Chapter Eight: Fire and Fear

The gazelles grazed peacefully, unaware of the growing danger—until a smoky scent reached their noses. They lifted their heads, sniffing the air in confusion. Then, they turned and saw it.

Flames.

The fire was spreading toward them, crackling hungrily through the dry grass. Panic swept through the herd as they bolted, their instincts screaming at them to flee.

Meanwhile, the Lion Guard raced toward the scene.

Kion: "Ono, how's it looking from up there?" His eyes sharpened with urgency.

Ono soared higher, scanning the landscape with his keen sight.

Ono: "It's pretty bad. The fire's getting bigger as we speak." His voice was grim.

Kion: "Lion Guard! We need to put the fire out before it spreads any further! Fuli, Ono, lead the gazelles away from the fire!" His ears flattened.

Ono: "Affirmative!" He called.

Fuli: "Huwezi!" She shouted, sprinting ahead.

As flames crept closer, Fuli and Ono worked swiftly.

Fuli: "Keep moving! Stay together!" She urged, circling the herd to keep them from scattering in fear.

Ono: "This way, everyone!" He guided, ensuring they stayed on the safest path.

Back at the fire, Kion, Bunga, and Beshte sprang into action.

Kion: "Bunga, Beshte, fire break!" He commanded, his voice firm and filled with urgency.

Beshte: "You got it, Kion!" He replied, already stomping down dry brush and digging trenches to slow the fire's advance.

As they worked, a sudden gust of wind lifted burning embers into the air—carrying them straight toward a fallen log. The same log where the baboon siblings were trapped.

Inside the log, Bongo clenched his eyes shut, his entire body wriggling as he tried to resist his growing discomfort.

Bongo: "Ohhhh. Guys, I don't think I can hold it any longer. I really, really have to pee." His voice strained as he squirmed.

Bobo: "You just gotta hold it in a little longer, Bongo." He reassured him, keeping his voice calm but still urgent.

Bongo: "I'm trying to." He groaned.

Bobo: "ust think of something other than peeing." He suggested.

Bongo shut his eyes, forcing his mind to wander.

Asha: *baby voice* "Think of Mommy and Daddy." She chimed in, her ears twitching.

Bobo: "Better yet, think of Fuli—your best friend." He nodded.

Asha: *baby voice* "Yeah! Think about playing with her tail." She giggled softly.

Bobo: "Or think about her giving you licks and nuzzles." He added, smirking.

Bongo latched onto the thought, picturing himself tugging playfully at Fuli's tail, laughing as she swatted at him with a teasing smirk. He imagined her pressing her nose against his fur, giving him affectionate licks and soft nuzzles, the warmth of their friendship wrapping around him like a hug.

But it wasn't enough. His mind betrayed him, flashing images of water—the watering hole, pouring rain, a roaring waterfall. His entire body tensed.

Bongo: "Ahhhhhhh-nnnnnngh." He whimpered, his struggle real.

Bobo: "Come on, Bongo." He encouraged.

Bongo: "I'm trying my best." He groaned.

Asha: *sniff sniff sniff* She suddenly lifted her nose, sniffing the air. "What's that smell?" Her eyes widened.

Bobo instinctively sniffed, and when his gaze flickered outside the log, his heart dropped.

Flames.

Bobo: *gasps* "Oh no! Fire!" His voice turned to alarm.

Asha: *baby voice* "I'm scared!" She trembled, her voice turning fearful.

Bongo: "We gotta call for help!" His eyes darted between his siblings and the flames licking closer.

Bongo, Bbbo, and Asha: "Help! Help! Help! Help!" The three of them filled the air with desperate cries.

Their voices rang out into the Savannah, pleading for someone to hear them.

To be continued… End of Chapter Eight

What will happen next? Stay tuned to find out. Until then, leave your reviews/comments. Follow and/or favorite the story. And I'll see you all tomorrow.-MusicLover5903

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