The Lion Guard: Seeking Affection

It was a peaceful day in the Pridelands.

Kion and his friends were doing a patrol in Hapuna Valley.

"How's Ameba, Fuli?" Kion asked.

"She's doing fine, how's Mari?" Fuli said.

Kion's expression softened at the mention of his favorite niece.

"She's been spending time with Ma" he said.

Bunga nodded.

"Grandma says she's adorable" he added.

Kion glanced at Ono.

Ono nodded and took to the sky.

He returned a moment later, and settled down on Beshte's back.

"What'd you see?" Beshte asked.

"Everything's all clear" Ono reported.

Kion and Fuli exchanged a glance.

"I have to go, I told Nona I'd help her take care of Mari"  Kion said.

"Okay, give Mari my love" Fuli said.

Kion pressed his muzzle against her cheek.

"Bye Kion" Beshte said.

"I'll come with you" Bunga said.

Kion nodded.

He and Bunga bade goodbye to their friends, and headed for Pride Rock.

When they reached Pride Rock, Kion bounded into the den.

He found Sarafina and Mari settled down amongst the moss.

Kion bounded over to them excitingly.

"Hi Nona, how's your day been?" He asked.

Sarafina's expression brightened as Kion stretched up to nuzzle her cheek.

Kion glanced down at Mari.

"Hello, Mari" he said warmly.

"Hi, Kion" Mari said.

"Want to go to the Meadow?" Kion asked.

Mari glanced at Sarafina.

"Can we, Nona?" She asked.

Sarafina nodded.

"Darling, of course we can" she said warmly.

She stood up, and bent to grasp Mari's scruff.

Kion led the way to the Meadow.

Meanwhile, Nita had met up with Rafiki at his tree.

"I wish knew more about King Mohatu and Queen Shari" Nita said.

Rafiki sighed sympathetically.

"I know, I'll see about taking all of you to the Moonpool to meet them" he said.

Nita bent her head, and began to count juniper berries.

"How is your grandmother?" Rafiki asked.

Nita sighed.

"She and Mom are still fighting" she said.

Rafiki placed a palm on Nita's shoulder.

"What are they fighting about?" He asked.

"A few weeks ago, Aunt Maya let Mari leave the den by herself." Nita explained.

Rafiki gasped.

"Thistles and thorns!" He murmured.

"She would've been killed if Kion hadn't rescued her." Nita added.

"Your dear mother is still upset by this event?" Rafiki asked gently.

Nita nodded.