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Several weeks had passed since Kiara has accepted tutelage and training with her two potential Guard members, and what long weeks they had been. Managing getting to and working with both the small family of baboons and racing with the young wildebeest calf, not to mention receiving guidance and history lessons with Rafiki, and also hanging out with her other Guards, Shika and Jicho, she barely had any time for herself these days.

Not to say that they weren't in any way beneficial or enjoyable. Hanging out with other species and being forced to see things from their perspectives, living a day of their lives, was an eye-opening experience for her. For example, being alongside Mbio for most of the afternoon, while labor-intensive from always being on your feet, did allow her to explore the plains and open-areas where the herbivores were, as well as get to know more about the herds, their relations, their leaders, and what they were like, as Mbio would sometimes introduce her to his friends of those herds, helping build up her reputation among them. She suspected they were pleased with the notion that a member of the same general group of herbivores as part of their homeland's task force, meaning an easier time accepting the new Guard.

With Jibe, his lessons were more serious and way more down-to-earth. At the start, she suspected she was just serving as the family's pack mule and servant. Gathering fruits and other food items to be stored, grooming, help plant seeds/nuts for future plants, watching over Gumba, and a lot of stories and reasons for why certain things were done. Jibe was rather neutral and stern, a stick the mud for the most part, delivering instructions and explanations with a serious, monotone expression and tone. Gumba, in contrast was much more energetic, childish, and cheerful, while his parents were a mix of concerned, responsible, and dutiful, though still treated Kiara with respect and patience.

It was unlike any family Kiara had seen, though in fairness she hadn't see that many. Honestly Jibe acted more like an adult then a young teenager, which did come as a shock to her when he revealed his age. Though he did seem to hold off a lot of emotions and facts about himself, even as Kiara came around more frequently. Jibe was like a stonewall, unwavering and cold, though he was helpful and patient with her. He answered any questions Kiara had and did try and make the work she was doing feel meaningful. On rare occasions she would see him begin to drop his sternness with her, either by giving a small compliment to a hard task completed or allowing her a break and giving her some encouragement or item to replenish her energy. She began to see that under the gruff, cold exterior was a caring heart that wanted the best for his family and those he cared about, though she was curious of why he didn't show that side of himself more often.

Her answer came one day, after several weeks of being taken under their wings and assisting them. They were in the grove and Kiara had been tasked with assisting them move around some branches and leaves in order to make a roost. Kiara was a bit irritated from working so hard today and puzzled at why they needed the supplies to make another roost, as she believed she had done this task just a few days ago, but willingly trotted off to the nearby stack gathering a few of the large, leafy sticks in order to pass them over to be thrown up into the trees above.

She barely had her back turned a second when a sudden frightened scream broke out in the air, followed by a screech and them several loud gruff echoes, coming from what Kiara knew were more then two baboons. Dropping the sticks she quickly whipped around and darted back to where she knew then two were, then halted swiftly as she saw that there definitely were more then two baboons.

More then eight if she was looking right, not including Jibe and Gumba, the two now huddled around each other. Gumba was breathing quickly while grasping onto his brother's chest, trying to hide under it, while Jibe was puffed up and angrily snorting and barking towards the encroaching group of similarly looking, yet more plentiful baboons.

One of the bigger ones, who were closest to the pair, spoke in an angry, severe voice. "Thought I told you to stay off this area." His statement was followed by an angry snort.

Jibe looked furious, though Kiara could sense fearfulness in his language and how he tried to shield his brother from the masses. "This spot is unclaimed and unused. We have every right to claim it too." His voice was stern, though quivered at the very edge. He flinched as the other baboons got closer, though still puffed up his body and appeared ready to strike.

"Go back to your own lands, Backlander!" The voice was followed up by a flashing of sharp incisors and snorts and screeches from the other baboons beside him.

Seeing the pair get overwhelmed by the other troop and sensing the upcoming hostility, finding unknown courage, the young lion cub suddenly darted in-between the two sides. Her back hunched up, hackles rose, toes dug into the rough ground, teeth barred, and a snarl of her very own came up from her throat as she placed herself between her friends and the troop.

"Leave them alone!" She barked out, trying to look as fearsome and angry towards the similar fearsome and angry looking baboons. The big baboon who had spoken, which Kiara surmised to be the leader, looked puzzled towards the newcomer, then sneered and looked disdainfully towards both her and the two he was threatening.

"What is this? Some sort of pet you have," he asked meanly, causing several of his members to chuckle. Their behavior just further angered Kiara and she spat out a hiss at them, stomping her legs and tried puffing herself up even more.

"I am Kiara. Princess of the Pridelands, daughter of king Simba and queen Nala, and leader of the Lion Guard! I am here to protect those who are in danger and I will not back down from any threat." She tried to keep her voice low and level, trying to restrain whatever anger and fear she might have. "State your name and reason for harassing these two."

The baboon leader hardly reacted at all to her statement at first, though as time his face slowly grew concerned, as did his group, who started showing sighs of fewer the longer they stared at her. He coughed to clear his throat.

"I am Konde, leader of this troop and this territory. I found these two trying to make a roost on a tree in my territory, which they have previously been warned against coming onto. Now they must pay the price for trespassing." He barred his teeth again, and slowly began inching towards the still huddling two.

Kiara intervened quickly. "Wait, wait, wait. So you say these two are on your territory."

He paused, looking a bit annoyed that apparently his words didn't catch on the first time with her, but nodded gruffly.

"And you said they had been warned not to go onto your territory in the past, yes."

"That's correct," he replied, still glaring at the two.

Kiara had an idea, though she wasn't entirely sure if it would work. Jibe had explained to her about parts of the grove which were 'claimed' as territories and which ones could be used and which to avoid, and she was fairly certain they wouldn't have gone onto any of them.

If all else failed, she could accept the blame as well, even take on all of it if it meant Jibe and Gumba could get away. She was leader of the Guard after all, she could do this to protect others.

"Can you tell me where your territorial lines are. You know, just for future reference," she asked.

Giving something which looked like a mixture of a sinister grin and smirk, Konde nodded and suddenly reached out beside her and drew a line in the rough dirt, right before her. She hopped back to give him room as he drew a rough line before stepping back and looking proudly at her.

"This area, from the soapberry bushes to the last strangler fig at the edge of the grove is mine."

She nodded, standing up and trying to look casual and less aggressive. "I see, I do know where those plants are." She kept her voice level, trying to make it sound like she was a casual visitor with only a small amount of knowledge about the surrounding grove. "And you say these two were trying to build a roost on one of the trees in your territory?"

He gave another grin, this time definitely more angry, and directed more towards the two behind her. "That's right."

"Could you please point to the tree in question that they were trying to make a roost in?"

With a smirk, he nodded and pointed to a tree, right over her shoulder, to the tree the two were right underneath. Several twigs, sticks, and bundles of leaves were already present in the bowers above, clearly showing the mid-way process of making a place for tonight.

Also, might she add, over the line that Konde had clearly made.

Konde made that realization a few seconds later, suddenly recognizing that he had inadvertently proved that the two were not on his territory and that he was in the wrong. His mouth and and several of his troops' mouth dropped in shock while Kiara had a small, triumphant smirk on her face.

"So then, it would appear that these two are completely in the right of making their roost in that tree. After all, by your own words and line, they are, in fact, not on your territory."

She turned back to the two, had gotten out of their huddling pose, but still stood warily before the troop. Jibe Slowly pried Gumba off him, though placed him on his back. Her then slowly made his way to Kiara's side and the line, stopping mere inches before it, and sitting down right before it. He crossed his arms and looked sternly at him, though even Kiara could make out the faint lifting of the lips on the corners of his mouth.

Realizing his defeat, Konde snorted angrily. He came up to the line and poked a finger towards Jibe's face, before stating, "Just stay off our territory, Backlander!"

"Got it," Jibe simply replied, watching as Konde and his troop stormed off, puffing and chittering angrily towards this situation, some disappointedly at the notion that there would be no vigilante justice taken. The three stared at the leaving group for a few seconds before Kiara sighed and let her shoulders drop, releasing the tension she had for the entire time.

"Well they seem like a darling group. Nice neighbors you have, Jib-"

Her sarcastic reply was interrupted by a tidal way of fur and crushing limbs wrapping around her back and pressing into her face. She squirmed and wriggled against the unknown force until her mind suddenly clicked with the realization that Jibe was hugging her. Her eyes poked up over the wall of grey-brown fur, over his shoulder, where she saw the face of Gumba looking down from his brother's back at her, eyes gleaming with gratitude and awe at how she had stood up to the baboon troop like that.

Thank you," came a soft, yet grateful voice, as Jibe broke away and smiled kindly at her, for the first time ever. It was so striking that Kiara couldn't react for a few moments.

That is, until Gumba hopped off his brother's back and raced towards her, wrapping his own skinny arms around her in a hug too.

"That was amazing! You really showed those baboons whose boss! You're the coolest lion ever!" Kiara then reacted with a smile and paced a paw to gently pat his back.

"It was nothing. Really, just needed to do what had to be done." She flinched as a paw suddenly came down on her shoulder and she looked back up into the stern, green eyes of Jibe, however this time shining with a serious warmth and gratitude.

"Don't ever say that. You saved us from getting in severe trouble. You stood up without question and without hesitation, just to defend us. You're a true friend Kiara," he firmly stated.

He let his paw drop and Gumba broke out of the hug, still grinning at her. Kiara smiled warmly at them, feeling a way of gratitude.

Then a thought suddenly came into her head, thinking back to the scenario and what the baboon leader had said.

"You're welcome, but, um... what Konde said back there? He called you a Backlander?"

Jibe's warm expression turned to a frown and he knelt down, letting Gumba climb back onto his back, whereupon he nestled his face into his fur. He motioned Kiara to follow as they went to resume the roost-building process.

"I haven't told you this before, but several season ago my family, me, my mom, and dad, were all part of a troop in the Backlands, right beside the border of the Pridelands." He licked his dried lips before continuing. "Until a leap of leopards came in and ambushed my troop, killing some, scattering the rest. With how dangerous the land had become and with our group reduced to just us four, we decided to move to the Pridelands."

"So you guys are former Backlanders then?" She stated. Jibe began picking up sticks, keeping his head averted from her, even as he handed her a few sticks to carry.

"I am, as are our parents. Gumba was born shortly after we settled here, therefore making him a Pridelander by birth. And the only Pridelander in the family." He paused, then turned around to her, and Kiara could see sadness and guilt on his face. "I'm sorry, Kiara. I knew you told me that you were looking for Pridelanders to join your team, yet I didn't tell you where I really was born." He sighed and let his face drop before reaching out for some more branches. "I'm sorry to have wasted your time."

He paused as her paw suddenly shot out, grasping the stick he had just reached, and looked over to see Kiara staring at him with a determined, serious glance.

"If you think I'm just going to pick my team for their time spent living in the Pridelands, then you're dead wrong, Jibe." She let go and stared at him with a warm expression. "I want my team to be the best of the best, the ones I feel best represent not only the attributes the Guard is looking for, but also the ideals and best interests of the Pridelands. I chose you because I see how willing you are to protect for those you care about and how you are unwavering even in the most dangerous scenarios. You know more about the Pridelands then I do and know about how things work and plan ahead for the future. You've shown me that bravery and intelligence can come from any creature, regardless of birthplace, species, or whatever. That's why I chose you."

"Well then, I accept."

Her jaw dropped and her mind went blank for a few seconds, struggling to process what had just been said. Her jaw was still struggling to move when his hand went back on her shoulder, and he smiled and nodded.

"I accept your offered position. I'll be on your Guard."

"Really?!" The voice didn't come from a still stunned Kiara. Instead it came in the form of the small baboon as he leapt off his brother's back and then began dancing and cheering about the place. Jibe let out an even rarer snicker and Kiara did too, before gently placing her paw on Jibe's outstretched arm.

"Welcome to the Guard, Jibe."

Not very long after Jibe's acceptance did Mbio join Kiara's Guard, though it was less verbal and more natural.

Kiara had been running with Mbio for several weeks now and she thoroughly hated it at first. Mbio was loud, boastful, and, admittedly, though begrudgingly, a much more athletic and agile runner. Kiara hated how fast she lost her breath, energy, and every race she was challenged too, and how Mbio would always have either a snide remark or an aggressive, pushy form of encouragement where hew would prod and poke at her, trying to get her to continue or get back up and continue. It was thoroughly exhausting, both physically and mental-emotionally, have to deal with suck a persistent, proud coach.

However as time went on, Kiara found the daily runs and coaching to be... less irritating. Mbio's coaching slowly became more tolerable, especially as time went on he started trying to engage with her more casually in conversation on their runs instead of just barking out running tips at her. Though they still went for long distances and for long periods of time, slowly, the constant plains, hills, and open areas they ran through slowly became sprinkled throughout areas such as watering holes and more scenic areas like around the groves and canyons. Breaks to get some water or look at said scenery also became more prominent in their daily routine, whereas before they were rare or reserved for the very last stretch of their runs.

Also Kiara discovered something about Mbio which made her at least able to catch up with him a bit easier. The young wildebeest loved to talk. Mbio could talk a mile-a-minute and loved to share interests, memories, events, facts, you name it. What made this trait useful and interesting, well, one it showed that he was able to carry and deliver information while on the go, though two talking also allowed Kiara to keep up with Mbio more easily. At the start Mbio would, often literally, run circles around her while she ran, otherwise he would hold up the front and leave her struggling to not fall even more behind. Usually it would end with him already at their designated 'end line' and chilling several minutes before she even set foot in the area.

However by engaging with conversation with him, she discovered she could keep him occupied and thus allow herself to catch up. Not wanting to yell to respond, the calf kept within close proximity, often , again, running circles around her or keeping within her pace as they talked. Kiara found more often then not she finished closer to Mbio. The first few times this had happened he had called her out on this and insisted she try to beat him without relying on tricking him, though that quickly faded as she continued and they started talking more often.

Additionally, it was actually pretty enjoyable to do. Sure Mbio could hog most of the conversation, but it was far from dull or disinteresting. Kiara found she was learning more and more about not only him, but about other creatures in general. Mbio was rather friendly with other herds and herbivores, pretty much knowing everyone's name or some fact about them. And occasionally they would run into one of Mbio's acquaintances or friends, which did allow for the spread of news that a new Lion Guard was in the works. It also allowed her to get to know those who were entrusting her with their lives and wellbeing, which was very scary when she thought about it. Surprisingly though, Mbio was just as good as Jicho about promoting Kiara's character, despite only knowing her for a short while. It was immensely sweet of him to do so and she felt touched. She started getting more relaxed and comfortable around the calf, as did he with her.

Mbio had grown up with a slightly bitter taste in his mouth towards the lions of this land, thanks mostly in part with his mother. He had heard the tale about how a wildebeest herd was frightened and spooked by the tyrant king's hyenas into stampeding and unintentionally taking the life of the previous king, which was a tragedy for sure, though that also had unintentional effects on the local wildebeest heard. When they had returned back to the Pridelands once it had recovered some, it seemed like more often then not, when it came matters surrounding herbivore grazing sites. secure areas, and political matters, the wildebeests more often then not got the barest branch. There was some suspicion that the king had subconsciously taken his trauma of the incident and directed his disdain and anger towards the new current herd. While their living conditions were far from miserable, it was clear that in comparison to some other herds, such as the gazelles and oryxes for example, they clearly didn't have the best spots. Noticing all this and being told by his mother that their herd was being more targeted then others in the lion hunting parties soured his view on the local lions, even if they were technically ruling right.

Then came in Kiara. The sheltered, proud, stubborn, complaining, girly cub. Mbio really didn't like her at first, part of him even glad that he unintentionally knocked her into Big Springs during his face with Fuli. And the this cub comes up, asks for assistance with her danger-seeking Lion Guard, his mom sees this as a way to get higher in the king's graces, and boom, all of a sudden he's got a new running buddy. Great.

However Kiara turned out to be not as terrible as he had previously thought. Sure she was stubborn, complained a lot, and had obviously been sheltered, though what she lacked in experience she made up for in willingness to learn and determination. Also she was rather energetic and adventurous, asking questions about her environment and wanting to know about certain areas and creatures as they went past or through them. He saw how she took to things, even if she didn't particular want to do it or didn't fully understand it. He began to admire her spitfire, sassy attitude where she was still devoted a nd committed to her job, yet was more the willing to milk the benefits such as being independent and exploring on her own.

So he took to teaching her the 'thundering hooves', partially something which his mother made up to make the cub think she was getting invested within the wildebeest culture, we which was kinda true, though also something less spoken about and more felt. Stampeding was more then an action, it was a way of life, something felt, not thought about. The vibrations from the earth as your foot made contact with it, getting lost within the multitude of other vibrations, signaling that you were one among many. You were a part of something bigger, a torrent, surging through and across the land. A force of nature, unyielding, unstoppable, and all-powerful. It was something which could only be understood through experiencing it with someone else, or a lot of somebodies. Given that she was a lion and not a wildebeest or any sort of hoofed mammal, he doubt she could ever truly understand what it truly meant to experience the so-called 'thundering-hooves'.

Although, as they got to know each other better, learned and experienced things with each other, and gradually began to form a bond, he felt as though she didn't need too. As they rushed across the plains, him alternating between speeding ahead and matching her pace, laughing and egging each other playfully on, he didn't feel the need that she had to prove herself if any particular manner, just that she could prove herself as a friend. When they reached the watering hole, they instead launched into the shallow waters and began prancing around in the cool shallows. Splashing, romping around, and laughing all the merry while. Genuinely enjoying each other and having fun as friends.

After they had cooled down and dried off a bit, the two had rested for a while, talking more, until the sun's position in the sky told them they needed to get home. Before they left, the two shared a warm look towards one another. A silent connection, a realization between them, and a sort of acceptance that didn't need any words.

"See you tomorrow, Kiara?"

"Count on it, Mbio."

And there you have it. Kiara has officially gotten all her Guard onboard, now she needs to get them all together and officiated. I had these moments in mind for a long while now, though they initially were a bit different. For Jibe Kiara was initially supposed to be standing over Gumba in front of the baboons and Jibe then realizes how much Kiara is willing to give to protect his family, though then I wanted him to get a bit more involved, showing his big-brother side more and then letting his walls go down, showing gratitude, and accepting Kiara's offer. For Mbio, it was slightly more different. I initially was thinking of her actually running with the herd, and her mark glows and she's granted some sort of spiritual perspective/connection where she essentially feels/experiences what the other wildebeest are as some sort of deep spiritualistic approach(set to Imagine Dragons-"Thunder" for some reason) and thus showing off how her own powers of the Lion Guard allow her to be more connected with other creatures, but then I realized just how difficult that would be to like demonstrate. Granted the mark glowing thing is still present when she finds her connection with her future Guard members and they feel the same way too, though for Jibe it was him finally seeing her loyalty and dedication to her values/Lion Guard ideals, while for Mbio's it was him finding common ground and friendship with her, despite in the beginning it was essentially a bit of a prank/plan for her to get Simba closer to the herd and seeing if she really means to prove herself as Lion Guard leader.

In a way, it was all about developing the relationships and allowing for personal growth among all characters. Additionally, Kiara also got some good exercise, knowledge, and networking experience from all this in addition to gaining new friends/Guard members, so it's all good.

Also, been planning to do a sheet explaining all of Kiara's powers and abilities, as well as Kion's/general too.

Konde's name means 'fist', BTW. He isn't based on anyone, since I didn't want to do Big Baboon. I had to watch several documentaries and videos of baboon fights over territory and such in order to get some idea of how they behave and such. Since Jibe and his family are technically a 'rival troop' from outside the Pridelands, they aren't too well liked among the native troops and do get bullied/scared off.

Between them and Mbio's herd getting flack for Simba's trauma from the stampede subconsciously treating them worse then other herbivores, I felt it necessary to give them a personal reason to want to be on the Gaurd and thus improve their standing among their community, not just because they wanted it(Bunga) or were asked too(Fuli). Really wanted to have Kiara prove herself to them and them to her essentially, since that is one of my biggest criticisms with TLG RotR, that the Guard is assembled with little hassle, minus Simba being closed-minded and Kion not doing well to explain his reasoning.

Now that the 'training montage' is over, we'll be getting on with the story.

Kiara © The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride © Walt Disney Animation Studios
Jibe, Mbio, Story, Art © Vtoony

Description
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Several weeks had passed since Kiara has accepted tutelage and training with her two potential Guard members, and what long weeks they had been. Managing getting to and working with both the small family of baboons and racing with the young wildebeest calf, not to mention receiving guidance and history lessons with Rafiki, and also hanging out with her other Guards, Shika and Jicho, she barely had any time for herself these days.

Not to say that they weren't in any way beneficial or enjoyable. Hanging out with other species and being forced to see things from their perspectives, living a day of their lives, was an eye-opening experience for her. For example, being alongside Mbio for most of the afternoon, while labor-intensive from always being on your feet, did allow her to explore the plains and open-areas where the herbivores were, as well as get to know more about the herds, their relations, their leaders, and what they were like, as Mbio would sometimes introduce her to his friends of those herds, helping build up her reputation among them. She suspected they were pleased with the notion that a member of the same general group of herbivores as part of their homeland's task force, meaning an easier time accepting the new Guard.

With Jibe, his lessons were more serious and way more down-to-earth. At the start, she suspected she was just serving as the family's pack mule and servant. Gathering fruits and other food items to be stored, grooming, help plant seeds/nuts for future plants, watching over Gumba, and a lot of stories and reasons for why certain things were done. Jibe was rather neutral and stern, a stick the mud for the most part, delivering instructions and explanations with a serious, monotone expression and tone. Gumba, in contrast was much more energetic, childish, and cheerful, while his parents were a mix of concerned, responsible, and dutiful, though still treated Kiara with respect and patience.

It was unlike any family Kiara had seen, though in fairness she hadn't see that many. Honestly Jibe acted more like an adult then a young teenager, which did come as a shock to her when he revealed his age. Though he did seem to hold off a lot of emotions and facts about himself, even as Kiara came around more frequently. Jibe was like a stonewall, unwavering and cold, though he was helpful and patient with her. He answered any questions Kiara had and did try and make the work she was doing feel meaningful. On rare occasions she would see him begin to drop his sternness with her, either by giving a small compliment to a hard task completed or allowing her a break and giving her some encouragement or item to replenish her energy. She began to see that under the gruff, cold exterior was a caring heart that wanted the best for his family and those he cared about, though she was curious of why he didn't show that side of himself more often.

Her answer came one day, after several weeks of being taken under their wings and assisting them. They were in the grove and Kiara had been tasked with assisting them move around some branches and leaves in order to make a roost. Kiara was a bit irritated from working so hard today and puzzled at why they needed the supplies to make another roost, as she believed she had done this task just a few days ago, but willingly trotted off to the nearby stack gathering a few of the large, leafy sticks in order to pass them over to be thrown up into the trees above.

She barely had her back turned a second when a sudden frightened scream broke out in the air, followed by a screech and them several loud gruff echoes, coming from what Kiara knew were more then two baboons. Dropping the sticks she quickly whipped around and darted back to where she knew then two were, then halted swiftly as she saw that there definitely were more then two baboons.

More then eight if she was looking right, not including Jibe and Gumba, the two now huddled around each other. Gumba was breathing quickly while grasping onto his brother's chest, trying to hide under it, while Jibe was puffed up and angrily snorting and barking towards the encroaching group of similarly looking, yet more plentiful baboons.

One of the bigger ones, who were closest to the pair, spoke in an angry, severe voice. "Thought I told you to stay off this area." His statement was followed by an angry snort.

Jibe looked furious, though Kiara could sense fearfulness in his language and how he tried to shield his brother from the masses. "This spot is unclaimed and unused. We have every right to claim it too." His voice was stern, though quivered at the very edge. He flinched as the other baboons got closer, though still puffed up his body and appeared ready to strike.

"Go back to your own lands, Backlander!" The voice was followed up by a flashing of sharp incisors and snorts and screeches from the other baboons beside him.

Seeing the pair get overwhelmed by the other troop and sensing the upcoming hostility, finding unknown courage, the young lion cub suddenly darted in-between the two sides. Her back hunched up, hackles rose, toes dug into the rough ground, teeth barred, and a snarl of her very own came up from her throat as she placed herself between her friends and the troop.

"Leave them alone!" She barked out, trying to look as fearsome and angry towards the similar fearsome and angry looking baboons. The big baboon who had spoken, which Kiara surmised to be the leader, looked puzzled towards the newcomer, then sneered and looked disdainfully towards both her and the two he was threatening.

"What is this? Some sort of pet you have," he asked meanly, causing several of his members to chuckle. Their behavior just further angered Kiara and she spat out a hiss at them, stomping her legs and tried puffing herself up even more.

"I am Kiara. Princess of the Pridelands, daughter of king Simba and queen Nala, and leader of the Lion Guard! I am here to protect those who are in danger and I will not back down from any threat." She tried to keep her voice low and level, trying to restrain whatever anger and fear she might have. "State your name and reason for harassing these two."

The baboon leader hardly reacted at all to her statement at first, though as time his face slowly grew concerned, as did his group, who started showing sighs of fewer the longer they stared at her. He coughed to clear his throat.

"I am Konde, leader of this troop and this territory. I found these two trying to make a roost on a tree in my territory, which they have previously been warned against coming onto. Now they must pay the price for trespassing." He barred his teeth again, and slowly began inching towards the still huddling two.

Kiara intervened quickly. "Wait, wait, wait. So you say these two are on your territory."

He paused, looking a bit annoyed that apparently his words didn't catch on the first time with her, but nodded gruffly.

"And you said they had been warned not to go onto your territory in the past, yes."

"That's correct," he replied, still glaring at the two.

Kiara had an idea, though she wasn't entirely sure if it would work. Jibe had explained to her about parts of the grove which were 'claimed' as territories and which ones could be used and which to avoid, and she was fairly certain they wouldn't have gone onto any of them.

If all else failed, she could accept the blame as well, even take on all of it if it meant Jibe and Gumba could get away. She was leader of the Guard after all, she could do this to protect others.

"Can you tell me where your territorial lines are. You know, just for future reference," she asked.

Giving something which looked like a mixture of a sinister grin and smirk, Konde nodded and suddenly reached out beside her and drew a line in the rough dirt, right before her. She hopped back to give him room as he drew a rough line before stepping back and looking proudly at her.

"This area, from the soapberry bushes to the last strangler fig at the edge of the grove is mine."

She nodded, standing up and trying to look casual and less aggressive. "I see, I do know where those plants are." She kept her voice level, trying to make it sound like she was a casual visitor with only a small amount of knowledge about the surrounding grove. "And you say these two were trying to build a roost on one of the trees in your territory?"

He gave another grin, this time definitely more angry, and directed more towards the two behind her. "That's right."

"Could you please point to the tree in question that they were trying to make a roost in?"

With a smirk, he nodded and pointed to a tree, right over her shoulder, to the tree the two were right underneath. Several twigs, sticks, and bundles of leaves were already present in the bowers above, clearly showing the mid-way process of making a place for tonight.

Also, might she add, over the line that Konde had clearly made.

Konde made that realization a few seconds later, suddenly recognizing that he had inadvertently proved that the two were not on his territory and that he was in the wrong. His mouth and and several of his troops' mouth dropped in shock while Kiara had a small, triumphant smirk on her face.

"So then, it would appear that these two are completely in the right of making their roost in that tree. After all, by your own words and line, they are, in fact, not on your territory."

She turned back to the two, had gotten out of their huddling pose, but still stood warily before the troop. Jibe Slowly pried Gumba off him, though placed him on his back. Her then slowly made his way to Kiara's side and the line, stopping mere inches before it, and sitting down right before it. He crossed his arms and looked sternly at him, though even Kiara could make out the faint lifting of the lips on the corners of his mouth.

Realizing his defeat, Konde snorted angrily. He came up to the line and poked a finger towards Jibe's face, before stating, "Just stay off our territory, Backlander!"

"Got it," Jibe simply replied, watching as Konde and his troop stormed off, puffing and chittering angrily towards this situation, some disappointedly at the notion that there would be no vigilante justice taken. The three stared at the leaving group for a few seconds before Kiara sighed and let her shoulders drop, releasing the tension she had for the entire time.

"Well they seem like a darling group. Nice neighbors you have, Jib-"

Her sarcastic reply was interrupted by a tidal way of fur and crushing limbs wrapping around her back and pressing into her face. She squirmed and wriggled against the unknown force until her mind suddenly clicked with the realization that Jibe was hugging her. Her eyes poked up over the wall of grey-brown fur, over his shoulder, where she saw the face of Gumba looking down from his brother's back at her, eyes gleaming with gratitude and awe at how she had stood up to the baboon troop like that.

Thank you," came a soft, yet grateful voice, as Jibe broke away and smiled kindly at her, for the first time ever. It was so striking that Kiara couldn't react for a few moments.

That is, until Gumba hopped off his brother's back and raced towards her, wrapping his own skinny arms around her in a hug too.

"That was amazing! You really showed those baboons whose boss! You're the coolest lion ever!" Kiara then reacted with a smile and paced a paw to gently pat his back.

"It was nothing. Really, just needed to do what had to be done." She flinched as a paw suddenly came down on her shoulder and she looked back up into the stern, green eyes of Jibe, however this time shining with a serious warmth and gratitude.

"Don't ever say that. You saved us from getting in severe trouble. You stood up without question and without hesitation, just to defend us. You're a true friend Kiara," he firmly stated.

He let his paw drop and Gumba broke out of the hug, still grinning at her. Kiara smiled warmly at them, feeling a way of gratitude.

Then a thought suddenly came into her head, thinking back to the scenario and what the baboon leader had said.

"You're welcome, but, um... what Konde said back there? He called you a Backlander?"

Jibe's warm expression turned to a frown and he knelt down, letting Gumba climb back onto his back, whereupon he nestled his face into his fur. He motioned Kiara to follow as they went to resume the roost-building process.

"I haven't told you this before, but several season ago my family, me, my mom, and dad, were all part of a troop in the Backlands, right beside the border of the Pridelands." He licked his dried lips before continuing. "Until a leap of leopards came in and ambushed my troop, killing some, scattering the rest. With how dangerous the land had become and with our group reduced to just us four, we decided to move to the Pridelands."

"So you guys are former Backlanders then?" She stated. Jibe began picking up sticks, keeping his head averted from her, even as he handed her a few sticks to carry.

"I am, as are our parents. Gumba was born shortly after we settled here, therefore making him a Pridelander by birth. And the only Pridelander in the family." He paused, then turned around to her, and Kiara could see sadness and guilt on his face. "I'm sorry, Kiara. I knew you told me that you were looking for Pridelanders to join your team, yet I didn't tell you where I really was born." He sighed and let his face drop before reaching out for some more branches. "I'm sorry to have wasted your time."

He paused as her paw suddenly shot out, grasping the stick he had just reached, and looked over to see Kiara staring at him with a determined, serious glance.

"If you think I'm just going to pick my team for their time spent living in the Pridelands, then you're dead wrong, Jibe." She let go and stared at him with a warm expression. "I want my team to be the best of the best, the ones I feel best represent not only the attributes the Guard is looking for, but also the ideals and best interests of the Pridelands. I chose you because I see how willing you are to protect for those you care about and how you are unwavering even in the most dangerous scenarios. You know more about the Pridelands then I do and know about how things work and plan ahead for the future. You've shown me that bravery and intelligence can come from any creature, regardless of birthplace, species, or whatever. That's why I chose you."

"Well then, I accept."

Her jaw dropped and her mind went blank for a few seconds, struggling to process what had just been said. Her jaw was still struggling to move when his hand went back on her shoulder, and he smiled and nodded.

"I accept your offered position. I'll be on your Guard."

"Really?!" The voice didn't come from a still stunned Kiara. Instead it came in the form of the small baboon as he leapt off his brother's back and then began dancing and cheering about the place. Jibe let out an even rarer snicker and Kiara did too, before gently placing her paw on Jibe's outstretched arm.

"Welcome to the Guard, Jibe."

Not very long after Jibe's acceptance did Mbio join Kiara's Guard, though it was less verbal and more natural.

Kiara had been running with Mbio for several weeks now and she thoroughly hated it at first. Mbio was loud, boastful, and, admittedly, though begrudgingly, a much more athletic and agile runner. Kiara hated how fast she lost her breath, energy, and every race she was challenged too, and how Mbio would always have either a snide remark or an aggressive, pushy form of encouragement where hew would prod and poke at her, trying to get her to continue or get back up and continue. It was thoroughly exhausting, both physically and mental-emotionally, have to deal with suck a persistent, proud coach.

However as time went on, Kiara found the daily runs and coaching to be... less irritating. Mbio's coaching slowly became more tolerable, especially as time went on he started trying to engage with her more casually in conversation on their runs instead of just barking out running tips at her. Though they still went for long distances and for long periods of time, slowly, the constant plains, hills, and open areas they ran through slowly became sprinkled throughout areas such as watering holes and more scenic areas like around the groves and canyons. Breaks to get some water or look at said scenery also became more prominent in their daily routine, whereas before they were rare or reserved for the very last stretch of their runs.

Also Kiara discovered something about Mbio which made her at least able to catch up with him a bit easier. The young wildebeest loved to talk. Mbio could talk a mile-a-minute and loved to share interests, memories, events, facts, you name it. What made this trait useful and interesting, well, one it showed that he was able to carry and deliver information while on the go, though two talking also allowed Kiara to keep up with Mbio more easily. At the start Mbio would, often literally, run circles around her while she ran, otherwise he would hold up the front and leave her struggling to not fall even more behind. Usually it would end with him already at their designated 'end line' and chilling several minutes before she even set foot in the area.

However by engaging with conversation with him, she discovered she could keep him occupied and thus allow herself to catch up. Not wanting to yell to respond, the calf kept within close proximity, often , again, running circles around her or keeping within her pace as they talked. Kiara found more often then not she finished closer to Mbio. The first few times this had happened he had called her out on this and insisted she try to beat him without relying on tricking him, though that quickly faded as she continued and they started talking more often.

Additionally, it was actually pretty enjoyable to do. Sure Mbio could hog most of the conversation, but it was far from dull or disinteresting. Kiara found she was learning more and more about not only him, but about other creatures in general. Mbio was rather friendly with other herds and herbivores, pretty much knowing everyone's name or some fact about them. And occasionally they would run into one of Mbio's acquaintances or friends, which did allow for the spread of news that a new Lion Guard was in the works. It also allowed her to get to know those who were entrusting her with their lives and wellbeing, which was very scary when she thought about it. Surprisingly though, Mbio was just as good as Jicho about promoting Kiara's character, despite only knowing her for a short while. It was immensely sweet of him to do so and she felt touched. She started getting more relaxed and comfortable around the calf, as did he with her.

Mbio had grown up with a slightly bitter taste in his mouth towards the lions of this land, thanks mostly in part with his mother. He had heard the tale about how a wildebeest herd was frightened and spooked by the tyrant king's hyenas into stampeding and unintentionally taking the life of the previous king, which was a tragedy for sure, though that also had unintentional effects on the local wildebeest heard. When they had returned back to the Pridelands once it had recovered some, it seemed like more often then not, when it came matters surrounding herbivore grazing sites. secure areas, and political matters, the wildebeests more often then not got the barest branch. There was some suspicion that the king had subconsciously taken his trauma of the incident and directed his disdain and anger towards the new current herd. While their living conditions were far from miserable, it was clear that in comparison to some other herds, such as the gazelles and oryxes for example, they clearly didn't have the best spots. Noticing all this and being told by his mother that their herd was being more targeted then others in the lion hunting parties soured his view on the local lions, even if they were technically ruling right.

Then came in Kiara. The sheltered, proud, stubborn, complaining, girly cub. Mbio really didn't like her at first, part of him even glad that he unintentionally knocked her into Big Springs during his face with Fuli. And the this cub comes up, asks for assistance with her danger-seeking Lion Guard, his mom sees this as a way to get higher in the king's graces, and boom, all of a sudden he's got a new running buddy. Great.

However Kiara turned out to be not as terrible as he had previously thought. Sure she was stubborn, complained a lot, and had obviously been sheltered, though what she lacked in experience she made up for in willingness to learn and determination. Also she was rather energetic and adventurous, asking questions about her environment and wanting to know about certain areas and creatures as they went past or through them. He saw how she took to things, even if she didn't particular want to do it or didn't fully understand it. He began to admire her spitfire, sassy attitude where she was still devoted a nd committed to her job, yet was more the willing to milk the benefits such as being independent and exploring on her own.

So he took to teaching her the 'thundering hooves', partially something which his mother made up to make the cub think she was getting invested within the wildebeest culture, we which was kinda true, though also something less spoken about and more felt. Stampeding was more then an action, it was a way of life, something felt, not thought about. The vibrations from the earth as your foot made contact with it, getting lost within the multitude of other vibrations, signaling that you were one among many. You were a part of something bigger, a torrent, surging through and across the land. A force of nature, unyielding, unstoppable, and all-powerful. It was something which could only be understood through experiencing it with someone else, or a lot of somebodies. Given that she was a lion and not a wildebeest or any sort of hoofed mammal, he doubt she could ever truly understand what it truly meant to experience the so-called 'thundering-hooves'.

Although, as they got to know each other better, learned and experienced things with each other, and gradually began to form a bond, he felt as though she didn't need too. As they rushed across the plains, him alternating between speeding ahead and matching her pace, laughing and egging each other playfully on, he didn't feel the need that she had to prove herself if any particular manner, just that she could prove herself as a friend. When they reached the watering hole, they instead launched into the shallow waters and began prancing around in the cool shallows. Splashing, romping around, and laughing all the merry while. Genuinely enjoying each other and having fun as friends.

After they had cooled down and dried off a bit, the two had rested for a while, talking more, until the sun's position in the sky told them they needed to get home. Before they left, the two shared a warm look towards one another. A silent connection, a realization between them, and a sort of acceptance that didn't need any words.

"See you tomorrow, Kiara?"

"Count on it, Mbio."

And there you have it. Kiara has officially gotten all her Guard onboard, now she needs to get them all together and officiated. I had these moments in mind for a long while now, though they initially were a bit different. For Jibe Kiara was initially supposed to be standing over Gumba in front of the baboons and Jibe then realizes how much Kiara is willing to give to protect his family, though then I wanted him to get a bit more involved, showing his big-brother side more and then letting his walls go down, showing gratitude, and accepting Kiara's offer. For Mbio, it was slightly more different. I initially was thinking of her actually running with the herd, and her mark glows and she's granted some sort of spiritual perspective/connection where she essentially feels/experiences what the other wildebeest are as some sort of deep spiritualistic approach(set to Imagine Dragons-"Thunder" for some reason) and thus showing off how her own powers of the Lion Guard allow her to be more connected with other creatures, but then I realized just how difficult that would be to like demonstrate. Granted the mark glowing thing is still present when she finds her connection with her future Guard members and they feel the same way too, though for Jibe it was him finally seeing her loyalty and dedication to her values/Lion Guard ideals, while for Mbio's it was him finding common ground and friendship with her, despite in the beginning it was essentially a bit of a prank/plan for her to get Simba closer to the herd and seeing if she really means to prove herself as Lion Guard leader.

In a way, it was all about developing the relationships and allowing for personal growth among all characters. Additionally, Kiara also got some good exercise, knowledge, and networking experience from all this in addition to gaining new friends/Guard members, so it's all good.

Also, been planning to do a sheet explaining all of Kiara's powers and abilities, as well as Kion's/general too.

Konde's name means 'fist', BTW. He isn't based on anyone, since I didn't want to do Big Baboon. I had to watch several documentaries and videos of baboon fights over territory and such in order to get some idea of how they behave and such. Since Jibe and his family are technically a 'rival troop' from outside the Pridelands, they aren't too well liked among the native troops and do get bullied/scared off.

Between them and Mbio's herd getting flack for Simba's trauma from the stampede subconsciously treating them worse then other herbivores, I felt it necessary to give them a personal reason to want to be on the Gaurd and thus improve their standing among their community, not just because they wanted it(Bunga) or were asked too(Fuli). Really wanted to have Kiara prove herself to them and them to her essentially, since that is one of my biggest criticisms with TLG RotR, that the Guard is assembled with little hassle, minus Simba being closed-minded and Kion not doing well to explain his reasoning.

Now that the 'training montage' is over, we'll be getting on with the story.

Kiara © The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride © Walt Disney Animation Studios
Jibe, Mbio, Story, Art © Vtoony