."
"Sh-She has?" Kovu whispered with a hint of red in his cheeks before he shook his head and cleared his throat before looking up at his older brother. "We gotta take him to see Mom."
Nuka stepped forward, placing his two front paws on a sloping rock to appear bigger than the cubs.
"Yeah. She's gonna want to meet the son of Simba." Nuka mocked, glaring down at the prince.
Kion's eyes narrowed in response, stepping onto the rock, forcing the mangy teenager to back down. "The name's Kion." He told him, his voice low but stern.
Kovu looked up at the other two cubs, "And you two are..." he questioned.
"His friends." Kufu answered. "Names Kufu."
"And I'm Dalia." Dalia followed.
"Whatever." Nuka huffed. "Let's go." He turned around and walked towards the watering hole, Kovu following close behind.
Jasiri and Dalia were the next to follow, with Kion and Kufu bringing up the rear.
"Yeah, I do not trust that guy." the Guard's Slyest whispered to his leader. "Kovu seems OK, but that other one…. Something seems off about him."
"Just take it easy." the Fiercest replied. "We're not here to fight. We're here to help Jasiri's family."
"Yeah, I know." Kufu sighed before they followed the others.
The watering hole soon came into view. A lioness with gray-tan fur, beige-cream muzzle, underbelly, and paws, red eyes, a notched right ear and a dark tan stripe down her head stood at the shore, taking a drink.
"Mother!" Nuka's voice called, getting her attention. She looked up and saw her sons approaching, followed by three more unfamiliar lions and a lone hyena. "We have a visitor."
"It's Simba's son. Kion." Kovu informed, running ahead and grinning. "And his friends, Kufu and Dalia."
"Simba's son?" the lioness gasped, instantly noting that the younger cub with gold fur was the prince. "Well, what an honor." She bowed her head before walking up to them.
"He pounced on me." Nuka tattled, running to his mother's side.
The older lioness simply sighed, "I'm sure you pounced first." she noted. She looked down at the three Pride Land cubs, "Welcome. I'm Zira." She introduced herself. "And this is my daughter, Vitani." A smaller lioness, who looked alot like her mother, only her fur was more of a dusty-peach hue and a tuft fell over the tops of her bright violet eyes.
"Three lions and a hyena?" she questioned.
"One of them is not just any lion, dear." Zira said to her daughter. "He's Simba's son. The Crown Prince of the Pride Lands." The lioness glanced down at said prince. "So tell me, Kion. What brings you and your friends..." she cast a glance at Kufu and Dalia, before returning focus to Kion. "...to the Outlands?"
"I did." Jasiri answered. "We're friends too."
"Friends with royalty?" Zira gasped. "Gracious, I underestimated you, my dear."
"Kion's not just royalty." Jasiri chuckled. "He's the leader of the Lion Guard."
"Leader of the Lion Guard." Zira repeated, again glancing at the other two cubs standing beside Kion. "But not all of the Guard isn't here.
"I didn't need the whole Guard." Kion stated, taking a step forward. "Now, what are you doing in the Outlands? And why have you taken over Jasiri's watering hole?"
"So many questions, Kion." Zira sighed as she walked away and jumped onto a large boulder. "What I don't understand is why you don't just use the Roar to give your friend the water she needs."
"What?" Kion blinked in confusion.
"He can do that?" Jasiri asked, glancing at Kufu and Dalia.
"We don't freaking know." Kufu said as he and Dalia shrugged.
"What are you talking about?" Kovu asked his mother.
"Mom?" Vitani muttered, looking up at her mother.
"As leader of the Lion Guard, Kion possesses a special power. The Roar of the Elders." Zira informed, much to the shock of the three Pride Landers. "Isn't that right?" the lioness leader raised her dark eyebrow.
"Yeah." Kion confirmed. "How do you know?"
A smile spread across Zira's beige-cream muzzle, "Oh, I know all about the Roar." she mused, hopping off the boulder and striding up to the young prince. She looked up to the clear sky, "You see that little cloud?" she asked, pointing out the lone, little cloud. "Try roaring at it."
Kion blinked, "Roar at the cloud?" he repeated, walking up to stand beside the older lioness.
"What's wrong, Kion?" Zira asked sweetly. "I thought you wanted to help your hyena friend." She looked down at the young Guard leader.
"I don't see how roaring at a cloud is gonna do that." the prince admitted. He glanced over his shoulder and saw a pleading look in Jasiri's eyes. Kion sighed, "Well, I guess it won't hurt to try."
Zira stepped back, her eyes narrowing slightly as her sweet smile turned into a not-so-sweet grin. Kion unleashed his Roar, aiming it directly at the cloud. The cloud doubled in size and turned grey, creating a clasp of thunder and lightning as rain poured down.
"Holy crap." Dalia breathed from her spot beside Vitani, her green eyes wide.
"Hevi Kabisa." Kufu muttered, standing on the other side of Dalia, his own eyes wide.
Dalia leaned down to Kufu as the rain stopped, "Did you know he could do that?" She asked.
"Nope." Kufu answered. His eyes immediately went to Zira, and they narrowed slightly. "Zira. How did you know the Roar could do that?"
"I'd love to tell you, but I feel a little uncomfortable discussing the Roar..." Zira answered in a soft voice, her eyes fixating on Jasiri, "...in front of a hyena." she finished, her voice getting edgier.
"Oh, don't mind me." Jasiri spoke up. "I just want my watering hole back."
Zira looked to Kion, who now had Kufu standing at his side. "Perhaps we can go somewhere more private and talk." the older lioness suggested. "Lion to lion" She jumped onto a stone slab where a trail started through the canyon wall.
Kion went to follow her, but Kufu quickly ran in front of him, standing between him and Zira.
"Can we talk? Alone?" He met Kion's eyes and he could tell he was serious. The prince nodded and walked with him to the edge of the watering hole, so their conversation couldn't be overheard.
"What is it, Kufu?" Kion asked.
"I'm gonna be blunt with you, Kion, I don't trust her." Kufu answered flatly, glancing at Zira before meeting Kion's eyes again. "She's up to something."
"But she knows more about the Roar than we do." Kion reminded him.
"Maybe she's bluffing." Kufu replied, his voice still low. "We don't know anything about Zira, or her family. I have this feeling deep down in my gut that she can't be trusted."
Kion sighed, "Kufu, she knew that if I roared at the cloud, that it would rain." he pointed out.
"OK, so maybe she knew that. But come on..." The Guard's Slyest sighed, meeting his eyes. "If you're serious about talking with her then, I'm coming too."
Kion blinked, "Kufu, you don't..." he began, but was cut off when Kufu spoke .
"This isn't me asking as your friend." Kufu stated as he looked Kion dead in the eye. "This is me telling you as your third-in-command. I'm going with you."
Kion looked at Kufu and he could see that he was serious and not backing down. "OK, you can come." Kion said with a sigh.
"Then let's go." Kufu said as they walked up to Zira,
"OK, Zira. Let's talk." Kion said.
"Wonderful." the older lioness sighed.
"I'll stay here and keep Jasiri company." Dalia said standing beside the female hyena. "Good luck, guys, and be careful."
"We'll be fine, Dal." Kion said as he and Kufu turned to the trail.
"Children, I'll be back soon." Zira assured, turning around and starting up the trail. Nuka glared in Jasiri's direction and growled. "Play nice, Nuka!" Zira called after him.
Jasiri snapped at the older male, who yelped and leaped behind his two younger siblings. "That's right, Nuka." the female hyena chuckled. "Let's play nice."
Vitani just rolled her eyes at her older brother. "Nuka, you are such a dork." She said, shaking her head.
"Heh, if you think he's a dork you should meet my brother Kopa." Dalia said with a smirk.
"Your brother drives you crazy too?" Vitani asked with a chuckle.
"You have no idea, sista." Dalia said with a chuckle.
Zira led Kion and Kufu up the winding trail, "Kion. Son of Simba. I'm so glad to meet you." she admitted, her voice soft and sweet, which made Kufu's fur stand on end.
The brown furred lion cub rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, we've established that Kion's the prince." he groaned. "You don't need to keep pointing it out, Zira." His eyes remained in a narrowed glare as he looked at the older female.
Zira simply smiled and faced the two cubs. "Sweet, little Kufu." she cooed, making Kufu bare his teeth. "As a member of the Guard, you should know better than to disrespect those older than you, but I must say, you do take after your father."
"My… my father?" Kufu said as his eyes widened in shock. "You knew my father?"
"Of course." Zira said with a smile. "Your father Chumvi always wants to make sure everyone is safe and looks out for others." She said before jumping onto another large boulder, looking down at the cubs. "It's just too bad his life was cut short."
"Yeah, I just wish that I could get to know him." Kufu said, looking down in sadness.
"Hey, your father may be gone but at least you still have your mothers right?" Kion said with a smile.
"Yeah, at least I still have them." Kufu said with a smile.
"Hmm, you truly are a noble friend." Zira said with a sickly smile.
Kion and Kufu glanced at each other, their brows raised.
"So, are you gonna tell us about the Roar or are you gonna yank us around by our tails?" the Guard's Slyest asked bluntly. "And while you're at it, maybe you can tell us why you and your family live here instead of in the Pride Lands."
Zira's eyes hardened for a brief moment as she remembered why she had to raise her family in the Outlands, but she quickly regained her composure, not wanting her true colors to show just yet.
"Little one, it doesn't matter where we live. Whether we live in the Outlands or Pride Lands, we're all lions." Zira replied sweetly. "And that's what's most important."
Zira:
There is no greater power than to rule over the land
We all have it inside us, it's here where we stand.
My friends, you know it's true
Look close and you will find
Ruling every animal is destiny for our kind.
Zira reached down into a hole and pulled out a jerboa by it's tail and held it in her paw, carefully caressing it's head with her claw, making it shake in fear. Kion and Kufu exchanged another glance.
Zira:
So if we're joined together
We will never fall
Lions must rule forever
Lions over all.
Zira carefully tapped each cub on the head, earning a growl from Kufu, as she walked into a cave, where the path was surrounded on both sides by lava. Kion and Kufu followed her, with the latter keeping his ears low and eyes narrowed, focused solely on the matriarch.
Zira:
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.
Zira leaped up some smaller boulders, landing on a larger one where a pile of old bones laid. In the midst of her verse, she knocked them down, causing the cubs to back away. The lioness matriarch kept her eyes firm and a smile set, only it wasn't as sweet as before.
Kufu glared up at Zira, following her path up the boulders with Kion right beside him.
Kufu:
If we do what you suggest
We'd be evil and cruel.
Kion:
Using force and threat
That is no way to rule.
The two Guard members kept their stances firm as they challenged the older lioness. Zira, on the other hand, found it slightly amusing.
Zira:
But if we're joined together
We will never fall
Yes, lions must rule forever
Lions over all!
Zira circled the two cubs before continuing down the path to the cave's exit, continuing her song.
Zira:
Lions over all
No animal is more grand.
Kion and Kufu:
Stay noble and grand.
Zira:
Lions over all
It's why we rule the land.
Kion and Kufu:
We must protect the land.
Zira:
We crush any resistance
Kion and Kufu:
Friendships and kindness
Zira:
So enemies keep their distance
Kion and Kufu;
Will always find us.
Zira:
Lions, lions over all.
"Zira, you and I have different ideas about how lions should act." Kion noted, keeping a small distance between him, Kufu, and Zira.
"And that's why we're here." Zira reminded him, leading the two cubs out of the cave. "To talk." Just beyond the cave was the entrance to the den where Zira and her pride lived. The two young cubs gaped up at the formation, which resembled the head of an animal with stalagmites resembling teeth. "It may not be Pride Rock, but we call it home. This way." She led the pair inside.
"Yeah, still not trusting her." Kufu whispered to Kion, keeping close to his right, scanning the surroundings for any other lions or lionesses.
Meanwhile, in the Lair of the Guard...
Ono and Fuli were racing once more, with Bunga commentating and Beshte observing from his pool.
"And here they come! Heading toward the finish." Bunga announced as he caught sight of the cheetah and egret. "Fuli wins again!" The honey badger cheered as Fuli crossed the finish line once again.
A few seconds later, Ono came diving through and crashed right into Bunga, knocking him off the boulder he was standing on to the ground. The egret panted, trying to catch his breath as he laid on the honey badger's stomach.
"Good race, Ono." Bunga praised. "You almost got her that time." He said as Ono got to his feet, only to fall off Bunga's stomach and land on his back with a groan. Bunga stood over his avian friend, "Just one more run." he encouraged. "I think you're wearing her down."
Fuli just stretched out her limbs and pranced in place, showing no visible signs of exhaustion.
"Maybe some other time." Ono panted, staring at the lair's ceiling.
"You wanna give it a go, Big B?" Bunga asked with a grin.
The hippo shook his head, "I don't think so." he answered.
"Hey, Rafiki!" The Guard's Bravest called over to the mandrill, who was still working on his paintings. "You wanna race Fuli?"
"Me? Race Fuli?" Rafiki repeated. "The fastest in the Pride Lands." he let out a laugh, "Who would be so foolish to do that, huh?"
The Lion Guard gave Ono amusing smirks which the egret just groaned as Kufu's moms walked into the lair.
"Hello, Lion Guard." The two lionesses greeted them.
"Oh, hi, Kula, Tama." Beshte greeted them with a smile. "What brings you two here?"
"We just came here to see how Kufu is doing." Tama said with a smile.
"But I don't see him here." Kula noted as she noticed that her son wasn't there. "And I don't see Kion either." She added.
"Hmm, you are not wrong." Rafiki said as he looked around the lair, noting that two members had not yet returned, "Where are Kion and Kufu, huh?" he asked.
"Oh right." Bunga remembered, getting confused looks from his friends. "Kion told me to tell everyone he, Kufu, and Dalia are going to the Outlands with Jasiri." he relayed. "But they'll be right back."
"Why was Jasiri here?" Beshte asked.
"And why'd she take Kion, Kufu, and Dalia to the Outlands?" Fuli questioned.
"She wanted them to talk to some lions who live there." Bunga answered.
Ono got to his feet, "Lions in the Outlands?" he repeated, not believing it.
"Yeah, I know." the honey badger scoffed with a roll of his eyes. "Weird, right?"
Kula, Tama, and Rafiki's eyes went wide.
"Lions in the Outlands?!" Tama exclaimed in shock.
"Nononono, this can't be happening!" Kula said in a panic.
"What are you panicking about?" Bunga asked in confusion. "It's just some lions."
"No! They are not just any lions." Rafiki told the Guard. "They are the Outsiders."
"The who now?" the Guard's Bravest blinked in confusion.
Rafiki led the Guard to the wall of the lair that depicted paintings of the Outsiders, and using his bakora staff, he made them come to life.
"The Outsiders are a group of lions led by a lioness named Zira." Rafiki informed. "Simba banished them from the Pride Lands before any of you were born."
The Guard's Fastest raised her brow, "Why would Simba banish other lions?" she asked.
"Because Zira and her family, they were loyal only to Scar." Rafiki answered, pointing to a painting depicting Zira standing at the edge of Pride Rock with Scar.
"Scar?!" The Guard exclaimed in shock.
"After Scar was gone, Simba became King." Rafiki tapped the painting of Simba standing on Pride Rock, making it come to life. "But Zira told Simba he could not rule the Pride Lands. Because Scar had chosen her son Kovu to be king." The next painting showed Zira with her youngest cub.
"But Scar was never the real king!" Bunga raised his fist.
"Correct, honey badger. And that is what Simba told Zira." Rafiki continued. "But Zira would not listen to reason. Instead, she attacked Simba!" He animated the next painting depicting said fight. "But then a lion named Chumvi got involved and tried to stop Zira." He explained as the painting showed a lion stepping in front of Zira and trying to stop her. "But then Zira did something unforgivable, with one strike with her claws Chumvi's journey in the Circle of Life was cut short." He said in a grim tone as the painting showed Zira striking Chumvi with her claws and killing him.
"Zira… Murdered a lion?!" Fuli said in shock.
"Chumvi was a good friend to Simba, Nala, and of course myself and Kula." Tama said, looking down in sadness.
"Chumvi's death hurt us all." Kula said, looking down as well. "Especially to me and Tama, because if it wasn't for Chumvi… We might've never had Kufu to begin with." She added much to the Guards surprise.
"Wait… Are you saying that the lion that Zira killed is…" Ono started as his eyes widened in shock.
"Yes, Ono, Chumvi is Kufu's father." Tama answered much to The Lion Guard's surprise.
"And after Chumvi's death, Simba had no choice." Rafiki said as the painting showed Simba banishing Zira and her family. "He had to banish Zira and her family from the Pride Lands. Forever."
Bunga scratched his head, "So the lions in the Outlands might be Zira and her family?" he guessed.
"Most definitely." Rafiki nodded. "And if they find out that Kion is Simba's son, there could be trouble. much trouble."
This got Kula and Tama worried, knowing full well that if Kufu was with Kion, and Zira had shown any threat, he would take the fall, and the two lionesses were worried for their cub, for they knew Kufu stood no chance against the likes of Zira.
"We've gotta help Kion and Kufu!" Ono squawked, flapping his wings.
"Right. Let's go!" Fuli voted, running towards the lair's entrance.
"Till the Pride Lands end...Lion Guard defend!" The four Guard members raced out of their lair and towards the Outlands.
Kula and Tama watched the Lion Guard rush towards the Outlands with worry and concern.
"Tama, do you think Kufu will be OK? He won't stand a chance against Zira." Kula said in worry.
"I hope so, Kula." Tama said as she gave her mate a nuzzle and the two were hoping their son would be OK.
"OK, Zira. We're alone." Kufu noted as the older lioness led them through the entrance to her pride's den. "Tell us about the Roar."
"Don't worry, young ones." Zira soothed. "I'll tell you all about it. But first, you two need to tell me." she turned to face the pair of cubs. "Whose side are you on? Lions? Or hyenas?"
"We're on the side of the Circle of Life." Kion answered. "And the animals who respect it." Kufu nodded firmly in agreement.
Zira sighed heavily and rolled her eyes, turning back and continuing towards her den. "You two really do take after both of your fathers, don't you?" she noted.
"You say that like it's a bad thing." Kufu pointed out, his distrust of Zira only growing. He walked by a large crevice in the wall, and two sets of eyes watched him as he passed.
"You see, I was hoping you'd choose to side with lions. With me." Zira admitted, leading Kion and Kufu to the open area of the den, which was surrounded by tall walls. "But if that's your answer..."
Two lionesses walked up behind the pair of cubs, letting out low growls.
"What's going on here, Zira?" Kufu snarled, glaring at the older lioness.
Zira stood opposite Kion and Kufu, more lionesses appearing behind her. "It's your choice, kids. With me. Or against me." she stated, her lionesses joining her, standing on either side of their leader. "But if you're against me...you'll never leave the Outlands." Zira's eyes hardened and a low growl escaped her throat.
"I was right. I knew we couldn't trust you." Kufu growled, baring his teeth as he moved closer to Kion. He lowered his body and flicked his tail, getting ready to pounce if he needed to.
"Tell your lionesses to back down." Kion ordered, standing tall against the threat. "You know I have the Roar. And you know what it can do."
A smirk crossed Zira's muzzle, "I used to know someone else with the Roar." she informed, slowly circling the two cubs. "And when he used it against his fellow lions, he lost the Roar. Forever."
Kion raised his brow, "You're talking about Scar." he noted.
Zira nodded, "Scar and I were close. Very close." she sighed, her eyes reflecting a hint of happiness, which Kufu didn't buy for a second. "He taught me all about the Roar." Her eyes narrowed into a glare as she stared down the prince. "If it weren't for your father, he'd still be King of the Pride Lands."
"Scar was never the true King!" Kufu growled.
"How dare you." Zira snarled, raising her paw, flashing her onyx colored claws. "You really are just like your father, young one." She growled, narrowing her eyes at Kufu. "Brave but foolish, which led me to kill him."
Kufu's eyes widened as he heard that as his fur stood up and he started. "You… Killed my father?!" He growled in anger.
"His death was his own fault!" Zira said with a glare.
Kufu lunged forward with a roar, managing to nip at Zira's shoulder before he was thrown into a boulder near the den's entrance. Kion's eyes widened as he saw his best friend get tossed through the air, and he winced when he heard the sound of his body hitting the boulder then the ground.
"Kufu!" Kion called out, his ears falling flat.
One of Zira's lionesses charged in. Kufu groaned and shook off his dizziness, barely registering Kion calling out his name. He looked in his direction and was met with a pale brown lioness pouncing on him. Kufu and Zira's lioness locked glares and each growled, showing off their fangs.
The lioness raised her paw, and Kufu's eyes widened before he closed them, bracing himself for the attack.
"Wait!" Zira halted, making Kufu open his eyes. The pride's matriarch motioned for her lioness to get off the cub, which she obeyed.
"You OK?" Kion asked as he rushed over to him and helped him up
"Yeah. I'll live." Kufu groaned in pain.
"I'll forgive your friend for his little outburst, Kion." Zira said, walking past the two cubs. "If you two join me." she added with a growl. Kion and Kufu glared at the older lioness. "Think about it while I fetch my children. I want them to hear your decisions." Zira left the two cubs, with her lionesses surrounding them.
Kion and Kufu got into their defensive positions as the lionesses began to surround them.
Nuka paced along the side of the watering hole, his little sister laid on a rock behind him.
"What's taking Mom so long?" Vitani sighed.
"I don't know, but I'm tired of waiting." Nuka ran towards Jasiri and Dalia, who were sitting on the other side of the watering hole.
"Nuka..." Kovu growled, standing between his brother and the hyena and lioness. "...don't start anything. Mom said to play nice."
Jasiri, who was standing beside Dalia, just laughed her musical laugh, "Don't worry, green eyes." she giggled. "Any game your brother wants to play, I can play better."
"Oh, I'm not planning to play at all." Nuka growled, charging forward until Dalia jumped in front of him.
"Don't even think about it, I have an older brother who's just like you so I know how to put you in your place." Dalia said with a glare as the two stared each other down.
"Nuka!" Zira growled, the teenage lion instantly freezing.
"Mom! You're back!" Kovu smiled.
"Mother." Nuka chuckled dryly. "Nothing's happening here," he assured. "We're just...playing nice." He ruffled the lioness's head .
Dalia growled and swatted Nuka's paw away, walking up to Zira, instantly noticing she was alone. "Where are Kion and Kufu?" She asked, narrowing her eyes. Jasiri ran up to stand at Dalia's side.
"We have reached an agreement." Zira answered. "We agreed that the watering hole belongs to lions. Only." She growled at Jasiri.
"What?" Jasiri questioned, not believing Zira. "Kion and Kufu would never agree to that."
"They're lions, my dear, and we lions stick together." Zira stated, glancing at Dalia, who only growled. "Now, leave! And do not return!" Zira snarled at the lone hyena.
Dalia nudged Jasiri's shoulder, "Come on, Jasiri, let's go." She told her. The hyena looked up at the lioness, seeing her eyes were calm and determined.
Jasiri shot one final glare at Zira, "Fine." she huffed, her and Dalia running off, while Zira stood tall with a grin.
The lionesses closed around the two cubs.
"Keeping us here doesn't make any sense." Kion stated calmly, his eyes on the enemies watching them. "We just want you lions to share the watering hole."
The lioness who pounced on Kufu stepped forward, "You can tell that to Zira when she gets back." she replied coldly.
Kufu and Kion exchanged a glance and raised their eyebrows.
"I don't think we're gonna wait around that long." Kufu said with a smirk.
The lioness let out a growl and rose to her hind legs, preparing to pounce, only to be tackled by the two younger lions and knocked aside. Kion and Kufu ran to the back of the den and jumped onto one of the large boulders before quickly leaping off it, letting another lioness collide with the wall.
The two Guard members made a break for the exit. Two more lionesses ran through the cave and blocked the only exit, making the two cubs skid to a halt. The entire pride surrounded them, moving so that the only direction Kion and Kufu could move was backwards.
Jasiri walked beside Dalia as they left the watering hole. "I don't understand." the female hyena admitted. "You can't seriously believe that Kion and Kufu would join Zira."
"Of course I don't believe it." Dalia said as she met the hyena's eyes. "Kion and Kufu would never be part of her team, I think Zira's got them trapped somewhere, and she's not gonna let 'em go."
"Then we should go and save them!" Jasiri urged, turning to run back.
Dalia jumped over her and blocked her path, "We can't." She rebuffed. "Zira's older and more experienced than we are. We can't take her, not by ourselves. If we try, we'll lose. And Kion and Kufu will be killed."
Jasiri's ears fell to the sides of her head as she let out a whimper. "So what do we do?" she asked.
"We need to go back to the Pride Lands and get the rest of the Guard." Dalia answered. "With their help, we can save Kufu and Kion." The two shared a nod and took off running.
They rounded a bend and came to a halt when the rest of the Lion Guard almost crashed into them.
"Guys!" Dalia breathed. "We were just coming to get you."
"What are you doing here?" Jasiri questioned.
"I know Kion said he and Kufu would be fine..." Bunga started.
"...but we think they might be in trouble." Fuli finished.
"Do you know where they are?" Ono asked, landing on Beshte's back.
Dalia nodded, "Unfortunately, we do." she answered. "A lioness named Zira has Kion and Kufu prisoner somewhere. And I think she might kill them."
"Zira?" the four animals repeated, all of them exchanging worried looks.
"Wait, you know Zira?" Jasiri raised her eyebrow.
"We've heard about her." Beshte informed.
"Do you know where she took them?" Fuli questioned.
Dalia nodded. She turned on her heels and ran back the way she and Jasiri came, with the rest of the Guard close behind.
Kion and Kufu had their backs against the wall, literally. Zira's lionesses closed in on them, forcing the cubs to bare their teeth and claws.
"Kufu, you see a way out?" Kion asked his Slyest.
Kufu quickly scanned their surroundings before his eyes went back to the advancing pride. "The walls are too steep for us to climb. They'd be on us in seconds." He replied as his eyes narrowed. "I only see one way...and you're not gonna like it." The two cubs locked eyes, "The Roar." He muttered.
"I can't." Kion rebuked, glaring at the lionesses who advanced closer.
"Then we're screwed." The Guard's Slyest muttered.
"Way to stay positive." The Fiercest sighed.
"If you want an optimist, talk to Beshte." Kufu said, rolling his eyes.
Zira's lionesses let out more growls and snarls, forcing the cubs to do the same.
"Poor Kion." Zira sighed, shaking her head as she appeared in the den's entrance with her children behind her. "So helpless without his Roar." The matriarch walked down the path with her head held high.
"Mom? What's going on?" Kovu questioned, watching his siblings follow Zira. "Kion said he'd talk to Simba about letting us go back to the Pride Lands!" He ran after his family, stopping by his mother's side. "Why can't we be friends?"
"This wasn't my choice, Kovu." Zira replied, glancing at her youngest cub, before her eyes went back to the two Guard members. "They're the ones who chose the hyenas over us."
"Aren't we worried he'll use that Roar on us?" Nuka gulped.
"If he uses the Roar against other lions, he'll lose it forever." Zira's eyes narrowed as she looked down at the prince. "And if he doesn't use the Roar...well, he'll just lose." Kion's ears fell to the sides as he lowered his muzzle. "Either way, we win." Zira chuckled. "Without the Roar, Kion is harmless. Without Kion, Simba's Pride Lands are defenseless."
Kufu growled, matching the matriarchal lioness' glare with her own.
"Kion's harmless?" Nuka chuckled, preparing to pounce. "You won't pin me down this time!" He ran forward and growled, only to be headbutted by Kufu.
"Back off, fleabag!" Kufu growled.
The blow sent the teenage lion rolling back towards his younger siblings.
"Nuka, Nuka, Nuka." Vitani shook her head.
"This is your last chance." Zira roared, staring down the two cubs.
All three lions hunched low to the ground.
"Guess we'll have to fight our way out." Kion muttered. A flicker of movement caught Kufu's eye and he glanced up, spotting Ono flying over the walls.
Kufu nudged Kion's paw, twitching the edge of his eyebrow upwards. The prince caught on and glanced up, also seeing Ono, a smirk crossing his muzzle.
"I just have one thing to say, Zira." Kion said, him and Kufu standing tall, "Till the Pride Lands end..."
"...Lion Guard defend!" four voices finished as the animals they belonged to, along with Dalia and Jasiri, ran into the open area.
"Surprise!" Jasiri and Dalia chuckled.
Vitani bared her fangs and let out a snarl. Dalia instantly jumped in her path, and the two began to circle one another.
"You know, it's a shame, I was starting to like you." Dalia noted with a small smirk.
"Same here." Vitani snickered, lunging forward with a roar.
Dalia roared back and dodged to attack before tackling her to the ground, Vitani struggled against the other female cub pinning her, but Dalia never let up.
The rest of the lionesses went after the other animals. Kufu grinned and ran towards the side wall, leaping onto a small ledge and tackling the lioness that pinned him earlier, slamming into her side. The blow sent the older lioness flying while Kufu landed on his feet.
"Kufu, behind you!" Jasiri warned, running towards him.
Kufu looked back and saw the same lioness charging towards him, only to be struck by Jasiri. "Thanks Jasiri." the lion cub smiled.
The pale brown lioness roared and ran towards the young hyena and lion, claws protracted and rage in her eyes. Jasiri and Kufu exchanged a glance and spun on their feet. As soon as the older lioness leaped into the air, her face was met with the black and brown hind legs of the hyena and lion cub, which knocked her into another one of her pridemates.
"Mother, I'm scared!" Nuka screeched, as the pride was backed into the corner.
Zira rolled her eyes, staring down Kion, who was soon surrounded by the rest of his friends. "So...a Lion Guard with just two lions? Pathetic!" she snarled. "Stand tall, my lions! We have this ridiculous group of animals outnumbered!"
"Doesn't matter, Zira." Bunga grinned. "Go ahead, Kion. Use the Roar!"
Kion lowered his muzzle, "I can't." he admitted, a smirk forming on Zira's muzzle. "That's how Scar lost the Roar." Kion added, looking to his friends. "He used it against lions."
Fuli stepped up beside him, "Ki, that's not why he lost it. He lost it because he used the Roar for evil." she reminded, rubbing her cheek against his. "Remember the story? Scar used the Roar against his own Guard when they refused to help him take down Mufasa."
Kion's eyes widened for a moment, realizing his friend was right. "You're right, Fuli." Kion said in realization before he stepped forward, his eyes narrowed into a glare right at Zira.
"No! That's not true." Zira rebuked, her voice shaking. "I know the Roar's powers. Listen to me, Kion..."
"Oh, I've listened to you, Zira." the prince growled. "Now, you listen to me. As long as I'm around, you're not welcome in the Pride Lands...or the Outlands!"
As Kion threatened Zira, Kovu slowly backed away, his ears flat against his head and tail low. Zira's eyes widened in fear.
"You...you wouldn't." Zira stammered. "We're lions!"
Kion narrowed his eyes and unleashed his Roar, blasting Zira and her pride into the sky. Kovu's eyes widened in fear, glancing at the leader of the Guard as he turned around to go after his mom.
"Hey, Kovu!" Kion called out which caused Kovu to stop in his tracks and turn around to look at the Lion Guard leader. "I can see that you are nothing like your mom, so if you ever wanna leave her and follow your own path I can talk to my dad and convince him to let you stay in the Pride Lands, I'm sure Kiara will be happy to see you again." He said with a smile.
Kovu was surprised by that offer and he smiled at Kion and nodded. "Thank you, Kion, I'll keep that in mind and, uhh, please tell Kiara I said hi."
"I will." Kion nodded as Kovu ran after his mother.
Zira and her pride landed on cracked ground near a large termite mound.
"Where are we?" Nuka asked, shaking off the disorientation.
"Our new home." Zira answered. She looked out towards Pride Rock, her red eyes narrowing into an evil glare. "I promise, Scar...one day I will reclaim Pride Rock in your name. Simba and Kion will regret this, mark my words." she snarled maliciously.
Jasiri's clan happily stood around their watering hole. Madoa and Tombie stood opposite of Jasiri and the two lion cubs.
"I know Jasiri believed in you, but I'll admit, I had my doubts." Madoa admitted, smiling at Kion and Kufu.
"I did too." Tombie followed.
"And now?" Kion asked.
"We're glad she has you for a friend." Madoa said with a chuckle.
"And any friend of Jasiri's is a friend of ours." Tombie said with a smile.
Kion returned the smile, "Thanks. Me, too." he glanced at Jasiri and quirked his brow.
"I'm glad to have all of you as friends." Jasiri added, smiling at the Lion Guard.
"Back at ya, Jasiri." Dalia replied as she bumped her shoulder with Jasiri's and the two lightly headbutted eachother, sharing a friendly smile and a giggle
The two small hyena pups were play-wrestling and they rolled around and landed a few feet in front of them. Kion jumped down to talk to them.
"Hey, little ones." the golden cub smiled, lowering his head. "I'm not so scary now, huh?"
The two siblings glanced at each other and ran away yelping, hiding behind a large rock. Jasiri, Madoa, Tombie, and Kufu all laughed, while Kion just shrugged his shoulders.
"Oh, well." he chuckled.
"Take it as a compliment." Kufu encouraged him. "You are pretty fierce." He smiled before nudging his shoulder. "Anyway, we should get going."
"Thanks again." Jasiri said, watching as her lion friends joined up with the rest of the Guard.
"No problem." Kion shrugged off.
"Yeah, if you ever need anything, you know where to find us." Kufu told her as they made their way back to the Pride Lands.
To be continued...
A/N: And that was Lions of the Outlands and oh boy I was waiting for this because we just got Zira and her family in this and apparently she was the one who killed Chumvi and I also would like to give credit to Hu-E3rd for the character of Tombie I wonder what happens next, leave a review and tell us what you think.
Up Next: Kion lost control of the Roar and now he's afraid of using it again.
Here's the Cast List:
Max Charles as Kion; Caleel Harris as Kufu; Joshua Rush as Bunga; Diamond White as Fuli; Dusan Brown as Beshte; Atticus Shaffer as Ono; Nika Futterman as Zira; Jason Marsden as Kovu; Andy Dick as Nuka; Lacey Chabert as Vitani; Maia Mitchell as Jasiri; Isabela Merced as Dalia; Mae Whitman as Kula; Vanessa Marshall as Tama; Khary Payton as Rafiki; Maisie Klompus as Madoa; Tom Kenny as Tombie; Fiona Hart as Hyena Pup 1; Crimson Hart as Hyena Pup 2; and Erica Luttrell as Lioness.