The Lion Guard Season 5

Chapter 19: Welcome Back

{Saka's POV}
It's been a while since someone new came to the Tree. The last one was Uzuri, who I love with all my heart. But I do not trust these guys, especially the lion in front. He knows Shani, he knows Father and he knows about the war.
"Before you jump to conclusions about the newcomers," Moto said, knocking me out of my thoughts "Remember the King's new law."
I sighed "Everyone gets one chance to prove themselves."
"Yep."
"Alright smarty," Duma said "What do you suggest we do about the know-it-all over there?"
Moto speculated "Well, we could give them the benefit of the doubt. Or we could ask interrogate them. But if we interrogate them, they may not trust us. The scarred tiger doesn't seem to be the most trusting."
"I am definitely not the most trusting," The scarred tiger responded"Especially when the animals I do not trust talk about me behind my back."
The lion growled "Nishan! We are trying to gain their trust not get kicked out!"
"Nice job Moto." Duma growled
"Saka," Moto looked at me, ignoring Duma who growled even more "We should probably wait for the King to pass judgment."
"Yeah, I agree with Moto." Hofu said "Only the King has the power to decide this."
"You are forgetting me," I said "I have the power to kick someone out of my Kingdom."
"Saka, don't be dumb." Duma said
I sighed "Fine." I turned to face the lion and his group of animals "I don't know who you are, but I will reserve judgement. The King will come, and only he shall pass judgement."
Just as I finished saying that, Dekha returned with Shani. Dekha landed on my shoulder and whispered in my ear that Father was on his way, he was assembling the Lion Guard. When Shani saw the lion, her ears flattened and she stepped back. She only did that when the situation became too personal. When I asked her what was wrong, she refused to answer, only shaking her head.
{Nguvu's POV}
The eagle returned, this time with a lioness in tow. But there was something about this lioness. I knew her, Shani??
"Sh-Shani??"
"Yes?" She answered "Who are you, and why do you know my name?" She was so calm, and even with scars she looked stunning.
"Shani, it's me!" I told her "Nguvu."
"N-Nguvu?" She asked "It's been so long since I-"
She looked into my eyes and then looked at my fully grown mane. She smiled and tears started flowing down her cheeks "Nguvu!" She screamed. I couldn't help but tear up myself. I'm back, I'm finally back, and now I have a home. I got my mother back. I have the love of my life back. Shani ran to hug me "I knew you'd come back!"
"Shani?" Saka asked "Do you know this lion?"
"Saka, this is Nguvu." Shani smiled
"The Nguvu you were talking about?" Saka asked "The one you wanted to see again?"
"Yes."
"And what about the other animals with him?"
"I do not recognize the cheetah, tiger or eagle." Shani said "But the lioness has familiar features."
"Saka," the eagle landed on his shoulder and whispered something in his ear.
{Saka's POV}
Dekha whispered "Can we trust them?"
"Perhaps not," I answered "But I believe we should reserve judgment for now."
"That does seem to be the right move right now." Moto agreed
"But if this guy was in the war, can we trust him?" Hofu asked
"It's not about trusting him Hofu," Moto explained "It's about giving him a chance to be trusted."
"Besides," I added "If Shani knows and trusts him, I think he is on our side."
"Nguvu," Shani said, drawing our attention to them "Who are these guys with you?"
"I think they can introduce themselves." Nguvu said
"Hello, my name is Firi," the cheetah said "Messenger of the King of Cheetahs."
"Greetings, I am Nishan." The Tiger said "Humble servant of the king of Tigers."
Nguvu and Firi chuckled slightly after Nishan introduced himself. Probably because he called himself humble which he didn't seem like when he first said what he said to us.
"Hi! My name is Vhid!"
"My name is Tama." The lioness said
"Tama?!" Shani asked "You're-"
"Shani, it's good to see you again." The lioness said "How are you, and your parents? Where are they?"
Shani's ears flattened "Dad's at the Pridelands and Mom-. Cheka killed her."
"What? Tula is dead?"
"Yeah-"
"What happened to your face Shani?" Tama asked
"Master Cheka is a cruel lion." Shani said "Daddy tried to escape and his punishment was my disfigurement and mom's death."
"I knew I never should've left," Tama lamented "Cheka broke his promise to me."
"Yeah," Nguvu added "Father's a hypocrite."
"Saka." Duma said "The king is here."
Father and the Lion guard approached and Nguvu looked shocked to see Father.
"King Kion," Nguvu greeted "It is good to see you again."
"And who might you be?" Father asked
"Does no one recognize me with a full mane?" Nguvu complained
"To be fair, I don't think anyone was expecting your mane to be so full." Shani laughed "You know, grandson of Scar and all."
"Grandson of Scar??" I yelled. This lion is the grandson of a tyrant?? "You are of Scar's bloodline??"
"Calm yourself son," Father said "Do not let emotion get in the way of a decision. That is what made Scar a tyrant."
"Son?" Nguvu asked "King Kion, the teenage lion is your son?"
"Yes Nguvu," Father replied "He is. And it is good to see you again. I assume the lioness is your mother."
"She is." Nguvu said
"And these animals with you are your friends."
"In the loosest of ways, yes."
"Acquaintances then." Father corrected himself "Saka, please welcome our new friends to the Tree of Life." Father commanded before walking away with the guard.
"Come on," I motioned to the others to follow me and I led them to the Tree. The sun rose through the sky, casting a benevolent light over the land. I looked back to the group of animals and smiled "Welcome to the Tree of Life."