The Lion Guard: A Harsh Argument

It was a beautiful day in the Pridelands.

The Lion Guard was doing a patrol in Hapuna Valley.

“What’s Mari doing today?” Fuli asked.

“She’s with Dad and Tani.” Kion said.

Kion glanced at Ono.

Ono nodded, and took to the sky.

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

"It's all clear." Ono said.

"Thanks, Ono." Beshte said.

Meanwhile, Simba had met up with Vitani and Marigold inside Kora and Vitani’s cave.

They were settled down amongst the moss.

“How was the hunt, Tani?” Simba asked.

“It was fine.” Vitani answered.

She watched Mari nestle against Simba’s pelt.

“Did Mari behave on the patrol?” She asked.

Simba nodded.

“She is a wonderful cub.” He said warmly.

From the entrance to the den, Kata cleared her throat.

“May we come in?” She asked.

Vitani sighed.

“Yes, come in.” She said reluctantly.

Simba pressed his muzzle against Vitani’s cheek.

“It’s okay, Tani.” He said gently.

“Mari needs to leave.” Vitani said.

Simba glanced at Mari.

“Mari, go find Ma.” Simba said.

Mari nodded.

She stood up, and bounded out of the den.

Kata and Maya entered the den, and settled down amongst the moss

“Why does Mari spend so much time with Prince Kion’s cheetah friend?” Kata asked.

“Because they have a special bond.” Simba said.

“Fuli has always loved Mari.” Vitani said.

“She’s not a member of her family.” Kata said.

“She helped protect Mari when Maya gave her permission to explore unsupervised.” Vitani said.

“Mari shouldn’t associate with her.” Maya said.

“That’s not your decision to make.” Vitani snapped.

“We’re her family.” Kata growled.

“I’m her mother.” Vitani snapped.

“You’re not a good mother, Vitani.” Maya said.

Simba cleared his throat.

“That’s enough.” He said.

He curled his tail around Vitani’s shoulders.

“Both of you need to leave.” Simba said.

Kata sighed.

“Let’s go, Maya.” Kata said.

She and Maya stood up, and exited the den.

Simba pressed his muzzle against Vitani’s cheek.

“Don’t listen to them, Tani.” Simba said.

“It’s not fair, Simba.” Vitani said.

“I know.” Simba said gently.

Vitani nestled against Simba’s pelt.

“I love you.” Vitani said.

“I love you too.” Simba said.

He rubbed a paw against Vitani’s cheek.

“Would you like to hunt with me tonight?” He asked.

Vitani nodded.

She leaned her head against Simba’s shoulder.

Simba pressed his muzzle against Vitani’s cheek.

“You’re a wonderful mother.” Simba said.

“Thank you, Simba.” Vitani said.