| Ono | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Physical information | |||
| Gender |
Male | ||
| Species | |||
| Feather color |
Cream, orange, purple, tan, and white | ||
| Eye color |
Black | ||
| Distinguishing features |
Mark of the Night Pride on right shoulder | ||
| Biographical information | |||
| Also known as |
| ||
| Status |
Living | ||
| Residence |
• Tree of Life | ||
| Affiliations |
• Night Pride | ||
| Titles |
• Keenest of Sight in the Pride Lands (formerly) | ||
| Relationship information | |||
| Allies |
| ||
| Enemies |
| ||
The Lion Guard: Return of the RoarOno's catchphrase
Ono is a male egret. He is the former keenest of sight and smartest member of the Lion Guard. He currently serves as a member of the Night Pride.
When King Simba tasked his son, Kion, with assembling a new Lion Guard to protect the Pride Lands, Kion recruited Ono to be the keenest of sight. He likewise selected Beshte the hippopotamus to be the strongest, Bunga the honey badger to be the bravest, and Fuli the cheetah to be the fastest. At first, Simba disapproved of Kion's new Lion Guard, as its members were not lions. However, when the Guard fought off an attack by Janja's clan and saved Simba's daughter, Kiara, from a stampede, he accepted them as the new protectors of the Pride Lands.
Over the seasons, the Lion Guard worked together to protect the Pride Lands and its residents. At one point, Janja and Ushari resurrected the spirit of the deceased king Scar. Under Scar's command, the Outlanders banded together and attempted to take over the Pride Lands. Eventually, the Pride Landers invaded the Outlands, and Kion defeated Scar once and for all. However, the conflict resulted in Ono injuring his eyesight, and Rafiki persuaded him to seek healing at the Tree of Life. In Ono's stead, Anga became the new keenest of sight, while Kion re-appointed Ono to the Guard as the smartest.
Alongside his teammates, Ono traveled to the Tree of Life. There, his vision was healed by Queen Janna. While staying at the Tree of Life, the Lion Guard helped the Night Pride defeat an army of hostile predators. They ultimately opted to remain at the Tree of Life and join the Night Pride permanently, thus forfeiting their duties as the Lion Guard to Vitani and her independently formed Lion Guard.
Biography
Early life
Ono's first wordHapana!
Before Ono had hatched, an infant Janja, Cheezi, and Chungu attempted to steal his egg and take it to the Outlands. Just in time, Kion led Beshte, Bunga, and Fuli in an attack on the hyenas, thus saving Ono's egg. After the hyenas had fled, Ono hatched.[1]
Youth
Dawn of the Lion Guard
The Lion Guard: Return of the RoarOno, when Kion refers to his friends as "the Lion Guard"
While playing Baobab Ball, Bunga and Kion raced toward Ono's flock. Panicked, Ono warned them to scatter.
Later, while Ono was hunting a snail, Bunga unexpectedly popped out of the grass. Startled, Ono collapsed in the grass, where Kion approached him and said that he wanted to speak with him, since he could see "just about everything." The three moved on and recruited Beshte to join them as well. Upon searching for Fuli, they found her being chased by baboons, and Ono helped guide her to safety.
Once his friends were assembled, Kion invited them to join his new Lion Guard. He attempted to show them the Roar of the Elders, but all that came out was a squeak. At that moment, Simba approached and chastised Kion for having chosen his friends to join the Lion Guard instead of other lions. Conflicted and upset, Kion wandered off by himself to think.
Shortly afterward, Janja and his clan attacked a herd of gazelles, and Ono noted that Mzingo, a vulture, was telling the hyenas which gazelles to _target next. Seeing the threat to the Pride Lands, Kion defied his father's wishes and formally recruited his friends to join his Lion Guard, gifting them each with the Mark of the Guard. Together, they attacked the Outlanders, with Ono defeating Mzingo.
Once the hyenas had been dealt with, Ono spotted an injured Kiara trapped amidst the stampeding gazelles. Per Kion's instructions, he led Bunga and Fuli to where she was trapped behind a rock, and Bunga scattered the stampede using his stink. Afterwards, Kion defeated Janja's clan with the Roar of the Elders. Watching the Lion Guard's victory from afar, Simba accepted them as the new protectors of the Pride Lands.[2]
Journey to Flat Ridge Rock
But I don't know which way to go from here. I've never been to Flat Ridge Rock.Ono
When Janja, Cheezi, and Chungu began chasing a herd of oryxes in the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard approached and demanded they leave. As the hyenas retreated, Kion ordered his teammates to calm the oryx herd while he took care of the hyenas. However, in chasing the hyenas across a log, Kion fell into a nearby river and got swept downstream.
Upon noticing Kion's peril, Ono informed the rest of the Lion Guard, and they attempted to save him. Eventually, Kion managed to pull himself to safety on the opposite bank of the river, in the Outlands. Ono swooped down to check on his friend, concerned that he was in the Outlands, but Kion remarked that the river was too rough for him to cross safely. He then instructed his friends to meet him at Flat Ridge Rock while he attempted to navigate the Outlands alone. Bunga claimed to know where Flat Ridge Rock was, but Kion sent Ono after him to ensure that the Guard really would reach their destination.
As the Lion Guard's journey began, Bunga led his friends into an area of dense jungle. After a few mishaps, including a run-in with Ushari, the team realized that Bunga was lost. Beshte suggested that they speak with a rhinoceros named Mbeya, who might be familiar with Flat Ridge Rock. Together, the Guard traveled to the watering hole, where Beshte spent a long time speaking with Mbeya. Eventually, the others grew impatient and insisted that Beshte wrap up his conversation. Realizing that he had forgotten to ask about Flat Ridge Rock, he rushed back to ask Mbeya for directions.
With Beshte in the lead, the Lion Guard continued to search for Flat Ridge Rock until Ono spotted it in the distance. Fuli sped ahead of her friends, and the rest of the Guard scrambled to catch up with her. Eventually, they reconvened with her at Flat Ridge Rock and complained that Kion never would have left them behind. Realizing her mistake, she apologized for inconsiderate behavior.
While at Flat Ridge Rock, the Lion Guard overheard Kion using the Roar of the Elders in the Outlands. They followed the noise to where he was standing next to Jasiri. Assuming that she was an enemy, the Guard readied to fight her, but Kion insisted that she was a friend. With the tension abated, the Lion Guard and Jasiri returned to the border of the Pride Lands, where Jasiri and Kion exchanged fond farewells.[3]
Conflict with Makuu
Bunga's on the Lion Guard now. We can't have animals running in terror from his scent!Ono
Upon hearing an animal crying for help in Ukuni Woods, the Lion Guard rushed to the rescue. Ono scouted ahead to check out the situation and discovered, to his annoyance, that it was merely Pim stuck in a thorn bush. Though irritated by the false alarm, the Guard proceeded to free Pim, only for Ushari to swallow him whole. Again, the Guard freed him, but he promptly ran away in terror from Bunga's smell. Ono asked Bunga how long it had been since he had bathed, and he confessed that he did not remember.
Afterward, the Lion Guard traveled to Big Springs, where Beshte showed off his home to his friends. While there, the Guard witnessed Makuu challenge his leader, Pua, to a mashindano. While Kion left to discuss the mashindano with Simba, Ono informed Bunga's adoptive uncles, Timon and Pumbaa, that he must be cleaned. The duo and Ono argued over Bunga's smell, all while Ono tried various methods to get rid of the odor, to no avail. Eventually, he opted to think of a solution later.
That evening, the Pride Landers gathered to witness the mashindano between Makuu and Pua. After Makuu defeated Pua, the Lion Guard gathered in the Lair of the Lion Guard, where Ono made another attempt to mask Bunga's stink. In the midst of the gathering, Kiara approached and warned Kion that the giraffes had moved into the baboons' forest. As Ono scouted the Pride Lands, he reported that Makuu had invaded Big Springs, which had forced the other animals to switch habitats.
The Lion Guard confronted Makuu over his invasion and told him to leave Big Springs, but he refused and mocked Kion for being unwilling to fight him. Though his teammates encouraged him to use the Roar of the Elders on Makuu, he decided against it, as he did not want to be like Scar. The team returned to Pride Rock, only to discover that baboons had overrun the den. As the Guard deliberated what to do, Ono managed to get rid of Bunga's stink by using mint leaves.
Eventually, the Lion Guard decided to demonstrate the Roar of the Elders on a grove of trees to show Makuu what he would be in for, should he attempt a fight. While Bunga, Fuli, and Ono set out to clear a nearby grove of animals, Beshte and Kion confronted Makuu. As they were clearing the grove, Bunga, Fuli, and Ono spotted Pim sitting peacefully in a tree, and Ono tried and failed to make him move. When his smell failed to scare away Pim, Bunga had to carry him forcibly to the ground. Ono then gave the signal, and Kion roared into the trees, clearing them of all their leaves. Awed and intimidated, Makuu backed down and led his float out of Big Springs.
After Makuu left, the animals returned to their usual habitats, and Basi invited the crocodiles to return to Big Springs once the fish population had risen high enough. While the Lion Guard watched in satisfaction, Ono apologized to Bunga for having tried to get rid of his smell.[4]
Bunga the Wise
Everyone! You gotta see what's going on at Hakuna Matata Falls!Ono
During a rainstorm, the Lion Guard tried to persuade a troop of baboons to climb down from a tree that was about to fall off a cliff. When the baboons refused to see reason, Kion ordered Bunga to scare them down, and he used his stink to flush them out of the tree.
After the rescue, the Lion Guard took a breather. In the middle of their break, they noticed a wall of water racing toward them. Kion ordered Ono to investigate, and he informed his teammates that Lake Kiziwa was flooding. Bunga proposed that they knock a pile of large rocks into the path of the floodwaters, and the Guard did so, momentarily stopping the flood. As some Pride Landers gathered around, Rafiki started to compliment honey badgers on their wisdom but dropped some fruit that he was carrying and cut his statement short. Without waiting for Rafiki to finish, Bunga proclaimed that he was the smartest animal in the Pride Lands and left to tell Timon and Pumbaa.
As the Lion Guard raced after Bunga, they encountered animal after animal who needed their help. Just as they were about to check on the cobras, Ono proclaimed that they had to see what was going on at Hakuna Matata Falls. Upon arriving at the falls, the Guard beheld several animals lined up to meet Bunga, who had proclaimed himself to be a sage. Seeing the disaster for what it was, Kion attempted to reason with Bunga, but he refused to rejoin the Lion Guard. Timon then ushered the friends away from Bunga, and they reluctantly left.
While walking the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard freed Mbuni, whose head was stuck in the sand, and she explained that she had been advised to do so by Bunga the Wise. After this, the friends encountered more and more animals who were in danger because they had taken Bunga's advice. Finally, Kion admitted that they needed to stop Bunga before it was too late. At that moment, they saw Bunga at the head of a parade that was celebrating his great wisdom. Kion approached and once again attempted to make Bunga see reason, but he pointed out that everyone loved his advice. Timon added that Bunga had fixed the dam. No sooner had he said this when the dam broke, and the animals were forced to flee the encroaching floodwaters.
With Kion in the lead, the animals ran into a canyon, but Ono accidentally led them into a dead-end. Trapped, the animals looked to Bunga for wisdom, but he implored them to listen to Kion instead, for he truly did know how to handle bad situations. Thinking quickly, Kion ordered the others to stand behind him, then used the Roar of the Elders to send the floodwaters splashing backwards. With the Pride Lands safe, the Lion Guard relaxed at a new water hole that had been created by the floodwaters.[5]
Kiara's temporary queenship
Thank you for the opportunity, my queen. And you, er, my Kion?Ono to Kiara, after she asks him for a Morning Report
One day, Simba put Kiara in charge of the Pride Lands temporarily. That morning, Kion readied the Lion Guard to go on their morning patrol, only for Ono to simply fly over them, en route to Pride Rock. The Lion Guard followed him to Pride Rock, where Tiifu and Zuri gave Kiara a royal announcement. Annoyed, Kion asked Kiara what was going on, and she explained that she was getting the Morning Report from Ono, since Zazu was with their parents.
As Kion watched in disapproval, Ono reported that a herd of elands was moving along the river and that several new hives of bees had appeared on the trail by the river. Kiara quickly connected the dots, realizing that the elands would run right into the hives and thus incite chaos. She asked Kion to divert the herd so that they would not run into the bees, and Kion reluctantly agreed to the task.
Once at the river trail, Kion stubbornly refused to listen to his sister and instead tried to move the bees. The plan quickly backfired, with the bees chasing the Lion Guard straight into the herd of elands. After the Lion Guard reported the incident to Kiara, she chided Kion for having not listened to her. Later, thinking she knew best, she decided to meet Janja alone at Broken Rock. Just in time, the Lion Guard arrived and saved her.[6]
Eye injury
We do belong together. All of us. Eye or no eye, my place is with the Guard.Ono
One day, the Lion Guard got trapped in the midst of a wildebeest stampede and were unable to see through the thick dust. Kion appealed to Ono for help, and he guided his teammates from the air, helping them to chase off Janja, Cheezi, and Chungu. However, as Ono was ensuring that the hyenas had left the Pride Lands, he got dust in his eye and fell to the earth.
Acting quickly, the Lion Guard brought Ono before Rafiki, who constructed an eye patch for him and told him to stay out of action for three days. Though Kion assured Ono that the Lion Guard could get by without him, he insisted on proving himself and attempted to show off his keen sight to his friends. However, as he was flying over the Pride Lands, he bumped into Mwoga and fell out of the sky again. Meanwhile, Mwoga observed the situation from above and resolved to report what he had learned to Mzingo.
In the Outlands, Mwoga informed his parliament about Ono's eye injury, and they debated how to proceed. Janja happened to overhear the vultures and hatched a plan to trick the Lion Guard while Ono was out of commission. Meanwhile, Rafiki attempted to paint a picture of the Lion Guard but was continually unsatisfied with his work. At that moment, Beshte rushed up to his friends and reported that Janja had been spotted in the Pride Lands, overlooking a herd of zebras from a high cliff. Horrified, Kion led his teammates to investigate, save Ono, who stayed behind with Rafiki.
After his friends had left, Ono assured Rafiki that his new painting looked just like the other paintings of past Lion Guards. This made Rafiki realize that Kion's Lion Guard was not like the others, for they were not just teammates; they were friends. Asserting that he must help his friends, no matter his condition, Ono bid Rafiki farewell and flew off to rejoin his team.
Across the Pride Lands, Kion led his teammates into a canyon, only for Janja, Cheezi, and Chungu to drop boulders on either side of them, entrapping them. After gloating to Kion, Janja rushed off to eat the zebra herd. As the Guard tried and failed to escape the ravine, Ono appeared, and Kion instructed him to move the zebras so that he could safely blast away the rocks with the Roar of the Elders. Ono did as instructed, and Kion used the Roar to free the Lion Guard. Their plan a failure, the hyenas retreated to the Outlands.
After the rescue, the Lion Guard returned to Pride Rock, where they discovered that Rafiki had redone his painting so that Kion was among his friends, not just his teammates. Ono complimented Rafiki's work, and Rafiki commented that such words meant a lot to him, as they came from the keenest of sight.[7]
Kupatana
Outlanders never come to Kupatana. Right, Kion?Ono, after Dogo asks to attend Kupatana
On the day of Kupatana, the Lion Guard expressed excitement over the festivities, but Simba reminded them that Kupatana was a day of peace where all the animals in the Pride Lands gathered together in harmony. Just then, the Lion Guard overheard loud noises from the Outlands, and Ono reported that a jackal pup was being chased by Janja and his clan. Though Kion was hesitant to interfere in Outlands business, Simba encouraged him to save the jackal in the spirit of Kupatana.
With Kion in the lead, the Lion Guard entered the Outlands and fought off the hyenas. To the Guard's surprise, instead of putting up a fight, Janja simply let them take the pup. Once the hyenas had fled, Kion checked on the pup, who introduced himself as Dogo and asked if he could accompany the Lion Guard back to the Pride Lands. Kion hesitated, but when Dogo proved to be too cute for the Lion Guard, he allowed the pup to join them. Once in the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard explained Kupatana to Dogo and invited him to join in, despite Fuli's and Ono's protests. They then granted him a hillside to use as his new home and left to go on their daily patrol.
While on patrol, Beshte and Bunga spotted Dogo's brothers making themselves at home in aardvark warrens. When the amount of jackals became too much for them to handle, they called out for Kion, who raced to the rescue alongside Fuli and Ono. Once at the scene, Kion attempted to find Dogo among the jackal pups, and Reirei stepped forward, introducing herself and Goigoi as Dogo's parents. She appealed to Kion to let them stay in the Pride Lands, for Dogo could not stay on his own, away from his family. Though miffed, Kion reluctantly agreed and made her promise to stop stealing the aardvarks' food.
Afterward, the Lion Guard rescued Mbeya from a mud pit. No sooner had they done this when they overheard several Pride Landers crying out in distress and followed the noise to where the jackals had stolen more food. Kion lectured Reirei for the thefts, but she claimed that the customs of the Pride Lands were so different from their own and asked if her family could participate in Kupatana. Though still dubious, Kion allowed the jackals to attend, but only if they treated the other Pride Landers with respect.
Later that day, the Kupatana celebration began, and the animals witnessed the blooming of the baobab blossoms. However, in the midst of the proceedings, the jackals broke through the crowd and began to attack. As chaos broke out, Kion and Simba implored the Pride Landers to work together to fight off the jackals, and Kion joined the rest of the Lion Guard. Together, they cornered Reirei and her family in the midst of Mizimu Grove, and Kion ordered them to return to the Outlands. Reirei pleaded for a second chance until Simba stepped forward and roared, frightening her and her family so badly that they fled the grove.
After the jackals had gone, Kion apologized for his mistake, but Simba reminded him that it had been he who had encouraged the Guard to rescue Dogo. He then pointed out that all the Pride Landers had stood together in fighting off the jackals, just as the spirit of Kupatana encouraged. At that moment, Bunga began to eat some fallen baobab blossoms, and many of the Pride Landers joined in, including Ono.[8]
Disturbing Fuli's hunting
Hapana! Fuli's all alone.Ono
One day, the Lion Guard was guiding a herd of cape buffalo away from a mudslide when Bunga got flung on top of Ushari. Out of pure reflex, Ushari bit him, and Ono panicked that a cobra's bite was venomous. With Bunga on Beshte's back, the Lion Guard raced to Rafiki's tree, only for Rafiki to proclaim that honey badgers were immune to snake bites. Timon and Pumbaa resolved to throw a feast in celebration of Bunga's immunity, but Ono explained that his flock got jittery if he did not show up for mealtimes. Fuli claimed that she was going to hunt alone, and a horrified Timon and Pumbaa insisted that she join them to eat. As Fuli walked away with Timon and Pumbaa, Beshte, Kion, and Ono wondered if they should involve Fuli in their activities more.
After Timon and Pumbaa's feast, Fuli attempted to go hunting by herself, but Ono spotted her by herself and invited her to share a meal with his flock. Though at first elated, she soon discovered that Ono's flock merely ate bugs that were kicked up by elephants. After their separate encounters with Fuli, Beshte, Kion, and Ono met up and shared their experiences. Realizing that Fuli may just want to be left alone, they resolved to find her and promise to let her be herself from then on.
Meanwhile, Bunga and Fuli got cornered in the Outlands volcano by Janja and his clan. Just in time, the rest of the Lion Guard showed up and helped them escape. Once safely back in the Pride Lands, the Guard resolved to cool off at the watering hole, but Kion reminded Fuli that she did not have to come. She thanked him for understanding but reassured him that she still enjoyed the company of her friends and that she thought of them as her family. The five friends then joined in a group hug.[9]
Search for Utamu
Actually, Fuli, cheetahs do get worn out. Uh, well, maybe you don't get worn out?Ono
The Lion Guard was checking on a herd of cape buffalo when they realized that the herd was grazing near a geyser. When the geyser exploded, the herd ran off in a panic, but Fuli circled them until they calmed down. The rest of the Lion Guard caught up to her, impressed, only to hear three galagos crying out for help. Before Kion could instruct his teammates on what to do, Fuli rushed to the rescue, saving the galagos on her own. This time, when the Guard had caught up with her, Kion lectured her for having left them in the dust, but Fuli reminded him that she had known that she could handle it by herself.
Shortly afterward, the team stumbled across Mapema Rock, where Bunga resolved to hunt for Utamu grubs. Just then, the Lion Guard heard a cry for help, and Ono reported that a serval had tried to jump across Big Ravine. Once again, without waiting for instructions, Fuli made the save on her own, and Kion confronted her in a fury. Though Fuli claimed that she was always at full strength, Ono pointed out that even cheetahs could get worn out. In the face of her anger, however, he posited that maybe she did not get worn out.
After the argument, Kion instructed Fuli to rest while the rest of the Lion Guard helped Bunga find Utamu grubs. As the group started their search, they worried that they were lost, but Bunga told them to follow the dung beetles. While following the dung beetles, he told his friends the story of how he had met Timon and Pumbaa. Afterward, he attempted to climb a tree to fetch some Utamu for his uncles, but the branch he was standing on broke, and the Utamu fell into the river below.
At that moment, Ono reported that vultures were circling in the distance, and the Lion Guard resolved to investigate. As they drew nearer, they realized that the vultures were attacking an exhausted Fuli. Just in time, the Lion Guard fought the parliament off, and Kion used the Roar of the Elders to blow them away. Once the vultures had gone, Fuli thanked her friends for having saved her and promised to wait for them on the next mission. Together, the Lion Guard traveled to Hakuna Matata Falls, where they shared in a feast of Utamu grubs with Timon and Pumbaa.[10]
Training with Mtoto
Affirmative! The sky's probably the safest place to be.Ono, as Mtoto disrupts the Lion Guard's training
When the Lion Guard got alerted to a hyena attack, they arrived on the scene, only to discover that it was simply a group of young animals playing "Lion Guard." Kion explained to the youngsters how dangerous it was to pretend to be hyenas, and they vowed to never play in such a way again. Afterward, Mtoto approached his idol, Beshte, and suggested that the real Lion Guard play with them. The other young animals were enthusiastic about this idea, but Kion admitted that the Guard had business elsewhere. Mtoto begged Beshte to stay, and he, in turn, invited the young elephant to watch the Guard train.
Once at the training grounds, Beshte told his teammates that he had brought along Mtoto, and Kion agreed to let the young elephant train with them. However, Mtoto continually disrupted the training session until Kion decided to send him home. After Beshte and Mtoto had left, Kion continued to train his team by pitting Bunga against Fuli in a race. Kion then asked Ono to look for Beshte, who had not shown back up for training.
When Ono failed to locate Beshte, the Lion Guard began searching for him. While they were searching, they stumbled across Mtoto's friends, who informed them that the hyenas had attacked Beshte and Mtoto. Per Kion's instructions, Ono scouted ahead and caught sight of Beshte and Mtoto in peril. Just in time, the Lion Guard approached and saved the duo from a float of crocodiles. In the chaos, the hyenas got knocked into the water, where they were chased in circles by the crocodile float.[11]
Encounter with Tamaa
Hapana! Tamaa's a drongo! That explains everything!Ono
One day, some Pride Landers informed the Lion Guard that they had been separately threatened by Janja, Goigoi, and Makuu. While Kion attempted to find Janja, Beshte and Bunga searched the river bank for Makuu, and Fuli and Ono tracked down Goigoi. Despite sniffing around the sites of the incidents, the Lion Guard failed to yield any results, save for the thievery of the victims' food. Confused, Kion pressed the animals for more information and discovered that Janja, Goigoi, and Makuu had all said the same thing to their victim.
Just then, the Lion Guard overheard Janja's voice and followed the noise to where a drongo named Tamaa was sitting in a bush. The Guard pressed him for information, and he pointed them in the right direction. However, as they were following Tamaa's instructions, Ono suddenly instructed his teammates to turn back. Once they had returned to Tamaa, they witnessed him mimicking Janja's voice in order to scare off a hyrax. The Lion Guard approached, trapping Tamaa, and Ono explained that drongos could sound like other animals. Furious, Kion confronted Tamaa for his wrongdoing, and he admitted that he had been the one scaring off animals in order to steal their food. He then showed off his voice mimicry talents to the Lion Guard. Kion, however, remained unimpressed and made Tamaa promise to only use his own voice from then on.
Just then, the Lion Guard overheard the real Janja chasing a herd of impalas. They raced to the rescue and put a stop to the hyena's schemes, forcing him, Cheezi, and Chungu to return to the Outlands. Shortly afterward, the Guard happened across Thurston, who was fervently trying to escape danger. Upon being questioned, he revealed that he and a herd of impalas had heard Kion instructing them to go to the Outlands for safety. Suspicious, Kion surmised that Janja was forcing Tamaa to herd impalas into the Outlands for his own satisfaction, and the Guard raced off to put a stop to the danger.
Meanwhile, Tamaa attempted to trick the hyenas by mimicking the Lion Guard's voices, but they caught him in the act. Before they could hurt him, the real Lion Guard arrived and chased them away. Together, the Guard escorted the impalas back to the Pride Lands, where Tamaa vowed to only use his voice for good from then on.[12]
Bunga's prediction
You're right. I better help. Kion's in danger.Ono, after Beshte, Bunga, and Fuli express concern for Kion's future
One day, the Lion Guard rescued an infant gazelle whose hoof was stuck under a large rock. Beshte managed to lift the rock off the gazelle's hoof, but the moment Bunga pulled him free, they both started to tumble toward a steep drop. Just in time, Kion grabbed Bunga and pulled both him and the calf to safety. After the rescue, Ono escorted the gazelle home, while the rest of the Guard headed to the Lair of the Lion Guard.
Shortly afterward, Ono swept into the Lair, reporting that a herd of zebras was stampeding. The Guard caught up to the stampede, and Bunga recognized a nearby pile of rocks from one of Rafiki's paintings. Horrified, he realized that the rocks were going to fall on the zebra herd. With the Lion Guard's help, he steered the zebras to safety, and the rocks fell harmlessly to the earth.
Once the zebras were safe, Bunga left with Beshte to show him Rafiki's paintings, while Kion, Fuli, and Ono stayed behind to question the zebras on why they had stampeded. Thurston explained that a loud "boom" – or thunder, as Kion figured out – had frightened them. The Lion Guard assured the herd that they were safe, and Kion commanded Ono to guide them home.
Meanwhile, Beshte and Bunga attempted to warn Kion that one of Rafiki's paintings had shown him falling from a tree, but he scoffed at their wild theories. At that moment, Ono approached, warning his teammates that the hyenas were attacking the zebras. Once at the scene of the attack, Kion instructed his friends to take on Cheezi and Chungu while he handled Janja. As Janja chased a zebra around a large rock, Kion decided to climb an overhanging tree branch in order to ambush him, but Bunga interrupted his attack by tackling him to the ground. Together, the two fell on top of Janja, who retreated to the Outlands.
After the awkward rescue, Kion questioned Bunga on why he had tackled him, but Bunga simply whispered to Beshte that Kion had fallen from the tree, just as the paintings had predicted. Beshte, however, noted that it had been Bunga who had knocked Kion from the tree, so the cub might still be in danger. Just then, Ono reported that three zebras were stranded on the other side of Maji Baridi Falls.
Along the way, Bunga attempted to save Kion from tripping over a tree branch, but the branch turned out to be Ushari. Suspicious, Fuli confronted her friends over their strange behavior, and they explained their theory about Kion's imminent peril. Though doubtful, she decided to help them for Kion's sake. Just then, Ono called for Kion to climb a tree and take a look around, but Beshte, Bunga, and Fuli scrambled to save him. In doing so, they leaped up on the tree trunk so that the whole tree collapsed.
Before Kion could get an explanation from his friends, Ono interrupted that he had spotted a shortcut through the trees. Bunga quickly suggested a different route, and Beshte and Fuli supported him. As the Guard took the alternative route, which passed through a stream, Bunga explained his theory about Kion's future to Ono. Worried about Kion's safety, Ono agreed to help his friends.
Before long, the Lion Guard arrived at Maji Baridi Falls, where Beshte, Bunga, Fuli, and Ono became so distracted worrying over Kion that they failed to notice him crossing a log over a raging river. In a panic, they crossed the log to save him, but the log tipped, throwing them all to the opposite bank of the river. Furious, Kion demanded to know why they were acting so strangely, and Bunga reminded him that Rafiki's paintings had predicted his fall from a tree branch. Kion, however, refused to believe his claim.
As Beshte rose to his feet, he accidentally sent a rock rolling toward the zebras, who panicked and fell into the river. The Lion Guard raced alongside them until they reached the end of the falls, where Kion resolved to climb onto an overhanging tree branch so he could roar the zebras to safety. Bunga protested adamantly, worried for his friend's safety, but Kion denounced Rafiki's paintings once and for all, and climbed down to save the zebras. From the tip of the tree branch, he used the Roar of the Elders to blow the zebras to safety. On his way back up the tree, he slipped and fell, to his friends' horror, but managed to catch himself at the last moment.
After the rescue, the Lion Guard returned to the Lair, where Rafiki showed them that the paintings had been depictions of the past, not the future. With his bakora staff, he demonstrated that the zebra herd had not been running toward the rocks, but away from them after they had fallen. He then explained that the cub whom they had thought was Kion was actually the father of Kion's mother, Nala. After the revelation, Rafiki forced Bunga to clean up the spilled paints, and Bunga commented that he had liked the other paintings better. This caused his friends to laugh.[13]
Mbali Fields migration
We just have to go down this steep slope and through the canyon. You can see the Fields from here. I just hope we get there before the storm hits.Ono, during the Mbali Fields migration
From atop a nearby hill, the Lion Guard witnessed some gazelles and zebras fighting, and Beshte recognized the gazelles as being Swala's herd and the zebras as being Muhimu's herd. The Guard attempted to stop the fight, to no avail, until Kion roared for silence. With the herds now paying attention, he and Beshte pointed out that the grazing grounds in the Pride Lands were open to everyone, but Muhimu and Swala explained that there was only one small patch of grass left for both herds to share.
After Simba instructed Kion to lead the herds to Mbali Fields, Ono informed Kion about a route that they could take to get there. Kion then announced to the herds that he would be leading them to Mbali Fields, and they cheered for him. With Kion in the lead, the herds set out, and the Lion Guard escorted them across the Pride Lands.
Eventually, the herds reached a canyon, where Kion attempted to encourage his charges through their fatigue and hunger. Ono assured Kion that they were close, though he voiced his worries about an encroaching storm. As the herds paused to behold Mbali Fields, Muhimu lost patience and began to charge through the canyon with her herd. Not to be outdone, Swala and her gazelles tore after them. Though the Guard attempted to stop them, a huge pile of rocks fell into their path, blocking the way into Mbali Fields. Realizing that the rocks were unmovable, Kion resolved to find an alternative route. After searching the surrounding area, Ono informed Kion that the only other way to Mbali Fields would take them through the Outlands. Grimly, Kion accepted their fate.
As the herds set out, the storm broke over the canyon, and the gazelles and zebras began to complain about Kion's leadership. At that moment, a flash flood forced the herds to race to higher ground. While Ono led the herds to higher ground, the rest of the Guard rescued those who were still trapped in the floodwaters. Once the herds were safe, they began to complain about Kion, criticizing his choice to take them through the canyon. However, Muhimu took the blame for having started the stampede and promised to make things easier from then on. Because of Muhimu's words of encouragement, the herds trusted Kion to lead them into the Outlands.
However, as the herds entered the Outlands, Muhimu went into labor, and Kion was forced to make a difficult choice. While he sent Beshte, Fuli, and Ono ahead to Mbali Fields, he and Bunga stayed behind to help Muhimu give birth. Eventually, the Lion Guard regrouped in Mbali Fields, where they watched Muhimu's newborn son play with Bunga.[14]
Sinkhole
Hapana! A sinkhole! Someone's fallen in! And I think it's the king!Ono
While the Lion Guard was helping a sable antelope out of the mud, Ono reported that Simba had fallen into a sinkhole. With Ono in the lead, Kion raced to the scene of the disaster, while the rest of the Lion Guard finished saving the antelope. Once the Guard had reconvened, Bunga jumped into the sinkhole, and the Lion Guard deliberated how they could free him and Simba. Kion sent Ono to investigate, and he reported that there was no discernable way out of the sinkhole and that the walls were crumbling.
Per Kion's suggestion, the Lion Guard tipped a log into the sinkhole for Bunga and Simba to climb out on, but it splintered to pieces at the bottom of the sinkhole. Eventually, Bunga and Simba discovered a tunnel to Nandembo Caverns, and the rest of the Guard agreed to meet them in the underground tunnels. Along with Timon and Pumbaa, the Lion Guard entered Nandembo Caverns and reunited with Bunga and Simba. After the rescue, the Guard traveled to Mizimu Grove, where they performed "Hakuna Matata" with the royal family, Timon, and Pumbaa for Ma Tembo's herd.[15]
Beshte's imaginary friend
Uh, Beshte? Maybe you've been hiding all alone a little too long.Ono, after Beshte describes Ajabu
After the Lion Guard finished a game of hide-and-seek, Fuli asked how long it had taken Kion to find everyone, and Ono reported that Kion had found him pretty quickly. Since it was her turn to be "it," Fuli began to count, and Ono soared away to hide. However, the game got interrupted when Fuli discovered leopard tracks nearby. Puzzled, Ono pointed out that there were no leopards in the Pride Lands. Per Kion's instructions, he searched for the leopard and soon spotted him stalking a herd of gazelles.
Together, the Lion Guard approached the leopard, who introduced himself as Makucha and told them that if they wanted him to leave, they would have to catch him first. Though Fuli chased after him, Makucha escaped by leaping across Big Ravine. Afterward, Ono pointed out that the gazelles had not seemed the least bit frightened of the leopard, most likely because they had never seen one before.
As Kion started to divide the Guard up, he noticed that Beshte was missing. Ono assured Kion that they would find him, then departed alongside Bunga. Eventually, the two found Beshte, who explained that he had been showing his new friend, Ajabu, around the Pride Lands. Ono, however, remarked that he only saw Beshte, nobody else. Beshte described Ajabu as a mixture of three animals, and Ono commented that he sure sounded "different." Ono then led Beshte and Bunga back to Kion.
Once the Lion Guard had reconvened, Kion broke up an argument between Beshte and Bunga about whether or not Ajabu was real. The group continued to track Makucha, following his tracks, when Beshte suddenly yelled that he saw "him." As Beshte raced off, Ono wondered why he had not seen Makucha. After a wild chase across the savanna, the Guard discovered that Beshte had been chasing his "imaginary" friend instead of the leopard. Ono and Bunga tried to get Beshte to admit that Ajabu was imaginary, but Beshte persisted in his claim. Hurt by his friends' doubts, he walked off to be alone.
Once Beshte had gone, Kion asked Ono why he did not believe Beshte, and Ono explained that they had never seen Ajabu, even when Beshte was claiming that he was right there. Kion, however, defended Beshte's integrity, and Ono realized that he and Bunga should apologize. Together, they approached Beshte and apologized for their doubts. Beshte accepted their apologies, then took the lead in tracking down Ajabu.
Before long, the Lion Guard spotted Makucha stalking a panicked zebra herd. The Guard pursued Makucha for a short time, while Beshte explained that Ajabu had probably been hiding in the zebra herd. Suddenly, an okapi ran by, which shocked Ono. The Guard then noticed Makucha chasing Ajabu, and Ono dove at the leopard to stop him. Eventually realizing that he was outnumbered, Makucha fled, and Beshte introduced Ajabu to his friends. Afterward, the Guard escorted Ajabu to Pride Rock, where Simba and Nala gave him their blessing and permission to stay in the Pride Lands. The Guard decided to celebrate by playing hide-and-seek, only for Ajabu to seemingly vanish into thin air.[16]
Termite infestation
Termites eat wood. So, too many termites would eat too much wood.Ono
While patrolling the Pride Lands after dark, the Lion Guard heard someone calling to them, and Ono led them to Muhangus and Muhanga. They, in turn, reported that their den had been invaded by hyenas. Upon approaching the supposed hyenas with his teammates, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to blast them into the Outlands.
The next day, in the Lair of the Lion Guard, Ono reported that the Mekundu bats' tree was collapsing, with the bats inside it. Bunga questioned why Ono had not woken the bats himself, and he replied defensively that they were bats. As the Guard took off to save the bats, Ono spotted a fallen tree that they could use to cross a ravine. However, as soon as the Guard had crossed it, it splintered into pieces behind them. Though confused, they continued on their way, and Ono pointed out the bats' tree. When the Guard failed to awaken the bats, Bunga climbed inside the tree and drove them out, to Ono's horror. The Guard then noticed a large number of termites on the tree, and Ono agreed with Kion's theory that they had eaten through the wood. As the Guard spoke, more trees collapsed around them, and Kion resolved to consult with his father about the situation.
At Pride Rock, Simba suggested that the Lion Guard question the aardwolves about the problem, and Ono remarked that he had never seen an aardwolf before. As Simba described more about the aardwolves, the Guard realized that they had mistakenly driven the aardwolves, not the hyenas, out of the Pride Lands.
In an effort to bring the pack back to the Pride Lands, they ventured into the Outlands, where they noted that they had not seen any termites thus far. Ono commented that when the aardwolves returned to the Pride Lands, they would have a large amount of food waiting for them. Shortly afterward, the Guard located the aardwolves, but they fled in terror of Kion's Roar. Although the pack managed to escape the Guard, Ono noticed a lone aardwolf, Mjomba, running by himself toward a cliff. Though Bunga rescued Mjomba, he simply reacted with offense that the Guard had driven him and his pack out of the Pride Lands in the first place. However, after the Guard described how many termites were in the Pride Lands, Mjomba agreed to lead them to the rest of his pack.
Once the Lion Guard had arrived at the cave in which the pack was sheltering, Ono realized that the aardwolves were being attacked by Reirei and Goigoi. The Guard promptly rescued the aardwolves, then escorted them back to the Pride Lands. Afterward, as the Guard was lounging in the Lair, Bunga grieved the loss of all the termites. At that moment, Ono delivered a "thank you" gift of termites from the aardwolves, which delighted Bunga.[17]
Training Badili
And I'll teach you to be... Huh. I can't really teach you to be keener of sight.Ono to Badili
While lounging at Hakuna Matata Falls, the Lion Guard watched Bunga perform several dives into a pool at the base of the falls. In the middle of the game, a group of galagos sprinted onto the scene, yelling for help, and Laini explained that a ferocious leopard had settled into their tree. Though Kion resolved to help the galagos, Ono reported that Shingo the giraffe was stuck in a tree in Ukuni Woods.
After promising to return for the galagos, the Lion Guard set out to free Shingo, whose neck was stuck in the branches of an acacia tree. No sooner had the Guard rescued him when the galagos reappeared, having been frightened away from the falls by Pumbaa's flatulence. The Guard reassured the galagos that they were safe and tried to convince them to return to the falls, but Laini insisted that they remain with the Guard.
With the galagos riding on Beshte's back, the Lion Guard proceeded to the galagos' tree, where they saw the leopard, Badili, resting in its branches. While the galagos sheltered in a nearby bush, the Guard confronted Badili, who tried to put up a brave front until his courage failed him and he cowered before them. Confused, the Guard questioned whether he was the ferocious leopard who had driven out the galagos, and he explained that he had not realized that he had been stealing someone's home. The Lion Guard questioned whether Badili had territory of his own, and he admitted that he lived in Mirihi Forest. He added that he would rather share the galagos' tree than leave, but Kion insisted that he must return to where he belonged. Though Badili tried several tactics to stay in the Pride Lands, he eventually gave in and followed the Lion Guard back home to Mirihi Forest.
Along the way, Badili stalled for time, and Kion demanded to know why he was not keen on returning home. Instead of answering, Badili forged ahead of the Lion Guard, returning to his tree alone. As he disappeared into the brush, Kion decided to follow him and see why he was acting so strangely. Together, the Lion Guard hid in the bushes near Badili's tree and watched as he got bullied by a fellow leopard named Mapigano. Outraged at Mapigano's cruelty, the Lion Guard rushed to Badili's defense and forced Mapigano to give Badili his territory back. Mapigano begrudgingly left, and Badili thanked the Lion Guard for their help.
The next day, the Lion Guard was patrolling Embamba Canyon when the galagos once more ran up to them in terror. The Guard returned to the galagos' tree, where they found Badili resting in its branches. Ashamed, Badili confessed that Mapigano had driven him out again. Realizing that he had made a mistake in chasing off Mapigano himself, Kion told his teammates that Badili must face Mapigano alone to show that he was not afraid. He offered to teach Badili how to stand up for himself, and though the leopard was hesitant at first, he ultimately agreed to train with the Lion Guard. Ono pointed out that he could not teach Badili to be keener of sight, so Kion told him to help the leopard with eye contact instead.
During his training sessions, Badili learned to face his fears and be strong and swift. Once he had passed every test, the Lion Guard expressed their confidence in his newfound determination. Together, the Guard and Badili returned to Mirihi Forest, where the Guard waited in hiding while Badili confronted Mapigano. Using his new skills, Badili drove Mapigano out of his territory, and the Lion Guard cheered for his bravery. They assured him that he had looked nothing short of brave, and Ono praised him for having stood up for himself. Badili thanked the Lion Guard for their belief in him, and they, in turn, resolved to inform the galagos that they were clear to return home.
Once back in the Pride Lands, the Guard rested at Hakuna Matata Falls, only to get interrupted by Laini, who informed them that someone else had invaded the galagos' tree. The Lion Guard rushed to the scene to find that Bunga was resting in the tree branches with the galagos. As Bunga pulled Laini into a hug, she declared that perhaps Badili had not been so bad after all, which made the rest of the Guard laugh.[18]
Nne and Tano's attack
Maybe we should let them stay. After all, hyenas are scavengers. By cleaning up after everyone, they'd actually be helping the Circle of Life in the Pride Lands.Ono on Cheezi and Chungu
After a rainstorm hit the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard patrolled the kingdom for any signs of trail blockage. Unbeknownst to the team, Janja and his clan were watching from the shadows, waiting for them to walk out of sight. Once the Guard had gone, the hyenas attempted to ambush a herd of wildebeests, but mid-attack, Janja slipped on the muddy ground and fell straight into the Lion Guard's paws. Though Janja attempted to lie his way out of trouble, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to banish him and his followers back to the Outlands.
After driving out Janja's clan, the Lion Guard continued to patrol the Pride Lands for blocked trails. During their search, they got caught in a mudslide and managed to escape to solid ground. Once safe, they resolved to clear the newly-blocked trail from Big Springs to Mekundu Cliffs so that the other Pride Landers could use it safely. While Bunga and Ono kept other animals from using the trail, Kion, Beshte, and Fuli worked to clear scattered debris off the path. While guarding the trail, Bunga and Ono stopped Twiga from using it. However, Thurston stubbornly strode past them and got stuck in mud.
Later, the Lion Guard rescued two animals from a mudslide, only to realize that they were, in fact, Cheezi and Chungu. Kion sent Ono to search the surrounding area for Janja, but Cheezi and Chungu explained that they were no longer affiliated with him or his clan. Ono reported to Kion that Janja was nowhere to be seen, and so, Kion ordered Cheezi and Chungu to return to the Outlands without him. The hyenas protested that they would just get kicked out again, and the other members of the Lion Guard pointed out that they were too dumb to cause much trouble. Kion questioned whether Cheezi and Chungu would continue to attack the herds, but they declared that they only wanted to eat leftovers, and Ono pointed out that this would actually benefit the Circle of Life. Reluctantly, Kion agreed to let the hyenas stay in the Pride Lands.
Just then, Ono spotted a herd of stampeding antelope, and the Lion Guard rushed off to stop them. After calming the herd, Kion voiced his suspicions that a hyena had been behind the stampede, as he had caught a whiff of hyena scent while pursuing the herd. He instructed Ono to find Cheezi and Chungu. Eventually, the Lion Guard found the duo sleeping, and they denied having started the stampede. At that moment, the Guard overheard Janja yelling for Nne and Tano. They took off to investigate, with Cheezi and Chungu following them so that they could see Janja again. Once the Guard had located Janja, they questioned him on why he had started the stampede, and he explained Nne and Tano's plan to attack a herd of oryxes.
Meanwhile, Nne and Tano trapped a herd of oryxes in a dead-end and moved in for the kill. Just in time, the Lion Guard arrived, and Kion used the Roar of the Elders to blow Nne and Tano away. Across the Pride Lands, Janja rejoiced at the sound, only for him and his cronies to fall to the bottom of a cliff. The Lion Guard arrived with the intent of aiding the hyenas, but Janja insisted that he was all right, and Cheezi and Chungu followed him back to the Outlands.[19]
Rescuing Kiara, Tiifu, and Zuri
Huh? I don't remember an island being there before... Kiara?Ono realizes that Kiara is trapped
During the Lion Guard's patrol, Ono reported that rain clouds were moving in overhead and that Mzingo's parliament was circling in the distance. Suspicious of the vultures, the Lion Guard approached the vultures and stopped them from attacking a baby baboon. Shortly after the rescue, the baby baboon got swept away by floodwaters, and Kion ordered Fuli to save him. Meanwhile, Ono spotted Kiara, Tiifu, and Zuri trapped on an island in the midst of the floodwaters. While Fuli was sent to return the baby baboon to his troop, the rest of the Lion Guard departed to save Kiara, Tiifu, and Zuri.
Once at the island, Bunga encouraged Kion to use the Roar of the Elders to get rid of the floodwaters, but Kion pointed out that the island might get destroyed in the process. After a moment of thought, he suggested that they make a bridge instead. Though Beshte pushed a tree into the river, it got promptly swept away by the current. Kiara made her own effort to escape by pushing a rock into the river, with similar disastrous results.
Ono reported Kiara's failed plan to Kion, who wondered if they should combine their two plans. He ordered Beshte and Bunga to push a large boulder into the floodwaters, while Ono instructed Kiara, Tiifu, and Zuri to collapse a dead tree. The plan went into motion, with the Lion Guard pushing the boulder into the water and Kiara, Tiifu, and Zuri pushing the dead tree onto the boulder. To the Lion Guard's delight, the bridge held, and the cubs crossed safely to shore. Afterward, the Guard watched the Royal Buffalo Wallow contentedly, during which Fuli rejoined them and reported that the baby baboon was safe.[20]
Hunting the Zimwi
I have to admit, hearing Bunga describe the Zimwi has me a little on edge too.Ono
One night, a group of young animals gathered at Rafiki's tree for a story about the Zimwi, a legendary creature that supposedly stalked the Pride Lands during the full moon. Bunga pointed out that the moon was full that very night, and Rafiki warned the group that they may soon hear the Zimwi's call. Just then, the group heard a loud bellowing noise, and Kion demanded that the maker of the noise show himself. After a moment, Beshte emerged from the brush and explained that he had been practicing his bellowing for an audition with the Bellow Fellows.
With the young ones' fears abated, Rafiki continued his story about the Zimwi. Though the younger animals were frightened by Rafiki's story, Kion scoffed at the notion of the Zimwi being anything more than a tall tale. On their way home, Mtoto questioned whether the Zimwi could be real or not, and Kion pointed out the ludicrousness of a creature having eight legs. No sooner had he spoken when a gust of wind howled past, frightening the group. Kion assured his friends that it was just the wind and suggested that the little ones sleep together that night in order to feel safe. Beshte proposed that the Guard do the same, and Bunga invited his friends to sleep with him at Hakuna Matata Falls.
Later that night, a rustling in the underbrush scared Mtoto and his friends, who approached the Lion Guard and told them that they had sighted the Zimwi. Though Kion doubted their claims, Timon explained that his mother's cousin's friend had known an ox who had been eaten by the Zimwi. The young animals wondered what they should do, and Kion asserted that the Guard would track down the Zimwi in order to keep the Pride Lands safe.
Together, the Lion Guard set off in search of the Zimwi. Along the way, they debated whether the Zimwi was real or not, with Ono pointing out there was so much that even he had not seen. Kion, however, retained his disbelief that such a creature could exist. Suddenly, the Guard ran into a panicked Thurston. Bunga assumed that Thurston was running from the Zimwi, but Thurston asserted that the Zimwi was nothing more than a story and explained that he had been spooked by some genets. The very thought of the genets spun him into a panic, and he raced off into the forest.
As the Guard continued their search, they got frightened by Beshte's continued bellowing practice. Kion reminded his friends that there was still no sign of the Zimwi, and Ono jokingly commented that he did not know who was scarier: Beshte or the Zimwi.
Shortly afterward, Kion paused and remarked that he felt like something was watching them from the bushes. He ordered his teammates to surround the underbrush, then yelled for them to move in. His shout frightened some gazelles who had been sheltering in the bushes, and they begged the Lion Guard not to hurt them, for they had simply been hiding. Beshte asked what they had been hiding from, and they replied that they had spotted the Zimwi and taken shelter in the vegetation. No sooner had they spoken when the Guard saw the shadow of a tall, spiked figure in a nearby ravine. The Guard investigated, only to come face to face with what appeared to be the Zimwi. In a panic, they fled the ravine, startling the gazelles so badly that they began to gallop about the clearing in a panic. Regaining his senses, Kion instructed Beshte to flatten a patch of bushes so that the gazelles could escape the glen, and they poured out into the open, where they ran about without threat of hurting themselves.
With the gazelles safe, Kion expressed shame for having run from the Zimwi. He reminded his friends that they were the Lion Guard and therefore could not run away. As one, they entered the ravine and confronted the Zimwi once more. To their horror, the Zimwi's head fell off its body and split into two, revealing two young porcupines. Shocked, Kion asked if the porcupines had been hiding from the Zimwi, and the Guard pieced together that Mtoto and his friends had seen the two porcupines huddled together and mistaken them for the Zimwi. Ono added that the Zimwi's "body" had been nothing more than a giant termite mound.
The next day, the Lion Guard watched as Beshte auditioned for the Bellow Fellows. After being selected as a member, he bellowed alongside the Bellow Fellows while his friends looked on.[21]
Conflict with the Outsiders
Lions of the OutlandsOno, upon learning from Jasiri that Kion has joined forces with Zira
One day, in the Lair of the Lion Guard, Ono prepared to race against Fuli. Before they could start, Bunga arrived with a message, only to get immediately distracted by the race. After Fuli won, Ono mused how he could fly faster next time. However, when she beat him a second time, he refused to race her again. Bunga asked Beshte and Rafiki if they would race Fuli instead, but they both refused, with Rafiki asking who would be so foolish as to do that. This made Ono groan.
Just then, Rafiki noticed that Kion was missing, and Bunga explained that he had accompanied Jasiri into the Outlands to help deal with a pride of lions. Horrified, Rafiki informed the Guard that Kion had likely encountered the Outsiders. He guided them to a wall of paintings and explained that Simba had banished the Outsiders to the Outlands after they had retained loyalties to Scar. Zira had insisted that her son, Kovu, was the king since he had been Scar's chosen heir, but Simba had asserted that Scar had never been the true king. Zira had attacked and lost to Simba, after which he had banished her, her family, and her followers to the Outlands. After finishing his story, Rafiki warned the Guard that there would be trouble if Zira discovered that Kion was Simba's son, and the team departed to save their friend.
Once in the Outlands, the Lion Guard encountered Jasiri, who informed them that Kion had joined forces with Zira and her family. Shocked, the Guard insisted that Kion would never be a part of Zira's family, and Jasiri berated herself for having believed Zira's lies. Meanwhile, the Outsiders trapped and surrounded Kion in a pit. As the Outsiders advanced on him, he caught sight of Ono flying overhead and, filled with renewed confidence, yelled out the start of the Lion Guard's catchphrase. His teammates then rushed into the pit, completing the battle cry.
Together, the Lion Guard and Jasiri fended off the Outsiders and cornered them against a wall of the pit. Bunga urged Kion to use the Roar, but Kion worried that he would lose the Roar, as Scar had, for using it against other lions. Bunga, however, insisted that Scar had not lost the Roar because he had used it against other lions, but because he had used it for evil. Realizing that Bunga was right, Kion told Zira that she was not welcome in the Pride Lands so long as he was around. He then used the Roar of the Elders to blast the Outsiders away.[22]
Makuu's invasion of the Flood Plains
My head looks like a hippo bottom. That's something to celebrate.Ono comments sarcastically on his missing crest feathers
When Janja and his clan invaded the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard drove them back into the Outlands. However, once the Guard had walked out of sight, Janja led his clan back into the kingdom. Before long, they ran into Kion's mother, Nala, who ordered them to return to the Outlands. Since they had her outnumbered, they surrounded her and readied to attack. At that moment, Kion approached and, seeing his mother in danger, used the Roar of the Elders in a rage. The blast was so powerful that it not only blew away the hyenas, but rebounded off a cliff and fractured the earth beneath Nala. As Nala struggled to keep from falling into the divide, Kion reached down and pulled her to safety.
After the Roar had cleared, the rest of the Lion Guard approached and affirmed that they were all right, only for Ono to notice that his crest feathers had been knocked off, to his horror. Back at the Lair of the Lion Guard, the Guard tried to comfort Ono over the loss of his crest feathers, with Bunga encouraging him to stand out from the crowd. Just then, Zazu flew into the Lair and reported that a rockslide had blocked the giraffes' access to their water hole. While the rest of the Lion Guard set out to clear the wreckage, Ono opted to remain in the Lair out of embarrassment over his missing crest feathers. Zazu, however, implored him to do his duty and forced him out of the cave.
Once the Lion Guard had arrived at the scene of the blockage, the giraffes mocked Ono for looking like an "egg-head." Meanwhile, Bunga suggested that Kion use the Roar to clear the rocks, but Kion insisted that Beshte use his strength instead. Shortly afterward, the Lion Guard encountered a klipspringer that was trapped on a rock in the midst of a river. Once more, Bunga told Kion to use the Roar, but Kion insisted that Beshte knock over a dead tree. As Kion started to cross the dead tree to save the klipspringer, the wood snapped beneath him, and he nearly fell into the river. The rest of the Guard tried to save him, but their combined weight broke the log, and the whole team fell into the river. Startled, the klipspringer hopped safely to shore. As the Guard recovered on dry land, some egrets from Ono's flock approached and asked him why he was "bald on both ends." Horrified, Ono realized that a piece of stray wood had knocked off his tail feathers.
As the Lion Guard departed, Makuu resolved to take advantage of Kion's refusal to use the Roar and take over the Flood Plains. Together, he and his float drove the other Pride Landers out of the Flood Plains and declared it as their own territory. A mongoose who had been chased away happened to run past Fuli, who left to rally the rest of the Lion Guard. She hastened to the Lair, where Bunga had fashioned a headdress of flowers for Ono, and related what Makuu had done. While Ono flew off to fetch Kion, the rest of the team departed to save the Flood Plains.
Ono found Kion and Nala at Mizimu Grove and informed them about Makuu's invasion. The three raced to the Flood Plains, where Kion and Nala commanded Makuu to share the territory with the other Pride Landers. Instead of acquiescing to their wishes, two of Makuu's cronies knocked Nala into the water and carried her into the midst of the float, which infuriated Kion. Before he could use the Roar in anger, he stopped himself, and Nala encouraged him to trust himself. Heeding his mother's advice, he used the Roar to specifically _target Makuu's float and keep Nala from being harmed.
After the crocodiles had been defeated, the rest of the Lion Guard praised Kion for his use of the Roar. Just then, Ono interrupted excitedly that his crest feathers had begun to grow back. No sooner had he said this when the other egrets in his flock showed off their own missing head and tail feathers, and Beshte commented that Ono had started a trend.[23]
Journey to the Theluji Mountains
When Zazu got his beak stuck in a beehive, Bunga climbed into the tree to save him. Once free, Zazu thanked the Lion Guard for their help and informed them that the pangolins were spraying excessively elsewhere in the Pride Lands. This confused Ono, who remarked that pangolins only sprayed when they felt threatened.
Upon arriving at the scene, the Lion Guard found two young gorillas holding the pangolins hostage and using them to spray each other with the pangolins' stink. Furious, Kion tackled them and refused to let them up until they promised not to hurt the pangolins again. After the gorillas had made their vow, Kion released them and demanded to know who they were. The two introduced themselves as brothers Hafifu and Majinuni, and told Kion that they were looking for a lion named "King Zimba." Bunga informed the gorillas that Kion was Simba's son, and the brothers excitedly declared that they were princes, just like Kion. In the face of Kion's confusion, Majinuni explained that they were there to deliver a message from their father, King Sokwe.
Though doubtful of the gorillas' claims, the Lion Guard led them to Pride Rock, where Kion related the situation to Simba. To Kion's surprise, Simba explained that, every wet season, King Sokwe informed Simba if their two kinds were still at peace or not. Just then, the gorilla brothers came before Simba, but when prompted to relay their message, they admitted that they had forgotten it. With this news, Simba was forced to ask Kion to deliver the gorillas back home and find out what Sokwe's message was. When Kion pointed out that the gorillas should get the message themselves, Simba pointed out that peace with the gorillas should not rely on Hafifu and Majinuni.
Together, the Lion Guard and the gorilla princes set off on their journey to the Theluji Mountains, where King Sokwe and his troop lived. Once they reached the base of the mountain range, Kion asked Hafifu and Majinuni how to reach their father, but they confessed that they had only come down their mountain once: to deliver Sokwe's message to Simba. Kion instead looked to Ono for guidance, and he led them down a path through the trees at the base of the mountains.
As the group traveled deeper into the woods, Kion questioned the gorillas on where they should go, but they remained as unhelpful as before. Just then, Beshte spotted a chameleon, and Hafifu and Majinuni decided to launch into a game of "chameleon hide-and-seek." After the gorillas charged off into the forest, the Lion Guard attempted to locate them, to no avail, so they opted to follow the brothers' voices instead. However, the gorillas deliberately circled around the Lion Guard, until Kion realized their game and yelled that the game was not working.
Deciding to change up the game, Hafifu and Majinuni declared that they would play "forest hog chase," in which the Lion Guard must chase them while they snorted like forest hogs. With the Lion Guard in pursuit, the gorillas raced away into the fog, only to encounter a real forest hog. The Lion Guard rushed to save the brothers, with Kion tackling the forest hog just before it could harm them.
After the rescue, the Lion Guard realized that Hafifu and Majinuni were deliberately prolonging the journey and confronted them over the matter. The brothers admitted that they had originally agreed to deliver the message to Simba in order to prove to their father that they were good prince material, but now that they had failed, they did not want to disappoint him. Kion admitted that he sometimes felt the same way about his father and encouraged the brothers to act like princes so that they felt like princes.
The journey continued until the Lion Guard arrived at the foot of the Theluji Mountains. To their shock, they saw the landscape covered in snow, a substance that they had never encountered before. Hafifu and Majinuni encouraged the Lion Guard to play with them, and Kion allowed his teammates a brief break in the snow. As they were playing, however, Kion slipped on a patch of ice and began to slide down the mountain toward a perilous drop-off. Just before he could fall off, he managed to grapple the edge of the cliff with his claws, and the gorilla brothers pulled him to safety. After the rescue, Kion thanked them for having saved his life and told them that their bravery made for good prince material.
Eventually, the group reached the brothers' father, King Sokwe. Though Sokwe initially appeared to be displeased, he suddenly threw snow over his sons' heads and exclaimed, "Kuishi ni kucheka!" He then complimented them on their bravery in having saved Kion's life and told them that they were true gorilla princes. Kion interjected, asking about Sokwe's message for Simba, but Sokwe merely focused on the snowball that Bunga had collected for Timon. Kion wondered if the souvenir was a problem, but Sokwe replied that it was perfect.
Once back in the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard reported to Simba at Pride Rock. Simba asked them for Sokwe's message, to which Kion said, "Kuishi ni kucheka," as Bunga threw a snowball over Simba's head. After a moment, Simba laughed and commented that no one delivered a peace message quite like King Sokwe.[24]
Simba's temporary leadership of the Lion Guard
Sorry. I thought you were going to say it.Ono to Simba, interrupting his own report
In the Lair of the Lion Guard, Kion informed his teammates that Simba would be leading them while he was away on a short trip. After he had bid them goodbye, Ono began to anxiously preen and fret over the state of the Lair. Bunga assured him that he had nothing to worry about and explained what Simba was like. Simba happened to overhear Bunga and asserted that he was excited to lead the Lion Guard. He then gathered the Guard for their morning patrol and led them out of the Lair. While on patrol, the Lion Guard tried to correct Simba on his route, but he insisted that they follow his directions, not Kion's. Though hesitant, the Guard acquiesced to his wishes.
Shortly afterward, Ono spotted a mudslide heading toward some ostrich nests. However, in trying to report the mudslide to his teammates, he got interrupted by Simba, who finished the report for him. Simba instructed the Guard to follow him while he moved a log in the way of the falling mud. Though confused, the Guard followed him, and Simba ordered them to jump from rock to rock in order to avoid getting caught in the mud. Beshte did as commanded but accidentally slipped on the rocks and fell into the mud, knocking into Bunga, Fuli, and Ono. The four tumbled down the slope and dislodged Simba's log, causing it to roll toward the ostriches' nest.
Before the log could reach the bottom of the slope, Beshte leaped forward and stopped it from crushing the eggs. However, Ono warned that the eggs would get caught up in the mud, and the Lion Guard rushed to save them. Once they had gathered the eggs, they returned them to the ostriches, who thanked them for their help. Afterward, Simba expressed elation at the Lion Guard's first rescue with the king and wondered what their next challenge would be.
Just then, Ono flew up and started to report trouble when he got interrupted by Simba, who declared that a herd of gazelles needed their help. As the Guard followed Simba to the scene, Ono reported that the gazelles were trying to reach a patch of grass above an unstable pile of rocks. Simba commented that the rocks would fall if the gazelles tried to ascend them, then shouted for the Lion Guard to follow him. Though the Guard worried that they might scare the gazelles, they followed Simba's lead.
Upon seeing the Lion Guard's approach, the gazelles began to flee up the rock pile, dislodging stones, and Ono yelled for the Lion Guard to halt their approach. Simba, however, continued to run and got his tail stuck underneath a massive boulder. The rest of the Lion Guard gathered around him, and he assured them that he was uninjured.
At that moment, the Lion Guard overheard several ostriches crying out in fear, and Ono reported that the gazelles were stampeding toward the ostriches' nest. The Guard turned to Simba for instructions, and he ordered them to leave him behind and save the ostrich eggs instead. Fuli, however, declared that they could not leave Simba, for he was in danger from falling rocks. Simba told the Guard that he had been ordering them around all day when he should have figured out how their team worked, then asked them what they would do if Kion were in his place. Fuli explained that she and Ono would go after the herd, while Beshte and Bunga would stay behind to assist the king, and Simba submitted to these orders.
Together, Fuli and Ono caught up to the gazelles, and Fuli ordered Ono to speak with Swala while she calmed the ostriches. Both Guard members were successful in their endeavors, and the gazelles pulled to a halt before they could trample the ostrich eggs. At the same time, Beshte and Bunga worked together to free Simba. No sooner had they freed him when the rock pile began to collapse, and the three escaped to safety. They then reunited with Fuli and Ono, and Simba complimented the Guard on their success, declaring that Kion would have been proud of them.[25]
Ono's apprenticeship to Hadithi
Ono's IdolOno meets his idol, Hadithi
When the Lion Guard investigated a large crowd of birds that had gathered in a clearing, Ono called them over to a spot at the front. He explained that the birds had gathered for the return of Hadithi, a legendary eagle who was famous for his "Hadithi Spin." Just then, Hadithi arrived, to much cheering from the gathered birds. A raven called for Hadithi to say something wise, and he replied, "The higher you fly, the more they'll look up to you." Though Ono reacted with awe, the rest of the Lion Guard was unimpressed.
Bunga resolved to ask Hadithi about his famous spin, but Ono blocked his path, insisting that no one simply talked to Hadithi. He began to tick off Hadithi's accomplishments to Bunga, only for Hadithi himself to chime in with another example. Hadithi remarked that Ono seemed to know a lot about him, and Ono agreed, declaring that he was Hadithi's biggest fan. Hadithi admired Ono's devotion but pointed out that he had many adoring fans. He then boasted about his past accomplishments and how popular he was among the Pride Landers.
Just then, Simba and Nala arrived and informed Hadithi that he was a hero to many animals in the Pride Lands, not just birds. Simba announced to the crowd that Hadithi was a selfless hero who never abandoned an animal in need and invited the eagle to attend a Royal Mud Print Ceremony. Bunga wondered what this ceremony was, and Ono explained that Hadithi would press his talons into mud and have his prints be forever preserved alongside those of other heroes.
Simba continued that it was tradition for the hero to mentor a younger Pride Lander. Kion nominated Ono for the position, and Simba accepted his son's suggestion. With business concluded, he and Nala began to depart, but Hadithi stopped them and requested that a ceremonial nest be built in his honor. Ono volunteered the Lion Guard for the service, and Kion assented.
After Simba and Nala left, Hadithi thanked the Lion Guard for having accepted the job and told them to build his nest using leaves from the highest tree in the Pride Lands, as was tradition. Though Fuli was irritated, Ono pointed out that the fronds at the tops of the trees were the softest, and the Guard relented, leaving to perform their task.
Later, while preaching to a crowd of Pride Landers, Hadithi repeated his earlier words of wisdom. Though the birds were impressed, Zito pointed out that elephants could not fly. Ono, however, explained that Hadithi was trying to say that all animals had challenges in their lives that required them to rise above themselves. After the speech, the crowd tried to swarm Hadithi, but Ono blocked their path and implored them to show respect.
Once the crowd had cleared, Hadithi told Ono that he was a "natural." In awe, Ono requested that he be taught the Hadithi Spin, but Hadithi refused, claiming that he did not wish to ruffle his feathers before the Royal Mud Print Ceremony. However, he volunteered to watch Ono attempt the feat and correct him if he was wrong. Though nervous, Ono attempted the spin, only to end up crashing into the ground. He admitted that he had forgotten to compensate for the wind, but Hadithi commented that the wind always compensated for him. He encouraged Ono to try again, and the egret declared that he would get it right this time.
As Ono continued to work on the Hadithi Spin, he managed to complete two and a half loops. He excitedly related his progress to Hadithi but got deflated when he realized that his mentor had not even been watching. Hadithi explained that he must look his best for the ceremony, then told Ono that he doubted the egret would ever be able to execute the spin. As Hadithi flew off for the ceremony, Ono followed him and protested that Hadithi had called him a "natural" earlier. Hadithi explained that he had meant that Ono was a natural with the crowd and that he gave the animals exactly what they wanted to hear. Ono clarified that he had simply been being honest, which made Hadithi scoff.
At that moment, Ono spotted a group of klipspringers being trapped on the edge of a cliff by Janja, Cheezi, and Chungu. He suggested that they use the Hadithi Spin to defeat the hyenas, but Hadithi protested that Ono was not ready for such a feat. He then flew on ahead to the ceremony, leaving Ono to deal with the crisis alone. Though Ono attempted to stop the hyenas by using the Hadithi Spin, he fell and got his wing trapped beneath a boulder. Seeing Ono's prone position, Cheezi and Chungu hungrily climbed up the cliffs to reach him, while Janja rounded up the trapped klipspringers.
Meanwhile, as his ceremony began, Hadithi became so overrun with guilt that he confessed his cowardice to the crowd and admitted that Ono was the true hero. He then rallied the Lion Guard to follow him so that they could rescue Ono. Once at the scene of the crisis, Fuli fended off Cheezi and Chungu, and started to help Ono free his wing, but Ono urged her to save the klipspringers first. Fuli relented and ran off, just as Hadithi landed next to Ono. He praised Ono for his selflessness, even in the face of being trapped, and admitted that he could learn much from the egret's example. As Hadithi freed Ono's wing, he apologized for having abandoned Ono to the hyenas and admitted that he was not a true hero. He went on that the Hadithi Spin was not real, and Ono remarked that he had figured that out. However, he insisted that they could still try the Hadithi Spin and called for Hadithi to follow him.
Meanwhile, Bunga and Kion confronted Janja, while Beshte pushed a boulder down for the klipspringers to use as a bridge across a ravine. As Fuli guided the klipspringers to safety, one slipped and fell. Taking advantage of the weak klipspringer, the hyenas lunged forward to attack. Just in time, Ono and Hadithi flew past and began to circle the hyenas, making them dizzy. Eventually, they toppled off the cliffs and landed in the water below.
That night, Ono marked the mud at Pride Rock with his own talons, and Hadithi admitted that it had been Ono who had taught him, not the other way around. He called Ono a natural hero, and the gathered Pride Landers cheered for him. To conclude the ceremony, Hadithi announced Ono as the creator of the "Ono Spin."[26]
Hippo lanes
The lanes! They're not exactly straight and true. More like a curly elephant's trunk. Actually, they're more like a bunch of elephants' trunks. All twisted up together. And stuck in a baobab tree's roots.Ono on Beshte's hippo lanes
After a big rainstorm, Basi and his son, Beshte, created paths across the Flood Plains called "hippo lanes." Just then, they heard a young rhino crying for help and rescued him from Makuu, though Basi injured himself in the process. Having overheard the commotion, the Lion Guard arrived and helped Basi reach safety.
Just then, Ono approached with news that a herd of sable antelope was refusing to leave their grazing grounds, even though another storm was on the way. Basi suggested that the Guard lead the antelope to the other side of the Flood Plains, but Ono wondered how the herd would be able to cross the reeds. Basi reminded him that, by the time the antelope arrived at the Flood Plains, Beshte would be done creating hippo lanes. The Lion Guard thanked Basi for the idea, then left to save the sable antelope.
Ono led his teammates to the sable antelope's grazing grounds. Once there, Kion ordered the herd to leave, but their leader, Bupu, retorted that they did not wish to leave. Fuli and Ono tried to persuade the antelope to leave before the rainstorm came, to no avail. In a last-ditch effort, Kion informed the herd that there would be more food away from their drowned grazing grounds, and Bupu finally relented.
On the way out of the grazing grounds, Ono spotted a rockslide, and Kion yelled for the herd to stay back. Too late, the rocks fell, separating the Lion Guard from their charges. Kion worried over the herd's condition, but Ono assured him that none of the antelope had been injured. He then informed Kion that there was no other way around the rocks and that the storm was closing in fast.
Bunga pointed out that Kion could use the Roar of the Elders to blow the rocks away, and Kion agreed, climbing to the other side of the rocks in order to avoid harming the antelope. Though he cleared the boulders using the Roar, the antelope continued to stay put. With some harsh insistence from Fuli, the herd reluctantly followed the Lion Guard to the Flood Plains.
Once there, Ono spotted Beshte's hippo lanes and reacted with confusion and shock. As Beshte approached, Ono questioned him on the completion of the hippo lanes, and Beshte explained that he had been crossing the Flood Plains all day, delivering animals from one side to the other. Ono then led Beshte to a high vantagepoint, where he could see the entire Flood Plains, and Beshte realized that he had been creating twisty paths throughout the area. Ono explained that a herd of sable antelope was waiting to cross to the other side of the Flood Plains, and Beshte rushed back into the water, determined to make a new hippo lane. However, Ono warned him that he was making another windy path. Realizing that he could ask his father for help, he left to find Basi, while Ono opted to warn Kion about the situation.
On the other side of the Flood Plains, the Lion Guard led the antelope to the edge of the water, where Boboka and her son entered one of Beshte's hippo lanes. No sooner had they started to cross the Flood Plains when Ono arrived, forbidding the herd to enter the hippo lanes. Bunga warned Ono that Boboka and her son had already entered the Flood Plains, and Ono panicked that they would get lost in the reeds. Thinking quickly, Kion entered the hippo lanes with Ono, while Bunga and Fuli stayed behind to tend to the herd.
Ono quickly led Kion to Boboka's son, who was struggling to stay afloat in the rising water. Kion managed to push the calf to safety, then asked where his mother was. At that moment, the three heard Boboka calling for help, and Kion rushed off to rescue her, leaving Ono to lead the calf to safety. Meanwhile, Bupu and his herd sat down stubbornly, and Fuli began to shove at Bupu from behind, ordering him to stand up. As she did so, Ono arrived and expressed confusion at her actions, to which she explained that she was simply trying to make the antelope stand.
Before long, Beshte arrived, to the excitement of his teammates. Ono overlooked the Flood Plains and marveled at the perfectly straight and true hippo lane that he had created. Hearing Ono's report, Bunga announced to the herd that they could cross the Flood Plains safely.
Later, Basi and Beshte overlooked Bupu's herd as they grazed on the other side of the Flood Plains. Kion complimented the hippos on their work, and Ono told Beshte that he was good at making hippo lanes after all.[27]
Stint as Kifaru's tickbird
But I'm a member of the Lion Guard. I can't just sit around on some rhino's back all day!Ono, when his teammates suggest that he should serve as Kifaru's tickbird
One day, the Lion Guard followed a trail of devastated trees to where Kifaru the rhinoceros had his horn stuck in the baboons' tree. The Guard recognized him as a well-tempered Pride Lander and wondered why he was acting so destructively. Together, they approached him, and Kion ordered him to stop shaking the baboons' tree. At first, Kifaru was defensive, but Beshte calmed him long enough for the Lion Guard to free his horn from the tree.
Once unstuck, Kifaru thanked the Lion Guard for their help. Kion questioned him on why he had caused so much destruction, and he reacted obliviously. When the Guard explained that he had shaken the baboons out of their tree and trampled every tree in his path, he admitted that he had wondered why there were so many trees on the path to Lake Matope. He then ambled off, and the Guard realized that he was heading straight for another tree. Suddenly understanding what was wrong, Ono shouted that Kifaru did not know where he was going because he did not have his tickbird with him.
Quickly, Ono darted in front of Kifaru and warned him to keep back. Once the rhino had stopped, Ono asked him where his tickbird was, and he confessed that his tickbird, Mwenzi, had left him earlier that morning. Though the Lion Guard was confused, Ono explained that rhinos had poor eyesight and relied on tickbirds for navigation. In exchange, the tickbirds ate the ticks off the rhinos' backs.
After adding his own explanation about the rhino-tickbird relationship, Kifaru lamented being unable to reach Tamasha, an event in which rhinos gathered near Lake Matope to spar in the mud. The Lion Guard was touched by his sorrow, and Kion resolved to help him find Mwenzi. Bunga volunteered to lead Kifaru to Lake Matope so that he could arrive in time to participate in Tamasha, and Kifaru hesitantly accepted his offer.
However, as Kifaru walked away with Bunga on his back, Bunga became so distracted by eating ticks that he failed to notice a cliff in their path. Just in time, Ono intervened and ordered Kifaru to halt, which impressed the rest of the Lion Guard. Ono explained that birds and rhinos had a special connection, and Kion suggested that he become Kifaru's temporary tickbird. In the meantime, they would search for Mwenzi and convince him to return to Kifaru. Ono protested the appointment but gave in when Kion reminded him that helping Kifaru would keep the Pride Lands safe.
As the Lion Guard took off to search for Mwenzi, Ono began to guide Kifaru toward Lake Matope. He instructed the rhino to take a right turn, but Kifaru instead took a left turn, which prompted Ono to frantically correct him. The two continued on their way, during which Kifaru began to grunt and snort loudly, to Ono's irritation. Eventually, Ono told Kifaru to turn right, but the rhino once more veered to the left, and Ono shouted at him to take the correct direction. Distressed, Kifaru commented that Mwenzi had never shouted at him. He then grew so emotional that he walked away, sobbing, and Ono hastily apologized to him.
Kifaru asked Ono if he would itch inside his ear, and Ono agreed, though he completed the job half-heartedly. Kifaru remarked that Mwenzi would never stop itching until he had been instructed to, but Ono reminded him that he was not Mwenzi. Kifaru agreed sorrowfully, then belched loudly, to which Ono muttered under his breath that he hoped the Lion Guard would find Mwenzi soon. Overhearing him, Kifaru chastised him for having muttered under his breath, something Mwenzi had never done.
Later, Ono brought jackalberry leaves to Kifaru, but the rhino complained that he only liked dark green jackalberry leaves. He then compared Ono to Mwenzi, which infuriated Ono. After a moment of cold silence, Kifaru told Ono that he should thank him, for if Ono had not been so bad at being a tickbird, Kifaru would never have realized how good a tickbird Mwenzi was.
The rhino started to amble off but suddenly collapsed, panting. He commented that the constant walking had gotten him overheated and added that Mwenzi would always make sure to keep them near a source of mud while they were traveling. Thinking quickly, Ono began to use his wings as a fan, to Kifaru's delight. Kifaru commented that Mwenzi was too small to use his wings as a fan, and Ono wondered if Kifaru had finally found something that he was better at than Mwenzi. Kifaru agreed, unaware that Mwenzi and the Lion Guard were listening from nearby. Furious, Mwenzi confronted Kifaru. Though Kifaru begged him to stay, he flew off across the savanna, and Kifaru called after him despairingly. He then told Ono that he must serve as his tickbird from then on. Unwilling to accept this, Ono took off after Mwenzi, leaving Kifaru in the Lion Guard's care.
Eventually, Mwenzi alighted near a swamp, and Ono warned him that Makuu and his float frequented the area. Mwenzi, however, refused to trust Ono and accused him of having taken his place in Kifaru's life. Ono protested that throughout their time together, Kifaru had done nothing but complain about him and compare him to Mwenzi. Ono then questioned Mwenzi on how he had gotten Kifaru to make a right turn, and Mwenzi explained that he had simply told the rhino to make three left turns. Slowly, Mwenzi warmed to Ono and began to reflect wistfully on his time with Kifaru. Finally, he agreed to reconcile with his friend.
Before the two birds could leave, Makuu attacked, hurting Mwenzi's wing and knocking him into the branches of a tree. After ensuring that Mwenzi was out of harm's way, Ono left to fetch the rest of the Lion Guard. Upon finding them at Tamasha, he warned them of Mwenzi's peril, and Kifaru rushed off to save his friend. The Lion Guard followed and engaged in a fight with Makuu and his float. During the commotion, Mwenzi hopped down from his tree and instructed Kifaru on how to free himself from a tree stump. Once free, Kifaru used the tree stump as a weapon and helped free the other Lion Guard members from their separate battles. After the fight, Kion thanked Kifaru and Mwenzi for their help, and the two attributed their victory to one another. His relationship with Mwenzi repaired, Kifaru informed Ono that he did not need him to serve as a tickbird anymore, and Ono happily obliged.
Back at Tamasha, the Lion Guard watched contentedly. Bunga asked Ono if he would serve as his tickbird, but Ono replied that, though they would always be friends, his days as a tickbird were over.[28]
Reirei's attack
And he's the best climber. What if we need to rescue someone from a tree or some other high place while he's gone?Ono on Bunga
One day, Reirei and her pack plotted to attack Muhimu's herd. From nearby, Kion picked up the jackals' scent, and the Lion Guard rushed off to rescue the zebras from harm. Meanwhile, the jackals attacked, and Reirei's children, Dogo and Kijana, managed to isolate Hamu from the rest of his herd. Ono spotted the double attack from overhead, and Kion ordered Bunga and Ono to save Hamu while he, Beshte, and Fuli dealt with the remainder of the herd.
In the meantime, Kijana hid in the underbrush while Dogo tricked Hamu into stopping for a game of tag. Just in time, Ono warned Hamu of the jackal pups' trap, and Bunga tackled Kijana to the ground. At the same time, Kion stopped Reirei from harming the rest of the herd and exiled the jackals back to the Outlands. With the danger abated, the Lion Guard readied to depart, but Muhimu begged them to stay and watch over her herd. Just then, she noticed Bunga playing with Hamu and suggested that he take care of her son for the day. To her relief, Bunga agreed to the task.
Later that day, Ono expressed his concern to Kion that their team would be at a disadvantage without Bunga, as he was their best climber. Agreeing with Ono's worries, Kion decided that the Lion Guard should practice climbing while Bunga was away. First, he ordered Fuli to climb a pillar of rock in the Lair of the Lion Guard, but she failed to reach the top, to Beshte and Ono's amusement. Ono made an attempt next but proved to be too small to lift the boulder at the top of the pillar. Finally, Beshte tried but ended up rolling down the pillar and landing unceremoniously on top of Ono.
Later, Reirei and her pack invaded the Pride Lands again, during which time they overheard Muhimu and Twiga discussing Bunga's babysitting duties at Hakuna Matata Falls. Hoping to take advantage of the little ones' separation from their parents, Reirei ordered Goigoi to distract the Lion Guard while the rest of the pack attacked Bunga and his charges. Once Reirei had left, Goigoi overheard the Lion Guard heading toward Hakuna Matata Falls and frantically tried to think up a plan. In the midst of his panic, he accidentally stepped on his own tail and howled in pain, which alerted the Guard to his presence.
As the Lion Guard took chase, Goigoi accidentally fell halfway into a pit, and the Guard gathered around him. When questioned, he claimed that he had been chasing an antelope, but Ono assured Kion that there had been no other animals in the surrounding area. Kion offered to help Goigoi out of the hole if he revealed where the rest of his pack was, and he begrudgingly revealed that they were at Hakuna Matata Falls. Fearing for Bunga and Hamu's safety, the Lion Guard charged off to rescue them.
Meanwhile, Bunga and his charges defeated the jackal pack in battle. The Lion Guard arrived just as the fight had ended and stared in consternation at the defeated jackals. Reirei complained to Kion that she and her children had been severely abused, but he only agreed to let her go if she promised to never again harm another young Pride Lander. She reluctantly acquiesced, after which the jackals fled to the Outlands.[29]
Savannah Summit
The Savannah SummitKion and Ono
The Lion Guard was playing Baobab Ball when a dry ledge collapsed beneath Kion and Bunga. The rest of the Guard rushed forward to make sure they were all right, and Kion assured them that they were fine. Ono then commented that the ledge was rather dry.
Just then, Mtoto approached with the Lion Guard's baobab fruit. Bunga started to chase Mtoto when the young elephant suddenly pulled to a halt, listening intently. He informed the Guard that his mother was communicating with him, and Ono explained that elephants could communicate using infrasound, a low pitch that only some animals were able to hear. Mtoto added that several important Pride Landers were heading toward Pride Rock, which made Kion realize that it was time for the annual Savannah Summit.
As they were speaking, Mtoto overheard a crocodile heading toward Pride Rock, and Ono spotted Makuu en route to the Summit. Deducing that Makuu was trying to spoil the event, Kion led the Lion Guard toward Pride Rock so they could stop Makuu and warn Simba. Once at Pride Rock, Kion tackled Makuu, who protested that he had been invited. To Kion's shock, Simba confirmed that he had indeed invited Makuu to Pride Rock. With Simba's support, Makuu promised to take his duties seriously, though the other Pride Lander leaders remained unconvinced.
Together, the party proceeded to Mizimu Grove. Once there, the Lion Guard commented on how well the animals were behaving, though Kion remained suspicious of Makuu's reformation. As they spoke, the Guard noticed that Makuu was missing, and Mtoto ran up with news that Makuu was speaking angrily near the watering hole. The Lion Guard rushed to the watering hole, where they found Makuu arguing with Bupu. Without asking for an explanation, Kion ordered Makuu to back off. Incited, Bupu attacked Makuu, who attempted to defend himself, until Kion chastised him again, claiming that he would not let anyone ruin the Savannah Summit. Though Makuu was bothered by Kion's bias, he backed off. After the fight, Kion admitted his doubts about Makuu's intentions to his teammates and asserted that every member of the Lion Guard must be braced for trouble.
While patrolling the Pride Lands, Mtoto overheard Twiga speaking about Makuu and informed the Lion Guard. Worried that Makuu would ruin the Summit, the Guard rushed off to protect Twiga. When they arrived on the scene, however, Makuu was nowhere to be found, only Twiga and Vuruga Vuruga. Bunga proclaimed that Mtoto had heard Makuu, but Mtoto clarified that he had only heard Twiga speaking about Makuu. Twiga quickly denied this assertion, and Vuruga Vuruga backed her up, with both acting suspiciously. Though the Guard left, they privately deduced that Twiga and Vuruga Vuruga were too afraid to tell the truth about Makuu because he had threatened them.
Just then, the Lion Guard overheard Zazu squawking for help and followed the noise to where Rafiki was attempting to paint a portrait of the baboon leader and Mbeya, who was sitting atop Zazu. The Guard resolved the situation, after which Mtoto rushed up with news that Makuu was yelling at Bupu again, this time at Pride Rock.
The Lion Guard raced to Pride Rock, where Kion tackled Makuu to the ground without provocation. Furious, Simba approached and exclaimed that Bupu and Makuu had been about to come to an agreement about sleeping situations for their respective species. Tired of being treated unfairly, Makuu stalked off, with Simba calling after him desperately. Once Makuu had gone, Simba accused Kion of having ruined the Summit, not Makuu. He then left to salvage what he could of the event. In the face of his father's criticism, Kion sought advice from his grandfather, Mufasa.
After Kion's talk with Mufasa, the Lion Guard informed him that Mtoto had overheard another attack involving Makuu. Though the involved parties were unknown, Bunga suspected Makuu of being the instigator. Kion warned his friends not to jump to conclusions, then asked Mtoto to listen more closely to what was being said. Mtoto did as he had been asked and explained that someone was making a plan to strike just after sunset. Though the rest of the Guard suspected Makuu of foul intentions, Kion thought more deeply about the issue and realized that it may be the other Pride Lander leaders who were the problem.
The Lion Guard rushed to Mizimu Grove, where they saved Makuu from falling into a pit full of rotten fruit. Makuu realized that someone had set a trap for him, and Kion proclaimed that he knew how to find out who was to blame. Later that day, he announced to the Summit that Makuu had fallen into a pit and lost his life in the struggle. Horrified, Twiga and Vuruga Vuruga exclaimed that they had never intended for Makuu to get hurt, only to fall into a pit of rotten fruit. Just then, Makuu revealed himself and announced to the gathered animals that he had come to the Summit with the intention of helping his float and the Pride Lands but had only received distrust and hostility in return. To the Pride Landers' shock, Makuu prompted Simba to let the Savannah Summit go on.[30]
Traveling Baboon Show
It's them! The baboons are the food thieves!Ono on Uroho's troop
While patrolling the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard noticed several animals running in the same direction. They followed the commotion to where a large group of Pride Landers had gathered beneath a tree, and Mbeya explained that the crowd had gathered to see a troop of performing baboons. Just then, Mwevi and Mwizi leaped out of the tree and began performing tricks for their spectators. Uroho soon joined them and formally introduced his troop as the Traveling Baboon Show. The group proceeded to show off various feats and talents, during which they used Ono as one of their props, to his annoyance.
After the show, the Lion Guard congratulated Uroho on an entertaining show, then returned to their patrol. While patrolling, they overheard Ma Tembo crying for help and followed her voice to where a tree had been completely stripped of its flowers and leaves. Bunga wondered what the big deal was, and Ono explained that, with the dry season on its way, some animals must eat extra in order to survive. Seeing the gravity of the situation, the Lion Guard resolved to find the food thief and restore order to the Pride Lands.
Once the area had been vacated, the Lion Guard inspected the stripped tree. Ono flew to the topmost branches and declared that even the highest flowers and leaves had been taken. The Guard surmised which species could have pulled off such a feat but came up with no satisfying explanations.
Just then, the Lion Guard overheard the Traveling Baboon Show making a clamor in the distance and decided to watch the show to see if the thief was in attendance. While his teammates watched the show, Ono patrolled from the air and caught Mwevi and Mwizi stealing food from a nearby tree. Realizing that they had been caught, the baboons fled and reconvened with Uroho. Ono attempted to tell Kion what he had discovered, but the baboons grabbed him and began tossing him back and forth, effectively cutting off his report. Eventually, Ono was able to wrest himself free and declared to the audience that the baboons were guilty of stealing the Pride Landers' food. Kion commanded Beshte to shake the troop's tree, and he did so, revealing mounds of fruit and leaves that they had been stealing.
In the face of their guilt, the baboons fled, and the Lion Guard chased them across the Pride Lands. In the midst of the chase, the baboons scared a herd of antelope into scattering, and two of the antelope fell into a nearby river. The Guard halted their chase in order to save the antelope, which enabled the baboons to escape into the Outlands.
Afterward, the Lion Guard reflected on the Traveling Baboon Show and how they had turned out to be thieves. At that moment, Ono spotted Mwevi and Mwizi being chased by Janja in the Outlands and reported what he had seen to Kion. Though Kion was loath to get involved in another kingdom's problems, Ono pointed out that the troop had only entered the Outlands because they had been being chased by the Lion Guard. This convinced Kion to save the troop, and he led his teammates into the Outlands.
Finding the baboons cornered in a cave, the Lion Guard fought the hyenas off. Once safe, the baboons thanked the Lion Guard for having saved their lives and, as repayment for their past crimes, agreed to return the stolen food to the Pride Landers. Back in the Pride Lands, as the baboons handed out food to the Pride Landers, they put on another show, using Ono as one of their props again.[31]
Stint as Ona's foster father
Wait! Baby hamerkop, you don't understand. I'm not your family. Really! This is all a case of mistaken identity.Ono to Ona, when she mistakes him for her mother
While on patrol, the Lion Guard witnessed a stampede of hyraxes. They wondered what the source of the stampede was and looked up to see a harrier hawk circling overhead. Ono caught up to the hawk, Mpishi, and tried to convince her to let a hyrax named Pim go. When she refused, Ono distracted her long enough for her to run head-on into a cliff face and let go of Pim. As Pim plummeted toward the ground, Ono tried to slow his fall, but he proved to be too heavy. Just in time, Beshte ran underneath the struggling duo, and Ono dropped Pim safely onto his back.
After the rescue, Kion approached Mpishi and told her that she must hunt in her own territory in order to uphold the Circle of Life. Though reluctant, she agreed. With Mpishi gone, the Lion Guard congratulated Ono on his heroic rescue. Unbeknownst to the group, Kulinda the hamerkop was watching in fascination and decided that Ono would make the perfect babysitter for her egg. Without consulting him, she carried her egg to his nest and deposited it among the twigs.
Later that day, the Lion Guard led Ono back to his nest and praised him for a hard day's work. As he was about to settle down in his nest, he felt Kulinda's egg beneath him and realized that a hamerkop had left its egg in his nest. Confused, he wondered why a hamerkop would abandon its egg, as they were typically excellent parents, and Kion resolved to find the mother and clear up the confusion. Ono commented that the egg was close to hatching and required someone to sit on it in order to keep it warm. Bunga volunteered to keep the egg warm, but Ono worried that he would be too rough with it and so decided to sit on the egg himself.
After the Lion Guard left, Ono sat on the egg. Suddenly, it hatched beneath him to reveal a female baby hamerkop. To Ono's dismay, she began to imprint on him. Before long, the baby hamerkop chased a bug out of Ono's nest, and he chased her across the savanna. At one point, she strayed dangerously close to a raging river, but he managed to save her just in time. He scolded her for having run away from him and tried to convince her to return to his nest, but she indicated that she was too tired for a return journey. Giving in to her demands, Ono led her into some tall grass and fell asleep with her tucked underneath his wing.
Meanwhile, the Lion Guard and Kulinda arrived at Ono's nest, only to find it empty. Kulinda began to frantically call for her baby, and the infant followed her mother's cries to Ono's nest, where the two finally met each other for the first time. Mother and daughter began to imprint on one another, and Ono watched in delight. After the imprint was complete, Kulinda thanked Ono for his help, and he warned her that baby hamerkops could get very distracted by insects. No sooner had he said this when he realized that the baby hamerkop had gone missing again, and the Lion Guard rushed to save her from danger.
Ono scoped out the area for the baby hamerkop and spotted her wandering near the river. Fuli attempted to save the infant but arrived too late to stop her from falling into the water. With no time to lose, the Lion Guard and Kulinda pursued the baby hamerkop down the river, only to watch in horror as Mpishi swooped down and grasped the baby in her talons. Kulinda and Ono attempted to thwart Mpishi's plans, but she worked with Mwoga to keep the baby hamerkop from falling back into the Lion Guard's grasp.
As Ono watched Mpishi fly away with the infant, he worked out how he and Kulinda could work together, and they managed to flank her from the front and the back, forcing her to drop the baby. Off-balance, Mpishi crashed unceremoniously to the ground, where she got surrounded by the Lion Guard and was forced to return to her own territory. After the rescue, Kulinda thanked Ono by naming her daughter "Ona" in his honor. The three then performed the imprinting dance together, as Ono was considered part of their family.[32]
Scar's resurrection
So far, Kion's only lured Janja away from Kiara. The rest of the hyenas are still guarding Kiara at the steam vents!Ono
As the dry season began, the Lion Guard became busier than ever. During a patrol, Ono informed his teammates that Janja's clan was attacking Ma Tembo's herd. The Guard arrived on the scene and were shocked that the hyenas would risk hunting prey as large as elephants. Together, they drove the hyenas away, and Ma Tembo explained that the hyenas had been desperate because of the dry season. She added that she was trying to find a new water source for her herd. Concerned by how quickly the dry season was causing chaos, Kion told Ono to stay with the elephants.
Later, Ono warned Kion that Janja's clan was at it again, this time to attack the baboons who had started following Ma Tembo's herd. The Lion Guard rushed to the rescue, and Kion blasted the hyenas away with the Roar of the Elders. With the hyenas gone, the baboons revealed that they were following Ma Tembo to the new water source.
Shortly afterward, at the Lair of the Lion Guard, the Guard looked on as Rafiki's new apprentice, Makini, asked Rafiki if there was a way to talk to Scar. He explained that it depended on if a Great Lion of the Past was good or bad and that the Evil Lions of the Past, like Scar, appeared in fire if they were unleashed by the Roar and a bakora staff.
Later, Makini informed the Lion Guard that hyenas had stolen her bakora staff and kidnapped Kiara. While the rest of the Guard rescued Kiara, Kion confronted Janja, who tricked him into causing a volcanic eruption with the Roar of the Elders. The Guard rushed away from the explosion and reached safety in the Pride Lands. There, they looked on happily as Ma Tembo finally found a new water source for the Pride Landers.[33]
Attempted assassination of Simba
But it's my fault the crocs are awake! What if I'm exiled to the Outlands? Or fed to the crocs?Ono
When a rockslide startled a herd of antelope into stampeding, the Lion Guard rushed to calm them down. From overhead, Ono spotted a canyon into which the Lion Guard could chase the antelope, and they herded the antelope into it. Unbeknownst to the Lion Guard, Makuu and his float were slumbering underground and got awoken by the loud disturbance.
After the Lion Guard had calmed the stampede, Makuu and his float emerged from belowground and explained that crocodiles could not go back into hibernation after being woken up. A particularly vicious crocodile named Kiburi blamed Ono for the dilemma and suggested that they deal with him the "crocodile way." Makuu, however, ordered Kiburi to back down and agreed to meet with Simba to discuss water rations for his float.
At Pride Rock, Makuu spoke with Simba about the water situation. While they talked, Ono worried that he would get in trouble for having awoken the crocodiles. Eventually, Kion called Ono forward and intructed him to spy out a new water hole for Makuu's float. While overlooking the Pride Lands, Ono noticed that the crocodiles had invaded the kingdom's water holes. Makuu insisted that whoever was leading his float had defied a direct order from their leader and tried to leave to sort out the situation. Simba, however, encouraged him to let the Lion Guard handle it.
When the Lion Guard arrived on the scene, Kion and Kiburi began to fight. In the midst of the brawl, Makuu arrived and chastised Kiburi for having defied his orders, and Simba tasked the Lion Guard with leading the float to their new home. Once at the crocodiles' water hole, which proved to be rather small and crowded, Kiburi complained that the situation was a disaster, but Makuu insisted that they must share with the other Pride Landers. Appalled by Makuu's attitude, Kiburi called for a mashindano, and Makuu accepted.
At sunset, the Pride Landers gathered at Lake Matope to watch the mashindano. As Kiburi and Makuu began to brawl, Kiburi's lackeys snuck away from the event. In the meantime, Ono grew tired of the violence and flew away to avoid having to watch the fight. As he hovered over the battlefield, he noticed Kiburi's minions leaving the event and wondered why they would abandon such an important fight. He reported what he had seen to Kion, and the Lion Guard left to investigate. Just then, Ono realized that the crocodiles were attempting to ambush Simba and warned Kion about the danger. Just in time, the Lion Guard intervened and defeated the crocodiles.
Overhearing the fight, Simba approached and found Kiburi's lackeys defeated. He studied the crocodiles and recognized them as being too dim-witted to have come up with such a scheme on their own. At that moment, Makuu defeated Kiburi in the mashindano. However, Kiburi declared to his onlookers that his followers had killed Simba and that he was the new ruler of the Pride Lands. Simba interrupted Kiburi's speech, revealing his presence, and Kiburi realized that the Lion Guard had outsmarted him. Makuu then declared that Kiburi was no longer a part of his float, so Simba banished him and his lackeys from the Pride Lands.
Later, Ono lamented having caused Makuu's float to awaken early and apologized to Makuu for his mistake. At first, Makuu seemed to be growing angry, but then, he forgave Ono, to the egret's relief. Kion explained that Makuu had learned of Ono's part in foiling Kiburi's scheme, and Simba added that everyone made mistakes.[34]
Finding Beshte
No sign of Beshte. And the water's already drying up. Hippos don't do so well in the sun without any water or mud to cover their skin.Ono, after Beshte gets stranded in the Outlands
When Thurston and several members of his herd got stuck in a dry riverbed, the Lion Guard arrived to help. Deciding to make a rainstorm that would loosen the mud, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to turn a cloud into a thunderstorm, to his friends' shock. The falling rain then loosened the mud, freeing some of the zebras.
At first, the Lion Guard believed that the zebras were safe, but when the rain refused to stop, a flood began to rush down the riverbed toward them. Thinking quickly, Kion ordered Beshte to stop the water flow while the rest of the Guard freed the stuck zebras. Though the Guard managed to guide the zebras to higher ground, Beshte got swept away by the floodwaters and found himself stranded in the Outlands.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Lion Guard realized that Beshte was missing, and Kion ordered Ono to scope out the surrounding area. Ono did as commanded, following the dry riverbed to see if he could spot any sign of Beshte, while the rest of the Lion Guard followed. Finding no trace of Beshte, Ono reported his findings to Kion and warned him that hippos did not fare well under the sun without water or mud to cover their skin. Kion told Ono to search for hippo footprints, and he left to see what he could find. As their search continued, the Guard struggled to pick up Beshte's scent due to the water having washed it away. Eventually, Ono spotted Beshte's tracks and led his teammates toward Rocky Plateau.
At that moment, the Lion Guard overheard Beshte's desperate cries of "Twende kiboko!" Ono guided his teammates to the top of Rocky Plateau, where they witnessed the hyenas attempting to drop boulders onto Beshte, who was trapped in a pit below. While Fuli balanced atop a large boulder, keeping it from falling onto Beshte, the rest of the Guard fought off the hyenas. Eventually, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to blow the hyenas away for good, and Beshte climbed out of the pit.
Once back in the Pride Lands, Beshte leaped into a mud pool. In doing so, he accidentally showered his teammates with mud, which made them laugh.[35]
Dry lightning
We should check the watering hole first. It's not safe to be near water in a lightning storm!Ono
Near Pride Rock, the Lion Guard struggled to put out a brush fire. Though they managed to put out the fire by digging trenches around it, the commotion frightened a nearby herd of zebras into stampeding. Once the Guard had calmed the herd, Ono learned from Thurston that dry lightning had been the cause of the fire.
After the rescue, the Lion Guard noticed Rafiki meditating in a nearby tree. They questioned him on why he was not training Makini, and he admitted that he was trying to escape his noisy new neighbors. He then suggested that the Lion Guard return the three young animals to their own kind. Along with Rafiki, the Guard visited Rafiki's tree, where they found Makini having a bug-eating competition with the young animals: Chama, Furaha, and Mzaha. The three confessed that they were outcasts, but Rafiki insisted that they must return to their families, for it was part of their duty to the Circle of Life. Seeing the importance of Rafiki's words, the young animals agreed to return to their herds.
Beshte and Ono escorted Furaha back to his troop, then regrouped with the rest of the Lion Guard at Pride Rock. Just then, Kion spotted a dry lightning storm in the distance and ordered his teammates to protect any nearby Pride Landers. Ono suggested that they clear the watering holes first, as they were dangerous places to be during a lightning storm, and the Lion Guard set off to avert the danger.
Upon arriving at a water hole, the Lion Guard attempted to escort a pair of hippopotamuses and Zito away from the storm. However, dry lightning struck, trapping the animals in a ring of fire. Sparks from the flames began to drift across the savanna, igniting the grass beneath Rafiki's tree. Ono happened to notice the faraway fire and warned Kion that Makini and Rafiki were in danger. Per Kion's instructions, Beshte pushed a boulder into the flames, which allowed his teammates and their charges to safely cross the ring of fire. Kion then used the Roar of the Elders to put out the fire, and the Pride Landers thanked him for having saved them.
With their charges safe, the Lion Guard rushed off to save Makini and Rafiki, only to find that Chama, Furaha, and Mzaha were already battling the flames themselves. The Lion Guard joined in, and together, the two groups put out the fire. Relieved that his tree had been saved, Rafiki thanked them profusely for their help.
That night, the Lion Guard watched as Makini painted for the royal family.[36]
Rescuing Jasiri
The flies didn't leave because Beshte told them to; they left because the zebras showed up.Ono on tsetse flies
One day, a herd of cape buffalo stampeded across the Pride Lands, fleeing a cloud of tsetse flies, while the Lion Guard attempted to calm them down. In the midst of the chase, Ono pointed out that tsetse flies detested water, and so, Kion ordered his teammates to steer the herd toward a nearby water source. After clearing Thurston and his herd from their path, the Guard successfully led the cape buffalo into a watering hole, where the tsetse flies lost interest and flew away.
After the rescue, the Lion Guard overheard Mbeya crying for help and found him upside-down in a dry ditch. After Beshte freed him, the Guard escorted him back to the watering hole, only to get plagued by tsetse flies along the way. Just then, Thurston and his herd reappeared, seeking a new watering hole, and Ono realized that the zebras had been the ones driving off the tsetse flies. Getting an idea, Kion decided to escort Mbeya and the zebras to a new watering hole together.
Later, Madoa approached the Lion Guard and told them that Janja's clan had trapped Jasiri and two hyena cubs in a steam vent. Kion suggested that Thurston accompany them to ward off any remaining tsetse flies, and he agreed to the mission, hoping to "earn a new stripe" for his bravery. This annoyed Ono, who pointed out that zebras were born with stripes and did not "earn" them.
As the Lion Guard ventured into the Outlands, Kion realized that the tsetse flies had vanished. Though he ordered Thurston to return to the Pride Lands, the zebra soon reappeared, asking for directions, and the Guard frustratedly pointed him in the right direction. However, Thurston got turned around again and continued to follow the Guard deeper into the Outlands. When the team discovered that Thurston was still with them, they became irritated but had no choice but to proceed with their mission.
Together, the Lion Guard attacked the hyenas and steered them away from the edge of Jasiri's steam vent. With the hyenas out of the way, Kion ordered Beshte to push a large rock into the steam vent, which allowed Jasiri and the cubs to climb to safety. Once Janja had fled alongside his clan, Jasiri thanked the Lion Guard for their help, and the two groups departed, with the Guard leading Thurston back to the Pride Lands.
Once home in the Pride Lands, the Lion Guard thanked Thurston for his help. At that moment, the tsetse flies reappeared, and the team decided to hang out with the zebras for a while.[37]
Ukumbusho Tradition
Well, elephants are afraid of bees, but I didn't realize they were this afraid.Ono, when Ma Tembo's herd flees a swarm of bees
In Mizimu Grove, the Lion Guard was practicing their lines for the upcoming Ukumbusho Tradition when Timon and Pumbaa arrived to help them. Before they could start, Ma Tembo pointed out that the Lion Guard was traditionally composed of lions only, and so, Makini volunteered to paint each Lion Guard member to resemble a lion.
After Makini had painted the Lion Guard, Timon and Pumbaa attempted to direct the team on their lines. However, Timon grew frustrated with the Guard for being unable to speak their lines while holding the symbolic Branch of Peace in their mouths. Though he suggested that they throw the branch away, Kion protested that it was essential for the ceremony.
Just then, Simba's pride arrived for the celebration. To start the event, the Lion Guard performed "May There Be Peace", during which they commemorated the historic peace established between the elephants and lions of the Pride Lands. Suddenly, a swarm of bees attacked the elephants and chased them from the grove. Kion ordered his teammates to chase down the elephants before they could hurt anyone, and they rushed off to halt the stampede.
While chasing the elephants, the Guard worked out that the bees were attracted to the herd's forehead paint. At that moment, Ono spotted Vuruga Vuruga's herd grazing in the path of the stampede, and Fuli managed to scare them out of the elephants' path.
As the Lion Guard continued running after the elephants, Ono reported that the herd was racing into Sehemu Pass, where they could get stuck between the rocks. Kion declared that this was a good development, and the Lion Guard gathered at the entrance of the pass to wait for the stampede. As each elephant got stuck between the rocks, Mtoto sprayed their foreheads with dust, which cleared away the paint and effectively warded off the bees.
As the elephants recovered, Mtoto noticed that his mother was missing, and Ono spotted her running along the top of Mapango Cliffs, where the soil was dry and could collapse at any moment. Before she could come to harm, Bunga calmed her down, and they returned to solid ground. Afterward, the Lion Guard and the elephants continued the Ukumbusho Tradition without the elephants' forehead paint.[38]
Skirmish with Kenge
Janja, Cheezi, and Chungu are heading back to the melon patch, and Kenge's with them!Ono
One day, the Lion Guard caught Janja, Cheezi, and Chungu attempting to steal a supply of tikiti melons from the elephants, who needed the fruits' moisture to survive the dry season. Though they managed to fend off the hyenas and save most of the melons, Kion decided to keep watch on the melon patch to ensure that no more fruits got stolen.
Later that day, Ono spotted a skirmish at the watering hole, and the Lion Guard arrived to find Kenge, a monitor lizard, making a scene. The Guard leaped into battle, but Kenge managed to bite Kion, Fuli, and Beshte, paralyzing them. Just in time, Bunga intervened and broke wind in Kenge's face, causing him and his hyena minions to retreat.
With the danger abated, Ono revealed that Kenge was a monitor lizard and therefore had a venomous bite, and his friends urged him to fetch Rafiki for healing. However, when Ono arrived at Rafiki's tree to get help, only Makini was at home. Once with the Guard, she forgot what the antidote for their paralysis, ponya flowers, looked like. Recalling what the flowers looked like himself, Ono located a patch of them. At that moment, he witnessed the hyenas returning to the melon patch with Kenge, and Kion ordered him and Bunga to deal with the thieves while Makini collected the ponya flowers.
At the melon patch, Kenge assumed authority over the hyenas and ordered them to roll the melons out of the patch. Just in time, Bunga and Ono arrived, with Bunga taking on Kenge, while Ono stopped the hyenas from stealing the melons. At first, the two seemed to be succeeding in their endeavor, but then, Kenge bit Ono on the wing, paralyzing him. Bunga attacked Kenge, only to get bitten himself, which allowed Kenge and his hyena allies to escape with the melons. However, once the danger was over, Bunga realized that he was immune to Kenge's venom.
Later, Bunga and Makini followed Kenge and the hyenas to Embamba Canyon, where Bunga distracted the thieves while Makini stole the melons back and hid them behind some rocks. Just then, a fully healed Lion Guard approached, and Kion used the Roar of the Elders to blast Kenge and the hyenas back to the Outlands. Together, the Lion Guard and Makini rolled the stolen melons back to the patch, where Bunga complained that the labor of moving the melons had been worse than taking on Kenge alone. This made the rest of the Guard laugh.[39]
Christmas
This is going to be a long night.Ono, during Bunga's Christmas rehearsal
One day, Bunga assisted Timon and Pumbaa in decorating an acacia tree with colored gourds. As Timon attempted to place a star fruit at the top of the tree, he accidentally snapped a branch and began to plummet toward the ground. Coincidentally, the Lion Guard was approaching from nearby, and Beshte caught Timon on his back.
With Timon safe, the Lion Guard inquired about the oddly decorated tree, and Bunga explained that he and his adoptive uncles were decorating their tree in honor of Christmastime. Timon and Pumbaa added that Christmas was about gift-giving and that a mysterious creature called Dandy Claws sometimes left presents for the animals of the savanna. Overcome with sadness, Timon began to weep over Dandy Claws's continued absence, and Pumbaa explained that Dandy Claws only brought presents if animals performed a special song called "The Twelve Ways of Christmas" under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning.
Afterward, while on patrol with the Lion Guard, Bunga admitted that he wished he could help his uncles meet Dandy Claws for Christmas. Kion asserted that the Lion Guard could help make that happen, to which Bunga excitedly began to tick off all the creatures and items that they must gather in order to properly perform "The Twelve Ways of Christmas". Though the list was vast, the Guard decided to split up in order to cover more ground and gather the necessary components more quickly.
Later that day, Bunga and Ono were gathering bugs for the celebration when Pumbaa approached, and Bunga hastily stuffed the bugs into Ono's mouth. Upon seeing the duo, Pumbaa acted suspiciously, and both he and Bunga denied repeatedly that they were planning a Christmas surprise for Timon. Once Pumbaa had walked away, Ono accidentally swallowed the bugs, to Bunga's dismay.
That night, the Lion Guard's animal recruits gathered in a canyon to practice for the upcoming Christmas celebration. Simba questioned Bunga on what they needed to do, but Bunga remained unsure as to where he should begin. Seeing the animals' confusion, Ono stated that it was going to be a long night.
Come sunrise, Kion expressed satisfaction with the animals' performances, but Bunga declared that they still needed more practice. Ma Tembo pointed out that they would never be able to live up to his expectations, and Simba agreed. The group started to break up and leave, but Kion called them back. Simba questioned his son on why Christmas was so important, and Bunga explained that he wanted to make up for his uncles' good deeds over the years. This convinced Simba to devote himself back to the cause and call the others back to continue practicing.
Later that day, the Lion Guard and their Pride Lander recruits performed "The Twelve Ways of Christmas" for Timon and Pumbaa. After the song, Timon and Pumbaa wept with joy, and Timon thanked the gathered animals for making his Christmas vision come true. Just then, Pumbaa re-appeared, dressed in white flowers and a gourd hat, and proclaimed that he had hoped to make Timon's Christmas better by dressing up as Dandy Claws. The two concluded that this had been their best Christmas yet, and the Lion Guard decided to make Christmas an annual holiday in the Pride Lands. The gathered Pride Landers then yelled, "Merry Christmas!"[40]
Zazu's kidnapping
What have we here? Those look like Zazu's feathers.Ono
One day, the Lion Guard found Bupu with his horns stuck in a tree. Kion suggested that they break the branch off the tree, and Bupu reluctantly agreed to the plan. However, as Bunga began to bounce on the branch in order to weaken it, Nyuni the weaver angrily revealed his presence and explained that his nest lay at the end of the branch. Beshte questioned Nyuni on why he had moved his home, and he explained that he liked to see different parts of the Pride Lands.
Just then, Zazu flew up and commented that he would be including the commotion in his Morning Report to Simba. Getting an idea, Kion suggested that they break the branch off at the end so that Bupu could carry Nyuni's nest in his horns. The idea worked, and Zazu praised Kion for his originality. After Zazu had left, Fuli critiqued the hornbill's nosiness, but Kion reminded her that it was part of his job to know the Pride Landers' business. He then reminded her of the time that Zazu had saved him and Bunga from crocodiles, and Ono remarked that Zazu had been brave to jump into Makuu's mouth.
Later, at Pride Rock, Simba expressed concern that Zazu was late for his Morning Report. Hoping to locate Zazu, the Lion Guard asked Bupu and Nyuni if they had seen him, but neither had helpful information. With no other leads, Kion ordered his teammates to track Zazu through other methods. Eventually, Ono located some of Zazu's feathers, which still carried his scent, and the Guard spotted nearby hyena tracks.
While following the tracks, the Lion Guard overheard Zazu singing and rushed toward the noise, which was coming from the Outlands. Just in time, they stopped Janja's clan from eating Zazu. After the hyenas had run off, the Lion Guard accompanied Zazu back to the Pride Lands and listened to him deliver his Morning Report to Simba.[41]
Water treaty with Dhahabu
I've seen things all right, but maybe they're things you don't want anyone else to see.Ono to Dhahabu
Due to a severe drought, the Lion Guard had to break up a fight between Twiga's herd and Vuruga Vuruga's herd. Kion presented the problem to Simba, who instructed the Guard to journey to a watering hole in the Back Lands and ask the local zebras for permission to use it. Heeding Simba's advice, Kion led the Guard into the Back Lands, where Makucha confronted them for being in his territory and attempted to drive them away. Having far greater numbers, the Lion Guard defeated him easily, then continued on their way.
The Lion Guard carried on until they encountered two zebra siblings named Raha and Starehe, who led them to their leader, Dhahabu. Upon seeing Dhahabu, Ono remarked that she was a rare golden zebra and that he had never seen one before. The herd proceeded to praise Dhahabu for her beauty and unique nature, while the Guard looked on.
Afterward, the Lion Guard introduced themselves to Dhahabu, who showed them around Dhahabu Grove. Once the tour was over, Kion explained to Dhahabu that the Pride Lands was experiencing a major drought, then requested permission for the Pride Landers to use her watering hole. To the Guard's confusion, she was evasive and demanded that they first bring her her herd's favorite food, a tamboa plant.
Ono informed his teammates that tamboa plants were incredibly rare and that it could take days to locate one, but Kion insisted that they must find one. Upon searching the surrounding area, Ono spotted a tamboa plant growing behind a tangle of thorns. After Beshte cleared a path through the thorns, the Lion Guard worked together to uproot the enormous plant. Beshte then carried the plant back to Dhahabu on his back, and the Guard presented it to her, adding that they had fulfilled their end of the bargain. To their shock, Dhahabu called off the deal and even forbid her own herd from using their watering hole. Suspicious, Kion sent Ono to investigate, and he returned with news that the watering hole had dried up.
After her herd left in dejection, Dhahabu admitted to Kion that she had noticed the water disappearing several days ago but had not wanted to make her herd unhappy. Kion offered to assist her with her water problem in exchange for the Pride Landers' access to her watering hole, and she delightfully agreed to the deal. The Lion Guard followed Dhahabu to her watering hole, where she explained that there used to be a waterfall that fed the pool. Ono investigated the dried-up falls and informed Kion that a rockslide has caused a blockage downriver. As the Guard pursued Ono's find, Dhahabu insisted on joining them.
Once at the scene of the blockage, the Lion Guard resolved to clear the rockslide, only to be confronted by Makucha and his leopard friends. The two groups engaged in a fight, during which the Lion Guard managed to chase away all of Makucha's minions. However, Makucha trapped Dhahabu and warned the Lion Guard that he would harm her if they did not leave his territory. In answer, the Guard dropped hints to Dhahabu that she could be a good leader by fighting back, and she quickly took action, kicking Makucha into the dam. The force of Makucha's hit caused the rocks to break apart, and the river burst free, filling Dhahabu's watering hole. With Makucha defeated and her watering hole restored, Dhahabu offered the Lion Guard access to her herd's water supply.
Later, Kion led the Pride Landers into Dhahabu Grove, where they joined the zebras in enjoying the watering hole. Dhahabu invited the Lion Guard to join in, and they happily did so.[42]
Saving Makuu from Kiburi
Everyone! Kiburi's float is attacking Makuu's watering hole!Ono
One day, the Lion Guard saw Makuu training his float to fight and mistook it for real violence. They started to break up the sparring, only for Hodari the gecko to explain that the crocodiles were not truly fighting. The Guard quickly backed off and apologized to Makuu, who continued to train his float.
Just then, Ono spotted a herd of cape buffalo stampeding toward the crocodiles, and Kion yelled for the float to take cover. Though the crocodiles managed to reach safety on a nearby cliff, the stampede caused a rockslide that injured Makuu. Despite his injuries, Makuu insisted that he was fine and continued to train his float.
Continuing their patrol, the Lion Guard saved several galagos who were trapped in a collapsed tree. Shortly afterward, Ono spotted Kiburi's float invading the Pride Lands, and the Lion Guard rushed to stop them. Upon the Lion Guard confronting him, Kiburi claimed that he was simply visiting, then introduced the team to his float's newest member, Hodari. He attempted to use Hodari's friendship with the Guard to his advantage, but Kion was adamant about his banishment and commanded him to return to the Outlands. Reluctantly, Kiburi gave in, and he and his float left the Pride Lands.
The Lion Guard attempted to warn Makuu that Kiburi was lurking in the Pride Lands, but he insisted that his float could take care of itself. Honoring Makuu's request, Kion led his teammates away, unaware that Kiburi was watching from the underbrush. The moment the Lion Guard had departed, he and his float attacked Makuu, using Hodari's lessons to evade their attacks and seize an effortless victory.
Ono spotted the attack from the sky, and Kion led the Lion Guard to Makuu's defense. Eventually, with Hodari's help, Makuu defeated Kiburi, and the enemy float backed off. With Kiburi's float incapacitated, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to banish them back to the Outlands. Afterwards, Makuu allowed Hodari to join his float, while the Lion Guard looked on.[43]
Alliance with Tamaa
The hyenas! They're moving in on Rafiki!Ono
When Janja and his clan began chasing Twiga and her daughter, Juhudi, the Lion Guard rushed to their defense. In the midst of the chase, Ono spotted Reirei's pack attacking a group of pangolins on the other side of the Pride Lands, and Kion was forced to split up his team. While he and Beshte continued to pursue the hyenas, Ono left with Bunga and Fuli to take on the jackals.
Charging ahead of Bunga, Fuli and Ono confronted the jackals, but they scattered, making it impossible for the duo to catch them. Suddenly, Reirei changed strategy, and the jackals began to throw the curled-up pangolins at Fuli and Ono. When the pangolins landed, however, they unfurled and released gas into the jackals' faces, causing them to flee. Fuli and Ono ensured that the pangolins were all right, just as Bunga caught up to them, out of breath. Ono commented that the jackals were returning to the Outlands, and Fuli sped away to ensure that this was the case.
The Lion Guard regrouped at the edge of the Outlands, where they watched the jackals flee the Pride Lands. Kion expressed concern that his team was weaker when split up and wondered why both groups of Outlanders had given up so easily. Though Beshte tried to brush the scrapes off as a coincidence, Ono caught sight of the hyenas and jackals converging in the Outlands, confirming Kion's suspicions. Bunga remarked that all they had to do was be in two places at once, which gave Kion the idea to recruit Tamaa.
Later, Ono spotted the jackals chasing a herd of gazelles in the Pride Lands, and Kion ordered the Lion Guard to pursue them. Shortly into the chase, Ono caught sight of the hyenas stalking Rafiki on the other side of the Pride Lands, and Kion quickly changed course, sending Tamaa ahead to deal with the jackals, while the Lion Guard defended Rafiki from the hyenas.
Upon reaching Rafiki, the Lion Guard joined forces with him, and together, they defeated Janja's clan. In the face of his clan's defeat, Janja attempted to flee the battlefield, and Ono warned Kion. Just then, Reirei's pack arrived to help the hyenas, and another fight broke out. Once more, the Lion Guard and Rafiki overcame the Outlanders. After their enemies had fled the Pride Lands, Rafiki thanked the Lion Guard for their help.[44]
Sumu's attack
There's a scorpion running toward the Outlands, Kion! It must be him!Ono on Sumu, after the latter stings Simba
In the Lair of the Lion Guard, Makini and the Lion Guard discussed how Scar had been defeated by Simba, which had inspired the Kumbuka celebration. Bunga tried to argue that Timon and Pumbaa had been the true heroes, since they had distracted the hyenas, but the rest of the Lion Guard credited Simba with the victory.
Later that day, at Pride Rock, the Pride Landers attended the Kumbuka celebration. In the midst of the festivities, a scorpion named Sumu stung Simba's tail, then retreated as Simba collapsed to the ground. Rafiki rushed to the king's side and examined the sting, determining that it had been inflicted by a scorpion. Kion ordered Ono to find the scorpion, and Ono soon spotted Sumu fleeing across the Pride Lands. Together, the Lion Guard chased Sumu into the Outlands.
With Sumu gone, the Lion Guard returned to Pride Rock, where Simba had weakened severely. Rafiki explained that the only cure for the king's ailment was volcanic ash, which could be found in the Outlands, and tasked the Guard with retrieving it. Bunga offered to carry the gourd that would hold the ash, but when he almost broke it, Rafiki ordered Makini to accompany the Guard.
Meanwhile, Scar received word of Sumu's success and directed his army to intercept the Lion Guard when they entered the Outlands to retrieve volcanic ash. The plan worked, with Kiburi, Reirei, Janja, and their respective groups slowing the Lion Guard's progress through the Outlands. At last, the Guard reached the caldera, where Makini placed a pinch of volcanic ash into her gourd.
As the Lion Guard turned to leave, Scar arose from the lava and revealed himself to Kion, admitting his part in trying to kill Simba. Despite Scar's confession, Kion directed his team to leave, as he was worried about arriving too late to save his father. Scar, however, called his army forward, and they cornered the Lion Guard at the edge of the lava. With no option left, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to carefully blow away Scar's army, after which the Lion Guard ran out of the volcano. Scar sent Mzingo and his parliament after them, and the vultures nearly wrestled the gourd from Makini. Before the gourd could fall into some nearby lava, Ono swooped down and cut the cord that was attaching it to Makini's staff. Kion then used the Roar to blow the vultures away.
The Lion Guard continued racing across the Pride Lands en route to Pride Rock. Noticing Kion's worry, Fuli claimed that she could reach Pride Rock in time but added that she could not carry the gourd herself. Bunga volunteered to ride Fuli so he could carry the gourd, and the two raced ahead of the rest of the Lion Guard.
Eventually, the rest of the Lion Guard arrived at Pride Rock, where Simba was weak but recovering. Rafiki ordered everyone to leave Simba to his recovery, and Kion joined the rest of the Lion Guard on the promontory. There, he declared that their duty was to protect the Pride Lands and that they could defeat Scar.[45]
Fire at Poromoko Crevasse
Hapana! A wildfire! Over at the Poromoko Crevasse! And it looks like the eland are trapped!Ono
One day, at Pride Rock, Rafiki tasked Makini with finding Kongwe, the oldest and wisest animal in the Pride Lands, as Simba sought her wisdom about Scar's return. Beshte commented that Kongwe lived near the Urembo River, which was a half-day's walk from Pride Rock, and Simba worried that this was too long of a delay. Remarking that she could do it faster, Fuli volunteered to speed up the trip. While she and Makini departed to find Kongwe, the rest of the Lion Guard set off on patrol.
While on patrol, the Lion Guard spotted a group of hyraxes attempting to cross a rock bridge. Suddenly, Ono realized that the bridge was unstable and warned the hyraxes to get back moments before the rocks gave way and collapsed. The Guard worried that the hyraxes would be unable to reach a watering source, so Beshte made a bridge by hoisting a rock onto his back and holding it up for the hyraxes to cross.
Just then, Ono spotted a herd of elands trapped in a wildfire at the Poromoko Crevasse. He guided his teammates through the smoke to where the elands were, and they led the herd away from the fire, toward a canyon. As Beshte started to lead the elands down into the canyon, however, a spark set some nearby bushes on fire, blocking their path. Ono worried that the narrowest part of the canyon was not short enough of a distance for the elands to jump across, so Kion ordered Beshte to make another bridge, just as he had for the hyraxes. Beshte did as commanded, and the elands crossed safely to the other side of the canyon.
At sunset, Fuli, Makini, and Kongwe reconvened with the rest of the Lion Guard. Together, they went to Pride Rock, where Kongwe advised Simba to be patient and proclaimed that good always triumphed over evil in the end.[46]
Kilio Valley fire
Ma Tembo's herd! They're surrounded by hyenas, jackals, and crocodiles!Ono
One day, in Kilio Valley, the Lion Guard struggled to put out a fire. As the Guard spread out, combating the fire, they accepted help from several of Ma Tembo's elephants, while Ma Tembo led the rest of her herd out of the valley. However, as the elephants were escaping, they got cornered among the flames by Janja, Reirei, Kiburi, and their respective followers. Ono overheard Janja's cackling and reported what was happening to Kion, who suspected Scar of having caused the trouble. To Ono's shock, he ordered the Guard to protect the elephants and leave Kilio Valley to the mercy of the fire.
Once the Lion Guard had guided the elephants to safety, Ma Tembo mourned her herd's destroyed home. Zito blamed the Lion Guard for having failed to save Kilio Valley, and Kion guiltily accepted his criticism. Ma Tembo appealed to Kion for help in finding a temporary home for her herd, and he resolved to do so.
The Lion Guard led the elephants to the galagos, then the giraffes, but both groups turned them away due to their unruly behavior. Frustrated, Kion ordered Bupu to be patient with the elephants until the Lion Guard could come up with a more permanent solution. He asked Ono for a report on Kilio Valley, and Ono discovered that Scar's army had remained in the valley. Horrified, Kion realized that he had helped enable Scar's plan to take over the Pride Lands.
Just then, the Lion Guard realized that Ma Tembo's herd had been forcibly ousted by Bupu. Kion approached the elephants and assured Ma Tembo that he would find them a new home, but she insisted that they must leave the Pride Lands, as no one else wanted them.
At that moment, Ono alerted Kion to a new fire that had broken out at Ndefu Grove. The Lion Guard rushed to the grove, where Laini begged them to save her galagos. Bunga, Fuli, and Kion quickly pinpointed the galagos, who were trapped in a tree, and saved them from the flames. As they were delivering them safely back to Laini, Beshte informed them that the fire was not being put out fast enough, and Ono added that they may lose Ndefu Grove. Unwilling to lose more of the Pride Lands, Kion resolved to find help, while the rest of the Guard stayed behind to combat the fire.
Before long, Kion returned with Ma Tembo's herd, and the elephants helped the Lion Guard put out the fire. Afterwards, Laini thanked the elephants for their help and offered them shelter in Ndefu Grove, which they gratefully accepted.[47]
Alliance with Kinyonga
I've spotted Kinyonga, and she's being chased by the skinks!Ono
One day, the Lion Guard was waiting on the border of the Outlands and the Pride Lands when Ono suddenly appeared, being chased by Mwoga and Mzingo. After evading the vultures, Ono landed among his teammates and reported that Janja and his clan were paying a visit to Scar.
Just then, Thurston's frightened brays attracted the Lion Guard's attention, and they approached him and his herd, asking what the problem was. To their confusion, Thurston reported that a nearby rock had been talking to him. Though they doubted his story, Twiga soon appeared with a similar claim about a tree. After calming the animals, Kion promised to figure out what was going on.
The Lion Guard investigated Twiga's tree, where Ono felt a mysterious creature running over his talons. A chameleon briefly appeared before the Guard, then raced away, blending in with her surroundings as she went. The Guard took chase, and Ono was eventually able to spot her with his keen sight. She expressed shock that someone had seen her, and Ono explained that he was the "keenest of sight." Recognizing him and his friends as the Lion Guard, the chameleon introduced herself as Kinyonga, then showed off her camouflage abilities.
After the Lion Guard had parted ways with Kinyonga, Ono apologized to Kion for having been spotted by the vultures, but Kion assured him that it was difficult to slip in and out of the Outlands without being seen. Overhearing the Guard's dilemma, Kinyonga offered to sneak into the Outlands and spy on its inhabitants for them. Though reluctant, Kion agreed to her plan.
As time passed, the Lion Guard grew worried about what was keeping Kinyonga. Upon investigating the Outlands, Ono spotted her being chased by skinks. Kion worried that a battle would not save her and declared that he had an idea as to how they could enter the Outlands unseen. Meanwhile, the skinks cornered Kinyonga and advanced on her. Suddenly, they realized that the Lion Guard had snuck up on them by using foliage and mud to conceal themselves. Overwhelmed, the skinks retreated, and Kinyonga explained to the Lion Guard that Scar was planning to cut off a Pride Lands water source at Hakuna Matata Falls. Come nighttime, Scar's hyena minions attempted to block up the river, but the Lion Guard once more camouflaged themselves and launched a surprise attack, driving the hyenas away.
The next morning, the Lion Guard noticed Thurston speaking to a rock and figured that it must be Kinyonga at work. They approached Kinyonga and questioned her on where she had gone the previous night, to which she expressed guilt over having scared Janja and his clan with her camouflage. Bunga assured her that it did not matter if the hyenas got spooked, but she vowed to never scare anyone again. No sooner had she said this when Thurston got frightened by her unexpected appearance, and he and his herd fled in panic. The Lion Guard quickly took chase.[48]
Test in the Lair of the Lion Guard
I know why we keep hitting dead-ends: we're in a maze! And it looks just like that last painting we saw. Don't worry. I'll find a way out.Ono, after the Lion Guard gets trapped in a chamber underground
One day, the Lion Guard examined paintings in the Lair of the Lion Guard in the hopes of finding a way to defeat Scar. Suddenly, Kion noticed a boulder that was blocking a painting and instructed Beshte to move it. With the boulder out of the way, the Lion Guard found a secret passage that led deep into the heart of the Lair. Makini used her bakora staff to bring a painting to life, which detailed how the original Lion Guard, led by Askari, had defeated a great evil by venturing deep into the Lair's chambers. Determined to find a means of defeating Scar, Kion led his friends into the caverns.
As the Lion Guard ventured deeper into the Lair, they reached a weak section of floor that collapsed beneath them. After Beshte saved them by slowing their momentum, they set off in a new direction, though they continually met dead-ends. Eventually, Ono used his keen eyesight to figure out that the caverns formed a maze. He then guided his teammates through the tunnels until they escaped the maze. After the Guard reached safety, they realized that the underground chamber was a test in which a Lion Guard must prove its worth.
Just then, Makini approached, having followed the Lion Guard's paw prints, and Kion reluctantly allowed her to join their quest. Under his leadership, the team reached another chamber, and Makini led them to a painting. She explained that a group of evil lions had attempted to overtake the Pride Lands, but Askari and his Lion Guard had foiled their plans by using an unstoppable force.
Makini led the Lion Guard into yet another chamber, where there was a pool of water and a second painting. At first, the team could not decipher where the unstoppable force was, but then, Kion realized that it was their reflection - or the Lion Guard itself - that was the unstoppable force. Makini brought the painting to life with her staff, showing how Askari's Guard had worked together to defeat the evil lions. As one, the Lion Guard looked up at the painting, which shifted into the symbol of the Guard, and cried out their catchphrase in unison.[49]
Abnormal Outlander attacks
Uh, Goiogi, what makes you think you're invisible?Ono, when Goigoi attempts to attack the Lion Guard covered in berry stripes
One day, the Lion Guard saved a pair of hyraxes from a dust devil. Nearby, Thurston got aggravated by the storm and proclaimed that the Guard should be putting a stop to the dust devils. Just then, Ono spotted another dust devil, and Kion led his teammates to the site of the storm. Once there, they rescued a pangolin.
While the Lion Guard was helping the pangolins, Cheezi and Chungu attacked them with red flowers. Beshte used his strength to dispatch of them, after which Kion wondered why the attack had been so odd. The Guard then took off to deal with another dust devil. Working together, the team rescued Mbuni and two other ostriches from sand that had filled up a gully. At that moment, Goigoi walked up with berry stripes painted on his fur, but the Lion Guard noticed his approach. Disappointed, he retreated, and Fuli questioned the strange occurrences.
In another incident, Tamka and Nduli attempted to tickle the Lion Guard's bellies, only for Kion to lose patience and use the Roar of the Elders to blow them away. Once the crocodiles had been defeated, Kion voiced his concern that Scar was behind the attacks and ordered Ono to scout out the Outlands. In doing so, Ono spotted Thurston being attacked by Cheezi, Chungu, Goigoi, Nduli, and Tamka. Since he was a Pride Lander, Kion decided that it was the Guard's duty to save him.
Together, the Lion Guard entered the Outlands and chased off the Outlanders. With the danger abated, Thurston revealed that he had been advising the Outlanders all day, and the Lion Guard realized why they had been the butt-end of such strange attacks. Together, the Guard and Thurston left the Outlands to return home.[50]
Hyena Resistance
Hapana! The hyenas, jackals, and crocs! They're not after Mizimu Grove; they're after Jasiri's clan. And they have them surrounded!Ono
One day, the Lion Guard defended the Pride Lands from a three-way attack by Janja's clan, Kiburi's float, and Reirei's pack. Eventually, the Guard defeated the Outlanders, who retreated to the Outlands. Just then, Jasiri tackled Kion, having been watching the skirmish, and commented on how strange it was that all the Outlanders had been banding together. Kion explained that they were all fighting under Scar's banner and offered Jasiri and her clan shelter in the Pride Lands. She, however, insisted that they must protect their turf. She then persuaded her clan to form a Hyena Resistance against Scar and his army.
Later, Jasiri overheard Janja plotting with his clan to take over Mizimu Grove with Kiburi's and Reirei's groups. She sent Madoa to warn the Lion Guard, while she and the rest of her clan intercepted Janja's clan. The plan worked, with the Lion Guard defeating Kiburi and Reirei in Mizimu Grove, while Jasiri and her clan blocked Janja's access to the Pride Lands with a rockslide. After the Hyena Resistance foiled more of Scar's attacks, Jasiri celebrated their success with the Lion Guard on the border of the Outlands and the Pride Lands. Unbeknownst to the group, they were being spied on by the skinks.
Later, Madoa informed the Lion Guard that Scar was planning his biggest attack yet on Mizimu Grove. She returned to Jasiri, only for the clan to be set upon by Janja, Kiburi, and Reirei. Across the Pride Lands, Ono scouted out the Outlands and caught sight of Jasiri's clan being attacked. Realizing Scar's trap, the Lion Guard rushed to the hyenas' aid and defeated the Outlanders.[51]
Kion and Bunga's mudpot trip
Kion! Bunga! There you are! We just put out the fire by the mudpots.Ono
Upon hearing Tiifu and Zuri yelling for help, the Lion Guard followed their voices to Pride Rock. There, they learned that the cubs were simply distressed that the heat was messing up their fur. Beshte suggested that the cubs visit the mudpots at the edge of the Pride Lands to moisturize their fur, and they agreed enthusiastically, inviting Kiara to join them. Before the cubs could leave, Nala sent Kion and Bunga to accompany them and keep watch for danger.
Later, Fuli, Beshte, and Ono spotted a fire near the mudpots and put it out. Though they worried for Kion and Bunga's safety, they eventually found them safe and sound, and Bunga explained that they had gotten trapped in a maze of underground tunnels.[52]
Alliance with Shujaa
Beshte and the BeastBunga and Ono on Shujaa
One day, at the watering hole, the Lion Guard regulated when the giraffes and the zebras took turns drinking. Suddenly, a gorilla appeared, smashing everything in sight. While Beshte and Ono calmed the panicked giraffes and zebras, Kion, Bunga, and Fuli confronted the gorilla. At first, the gorilla was hostile, but upon realizing that he was facing the Lion Guard, he backed down and introduced himself as Shujaa. He added that Sokwe had sent him to assist them.
Just then, Ono informed his teammates that the crocodiles, hyenas, and jackals were attacking Big Springs. Alongside Shujaa, the Guard raced to the rescue and confronted the Outlanders. Before the Guard could step in, Shujaa heaved boulders and trees at the Outlanders, effectively driving them away from Big Springs. In doing so, he destroyed the nearby area, blocking up aardvark dens, trapping hares in mud, and tangling oryxes' horns. Though Shujaa was upset, the Lion Guard resolved to clean up the mess.
No sooner had the Lion Guard finished when Ono warned them that the crocodiles, hyenas, and jackals had returned to the Pride Lands to hunt a herd of sable antelope. Kion suggested that they cut through Nyani Grove, which inspired Shujaa to charge through the grove and begin clearing a wide path. In the process, he knocked the baboons from their trees, and they charged into a herd of cape buffalo, which incited a stampede. While Beshte and Fuli rushed after the buffalo to calm them, Kion, Bunga, and Ono followed Shujaa. As they approached the Outlanders, Kion ordered the sable antelope to move, then used the Roar of the Elders to blast the Outlanders away.
After Beshte and Fuli had returned, the Lion Guard lamented the state of Nyani Grove. Kion told Shujaa that he did not know his own strength, and Beshte offered to teach the gorilla what he knew. Shujaa agreed, and the two moved off together to train. Shortly afterward, the Lion Guard was forced to defend Big Springs from yet another fiery attack from the Army of Scar. Ono warned Beshte about the attack, and he joined his teammates in battle against the Outlanders. In the midst of the fight, Beshte injured his leg and found himself unable to move. Ono begged Shujaa for help, and the gorilla agreed to fight for Beshte's sake. Together, the Lion Guard and Shujaa put out the blaze, saved Beshte, and fought off the invading Outlanders. Afterwards, the Lion Guard praised Shujaa for his heroics and asserted that they were glad that Sokwe had sent him.[53]
Training the Pride Landers
Kion, it's a lot of Outlanders. As in all of them. We might need a lot of animals on our side too.Ono, as the Army of Scar attacks Makuu's watering hole
One day, the Lion Guard rushed to stop Bupu's herd and the galagos from stampeding across the Pride Lands. Once calm, the animals explained that someone had supposedly seen a jackal, and the Guard concluded that the Pride Landers needed to unite against the threat of the Outlanders. They proceeded to gather together Bupu's herd, Laini's group, Ma Tembo's herd, and Mbeya's crash for training. At first, the Pride Landers were tense, but Kion worked to defuse the tension. He instructed the animals to race toward Bunga, only for the larger animals to trip over the galagos and end up in a heap.
After the disastrous training exercise, Kion got the idea to call Makuu for help. Makuu begrudgingly agreed to assist the Pride Landers, but his training proved to be too rigorous and ruthless for them to master. Though Kion urged Makuu to be kinder, he left in a huff and vowed to only look after his own float should trouble ever arise. Unbeknownst to the Pride Landers, Shupavu and Njano were spying on the proceedings and reported what they had learned to Scar. He, in turn, decided to take advantage of the crocodiles' fraying alliance with Kion by attacking Makuu's watering hole.
Per Scar's instructions, the Army of Scar besieged Makuu's float at their watering hole. Ono witnessed the battle from the sky and reported what was happening to Kion. Together, the Lion Guard and their Pride Lander allies stormed the watering hole and fought off the Army of Scar. Afterwards, Makuu thanked them for their help and vowed to help them should they ever have need of him.[54]
Dhahabu's visit
But you can't offend the queen. Remember the water treaty?Ono to Kion on Dhahabu
When Dhahabu visited the Pride Lands to discuss a water treaty with Simba, the Lion Guard handled crowd control at Pride Rock. After the royals' meeting, Kiara, Tiifu, and Zuri escorted Dhahabu on a tour around the kingdom, with the Lion Guard tagging along at Dhahabu's insistence.
Later, the Lion Guard ran into Dhahabu's assistants, Raha and Starehe, who were depressed that their queen had no need of them. Ono offered to find Dhahabu for them, only to discover that she was being attacked by jackals. Along with Raha and Starehe, the Guard rushed to the rescue and fought off the pack. To the Guard's surprise, when Dhahabu credited Tiifu and Zuri with the victory, Raha and Starehe did not correct her.
Shortly afterward, Dhahabu was freshening up at a water hole when the jackals attacked again, this time with crocodile allies. Ono informed his teammates about the attack, and Raha and Starehe raced away to defend their queen. After Raha and Starehe defeated the Outlanders, Dhahabu relieved Fuli, Tiifu, and Zuri of their duties and appointed Raha and Starehe in their stead. Together, the group returned to Pride Rock, where Dhahabu renewed her water treaty with the Pride Landers.[55]
Scar's attack on Mizimu Grove
Mpando mpaya. It's the planting of a new baobab tree in Mizimu Grove.Ono
One day, at Big Springs, Timon and Pumbaa wandered by the Lion Guard on the trail of a slug. No sooner had the duo left when Makini approached and showed the Guard a plant root that would be part of her mpando mpaya. In the face of Bunga's confusion, Ono explained that a mpando mpaya was the traditional planting of a new baobab tree by a Royal Mjuzi. Getting an idea, Kion chased after Timon and Pumbaa, and asked them to perform at Makini's mpando mpaya. That way, he reasoned, the Pride Landers would treat it like a celebration and have their spirits be raised.
Later, at Mizimu Grove, Rafiki and Simba announced Makini's mpando mpaya, and Timon and Pumbaa performed "Tujiinue". In the midst of the event, the Army of Scar attacked, and the Pride Landers rose up to defend themselves. However, the battle paused when Scar appeared in the flames and threatened to overtake the entirety of the Pride Lands. Frightened by Scar's unexpected appearance, the Pride Landers fled Mizimu Grove.
As the Pride Landers fled, Ono warned his teammates that the antelope were running toward the Poromoko Crevasse. While Fuli vowed to deal with the antelope, she instructed Ono to calm Ma Tembo's herd. Meanwhile, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to defeat the Outlanders. Once the Guard had calmed them, the Pride Landers returned to Mizimu Grove, where Simba admitted that he had had knowledge of Scar's return for some time. The herds deliberated whether they should leave the Pride Lands for good, and Simba told them to inform him of their decisions the following morning at Pride Rock.
Come morning, at Pride Rock, Kion implored the Pride Landers to follow him to Mizimu Grove before they decided to leave the Pride Lands. The herds followed Kion to Mizimu Grove, where Makini's baobab tree seed had survived Scar's fire. This inspired them to remain in the Pride Lands and work together to defeat Scar.[56]
Alliance with Anga
The Lion Guard needs you, Hadithi. Actually, all the Pride Lands need you.Ono
When fiery sticks began raining from the sky, the Lion Guard rushed to protect Twiga's herd. Though Ono attempted to find the source of the fiery sticks, the high altitude forced him to return to the ground. Getting an idea, Beshte suggested that the Guard talk to Anga, a high-flying martial eagle. The Guard eventually found Anga in a grove of trees, and she agreed to help them pinpoint the source of the fiery sticks.
Just then, another attack began, and Anga and Ono flew off to investigate. As they flew higher and higher, Ono was forced to retreat, while Anga soared ahead. Once above the clouds, she spotted Mzingo and his parliament dropping fiery sticks onto the Pride Lands. She reported what she had witnessed to the Lion Guard, and Kion suggested that they rally the kingdom's birds to help stop the vultures. Ono advised they ask Hadithi for help, which excited Anga. Together, Anga and Ono departed to find Hadithi, during which time Anga taught Ono how to fly like she did.
Eventually, Anga and Ono found Hadithi surrounded by his adoring fans. At first, Ono worried that Hadithi was still taking credit for others' accomplishments, but he soon realized that Hadithi was humbly attributing his successes to those who deserved it. Ono implored Hadithi to help the Lion Guard, and he agreed to the request, leading his followers to where the Guard had gathered to plan their next move.
Once the birds and the Lion Guard had assembled, they took off to thwart another attack, this time over the Maumivu Thorn Patch. During the fight, Anga got wounded, and Hadithi and Ono rushed to save her. However, Hadithi got attacked by vultures and ended up falling into the thorn patch below. With no Hadithi to rally the birds, Ono took up the mantle of leader and managed to lead the birds in another assault. After the birds had rounded up the vultures, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to banish them back to the Outlands.[57]
Adolescence
Battle for the Pride Lands
Kion's already given me orders. We have to help the royal family.Ono to Anga, as Pride Rock burns
For seasons, the Lion Guard prevented Scar's army from overtaking the Pride Lands. Eventually, Simba decided to invade the Outlands, and Ono rallied the Pride Lander birds to the cause. The night before the attack, the rest of the Lion Guard encouraged Kion to lead them in the upcoming fight against Scar.
Later that evening, Ono spotted Janja and his clan heading toward Pride Rock. As the Lion Guard pursued the hyenas into the Lair of the Lion Guard, they realized that Pride Rock was on fire, and Kion ordered Ono to help his family. Upon finding Anga, Ono relayed Kion's orders, and the two worked with Hadithi to carry the royal family from the promontory of Pride Rock to the ground below. Meanwhile, the rest of the Guard and Janja's clan escaped the Lair and reconvened with Ono.
At that moment, Scar's spirit manifested in the fire and implored the Pride Landers to abandon their home. Once the apparition had disappeared, Simba decided to carry out the assault on the Outlands, despite Scar's threats. Janja revealed that, according to Scar, Kion could defeat him by using the Roar of the Elders in the volcano, and the Pride Landers resolved to overcome Scar and his army once and for all.
The next morning, the Pride Landers invaded the Outlands, and the Lion Guard confronted Scar in the volcano. Without warning, Ushari attacked Kion, injecting him with venom and giving him a scar over his eye. Though Scar urged Kion to give in to his anger, Kion instead summoned the Great Lions of the Past, who sent rainclouds that destroyed Scar. Ushari lunged at Kion in vengeance, but Bunga intercepted the attack, causing them both to fall toward the lava below. Just in time, Ono grabbed Bunga in his talons and carried him to safety.
After leaving the volcano, Ono realized that his vision had remained hazy, and the Lion Guard resolved to take him to Rafiki. Once he had examined Ono's eyes, Rafiki concluded that the volcano's fumes had damaged the egret's eyesight and encouraged him and Kion to seek healing at the Tree of Life. Upon examining Rafiki's map to the Tree of Life, Ono devoted the route to memory.
Unable to continue acting as the keenest of sight, Ono asked Anga to take his place, and Kion appointed her to the Guard. However, deciding that Ono still had a place on the Guard, Kion reappointed him as the Pride Lands' smartest. The Guard and Makini then left for the Tree of Life, with Ono's flock saluting him as he rode past on Beshte's back.[58]
Journey to the Tree of Life
Makucha's plot
I'm on the Lion Guard. I should be helping animals to safety, not the other way around.Ono
Along with Makini, the Lion Guard traveled to the Back Lands, where they found the first moja kwa moja stone marking the path to the Tree of Life. As the group continued on toward an iroko tree, they ran into Makucha and his friends, Fahari and Jiona. Unwilling to let the Guard pass through their territory, the leopards attacked, and Makini carried Ono to safety, despite his protests.
As the battle raged, Ono lamented not being able to help. At that moment, a harmattan struck, and the leopards got blown away by the winds. With help from Anga, the Lion Guard found shelter in a nearby cave, only to discover that the leopards were already inside. After some discussion, Makucha reluctantly agreed to guide the Guard through the storm so that they would leave his territory. As the group readied to leave the cave, Makini vowed to keep Ono safe, and he lamented being unable to help other animals.
As the leopards led the Lion Guard through the harmattan, Ono got blown off Beshte's back and realized that the harmattan winds had changed direction, which meant that Makucha was leading them astray. Meanwhile, Beshte realized that Ono was missing, and the Guard began to search for him. Just then, Ono caught up to his friends and warned them of Makucha's deception. Too late, Bunga fell off a cliff that was at the end of their path, and the leopards attacked Makini, dragging her away from the Guard.
A fight broke out, during which Ono sensed the winds picking up again. He warned his friends of the danger, and they took shelter behind some rocks. Not hearing Ono's warning, the leopards got blown away. Once the storm had cleared, the Lion Guard located the iroko tree and praised Ono for his keen insight. Ono then informed his friends that their next landmark was a two-peaked mountain.[59]
Befriending the snow monkeys
Snow monkeys are afraid of large birds. Large birds try to eat them!Ono
Together, the Lion Guard made their way to a range of mountains, though Ono noted that they were diverging from the path suggested by Rafiki's painting. Kion, however, insisted on continuing. As the Guard continued their ascent of the mountain, they noticed some nearby snow monkeys, and Anga volunteered to ask them for directions. No sooner had she flown away when Ono realized that snow monkeys were afraid of large birds. Too late, the snow monkeys began pelting Anga with snow until she returned to the Guard.
Impatient, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to clear a path through the mountain, only to trigger an avalanche. The Guard scrambled to escape, with Anga carrying Makini and Ono to safety while the rest of the Guard rescued the snow monkeys. Once the avalanche had cleared, Kion resolved to make it up to the snow monkeys for having destroyed their home.
Per Kion's instructions, Anga located a nearby hot spring, and the Lion Guard escorted the snow monkeys there. At that moment, some flying squirrels arrived to welcome the new neighbors, but the snow monkeys fled in fear, mistaking the squirrels for birds of prey. In doing so, they fell into a deep hole in the snow.
Eventually, the Lion Guard located the hole, only for Bunga to fall in himself. Ono warned the others that they could not get too close, else they would fall in, and that any movement within the hole would cause the snow monkeys and Bunga to sink deeper. Though the Guard looked to Kion for direction, he appealed to Fuli for help, as he was not thinking clearly. She agreed and ordered Anga to lift the snow monkeys and Bunga out of the hole with her talons.
Once the snow monkeys and Bunga had been rescued, Fuli told Anga to find a new hot spring for the snow monkeys. Anga followed Fuli's orders, and the Lion Guard led the snow monkeys to a new hot spring. Once there, Fuli allowed her friends to take a brief reprieve, as they had earned it.[60]
Saving Domog's pack
Kion? You really think the Ghost of the Mountain is real?Ono to Kion
As the Lion Guard continued traveling through the mountains, they reached a bamboo forest, which Ono recognized as being the site of the next moja kwa moja stone. While passing through the forest, Bunga attempted to retrieve some tuliza for Kion, only to fall from a great height. This prompted a pack of red pandas to surround him and hail him as "Songoson Khün." As the red pandas decorated Bunga in royal garb, Anga described their physical appearance to Ono, and he identified their species, though he expressed confusion as to why they were living in a pack.
Eventually, the Lion Guard learned from the red panda Dughi that Bunga was the "Chosen One" who was destined to fall from the sky and defeat the "Ghost of the Mountain." At that moment, the pack leader, Domog, approached and explained how the Ghost of the Mountain had driven the red pandas from their home and made them live in perpetual fear. Kion suggested that the Guard help the red pandas, and Ono questioned if he thought the Ghost of the Mountain was real. Kion replied that something was frightening the red pandas and that, even though they were not in the Pride Lands, it was still the Guard's duty to uphold the Circle of Life.
Together, the Lion Guard journeyed up a nearby mountain in search of the red pandas' ghost. At one point, icicles started falling on them, and they rushed ahead to avoid being speared. Shortly afterward, they encountered the Ghost of the Mountain, and Anga caught a glimpse of it as it ran over a rock. She described the creature as being a big cat with white fur, and Ono deduced that it must be a snow leopard. He then suggested that they follow the snow leopard's footprints.
Upon following the snow leopard's tracks, the Lion Guard cornered her against a rock, where she became visible. Though Kion implored her to leave the red pandas alone, she refused and attempted to escape. Before she could get away, Bunga tackled her, covering her in the paint that the red pandas had slathered on his fur, but she managed to knock him away and flee. No sooner had she gone when the Lion Guard heard the red pandas crying out for help, and Anga spotted Chuluun attacking them.
The Lion Guard raced to the rescue, only for Chuluun to evade them again. They informed the red pandas that their "ghost" was really a snow leopard and persuaded them to help them defeat her. Together, the Guard and Domog's pack cornered Chuluun against an icy cliff. Though she attempted to wash off Bunga's paint and become invisible again, Bunga sprayed stink in her face so that she careened off the edge of the cliff to the snow below.
After Chuluun's defeat, the red pandas praised Bunga for his victory. Makini then activated the next moja kwa moja stone, and Ono declared that the next landmark on their journey was through the bamboo, then around a big mountain. As the Guard departed, Makucha recruited Chuluun to join him on his revenge quest against them.[61]
Lost in the marsh
Makini, if you keep following those lights, we're gonna get lost!Ono on marsh lights
While traveling through a marsh, the Lion Guard was approached by several unknown creatures. Fearful, Makini grabbed Ono and fled to safety, ignoring his protests that they did not even know if there was a threat. By the time he was able to get through to her, they had ran out of sight of their friends. Just then, Makini spotted a marsh light and began to chase it, despite Ono's warnings that they would get lost.
The pair ended up falling into a cavern beneath the marsh, and Makini apologized to Ono for having failed to heed his advice. As they attempted to find a way out, Makini suggested that Ono fly out of the cavern, but he wearily reminded her that his vision was damaged. Though he tried to think of a solution, Makini grated on his nerves with her constant talking. In trying to escape the cavern, she accidentally started a flood, and the pair looked to the tunnels as an escape route.
After disturbing a flock of bats, the pair hit upon the idea of following them out of the tunnels. Ono attempted to mimic their echolocation but was unable to do so. However, he realized that Makini's voice was perfect for the task, and they used her sounds to navigate out of the underground. Before long, they emerged on ground level near their friends, and Ono identified the creatures from before as mongooses. He praised Makini for having looked after him, and the group continued on their journey.[62]
Dragon Island
All I can see is a whole lot of blue, but it sounds like we're looking at an ocean.Ono, when the Lion Guard arrives at Dragon Island
After leaving the marsh behind, the Lion Guard arrived at Dragon Island. As the Guard surveyed the vast open water, Ono guessed that they were looking at an ocean. Anga informed her friends that the next moja kwa moja stone was on the island, and so, the team started toward it. As they neared the water, they met and befriended a dolphin named Lumba-Lumba. Though Beshte initially mistook her for a fish, Ono clarified that the clicking noises he was hearing signified that she was, in fact, a dolphin.
Continuing on, the Lion Guard started to cross a land bridge toward the island, only for an old civet to intercept them and warn them that the island was inhabited by dragons. Ono pointed out that dragons did not exist, and Kion declared that they would take their chances. They then entered the island, and Makini left to collect some tuliza for Kion.
At that moment, a Komodo dragon named Ora approached the Lion Guard, and Ono warned his friends that Komodo dragons had venomous bites. As Bunga began to fight Ora, two more Komodo dragons approached, and Kion used the Roar of the Elders to defeat them. However, in doing so, he caused a tidal wave that wiped out the land bridge and stranded Lumba-Lumba on the beach. Not trusting himself to lead, Kion put Fuli in charge of the Guard, and she ordered Anga, Ono, and Makini to search for more tuliza and locate the next moja kwa moja stone. In the meantime, the rest of the Guard would help free Lumba-Lumba.
While searching for the next moja kwa moja stone, Ono mistook some rocks for another Komodo dragon, but Makini assured him that they were safe. Eventually, the trio discovered the stone, and Ono revealed that the next landmark was a cliff with a tall tree on top of it and a sunset behind it. At that moment, they overheard the Komodo dragons attacking their friends and raced to the rescue. At Anga's prompting, Ono dropped some seaweed onto the Komodo dragons in order to obstruct their vision.
With the Komodo dragons momentarily incapacitated, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to part the sea and clear a path to the opposite shore. The Lion Guard began to walk through the parted water, only for the Komodo dragons to take chase. Quickly, the Guard reached the other side, and Kion stopped roaring so that the ocean fell in on the Komodo dragons, washing them away. Kion asked where they should go next, and Ono shared that the next moja kwa moja stone was on a cliff. As the Guard continued on their journey, Makucha recruited Ora to join him and Chuluun on their revenge quest.[63]
Crossing the desert
Of course. They're not flowers on Rafiki's map; they're stars.Ono
The Lion Guard located another moja kwa moja stone, only to find that the real-life river was much smaller than the one depicted in Rafiki's paintings. Ono, however, pointed out that landscapes could change over time. He recalled that the next landmark was a series of boulders in a pool of water, and Anga soon found it but reported that it had dried up. Makini, using her memories as a basis, led the group to a waterfall, but it had likewise dried up.
After reaching the pool, Ono recalled that the next landmark was four white flowers in a diamond shape. Though Makini did not remember having encountered white flowers on her last journey to the Tree of Life, the Lion Guard opted to press on, distrusting her recollections. As the team searched, Anga turned up nothing, and Ono speculated that the flowers might have died because of the dried-up water and noted that several of the landmarks Makini recalled had not been in Rafiki's paintings.
As the Lion Guard began to cross a desert, trusting Makini's memories, Ono realized that Beshte was beginning to sunburn. Anga, however, used her wings to shield him from the worst of the rays. Shortly afterward, Ono identified a booming sand dune as well as a jerboa named Tupp. At that moment, a storm hit, and the Lion Guard cowered together until it had passed. Though Kion decided that they should double back, they found that the storm had reshaped the desert and erased their footprints.
Based on Tupp's words, Ono suggested that they stop and rest until the sun went down and the heat was less intense. Once night fell, the group continued on, and Tupp led them to a plant with water on its leaves. As he explained that desert creatures used the stars for navigation, the Guard realized that Rafiki's paintings were in reference to stars, not flowers. Affirming Makini's memories, the Guard followed the stars toward a series of cliffs in the distance.[64]
Detour at Flamingo Beach
Leave this to me. I'll have a bird-to-bird chat with them.Ono on some flamingos
While crossing the desert, the Lion Guard stumbled upon an inland sea. Though Ono tried to stop him, Bunga began to drink from the water, which turned out to be salty. Suddenly remembering one of Rafiki's lessons, Makini suggested that the salt water might help Kion relax, and Ono confirmed that salt water could soothe Kion's scar. Kion took his friends' advice and was surprised to find that he could float on his back, and Ono explained that the saltier the water, the easier it was for someone to float. Together, the Lion Guard and Makini enjoyed the water. Ono was initially reluctant to do more than wade into the sea, but he soon relaxed alongside his friends. In the meantime, Fuli left to collect some tuliza for Kion.
As the Lion Guard was relaxing, a flock of rowdy flamingos landed in the sea. Though Ono hoped to speak with them "bird-to-bird," they simply cooed over how small and cute he was. He asked what they were doing there, and they explained that they were on migration. He urged them to keep quiet so as not to disturb Kion's fragile mood, but they proceeded to have a loud dance party. Throughout the party, the Lion Guard scrambled to keep Kion calm and distracted.
Eventually, the Lion Guard lost track of Kion, who got poked and prodded by the flamingos. Enraged, he nearly used the Roar of the Elders on them until Fuli arrived with some tuliza and calmed him down. The Guard then continued on their way.[65]
Recovering Makini's staff
So, we need someone who's not bothered by sharp rocks or porcupine quills and can carry Makini's staff back here. There's only one choice!Ono on Bunga
Eventually, the Lion Guard reached a forest, where Beshte befriended a tapir named Tenuk. Bunga asked how the grubs in the forest tasted, but Ono explained that tapirs did not eat grubs. As Tenuk was speaking with the Guard, Makini asked him if they had any tuliza, and he and some nearby forest animals unexpectedly ran away in a panic. Unbeknownst to the friends, they were being spied upon by Smun, who reported on their interest in tuliza to Mama Binturong. She, in turn, declared that every tuliza flower in the forest belonged to her.
Shortly afterward, Bunga snuck up behind Tompok and scared him into a river by yelling, "Tuliza!" Anga rescued him, and Beshte questioned him on why everyone in the forest was so scared of tuliza, but he simply fled in fear. After intercepting and interrogating Tompok, Smun and his prickle spied upon the Lion Guard and witnessed Makini giving Kion some tuliza from her bakora staff. Per Mama Binturong's orders, they stole the staff and brought it to her.
Upon noticing that Makini's staff was gone, the Lion Guard questioned Seisou on where it might have gone. Frightened by the prospect of tuliza, he attempted to flee, but Anga and Bunga cornered him in a tree. Trapped, he told them to talk to "the mongoose." The Lion Guard followed his advice, only to be continually referred to different animals. Eventually, they met back up with Seisou in a cave, and he explained that he had not wanted to speak freely earlier, lest Mama Binturong's spies were listening. He revealed that Mama Binturong hoarded the forest's tuliza and that her hideout was deep within the Stone Forest.
Together, the Lion Guard journeyed to the Stone Forest, which turned out to be many closely-bunched rock pillars. Though Ono suggested that Beshte may be able to get through with his thick skin, he turned out to be too large to fit between the pillars. Ono doubted that he could fit, and Anga likewise denied her ability to navigate the terrain. With no other options, Ono declared that there was only one of them who would not be bothered by rocks or quills and could carry Makini's staff. The Guard looked to Bunga, and he agreed to the task.
After defeating Mama Binturong and ruining her tuliza stash, Bunga returned Makini's staff to her. The Guard then continued on toward the next moja kwa moja stone.[66]
Kion's breakdown
Uh, Fuli, we are still going to the Tree of Life, right? Not to make this about me, but...what about me?Ono
As the Lion Guard neared the Tree of Life, Kion grew increasingly temperamental. Though the Guard attempted to rest beside a watering hole, he urged them to press on. Fuli asked Makini to give him some tuliza, but the herb failed to soothe his bad temper.
Shortly afterwards, the Lion Guard reached a canyon, where they spotted several goslings jumping off a cliff. To Kion's annoyance, Beshte insisted on saving them. Just then, the mother goose approached angrily, and Ono realized that the goslings had not been falling but were rather learning how to fly. As the Guard moved on, they ran into some peacocks, whom Ono explained were in the midst of a display. To the team's shock, Kion angrily bulled his way through.
Later, Beshte befriended Yun Mibu, whom Ono identified as a clouded leopard. Noticing Beshte's delay, Kion growled at Yun Mibu, and the clouded leopard fled in fear. Kion then turned his ire on Beshte, but Fuli leaped to Beshte's defense and told Kion that he was not thinking clearly because of the pain in his scar. The two nearly fought, until the rest of the Lion Guard pointed out all the mean things that Kion had done earlier that day. Bunga claimed that Kion was turning evil, but Ono did not think "evil" was a perfect descriptor. Even so, Kion was horrified by his actions and ran off into the nearby woods.
After Kion left, Fuli chastised Bunga for thinking that he was turning evil, and the rest of the Lion Guard voiced their determination to stand by their friend. Despite this, Ono worried that they would not reach the Tree of Life, but Fuli assured him that they would leave as soon as Kion returned. However, as time passed, the group decided to look for Kion. In searching for him, Anga found him dangling from a cliff, and the rest of the Guard gathered around him, at a loss as to what they could do.
Suddenly, Beshte got an idea and persuaded Yun Mibu to help. As Yun Mibu climbed down to reach Kion, Ono noted that clouded leopards were the "best climbers in the world." Sure enough, Yun Mibu was able to pull Kion to safety. With Kion safe, Yun Mibu left, and Kion apologized to his friends for his behavior. Though he attempted to continue their journey, Fuli insisted that they must rest, and Kion relented.[67]
Arrival at the Tree of Life
Don't worry, Kion. Even if we can't get to the Tree of Life, we can still find another way to heal your scar. And we won't give up until we do.Ono, after Rani forbids the Lion Guard entry to the Tree of Life
As the Lion Guard neared the last moja kwa moja stone on their journey, they came across a lake that Ono realized had frozen over. As the Guard began to cross the frozen lake, the ice cracked beneath them, and they barely escaped to safety, with Makini losing her staff to the freezing water. Though they could no longer make the moja kwa moja stones move, Ono recalled that there was a mountain pass that led to the Tree of Life nearby. At Kion's urging, the group headed toward it.
As the Lion Guard entered the pass, Bunga accidentally caused a rockslide that blocked the pass and trapped him in fallen rocks. The Guard started to free Bunga, only to be attacked by the Night Pride, who were the defenders of the Tree of Life. While the rest of the Guard fought off their attackers, Ono and Makini continued to free Bunga. Eventually, Kion lost control and used the Roar against Baliyo. Furious, Rani forbid the Guard entry to the Tree of Life. In the wake of Rani's decision, Kion moved off to be alone, while his friends continued to free Bunga.
After some reflection, Kion returned to his friends, who had managed to free Bunga. He apologized to them for having brought them on this long journey, only to have messed it up at the very end. Ono encouraged Kion that they would find a way to heal his scar, even if it did not involve the Tree of Life. Kion agreed, pointing out that his scar was not the only thing that needed healing.
Together, the Lion Guard cleared the rockslide but respected Rani's decree to not enter the Tree of Life. Before long, the Night Pride approached, surprised by the Guard's obedience, and Kion apologized to Rani for his actions. He then asked that Ono at least be allowed to continue, since he had not participated in the earlier battle. Impressed by Kion's humility and moved by her grandmother Janna's counsel, Rani allowed the entire Lion Guard to visit the Tree of Life.[68]
Stay at the Tree of Life
First skirmish with Makucha's army
Two leopards? And a Komodo dragon?Ono recognizes Makucha's army
The Night Pride led the Lion Guard into the Tree of Life, where they met Queen Janna, and Kion explained that he and Ono had come for healing. Nirmala, a gifted healer, examined the pair's injuries and came to the conclusion that Kion's scar would be far more difficult to heal than Ono's eyesight. Hearing this, Janna ordered Rani to give the Lion Guard a tour of the kingdom while Kion began his healing journey with Nirmala.
Rani proceeded to show the Lion Guard around the Tree of Life's territory. Afterwards, she got called away to deal with a mysterious threat. With Rani gone, the Lion Guard reconvened with Kion and shared how Rani had been called away to face down a threat to the Tree of Life. Worried that the Night Pride was in danger, Kion decided to help them defeat the unknown foe. When the Guard arrived on the scene, however, they found that the Night Pride had already driven off some intruders. Baliyo mentioned Makucha by name, and Kion apologetically admitted that Makucha and his allies had followed the Lion Guard to the Tree of Life.
Once the two groups had returned to the Tree of Life, Rani approached Janna and accused the Lion Guard of having let in an army of predators. Kion apologized to Janna and offered his team's services in defeating Makucha's army, but she advised him to heal before he helped the Night Pride.
The next morning, the Night Pride battled against Makucha and his allies, but Baliyo got bitten and paralyzed by Ora. Just in time, Kion arrived to help the Night Pride. The rest of the Lion Guard approached soon after, and Bunga drove off Makucha and Chuluun using his stink.[69]
Mama Binturong's plot
Stop! This is a trick!Ono uncovers Mama Binturong's deception
One day, the Lion Guard, Baliyo, and Rani relaxed at a water hole while Kion washed off a layer of healing mud on his face nearby. Nirmala explained that Kion still had much to do before he was fully healed but that Ono's eye remedy was ready. Together, Nirmala and Ono departed for the Tree of Life.
Meanwhile, Mama Binturong plotted to invade the Tree of Life by pretending to seek sanctuary from Makucha and his army. She remarked that she would have to avoid Bunga, as he was the only member of the Lion Guard who might recognize her. The army enacted the plan, and the Night Pride fell for it, accepting Mama Binturong for healing at the Tree of Life.
As the Lion Guard headed for the Tree of Life to check on Ono's healing, Bunga suddenly got inspired to challenge his new friend, Binga, to a stink contest. While Bunga veered off to find her, the rest of the Guard continued on their way. The Night Pride led both the Guard and Mama Binturong into the Tree of Life, where Janna accepted Mama Binturong for healing. Not wanting to give herself away, Mama Binturong introduced herself as a "ginterbong," which confused Ono. She asked for a tour of the Tree of Life's territory, but Janna explained that the Night Pride rested during the daytime.
Afterwards, Janna channeled the Tree of Life's powers to heal Ono's eyesight. Though he was delighted, she warned him that his vision would never be as good as it once was. Upon going outside and looking around, he realized that she was right, as he could no longer see in perfect detail. Anga instead used her vision to locate Bunga, who was still with Binga.
On their way to meet Bunga, the Lion Guard ran into Mama Binturong. They invited her to meet Bunga, but she declined and climbed up a tree to rest. Ono watched in confusion, wondering why she was no longer limping. The Guard then met Binga, and Beshte explained that Kion was still healing with Nirmala. Unbeknownst to the team, Mama Binturong had spied upon their conversation and was scheming to defeat both them and the Night Pride. Before she left, she stole some tuliza from a pika, which Ono witnessed.
Later, Mama Binturong returned to her allies and instructed them to kill Janna while she distracted the Night Pride. The plan went into motion, with Mama Binturong luring the Night Pride to her with cries for help. In the meantime, Makucha, Chuluun, and Ora snuck over the border en route to the Tree of Life. Ullu the owl informed the Lion Guard about Mama Binturong's peril, and they resolved to help her. Ono, however, realized that Mama Binturong had called Chuluun by name in her cries for help, which indicated that they were working together. Heeding Ono's advice, the Lion Guard headed to the Tree of Life instead and prevented Makucha, Chuluun, and Ora from harming Janna.
After the incident, Rani praised Ono for his quick thinking, and Kion noted that Ono was truly the smartest member of the Lion Guard. This made Ono beam proudly.[70]
Poa the Destroyer
We have to give everyone a chance to know Beshte. Once they know him, they're bound to like him.Ono, after Beshte earns a bad reputation at the Tree of Life
During the Lion Guard's stay at the Tree of Life, Ono and Anga flew off to look around the territory, leaving Beshte to himself. Per Baliyo's suggestion, Beshte decided to look around the territory and meet new animals. In doing so, he continually caused accidents that led the locals to believe that he was a menace.
Later, Rani gathered the Lion Guard at the Tree of Life and explained that Beshte had been frightening the locals with his accidents. Sorrowful, Beshte exiled himself from the Tree of Life, as he believed himself to be a destroyer. The rest of the Guard, however, decided to host a meeting at the Tree of Life so that Beshte could earn the locals' trust back.
Later that day, at the meeting, Kion and Rani explained to the locals that Beshte was friendly, not destructive. Just then, Beshte approached with Pinguino on his back, and Pinguino declared that Beshte had saved his life, which effectively cleared the hippo's name. The locals then started up a chant of "Poa!" for Beshte.[71]
Rani's coronation
I wouldn't have my sight back without Queen Janna.Ono grieves Janna
One day, Mama Binturong and her army attacked a tiger named Varya and her cubs, who were seeking sanctuary at the Tree of Life. Just in time, the Lion Guard and the Night Pride arrived and saved the tigers from further harm. Just then, Ullu approached and informed Rani that Janna wished to see her, Kion, and the rest of the Night Pride immediately. While the rest of the Guard stayed behind to care for Varya and her cubs, the Night Pride and Kion followed Ullu to the Tree of Life.
Later, the Lion Guard attended Janna's funeral at the Willows. During the funeral, Ono reflected on how he owed his restored vision to Janna. At sunset, the Guard attended Rani's coronation at the Tree of Life.[72]
Working with the Night Pride
The Lake of ReflectionOno and Rani on Kion
One day, Makucha and his army launched an attack on the Tree of Life. Though the Night Pride arrived to challenge them, Baliyo's yawning exposed how exhausted they were from a night of patrolling. Just then, the Lion Guard arrived to help, but Kion and Rani's dual leadership resulted in confusion.
Eventually, the Lion Guard and the Night Pride succeeded in driving off Makucha's army, though Rani criticized Kion for having not followed her lead. He offered to patrol the Tree of Life with the Guard during the day so that the Night Pride could rest, and Rani gratefully accepted his offer. Unbeknownst to the team, Mama Binturong was spying on their conversation from a nearby tree. Returning to her allies, she ordered them to attack the Tree of Life at sunset, in-between the Lion Guard's and the Night Pride's shifts.
Later, while patrolling the Tree of Life, the Lion Guard came across a dispute between Heng Heng the panda and Kely the lemur over a bamboo stand. The team brought the animals before Rani, who decreed that Heng Heng could have the bamboo stand when she was required to eat and that the lemurs could have it in-between those times.
Afterwards, Rani told Fuli that Kion may be unable to heal any more, and Ono compared it to how his vision had not been fully restored. Rani went on that Kion had claimed that he could not lead the Lion Guard without the Roar. Concerned for their friend, the Guard met up with Kion at Pratibimba, and Anga related the time that a much younger Lion Guard had rescued Ono's egg from Janja's clan. The other members of the Guard likewise expressed faith in Kion's leadership abilities. This inspired and revitalized Kion, who realized that he did not need the Roar to lead the Lion Guard.
At that moment, Ullu approached and warned the Lion Guard that Makucha's army was launching another attack on the Tree of Life. The Night Pride attempted to stop them, only for the Lion Guard to join in and Kion to lead the two teams in a double attack. The Guard and the Night Pride eventually succeeded, and Rani praised Kion for his great leadership skills.[1]
Battle for the Tree of Life
There are more bad guys than rocks.Ono on Makucha's army
One day, Makucha and his army snuck into the Tree of Life due to Ullu falling asleep. The Night Pride arrived to stop them, only for the Lion Guard to take over the shift and drive out the invaders.
After the fight, Bunga complimented Kion on his leadership skills, and Nirmala agreed, adding that Kion's healing was complete. Rani worried that this would prompt Kion to return to the Pride Lands, but he assured her that he and the Lion Guard would help defend the Tree of Life from Makucha's army first. He then departed to speak with Askari, leaving Fuli in charge of the Lion Guard. While on patrol, the Guard freed a camel who was stuck in the sand.
Later, Makucha's army attacked the Tree of Life. Ullu warned the Night Pride about the army's attack, and they rushed to the Tree of Life, only for Ora and his minions to trap them inside by pushing a boulder into the entrance. With the Night Pride out of commission, Makucha's army attacked the animals at the Tree of Life. The Lion Guard arrived to help, having been warned by Ullu, and resolved to free the Night Pride from the invaders' trap. During the battle, Ono dropped rocks on his enemies.
Eventually, Kion, Bunga, and Rani arrived, and Kion used the Roar to defeat Makucha's army. He then struck the rock at the Tree of Life's entrance with lightning, destroying it and freeing the Night Pride. Finally, he swept Makucha's army into a tornado and sent them far away from the Tree of Life.[73]
Journey back to the Pride Lands
It is tempting to stay. The Tree of Life has so much to see.Ono
After the defeat of Makucha's army, Lion Guard approached Kion and declared that they were ready to return home. Kion expressed interest in staying at the Tree of Life, and Ono admitted that it was tempting, for the territory had much to see. Just then, Ullu approached, heralding the arrival of Janja, Jasiri, and Azaad. Jasiri informed Kion that Zira was invading the Pride Lands and that the royal family needed the Lion Guard's help. Feeling a duty to their homeland, the Guard resolved to return home.
As their journey began, Azaad led the team to the fastest route: a narrow canyon pass. When Beshte proved too wide to squeeze through, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to widen the pass. Next, the team came across a canyon that was too wide to jump across, and so, Kion used the Roar to funnel his teammates to the other side. Finally, he created a rainstorm that filled a dry riverbed with water, allowing the team to hitch a ride on a floating log.
The Lion Guard continued on their way, passing familiar landmarks as they went. Eventually, they reached the Great Stone Wall. Unaware that the wall functioned as a dam, Kion used the Roar to break apart the rocks and accidentally opened a fissure that began to spurt water. While the Lion Guard rescued some nearby animals, Kion continued to roar to hold the water back. Thinking quickly, Ono urged his friends to throw rocks into the path of Kion's Roar so that they could cover the damaged section of the wall. The team worked together, heaving rocks into the Roar, until there were enough to fix the hole in the wall. Immediately, Kion stopped roaring, and the rocks fell into place, effectively blocking the dam.
After the rescue, Kion complimented his friends on their teamwork, and Azaad led the group around the Great Stone Wall. Before long, they arrived in the Outlands, where they caught a glimpse of Pride Rock in the distance. They then headed toward the Pride Lands, determined to save their kingdom.[74]
Battle of the Lion Guards
I'll be the judge. Whichever Guard loses their challenge will get to set the rules for the next one.Ono, during the Battle of the Lion Guards
The Lion Guard entered the Outlands, where they ran into Madoa, who had been in hiding with the rest of Jasiri's clan. She explained that Zira's invasion of the Pride Lands had already begun, and Jasiri offered her clan's assistance to the Lion Guard. Just then, Mzingo flew up and agreed to help the Guard, per Jasiri's request.
As the Lion Guard and their allies moved on, Anga spotted Zira's son, Kovu, standing on Pride Rock. At the same moment, Vitani approached alongside a strange pride of lionesses and launched into battle against the Lion Guard. During the ensuing battle, Ono led Mzingo and his parliament in distracting Vitani's scout, Tazama. Eventually, Kion grew impatient and readied to use the Roar of the Elders on Vitani and her pride. However, Kiara intervened and explained that the Outsiders had joined Simba's pride. Though confused, Kion halted his attack.
Shortly afterwards, at Pride Rock, Rafiki explained to the Lion Guard how Zira's pride had changed allegiance due to Kiara and Kovu's intervention. Zira, however, had clung to her hatred, and it had destroyed her. The Lion Guard then left to greet old friends and family, with Ono visiting Kulinda and Ona.
The next morning, the Lion Guard entered the Lair of the Lion Guard, only to find that Vitani and her pride were already within. Vitani argued that she should lead the Lion Guard, as she was the sister of the future king, but Kion argued that, as the future queen's brother, it was his duty to lead the Lion Guard. Just then, Laini entered the Lair, begging for help, and both Lion Guards agreed to assist her.
The two teams followed Laini to where Thurston was stuck in a hole. While the Lion Guards argued over who should rescue him, Azaad approached him and guided him out of the hole. Seeing Thurston free, Kion commented that they must sort out their problems in order to avoid quarreling. Thurston suggested a competition that would determine which Lion Guard was better, and both Guards agreed to the challenge.
Later, Rafiki announced the Battle of the Lion Guards at Mizimu Grove to a crowd of Pride Landers. He explained that there would be five competitions to determine who was the fiercest, strongest, fastest, keenest of sight, and bravest in the Pride Lands and that Ono would be the judge.
As the competition began, Ono spectated each event and declared the rules and winners. Eventually, after Beshte, Bunga, Fuli, and Anga all completed their contests and brought the teams to a tie, Ono announced that the win would be determined by Kion and Vitani's challenge. To Kion's shock, Vitani called for a mashindano. He warned her that she did not stand a chance against the Roar, but she asserted that she could be the fiercest without the Roar. Realizing that she was the true leader of the Lion Guard, he relinquished his team's duties to her and her pride.
At that moment, Askari's spirit appeared in the clouds overhead and praised Kion for his decision. He added that Kion had truly mastered the Roar, but Kion countered that he was no longer the leader of the Lion Guard. At this, Askari reminded him that the Tree of Life needed the Roar's protection as well. The rest of Kion's Guard agreed to protect the Tree of Life alongside him, and immediately, the Marks of the Night Pride appeared on their shoulders. Vitani questioned Kion on what it meant to master the Roar, and he demonstrated by picking up Pride Rock with the Roar, to his friends' awe.[75]
Kion's coronation
Ono attended Kion's coronation at the Tree of Life.[75]
Physical appearance
As a hatchling, Ono was small and skinny, with a rather large head. He had white feathers, as well as a cream neck, tail, and wing tips. He also had a slightly darker stripe of cream running across both wings. His crest feathers were large and bright red at the tips, while his legs were black, and his beak and talons were orange. He had big black eyes, framed by lavender eye rims.[1]
As a youth, Ono was taller and longer in the legs, with his head being more proportional to his body. Though his coloring remained much the same, his eyebrows grew thicker and his crest feathers longer. Upon joining the Lion Guard, he attained the Mark of the Guard on his left shoulder.[2] As an adolescent, he was taller still. Upon joining the Night Pride, he attained the Mark of the Night Pride on his right shoulder.[75]
Personality and traits
Even if you're not the keenest of sight, you are the keenest of insight.Kion to Ono
Ono is a highly intelligent and practical bird. He possesses vast wells of knowledge about the natural world, including strange phenomena[36][60] and different species of animals,[12][28] and has excellent observation and strategy skills.[70] His memory is also quite good, as he was able to memorize Rafiki's map to the Tree of Life and recall it throughout the Lion Guard's journey there.[59] Though he eventually lost his keen sight, his insight and intelligence made him a valuable member of the Guard nonetheless.[70]
Ono tends to be straightforward and serious, with a rather dry sense of humor.[4][16] He can be impatient and intolerant of antics, whether intentional or not, and prefers to stay focused on the task at hand.[62] Despite this, he has been known to have a soft side, as seen when he became a brief foster father to Ona.[32] He likes to be useful and can very quickly become melancholic or insecure if he loses his purpose.[7][59] When on missions with the Guard, he is dutiful, dedicated, and focused, with a drive to help his team succeed.[2] Even so, he can sometimes get flustered, spooked, or startled, and may take shelter behind his teammates when faced with an intimidating physical threat.[21][33]
Ono takes great pride in his appearance, especially when he is around royalty.[23][25] He does not approve of uncleanliness or odors; he even tried to get rid of Bunga's stench once, though he did eventually admit that it had its uses. He disapproves of violence and will only resort to a physical fight if it is necessary.[4][34] He is afraid of bats.[17][62]
Trivia
- Ono was voiced by Atticus Shaffer.[76]
- Shaffer also voiced Dembe in Pride Lands Pedia.[76]
- Ono's catchphrase "Hapana!" means "Oh, no!" in Swahili.[77]
- Ono is the youngest member of the Lion Guard.[1]
- Ono is the first member of any Lion Guard to have been assigned a new role: the smartest.[58]
References
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