The Lion Guard: An Intense Encounter

It was a beautiful day in the Pridelands.

The Lion Guard was patrolling Ndefu Grove.

“How's your family, Kion?" Beshte asked.

"Everyone's fine." 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." Kion said.

Kion pressed his muzzle against Fuli's cheek.

"I love you." Kion said quietly.

Fuli's expression softened.

"I love you too." Fuli answered.

Meanwhile, Simba had met up with Vitani and Marigold inside the den.

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.

“I love you, Papa.” Marigold said.

Simba’s expression softened.

“I love you too, sweetheart.” Simba said.

He and Vitani exchanged a glance.

“I hope Mari behaved on the patrol.” Vitani said.

“She always does, Tani.” Simba said warmly.

From the entrance to the cave, Maya cleared her throat.

“Can I come in?” Maya asked.

Vitani sighed.

“Yes, come in.” Vitani said reluctantly.

Simba pressed his muzzle against Vitani’s cheek.

“It’s okay, Tani.” Simba said gently.

“Mari needs to leave.” Vitani said.

Simba nodded.

He glanced at Marigold.

“Mari, please go find Dwala.” Simba said.

“Yes, Papa.” Marigold said.

Mari stood up, and bounded out of the cave.

Maya entered the cave, and settled down amongst the moss.

“Is Nita at Rafiki’s?” Maya asked.

“Yes, she’ll be home at sundown.” Vitani said.

Maya scoffed.

“She shouldn’t spend so much time with that old mandrill.” Maya said.

Vitani unsheathed her claws, and sank them into the moss underneath her.

Simba pressed himself against Vitani’s pelt.

“It’s okay, Tani.” Simba said soothingly.

“Rafiki is Nita’s mentor. It’s very important for her to learn from him.” Vitani said.

“Nita shouldn’t make that choice.” Maya said.

Simba cleared his throat.

“Leave now, Maya.” Simba said.

Maya stood up, and exited the cave.

Vitani sighed, and nestled against Simba’s pelt.

“Are you okay, Tani?” Simba asked gently.

Vitani nodded.

“I love you, Simba.” Vitani said.

Simba’s expression softened.

“I love you too.” Simba said.

He rubbed a paw against Vitani’s cheek.

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

She was helping him count juniper berries.

“I’m really glad Mosi visited.” Nita said.

Rafiki’s expression softened.

“I am glad too.” Rafiki said.

“Mosi’s really special.” Nita said.

“He certainly is.” Rafiki said.

Nita moved closer, and nestled against him.

“I love you.” Nita said.

Rafiki pressed a palm against Nita’s cheek.

“I love you too, my darling.” Rafiki said.