An Unforgettable Summer

Chapter 10: Magic In The Pride Lands - Part 1

The sun starts rising over the beautiful Pride Lands and, as usual, Tazama is the first lioness of the Lion Guard to wake up. Being the keenest of sight, Tazama likes to go to one of the highest points in the Pride Lands to watch the animals awaken, as well as observe the morning beauty of the kingdom.
This seems to be another calm morning. However, Tazama's gaze is now focused on a small group of animals that have just entered the kingdom. "What the...?" She watches the group carefully. One lioness and four... lions with wings? Apparently they're not dangerous, but you never know. “I need to warn Vitani.” Tazama runs towards Pride Rock.
Meanwhile, Askaru and her family walk calmly through the Pride Lands, observing the different species around them, as well as the beautiful landscapes. So far, they have seen many kinds of birds, a lake with crocodiles, some trees with baboons and others with galagos... There are countless different species that seem to live in this kingdom.
"This is incredible." Lili comments, admiring the beauty of the kingdom around her.
“So many different species in the same place.” Tayarinne adds. “Savannahs are like that, but this place looks different, special. It's hard to explain."
“Of course it's different.” Askaru explains. “Do you remember what Madoa told us? There is magic in this kingdom.” Askaru is very interested in learning about this magic and meeting the animals that control it. “From what she and Jasiri told us, we have to speak with Queen Kiara and King Kovu first.”
“Do you think Kion will be at Pride Rock?” Lili asks excitedly. Ever since she heard about that lion who has a magical roar, the young flyoness can only think of meeting him.
“It is possible.” Her mother answers.
The family continues walking until a pride of lionesses appears in front of them, forcing them to stop. The lionesses look at them seriously.
“Uh… Who are you?” Askaru asks curiously, obviously not intimidated.
Lilikiki stands in front of her sisters in protective mode.
“Here we are the ones asking the questions.” Vitani, the leader of the group, responds. “Who are you and what are you doing here in the Pride Lands?”
“We're just a traveling family and we'd like to get to know this kingdom and its animals.”
“The hyenas Madoa and Jasiri said we should speak to the king and queen first.” Tayarinne explains. “Do you know where Pride Rock is?”
The lionesses look at each other curiously, until Vitani decides to trust the new visitors. "Very good. Come with us.”
Askaru and his family decide to follow these lionesses.
“Do you think we can trust them?” Tayarinne asks her king in a whisper.
"Don't worry. I believe they're not a threat.” He responds, comforting his queen.
Lilikiki continues to protect her sisters, always walking with them and looking seriously at the lionesses that guide them. Maine and Tayarinne II just follow their family, also with curiosity.
Along the route, practically no one speaks, but Vitani and her Guard guide Askaru's family to Pride Rock, stopping before the path that goes up the rock.
"You." Vitani points at Askaru. "Come with me. The rest wait here.” She speaks with determination, showing her leadership posture.
"Dad?" Maine and Tayarinne are worried.
“It'll be fine, girls. Dad will come back soon.” Askaru comforts his daughters. Then, he looks at his queen and they both share a “everything-will-be-fine” look.
Vitani guides Askaru to the Pride Rock's top. "Wait here." She asks and he obeys, respecting the rules of the kingdom or whatever that is.
While Vitani enters the cave to speak with the king and queen, Askaru remains outside, moving closer to the edge of the rock to watch the kingdom. Once again, the flyon king is amazed to see how diverse species live together in a single kingdom full of predators and prey. At the same time, he can see how big and beautiful this kingdom is, with lakes, fields and different trees.
After a few minutes, Vitani returns from the cave. “Askaru. You can come in."
“Thanks, Vitani.”
The lioness goes back down the rock, while Askaru enters the cave. Once inside, he sees a lion and a lioness at the center, smiling to show that they are friendly.
“You must be Askaru.” Kiara is the first to speak.
“Your majesties...” Askaru bows to show respect.
“What brings you and your family to the Pride Lands?” Kiara asks.
“We are on a journey to discover new places and meet new animals. Especially for my daughters to learn more, in addition to having a different and fun summer vacation.”
“Awww… How sweet. Don't you think, Kovu?” She lays her head on the lion's chest, which makes him blush a little with her attitude.
“K-Kiara. Focus.” Kovu tries to remain serious.
“Majesties. Do you think we could stay in your kingdom for a while?” Askaru asks.
“Of course you can.” Kiara responds in her usual sweet and cheerful tone. "As long as you won't cause any trouble, you can stay as long as you like."
“Thank you, your majesty.” Askaru thanks her with a smile.
“You already met Vitani and her Lion Guard. They can help you find a good home for yourself and your family.”
“Lion Guard?” Askaru remembers what Madoa told him and his family about the team that protects the circle of life in the Pride Lands. Although he doesn't know much about this team… “Your Majesty? I have a question."
"You can ask."
“The hyenas mentioned a lion named Kion and a… super roar. Can I meet this lion?”
Kiara lets out a cute giggle. "Well. You can meet him if you want. Kion is my brother, but he's living in the Tree Of Life kingdom. He's the king of that land. It's a long story."
Now Askaru was even more curious about this lion. However, since he no longer lives in the Pride Lands, Askaru is a little disappointed. He really wanted to meet that lion and see what kind of magic he uses to be able to roar like that.
“Askaru.” This time it is King Kovu who speaks with some curiosity. “What kind of animal are you? I mean... I don't think I've ever seen another animal of your kind."
Kiara is also curious.
“My daughters and I are flyons. We live in a far away kingdom, CiAr, a big country, rich, powerfull, full of magic and wonderful creatures. My queen is a lioness.”
“Your… queen?”
“Magic?” Kiara is more curious about that magic he mentioned.
"Yes. We are the royal family of CiAr. and there is magic all around, which can be very useful and great, but can also cause trouble sometimes. In fact, that's one of the reasons we can't stay here for long. We've already been gone for several days.”
“I see…” Kiara is in awe of what this visitor tells her. “Anyway, you can stay as long as you like.”
“Thank you again, your majesty.”
"You are welcome. Now you can go back to your family. Vitani's Guard will help you discover the kingdom and find a place for you to stay."
“I'm sure you'll love it.” Kovu smiles, remembering how he first “fell in love” with the Pride Lands.
"With your permission..." Askaru bows again in respect.
“Enjoy your stay in the Pride Lands.”
Kovu and Kiara watch Askaru leave the cave.
“He seems to be a nice guy.” Kiara comments. "And he's beautiful."
Kovu looks at Kiara with a slightly worried look.
Kiara notices this and nudges him playfully with a smile. “Come on, Kovu. You don't need to be jealous. You are my upendi, my king.”
“I know, Kiara.” The two nuzzle each other and purr.
Askaru returns to his family. Vitani and the other lionesses are still there.
“Dad!” Maine and Taya II run to their father to hug him. He hugs them back with a smile. Tayarinne and Lilikiki watch them too with a smile.
“So… what did they say?” Vitani asks the flyon king.
“Queen Kiara suggested that you help us find a place for us during our stay in the Pride Lands.” Askaru explains.
"Very well." Vitani looks at her friends. “You can continue to patrol. I'll show this family the kingdom and help them find a lair.”
“As you wish, Vitani.” Imara responds. "Let's go, girls." Imara leads the group that leaves.
Vitani looks back at the visitors. "Follow me."
The family follows the lioness: Askaru and Tayarinne in front, Lilikiki between Maine and Tayarinne, always alert. As they walk, they talk a bit.
“So… You are the leader of the Lion Guard, right?” Askaru asks curiously.
"Yes, that's right. I'm the fiercest. Kasi is the fastest, Shabaha's the bravest, Imara is the strongest and Tazama is the keenest of sight.”
“What do you girls do?” Tayarinne asks, also curious.
“Our job is to help animals in need and defend the circle of life. If any animal is in danger, we are here to help.”
“What about Kion?” Lili asks, always looking forward to meeting Kion.
“Kion?” Vitani is surprised by the young flyoness' question.
“The hyenas told us about this lion.” Askaru explains. “Queen Kiara told me he's her brother and he's now the king of another kingdom.”
"What?" Lili is in awe of what she hears, also a little disappointed that she won't meet the lion with the super roar.
"That's true." Vitani explains. “Kion was the leader of the former Lion Guard, but all that changed after he traveled to the Tree of Life. Kion and the queen of that place fell in love and he ended up deciding to stay there. But, of course, before that, he offered me the Roar.”
“He offered you the… roar?” Now Askaru is even more curious. "This roar, according to what we've been told, can... levitate things?"
“The Roar manages to do much more than that. But I'm not as experienced as Kion. He had years of experience and trained a lot. But I can already do some things.”
“Do you think you can show us?”
"Sure. I mean, there are rules, but... It can't hurt to show you some of its powers. Come with me."
The family looks at each other, all curious, and decide to follow the lioness.
Vitani guides the group to a place in the kingdom with many rocks and, apparently, no animals living there. “Now, stay behind me and watch.” Asks the lioness.
The family does what the lioness asks and keeps behind her.
Vitani turns to a rock. She gets into position, one paw in front of the other, almost as if she's going to attack. The lioness remembers what Kion taught her when he visited the Pride Lands. Vitani concentrates and clouds begin to appear in the blue sky, leaving Askaru's family in awe. Finally, Vitani roars, and somehow that roar forms a small tornado that lifts the rock.
The family watches this, in awe of what the lioness can do. Looking up, they can see lion-shaped clouds roaring along with Vitani. Everyone is stunned. Of course they've seen magic far more powerful than this. However, how is it possible for a lioness to roar like this, especially invoking spirits that appear in the clouds?
Askaru is more admired with this, or perhaps, quite interested in Vitani's magic. Askaru has a vast knowledge of magic and he had never heard of a roar capable of summoning spirits and lifting rocks. Clearly the lioness is not showing her full power. What else can she do with this roar?
Slowly, Vitani stops roaring and the tornado slowly disappears, setting the rock back on the ground. At the same time, the lion-shaped clouds disappear from the sky.
“Wow...” The cubs continue to admire the lioness' magic.
“How did you do that?” Askaru asks the lioness curiously.
“In fact, the Roar is a gift given by the great lions of the past. It's not something that can be taught.” Vitani explains. “The great lions of the past chose Kion to be the leader of the Lion Guard, offering him the power of the Roar. The Roar appears at just the right moment, almost as if it knows we need it.”
“What about those lions in the sky?” Lili asks.
“Those are the great lions of the past that help us roar and make the Roar more powerful.”
“So… you can do more than just levitate a rock?” Tayarinne asks, also curious.
“Like I said before, I get to do more things with the Roar. This was just a sample of what the Roar can do. But I'm still learning.”
“I… I need to know more about that roar.” Askaru is more and more interested in knowing this magic.
“If you're really interested, I think you should talk to Rafiki.”
“Rafiki?”
"Yes. Rafiki is a very wise mandrel. He knows well the power of the Roar, and he also communicates with the lions of the past.”
“Where does this mandrel live?”
“Look for Zazu. Ask him to guide you to Rafiki's Tree.”
"Right." Askaru looks at his family. “I need to do this.”
"I know, honey." Tayarinne smiles, knowing how determined her king is. She knows he won't rest until he gets the information he wants.
“I'll go with you, dad.” Lilikiki approaches the flyon king.
“No, sweetie. I want you to stay with your mother and your sisters. I'll come back to you soon.”
"It's decided. I'll go with you.” Lili speaks with determination, positioning herself next to her father.
Askaru knows that when Lili makes a decision, she hardly ever changes her mind. “Okay, Lili. You can come with me.”
“Yes.” Lili believes that if she goes with her father, she will learn more about the Roar and it might help her discover more about what she really cares about most: Kion.
“So… are you coming with me?” Vitani asks Tayarinne.
“Yes, Vitani. We would very much like to see the kingdom. Besides, we still have to find a place to spend the night.”
"Very well. Follow me." Vitani starts walking again.
Askaru nuzzles Tayarinne. “See you later, my queen.”
Tayarinne nuzzles him back, both purring. “Take care, my king.”
Lilikiki hugs her sisters. “Behave yourselves, girls.”
“See you later, big sis.” Maine and Taya II also hug their sister.
Lilikiki joins her father in his quest for knowledge, while the rest of the family follows Vitani.
Lili and Askaru ask some animals where they can find Zazu. After some time, they manage to see the hornbill in the sky and call out to him. “Zazu! Here, Zazu!”
The bird flies towards the flyons. “What strange and wonderful creatures call the royal butler?”
"Wait. You work for the queen?” Lili asks, surprised.
“Something like that. What and who are you and why did you call me?”
“We are flyons and we came from the kingdom of CiAr. We are just visiting.” Askaru explains. “Vitani said you could guide us to Rafiki's Tree.”
"Good. You're in luck. I just finished my morning report. I can take you to Rafiki, before going to Pride Rock.”
"It would be great. Thank you, Zazu.”
“Don't thank me yet. Follow me." Zazu starts flying.
Askaru and Lilikiki look at each other and smile, starting to fly after the hornbill.
"What the...?" Zazu is very surprised to see the flyons flying behind him. "How?"
“We are flyons. We have wings.” Askaru explains.
“Makes sense, I guess.”
The three fly for some time, until they finally notice a big tree in the middle of the savannah.
“That is Rafiki's Tree.” Says Zazu. "Now, if you'll excuse me, my duty to the king and queen is calling me."
“Thanks again, Zazu.” Askaru thanks him.
“You're welcome.” The hornbill flies back towards Pride Rock.
“Are you ready, Lili?”
"Yes, dad."
Askaru and Lili fly towards the tree and land near it. “Rafiki? Are you there?" Askaru calls out, but gets no response.
“Let me try. Rafiki! Get down here immediately!” Lili screams a little.
"Lili. Not like this."
Suddenly, Rafiki jumps out of the tree: “Who dares to disturb Rafiki?”
“See? It worked.” Lili smiles lovely at her father.
“Sorry to bother you, Rafiki. My name is Askaru and this is my daughter Lilikiki. We are..."
“Flyons. I know." The mandrel smiles, surprising the flyons.
"You know? How?" Askaru asks.
"I know everything. I also know that you come from a very distant place, where life is very different from what we have here in the Pride Lands.”
“R-Right.” The flyon king is more and more admired. This old mandrel must be very powerful. “How do you know these things? Is it that staff that gives you magical powers?”
“I see we have a very curious flyon here.”
"Please. I need to know."
"Very well. If you really want to know... Rafiki's powers aren't powers. The staff's magic is not magic. Everything is a gift, but not everyone has this gift. I can speak with the great lions of the past, like the ancient kings of the Pride Lands. But… only the royal mjuzi has this ability.”
“You mean you were born with these powers?” Lili asks.
“No, beautiful princess. These powers grew in me. It took a lot of training to be able to do what I know how to do today.”
"I understand..." Askaru thinks for a while. “And the Roar?”
“What about the Roar?”
“How does it work?”
"Mmmm... I can see that your royal head won't leave you alone with so many questions."
“Can you explain to us or not?” Lili speaks seriously.
"Ok, ok. Old Rafiki will teach you all about the Roar and the Lion Guard. Follow me."
Rafiki starts walking. Askaru and Lilikiki follow him, curious about what this old mandrel wants to show them.
Vitani continues to show Tayarinne and her daughters around the kingdom. They pass by a lake with crocodiles, where they meet their leader Makuu, a bit grumpy but with a good heart. Then they cross Ndefu Grove, home to some small but very cute creatures: the galagos. Maine and Taya II play a little with their leader, Laini.
After a long walk, Rafiki, Askaru and Lilikiki arrive near Pride Rock.
“What are we doing here?” Lili asks.
“So many questions...” Says Rafiki. “You remind me of an apprentice I had.”
Rafiki guides them into a large cave beneath Pride Rock. Askaru and Lili are surprised to see a lake inside, but they continue following the mandrel that guides them to a wall full of paintings.
“Wow...” Lilikiki admires the paintings all over the wall.
“Did you paint all this?” Askaru asks the mandrel.
“No, I just painted the most recent ones. You know? These walls contain great secrets. The entire history of the Lion Guard and the Pride Lands can be told through all the paintings that all royal mjuzi have painted throughout the kingdom's entire existence."
“You mean the whole Roar story is in here?”
“Not just about the Roar. Everything can be told on these walls.”
The flyons look at the countless paintings, trying to understand what they tell.
“Perhaps it's best to start at the beginning. Come with me."
Again, the flyons follow Rafiki.
Vitani guides the little flyonesses and their mother to Nyani Grove, where they meet some baboons. They are interesting creatures, but very mischievous. They are always throwing fruit, which makes Vitani and the others want to get out of there quickly.
Rafiki guides the flyons to a painting that shows a lion talking to an elephant.
"What is this?" Lili asks.
“Here you can see Askari. This lion was the leader of the first Lion Guard. He talked with the leader of the elephants and together they managed to make the Pride Lands a safe and peaceful place. It was quite a complicated job, but they never gave up.”
"Wait. Was that lion the leader of the first Lion Guard?” Askaru wants to confirm.
"Yes, he was."
“So… was he the one who discovered the Roar?”
“Actually, it was the Roar that discovered him.”
“What did you eat, Rafiki?” Lilikiki asks, thinking the mandrel doesn't know what he's saying.
“The fiercest is he who possesses the Roar. But the Roar only appears to fierce lions who also have a good heart. So the Roar must never be used for evil. Once used for evil, the lion completely loses the Roar's power. That's what happened with Scar."
“Scar?” Askaru and Lilikiki remember when the hyenas mentioned this evil lion.
"Come with me." Rafiki returns to guide the flyons to other paintings. Now they can see a lion roaring at a group of other lions. “Scar was also chosen by the Roar when he was young. But his heart was filled with hatred and he ended up using the Roar to kill his own Lion Guard. So both the Roar and the Lion Guard disappeared for a long time.”
“But you still have a Lion Guard.” Comments Lili.
"Yes, yes. Each thing at its time. You really look like my former apprentice: Makini. About Scar...”
Rafiki continues telling the story of the kingdom and the Guard, now explaining how Scar teamed up with the hyenas and plotted his brother Mufasa's death.
As they pass through Chakula Plains, Vitani warns: “Be careful. This is home to the most annoying animal in the Pride Lands.”
"What?" The three females don't understand what she means.
"Hello, hello." A male zebra approaches them.
"Oh no. Thurston.” Vitani doesn't seem to like seeing him.
“What strange creatures...” Thurston comments, watching the little flyonesses.
“We are flyonesses.” Says Taya II.
“I see... You have wings. Can you fly?”
"Of course."
“That's cute. But not useful, you know? You should have stripes like us zebras.”
"What?" Tayarinne is confused.
“Wings are useless. Stripes help protect us from predators, so you should have stripes too.”
“Thurston. Does your herd not need you?” Vitani asks, trying to get him to leave.
“They are eating.” The zebra responds and then looks back at the flyonesses. “I can teach you. You just have to blend in with the other zebras. Oh. If you want, I can also tell you the story of how I got my first stripe on my butt.”
Now Tayarinne places herself between her daughters and the zebra, looking seriously at him. “Hey. Don't teach my daughters nonsense."
“Nonsense?” Thurston is shocked by the comment. “Oh. How disrespectful. You don't deserve my friendship." The zebra turns its tail towards the females and starts to walk away. “Tcha-tcha.”
“What a character.” Says Tayarine.
“And you didn’t see anything.” Vitani comments, knowing that zebra better than Tayarinne. "Let's continue."
The four females continue their journey.
After having told the whole story about Scar's reign, Rafiki talks about the return of the Lion Guard, with Kion as its leader.
“Kion's Lion Guard was very special. They did great deeds and saved the Pride Lands from a great evil: the evil fiery spirit of Scar.”
“Wow. Kion really was a great hero, wasn't he?" Lili is excited to finally hear Kion's story.
“Yes, but he also suffered some consequences after he defeated Scar.”
“What about the Roar? Is it really true that Kion could control nature?” Askaru asks, always curious about the Roar.
“He could make it rain and even open holes in the ground. The Roar is very powerful, but Kion always knew how to use it for good.”
“And how did he defeat Scar's spirit? Did he make it rain?”
“Something like that. With a breath, he summoned the great lions of the past who, with the rain, judged Scar, sending him back to where he should never have left.”
Askaru is surprised by what he hears. Magic seems to be powerful in the Pride Lands.
“What about Kion? Tell us more!” Lili remains excited.
“All in good time, young lady. During Kion's journey to the Tree of Life, another evil arose in the Pride Lands.”
Rafiki continues telling the kingdom's history to the flyons.
Vitani guides Tayarinne and the cubs to Kilio Valley, where they have a short chat with Ma Tembo, the leader of the elephants. She's very friendly and also wise.
After that, they pass by another lake, where they meet Basi, leader of the hippos.
After telling how Kiara and Kovu united both prides through their love and how Zira's hatred ended up being her end, Rafiki returns to talk about Kion and his Roar.
“Then the two Guards held a contest to see who should protect the kingdom. But by the end of the contest, Kion realized that the kingdom was well protected with Vitani's Guard, and with Askari's help, Kion and Vitani now share the power of the Roar. Another broken tradition.”
“Wow… Kion is amazing.” Lili is really delighted with the lion.
"Wait. That painting… Did Kion really manage to lift Pride Rock?” Askaru asks.
“Oh he did. Kion learned a lot with Askari in the Tree of Life.”
“What can you tell us about the Tree of Life?”
“Mmmm… Come with me.”
Once again, Rafiki guides the flyons to other paintings.
The females visit Hakuna Matata Falls, where they meet the inseparable Timon and Pumbaa.
"Aw Timon... Look how cute they are..." Pumbaa admires the beauty of the little flyonesses.
"Yeah, yeah. Cuties.” Timon speaks with some irony. Then he walks towards them smiling. “So you've come to visit the Pride Lands? You know we are very friendly with royalty? In fact, you could even say we are family.” The meerkat speaks with pride.
"Really? How so?" Tayarinne II asks.
“We raised Simba, Queen Kiara's father, when he was a cub. And later we helped him to save his kingdom from his uncle's tyranny. The usual.”
“You were very brave.” Tayarine smiles.
“Well, of course. I almost died saving my friend Pumbaa.”
“Uh… Timon?” Pumbaa looks a little serious at his friend.
“I mean... Pumbaa saved me. Not that I needed help, hehe.”
“And you two live here? What do you eat?” Tayarinne asks curiously.
"Oh no." Vitani knows how much these two love to eat bugs. The lioness finds this disgusting.
“Glad you ask, madam.” Pumbaa speaks with enthusiasm. “Watch us.”
Timon and Pumbaa start peeking under some rocks for a while. Tayarinne and her daughters watch curiously, while Vitani just tries not to look at them.
Finally, Pumbaa spots an old log and uses his tusks to lift the log. “Timon, here!”
“Well done, Pumbaa.” Timon goes to his friend and places himself under the log, grabbing some insects that were hidden there. Then Pumbaa lets go of the log and the two walk to the females again.
“Voila.” Timon shows the insects to the lionesses and flyonesses.
"What is that for?" Taya II doesn't understand why they caught these bugs.
“To eat, of course.” Timon eats some bugs.
“Eeewww...” Maine and Taya II look to the side.
"That's disgusting." Says Maine.
"Disgusting? This is delicious. Better is hard to find.”
“Unless it is utamu.” Adds the warthog.
"Yeah. Those grubs are the delight of delights.” Then the meerkat returns to show the insects to the females. “Want to try it?”
“N-No, thanks.” Tayarinne politely refuses.
“You don't know what you're missing.”
Timon and Pumbaa continue to eat.
“Vitani. Maybe it's best if we keep going."
“Yes, Tayarine. It's getting late.”
“Goodbye, Timon and Pumbaa.” The flyonesses say goodbye.
"Goodbye..." The two friends don't stop eating. “Mmm… delicious.”
Although there aren't many paintings in the cave about the Tree of Life, the two kingdoms have been linked for a very long time. Rafiki explains to Askaru and Lilikiki about his time at the Tree of Life during Queen Janna's reign and how it was there that he met his apprentice Makini. Rafiki also tells them how once a lion with the power of the Roar helped save the Tree of Life from destruction. Now he's telling the story of how Kion traveled there to cure his scar's venom and his friend Ono's blindness.
“Kion had another important battle in those lands and the Roar saved the Tree of Life once more.”
“That Roar… It really is quite powerful.” Askaru is still trying to come to terms with the fact that this kind of magic exists in this part of the world. However, he knows that CiAr's or El'dra's magic can well overcome the power of the Roar, if he ever has to face it.
“What about Kion?” Lili insists on wanting to know everything about that incredible lion.
“As I mentioned before, Kion returned to the Pride Lands and ended up offering Vitani the Roar.” Rafiki explains. “With that noble attitude, Askari decided that both of them could have the power of the Roar.”
“But what happened next?”
“Then Kion returned to the Tree of Life, where he ended up marrying and becoming king, alongside his beloved Rani, Queen of the Tree of Life.”
“Oh. I see...” Now Lili doesn't seem so enthusiastic. However, she still wishes to meet Kion someday.
“Rafiki. What is that?" Askaru asks, looking at a large painting with some kind of connection between the drawings.
“Oh. This is the map to the Tree of Life.”
"Map?" Lili's attention triples when she looks at the map.
“Each of these drawings symbolizes a place you must go through to reach the Tree of Life. That's how Kion and his Lion Guard managed to get there.”
“Interesting...” Lilikiki is very thoughtful now.
“Thank you so much for everything, Rafiki.”
“You're welcome, curious creatures. Now I have to get back to my potions.”
“Goodbye, Rafiki.”
“Asante sana squash banana…” Rafiki walks away, while muttering something.
“Let's go look for your mother and sisters?” Askaru asks his daughter, but she doesn't answer. "Lili?" He looks at her and notices that she's focused on the map on the wall. "Lili." Again, she doesn't respond. "Lili!" Askaru speaks louder, causing her to look at him. "What are you doing?"
“Oh nothing. I was just curious. Maybe one day we can visit the Tree of Life.”
"Maybe. But soon we'll have to return to CiAr. You know that.”
“I know, dad.”
"Let's go?"
"Yeah, let's go."
Askaru starts walking out of the cave. Lilikiki takes one last look at the map before deciding to follow her father.