After the guard brought Fuli to Rafiki and Makini, to take care of her, they finished the patrol and went back to the lair to relax and get some needed sleep. However, Simba was already waiting for them at the entrance of the lair and said: "Kion, we really need to talk. Follow me." Kion became very nervous and followed his father. Simba walked to the peak of Pride Rock and sat down. Kion sat next to him and looked at his father. Kion was sure he knew what his father wanted to talk about, but he decided to wait, until his father spoke up first.

"Kion, Zazu mentioned in his morning report, that the guard was late and also incomplete. And then I also heard, that Fuli got wounded during an attack and the fact that she wasn't with you, when you returned to the lair, seems to confirm that." "Yes, the guard was indeed late and I'm sorry for that.", Kion said, but before he could say anything else, his dad interupted him, by saying in a soft voice: "I didn't want to hear an apology. I just want to know the reason to that and I want to know if Fuli is fine."

"Fuli got hurt pretty bad. A jackal bit one of her legs and clawed at her stomach for a good while. Rafiki and Makini are taking care of her. They said that she will have to rest for a while. She won't be wont be able to run for a few weeks. The guard was late, because we all, except Fuli had oversleept. Fuli and I could pick up Beshte at the water hole, because we were going there anyway. That's where Zazu saw us. Ono joined us soon after and Bunga only showed up, when we were fighting the jackals. Luckily he was able to attack the jackal that had attacked Fuli at the right time, before he could do more damage." After Kion had finished, he looked to the ground.

"Kion, I told you, that some of the lionesses could patrol the pridelands for a few days. You can't fight, when you are tired. And now Fuli is wounded. An incomplete and tired guard won't be much use for the pridelands. You are dismissed for a week. I will gather a few lionesses to do the patrol for that time period.", Simba decided. "But dad.", Kion complained. "When Scar finds out about that, he surely will attack more agressively and the lionesses could be hurt." "The lionesses have a lot experience with fighting, so you don't have to be worried about that. They can handle themselfes." "I hope so.", Kion mumbled. "Don't forget that the guard hasen't been around for to long. Before that, the lionesses and I had to deal with the outlanders and we did that without big difficulties.", Simba reminded Kion. "Yeah, you're right dad. I worry to much." "Very well. Now go and rest. You look like you need it." "You got it, dad", Kion replied and went back to the lair.

The two skinks Shupavu (the red female) and Njano (the yellow male with the tongue out) had heard everything and looked at each other. "Now, Scar will surely want to hear about that.". Njano said. "Yes.", Shupavu agreed. "We should go. I'm not very comfortable being on Pride Rock." "Why should you be? With Simba still ruling. But I'm sure, that this will change very soon and then you will be comfortable around here.", Njano replied and gave her a quick lick on her cheek. Shupavu rolled her eyes and said: "Not now, we're at work." "If you say so.", Njano said a little disappointed and both of them huried to get back to the outlands.

They arrived at the volcano and went to the top, to speak to Scar. They were a little surprised to suddenly see a pack of lions there, but they guessed, that these were the reinforcements Ushari talked about earlier. "Ah, skinks. What news do you have for me?", Scar asked, when they entered. "We sneaked up to Pride Rock and were able to listen to a conversation Simba and Kion had. Fuli apparently is out of action for a while and the rest of the guard is to tired, to pose any threat. Simba dismissed them for the next week and a few lionesses will patrol the pridelands for that time period.", Shupavu reported to Scar. "The guard out of action for a week and their fastest is wounded badly. These are very good news. Get me Nuka. He is the male lion with the dark fur. Tell him I have a mission for him." "Yes, Scar.", Shupavu answered and both skinks went outside.

A few seconds later Nuka came running in and asked: "Dad, do you really have a mission for me?" "Indeed I do, Nuka. I just got the information, that the lion guard is out of action for a week and this is a chance to get the food, that my army needs." "Getting food? Yeah, I will do that. But why only that? If the guard is out of action, why don't just start a big attack?" "I don't think my army is ready for that kind of operation. And they need food very soon. So this is an important mission. You can take two or three lionesses with you and you will have command. You can pick any you want, except Vitani and your mother, of course. But there will be enemy lionesses patroling the pridelands. So be careful. The mission will be tomorrow morning, so rest."

"Yes father. I can't wait for it. I will bring delicious food from the pridelands. I promise you that.", Nuka said, while leaving the volcano excited. "Nuka.", Scar said and Nuka turned around. "You know what will happen if you fail. So don't disappoint me. For your sake." Nuka cowered down a bit. "Ehrm... ye-, yes father. I- I won't.", he replied stuttering and ran outside.

23.07.2019

So, another chapter done. How do you like it? I still have one week of holiday ahead of me, so hopefully I will be able to update a few more times this week, but no promises. Fun-Fact: Right now, this story is the most entertaining to write for me.

My holdidays in Italy were great. Good weather and we had a huge house with a pool. Nowhere near the ocean, but that was fine to me. Almost my entire family was there. My parents, 4 of my 5 siblings, (the last couldn't come as well, because his girlfriends father died and he decided to stay with her) two boyfriends of my sisters and me. Yes, I have a big family. But 4 of my siblings are actually only half siblings. But that doesn't matter at all. We all have a great relationship, even tough I don't see all of them really often.

Until the next time and don't forget. Feel free to correct my English. Is it good?