Episode 31:

Pride Landers and Equestrians Unite

In the Pride Lands about a month following the attempted Siege of the Crystal Empire, once more the antelope herd are all running off in the distance, all seemingly running away from something that spooked them. And it was quick to get both Fuli and Rainbow Dash’s attention as they ran and flew beside them to help calm them down.

“What's going on?”

“Why are you stampeding?”

They both asked.

“Somebody saw jackals.” While explaining the antelope ended up on a collision course with a nearby tree.

Luckily, Rainbow was quick to swerve and guide the antelope away from the tree before she could hit it. “Whoa, there! Oh! Whoops!” But in doing so she ended up bumping into the tree herself causing the galogos who were living in it to falling out of it. “Sorry!” She called back to them while unable to turn back due to keeping pace with the antelope she and Fuli are currently taming.

Fortunately for them, Fluttershy was there to catch them before they hit the ground. “All you all, okay?” She asked with worry.

Already Laini herself was spooked from what she heard, ignoring the Pegasus who saved them. “Did she say, "jackals"? Jackals! Galagos, scatter!” The galagos were all quick to do so by running off ahead towards the antelope stampede ahead of them.

“Galagos, wait!” Fluttershy pleaded. “Not that way!”

Ono upon hearing this moved to take a look in the skies to make sure it wasn’t their imagination. “Jackals, huh? No jackals in sight.” But while scanning the skies he did spot something else that sparked high alert. “Hapana! But look out for the galagos!”

In running off, the galagos have also managed to find themselves dangerously close to the stampeding antelope just when the rest of the Lion and Pony Guard showed up ready to quell the herd’s panic down.

“Hey! Watch where you're goin'!” Bunga complained when one of them leaped onto and off of his head.

“Yeah! That’s not very nice!” Pinkie also complained when another one did the same.

“Bunga, round up the galagos.”

“Pinkie, you too, round them up before they get tangled up with the antelope.”

Both leaders of the Guard ordered.

“You got it, Kion.”

“Yes sir, ma’am, sir.”

Both returned before separating from the others to do so.

“Oh! This way. No. Look out!” The galagos all yelped as they struggled to avoid getting trampled.

“First jackals, now galagos? Ugh!” Bupu groaned as he ran.

The galagos screamed upon nearly getting stepped on before Bunga and Pinkie were quick to use their super speed to whisk them out of harm’s way.

“Zuka Zama!”

“Gotcha! Galagos!”

Upon sliding to the side for safety, the two let the galagos go before letting them climb up the nearest tree.

“Thank you, Bunga, Pinkie.”

“No biggie, little guys.”

“Always happy to help! Along with being able to throw a party after a job well done!”

Back with the ongoing stampede up ahead...

“Galagos are safe. Now let's stop these antelopes.”

“Let’s. Turn 'em, Fuli.”

“You too, Rainbow Dash.”

Both Fuli and Rainbow were quick to take lead there.

“You heard them. Turn!”

“Now!”

Said group of antelope then calmed down on command while some that had strayed from the others ended up sliding down the nearby hill where both the Guard’s Strongest were there ready to stop them in their tracks along with a magic shield by Starlight to catch the very few that nearly slide and strayed away from the herd.

“Slow down, everybody.”

“That’s enough there, antelope!”

“Huh?”

“Whoa. Whoa. Whoa.”

The antelope screamed before being lassoed by the farm pony to slow them down enough for a soft landing into the hippo.

“It’s okay, you’re all okay, now.” Starlight assured everyone although it wasn’t met with complete gratitude from their leader.

“You forgot to say, "please."” Bupu then complained.

“Now, now, Bupu.” Rarity then scolded as she defended Starlight. “While I understand your need for politeness and manners, there are times you can’t expect please and thank you. After all you do need common sense along with manners. In your case, there are times like now you have to follow orders without those three words in life.”

“Doesn’t hurt though.” Bupu huffed in response to which the unicorn frowned back likewise.

“Doesn’t hurt to be less stubborn every now and then.” Starlight bitterly retorted.

Rartiy backing her up added. “Well it seems we’ll have to work on later on this week, because your actions here nearly endangered and brutally trampled someone.”

“Rarity’s right, Bupu.” Twilight agreed while standing by her friend’s side before scolding him herself. “You can't just stampede for no reason. You almost stomped on the galagos.”

“Well, they almost tripped us.” Bupu asserted. “Besides, I still think we saw jackal.”

“Next time call for us.” Kion told and further reprimanded the antelope leader. “Don't just start running and putting others in danger.”

Bupu sighed before obliging to both Kion and Twilight’s orders. “Fine. Herd? You heard?”

The antelope all mooed in agreement to assert they have an understanding with one another and with the Guard before walking off calmly.

“It's not just the antelopes, Kion. All the herds are on edge.” Fuli then reminded.

“And the same can be said for those in Ponyville, Twilight.” Applejack also reminded. “They’re also all worked up like night howlers are lurking even when it’s broad daylight.”

“Can you blame 'em?” Kyoga asked before point out. “They never know when the Outlanders are gonna attack. They're scared.”

“And it's getting worse now that Scar has been putting extra pressure on us ever since the failed Siege of the Crystal Empire.” Ono added on.

“I know, right!” Pinkie couldn’t help but agree too. “Ever since then he’s been upping the ante and getting really really aggressive like he is really really mad at us. I wonder if it’s because he took what happened back there really badly?”

Fuli looked on towards her with a raised eyebrow in her direction. “I think he did. Considering he lost a valuable ally and a potential kingdom just when it seemed he had it, it’s not hard to see why.”

Upon hearing that had Twilight herself get an idea. “Yes, it is, isn’t it.”

“Twilight?” Fuli returned now feeling and looking on confused. “Everything okay?”

“Of course. Of course.” Twilight quickly assured before turning to Kion. “Kion, why do you think the Outsiders are able to come into the Pride Lands and Equestria constantly trying to strike fear into our hearts?”

Kion briefly looked on confused before answering. “Because they’ve teamed up, that’s why.” It was there he was starting to see where she is getting at. “That's it! The Outlanders have the Pride Landers scared because they're working together.”

“Mmm-hmm.” Twilight nodded while patiently waiting for him to keep talking and elaborating more on how they are going on about it. “But...”

“But we can do that, too. Unite the Pride Landers. If we stand together we stand stronger. And we'll be prepared for any attack that comes.”

“And not only that maybe just maybe the same can be said for those in Equestria much like back in the Siege for the Crystal Empire.” Twilight also pointed out.

“Oh, yeah!” Rainbow cheered already liking the idea herself. “Pride Landers and Equestrians working together! Two teams against one is sure to win if we play that way”

“That would be poa!” Beshte commented also liking the idea himself.

But Fuli however had to perform a quick reality check on the matter. “Kion, Twilight, not all the Pride lands' herds get along and the same can be said for those from Equestria. You really think we can get them to work together?”

Bunga was quick to state that it’s completely possible. “Sure we can. If it means being able to fight off Scar, they'll all wanna work together.”

“Expect that the very idea of fighting him scares them.” Kyoga pointed out another flaw with that plan. “Not including our track record with our head to head encounters with him.”

It was there both Rainbow and Beshte both quickly saw how this can be a problem.

“Oh. He's probably right.”

“Of course there is that.”

“And I’d hate to admit it but Scar ain’t one easy rodeo to tackle.” Applejack herself commented while putting aside her stubbornness and prideful attitude to realize this. “And that’s even with Celestia and Luna’s guards backing us up.”

“Too bad, they’re all in Canterlot along with in the Crystal Empire getting trained up for battle today, otherwise we would really benefit from their assistance if they were to attack today.” Kyoga also pointed out.

Rarity also added in with her thoughts. “There is no unquestionable doubt he is tough to beat. I mean, someone who can take us on like it’s a walk through the park is not someone to be taken lightly even with our strongest powers alone.”

Fluttershy herself spoke up while voicing the terror at the idea itself. “I'm not even sure I would try even with my strongest Stare I could put forward. I even tried that with my own eyes…” She then remembered. “...and the same can be said for Twilight too.”

Putting that little memory aside, Twilight then spoke up of why it must work. “Anyways…I know it’s a tough thing to manage and I know that many won’t want to. But we need every advantage we can get because it’s only a matter of time until Scar is once more at our doorstep. And if we don’t, this decision could mean the difference between victory and defeat.”

“Twilight’s right.” Kion agreed. “And I know the Pride Landers and Equestrians will want to protect their home from any threat. All we have to do is ask 'em.”

“Yeah!” Bunga cheered. “So what are we waiting for?”

“Time to unite the Pride Lands...”

“...and Equestria.”

Both leaders declared as they both looked on at both capitals of the Pride Lands and Equestria right in front of their eyes.

“Let’s get this party started!” Pinkie is quick to pull out multiple instruments before playing music to fit the mood of what’s about to happen next much to the surprise of the others.

But even still knowing Pinkie they decided it was best to play along with it before moving to set out to recruit the others in order form an army capable of fending of the Army of Scar.

While the music plays, the Lion and Pony Guard split up to get together potential recruits for their army.

Pride Landers and Equestrians Unite Song

Kion himself started off by going to Ma Tembo and the elephants for their help.

“You want help defending against the Outlanders?” Ma Tembo asked to which Kion nodded yes in response. In response the elephant leader smiled before giving her answer. “Whatever it takes, you can count on the elephants.”

Elsewhere Fuli moved to request the antelopes for their help in the fight against Scar. And knowing Bupu she had to say the word that’ll he defintely listen to. “Please?” She asked with a smile to match.

Bupu himself never one to reject a polite pleasing request moved to follow after her. “Very well. We will join your cause.” While his back was turn Fuli couldn’t resist smirking in response to how much it takes for the most stubborn of the bunch to be convinced.

At the same time Beshte and Ono moved to recruit the rhinos for their cause. Though their leader needed some talking to be convinced they can provide the assistance they need.

“Uh, I'm not sure we'd be much help.” Turning to another rhino. “What do you think, Kifaru?”

His partner feels they can be of help. “Sure. Let's go.” He then ended up bumping into a tree due to his poor eyesight. “Anyone seen my tick-bird?” Thankfully his tick bird flew out of the tree he was in ready to assist his best friend.

“Right here, Kifaru. Now let’s go.”

Turning back to both Beshte and Ono. “The rhinos are in.” He declared much to their delight.

Bunga himself moved to demonstrate some of his moves including the ones he learned from Rafiki and Rarity to convince the galagos to join the fight against Scar.

“So, who's with me?”

The leader of the galagos was quick to voice their support. “We are!”

With a victorious cheer, Bunga leaped down from the tree he was in as he allowed the cute little critters to carry him on over to where the rest of the Lion Guard is meeting up with all of the other animals willing to join the fight of their lives in.

Meanwhile in Ponyville, the Pony Guard had split and had managed to do the same as well with Twilight herself calling up some old friends of her to ask for their help in Canterlot. “Hey, girls! Thank you all so much for coming here on such short notice!” She happily greeted as they all sat down for coffee and donuts together.

“Well, it’s only because you asked us kindly for old times sake.” Moondancer herself pointed out before being playfully being ribbed the princess for joking around. “But of course who I am to turn my back on an old friend?”

“Not you that’s for sure!” Minuette happily replied. “So, anyways, Twilight. What did you want to talk to us about? Is it something exciting?!”

“Whatever it is it sure is a mystery.” Twinkle Shine commented before trying to whisper in Twilight’s ear. “Much like whatever jam Lemon Hearts gets herself into.”

“Hey!” Lemon Hearts spoke up feeling offended. “I heard that!”

“Sorry.” The white pony sheepishly apologized. “So you brought us here because you wanted to talk to us about something important?”

“Yes I did.” Twilight replied before getting straight down to business. “I’m sure you’re all aware of the threat Scar poses to both here in Equestria and in the Pride Lands right?” The girls all nodded and replied “Yes.” She then continued. “Well, right now me and the rest of the Guard are putting together a team that’ll help us combat the Outsiders and keep them from conquering both kingdoms. We’re looking for those who are willing to help join us as we continue to fight them as they continue knocking on our doorstep, and if you all are up for it, I am looking at four talented magical warriors who have fighting potential in their hearts.”

“Us?”

“Join your task force?”

“To fight off the Outsiders?”

“And Scar?”

The girls all asked to which Twilight nodded yes to each and every question the girls asked.

After giving it some talking over in audible whispers the girls turned back to their friend with their answer.

“While it is a very risky and big thing you’re asking of us, we’ll be more than happy to join you for old times sake.” Moondancer declared on their behalf. “On one condition…” She then added. “...for me, you teach me one of your new and advanced spells that I have yet to know about…”

“Not only that you have to join us for the next girls night out.” Minuette added. “At a place that will have you keep your head out of your books.”

“Very well.” Twilight accepted their terms without question.

Though both Twinkle Shine and Lemon Hearts didn’t quite get the memo.

“Now don’t you think you can talk your way out of this...”

“...for we aren’t ponies who expect something this big with little nothing in return…”

“...after we are not ponies who are going to be taken for granted and…” It was there the realization hit them.

“...did you just say yes?”

“Yep.”

“Oh, okay.”

“How did we forget that about her already?”

“I don’t know.”

The two shrugged towards one another before turning back to Twilight.

“So I can count on you girls to help me out here?” She asked with a hoof stretched out towards the middle of the table for a team cheer.

“Yes, you can!”

“So let’s do this!”

“For Equestria!”

“Unicorns unite!”

Then at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack herself is once more talking to the rest of her family along with the other two Crusaders who happened to be playing with their youngest kin.

“So what do ya say, Apples? Will you help me for the sake of all of the Pride Lands and Equestria?”

It thankfully only took a few seconds for the rest of the Apples to come to a decision on the matter.

“Anything for you dearie.”

“Yep.”

“Count me in.”

“Count all of us in.” Scootaloo firmly declared.

“Same here.” Sweetie Belle also declared. “And we’ll let the Lion Guard fan club know as well.”

Applejack chuckled in response. “Then I guess Rarity and Rainbow Dash will have to accept all the help we can get.” Deep down they’re sure of their little sister’s capabilities to the point they can fend off for themselves.

Elsewhere in the skies, Rainbow Dash herself is talking to her fellow Wonderbolts for assistance.

“You want us to make some time to train the new recruits against the fight against Scar?” Spitfire asked of the smiling and nodding Rainbow Dash eager and pleading of her to say yes.

“Please?”

Spitfire sighed before relenting. “Very well. But keep in mind you will be expected to take charge of these exercises because we have other things us Wonderbolts have to take care of, is that understood, Rainbow Dash!”

Rainbow saluted in response. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. Now get to it.”

Upon meeting at Pride Rock, the Pony Guard has returned with the Apple Family, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, the Cakes, and most of the allies they recruited for helping them in the fight against Scar the other day at the Crystal Empire. And it was there both Twilight and Kion took charge of the meeting to decide how training’s going to work.

“Okay, everyone.” Twilight began as she looked at a watch she conquered up with her magic. “For starters I’d like to thank and congratulate you all for being willing to join us here today. What you’re doing right now will definitely be of big help to our countries and kingdoms going forward. Second and most importantly, in order to ensure that training goes well, we’ll be splitting up into teams suited to focus on their strengths.”

Kion then took his turn in speaking. “That said we have teams who excel in strength, agility, speed, magic, and basics for the young ones.”

From there the two then made their way group by group to personally inform of them of what group they are going to be joining today.

“Ma Tembo.” Twilight addressed. “You and your herd are working on strength and technique under Applejack and Rarity’s watch.”

“Of course, Twilight.” Ma Tembo nodded in response.

With that Kion turned to both tasked ponies to coach them. “Applejack, Rarity, that something you both can work together on?”

“Yep.”

“Can do, darling.”

Both happily replied without hesitation. And a good thing too, because if this was day one they would have been at each other’s throats.

With that decided the two leaders moved on towards Bupu and the antelopes.

“Bupu.” Kion began. “You and your herd will work on agility and synchronized training with Fuli.”

“So that said, can you all please try to not to give Fuli too many problems?” Twilight asked of them knowing the antelope leader.

Said leader obliged to her request. “We’ll try, princess.” Fuli smirked in response but soften up to assure that she won’t give him a hard time too.

“Mbeya.” Twilight then said to the next leader in line. “You and the rhinos will be working with both Beshte and Fluttershy on how to fight to your surroundings.”

“That we can do.” The leader of the rhinos replied more than happy to work with them as they both know how to be calm and strong in battle.

Then Kion addressed the galogos next with their leader already eager to charge and wanting to know. “And what about us, Kion, Twilight? What can I do to help lead the team?” She then thought of an idea already before either of the two can respond. “Oh, I know!” He turned and looked at Bupu. “You'll do.”

“"Do" what? What…” He asked now baffled at what the galago is doing when she moved to jump onto Bupu's head. “Now just one minute. Hold on, there.”

“I am holding on.” She happily and assertively replied while holding onto his antlers before pointing to the open field up ahead. “Now, go!”

Bupu shook his head in refusal. “I most certainly will not. Get off of me.”

“Now, Laini…” Ma Tembo gently chatised before removing Laini from the antelope’s head.

“Hey! Un-trunk me.”

“Thank you, Ma Tembo.” Twilight nodded towards her before turning to said galago wondering what she did was wrong. “Laini, what were you doing?”

Laini saluted to both her and Kion in response. “Yes, ma’am. Just trying to get this team going, ma’am.”

“Okay.” Twilight accepted that reason before moving to explain. “Well you can start by not leaping onto others and trying to ride them like horses. It’s not a polite thing to do whether it is here or in Equestria.”

“Oh. Sorry, ma’am.”

“It’s okay.” She then spoke of what she was going to say now with what she just saw. “But there is something you can do to help your team going.”

“There is.”

“Yes.”

Kion then took his turn speaking to explain when Twilight notions him to go ahead and do so. “ For one thing I've noticed about the galagos... You're really fast.”

“Yes, sir, we are.”

“So do you think that you could get all the galagos running in the same direction at the same time?”

“And then learn how to apply that in combat with Pinkie Pie and Bunga?” Twilight then asked.

Laini saluted in response. “Yes, sir, ma’am, sir.”

Both leaders shared a giggle before moving on towards the ponies waiting to see how they can train too.

“For all unicorns, you will be working with me, Starlight, and Kyoga on how to ultize magic in combat.” Twilight then said the ponies with horns.

“Everyone else will be working with the Pride Landers on how to work together in combat.” Kion then said to the remaining ponies. “Once we get all teams working together, we’ll move on to learning how to apply together as one team. Got it?”

“Got it!” Everyone all stated ready to learn how to do so.

“Great! Now let’s get to work!”

Throughout the following days turned into weeks, all of the teams worked on improving their form. And while it took some time, in fact, longer than many of them hoped, the new recruits were starting to shape themselves up to the point they have made great progress together. So far, it seemed like they have a team ready to defend the Pride Lands and Equestria so they moved on to actually trying to have both parties try to apply that in practice by working together as a team together.

Come the present day...

“One thing that always helps me in a crisis is to remember to stay calm.” Beshte told the Pride Landers specifically the rhinos.

“It surely does help me even when I feel scared inside.” Fluttershy chimed in to state that it’s solid advice to follow.

“"Stay calm."

“Got that, everybody?”

Both leaders asked of both Mbeya and Kifaru.

“Uh-huh. Yeah.”

“I think so.”

They both replied and nodded just when the elephants trumpet in agreement.

“So that said, here comes your first teamwork exercise…” Twilight then instructed. “...what do if let’s say the hyenas are attacking.”

Kifaru suddenly reacted in a panic. “The hyenas are attacking?”

“No. It's just pretend.”

“Calm down.”

Both Beshte and Fluttershy quickly tried to say and impore of him, but to no avail.

“I don't see 'em.”

“I do!” Derpy suddenly spoke up.

“Where?!”

Points towards Beshte. “There!”

“What! Guys, no. Wait!”

But it was too late the Pegasus moved to fly over towards him instantly. Fortunately, Beshte being a hippo with strong bones his body managed to cause the pony to bounce off and away. And right into the mix of Pride Landers who are all barely trying to avoid being bumped into.

“Hey! Hey!”

“Watch it!”

“Sorry! Sorry! Excuse me! Excuse me! My bad!”

Bupu after the near miss could only scoff in response. “Rhinos and ponies.”

“Ahem!” Twilight cleared her throat with a stern expression directed at him. “Be polite.” She warned of him against any further mean comments on others.

Seeing this sparked concern from both Fuli and Applejack.

“Kion?”

“Twilight?”

Both leaders were quick to assure them it’s just one botched exercise.

“I know what you're thinking. But don't worry.” Kion began. “We'll get them working together...”

Just then...

“Mwenzi?” Kifaru screamed while nearly hitting his horn against the other Pride Lander leaders.

“Ahh!”

“Watch that horn.”

It got to the point that the unicorns themselves moved to jump and intervene with their magic…

...along with nearly getting knocked aside and out themselves due to the combined shield strength not enough to withstand the whole herd of large Pride Landers.

“Eventually.” Twilight finished while face hoofing herself knowing that they are in for a very long day...again.

“In the meantime, I’ll make sure the other unicorns are all okay, and tune them up on how much magic they can exert on a large herd better.” Starlight added before doing exactly what she vowed to do.

For the next attempted exercise, they moved towards another part of the Pride Lands.

“Okay. We're gonna try something different this time for test number two.” Twilight began.

Kion then continued. “Remember, working together is an important part of being a team. So whenever there's an emergency, you have to get there together.”

“You hear that, everyone?” Applejack asked of everyone. “The objective here is you all to get there together.

“Got it!” Laini happily replied with the others ready to follow her lead.

“And you gotta get there fast.” Fuli added before turning to a tree in the distance. “See Bunga and Pinkie up there?”

Said Lion and Pony Guard members are standing right beside said tree.

“Hey, everybody. We’re over here. By this tree! See us?”

“If you don’t here’s a sign that’ll help you see it.” Pinkie then proceeded to randomly make a sign appear that says “RIGHT HERE!” in the shape of a pointer finger pointing directly at the tree itself.

“They’re a little hard too miss.” Bupu remarked with his sarcasm dripping again.

Rainbow then spoke next gesturing to the tree itself. “Now, when I say "go," all you have to do is get over there fast as possible, together. Got it?”

The Pride Landers all replied and nodded in response. “Uh-huh. Mmm-hmm.”

“On three.” Fuli said before starting to count. “One, two, three! Go!”

The Pride Landers along with the ponies all moved to make a run towards the tree Bunga and Pinkie are standing at.

“Remember, stay together.” Kion reminded as he called after them.

As Ono and Rainbow watched over everyone shoulders in flight, they noticed something in the mix that sparked an alarm.

“Hapana! Galagos!”

“Watch your surroundings, little critters!”

“Look out for the galagos. Stop!” In the process of breaking to a halt, Bupu ended up colliding into him.

“What's going on?” Kion asked as the others see the chaos that had erupted which got worse when the elephants ended up colliding into both herds as well.

“Ow!”

“Look out!”

“No. We’re' over here!”

Among the chaos, the ponies had to quickly manauever their way around to avoid getting caught up in the pile up.

“See the big sign pointing towards us!”

Both Bunga and Pinkie reminded just when the galagos manage to make it to the tree first alongside the ponies.

“Well…” Twilight commented with a sigh. “...at least a couple of teams gets it.”

“Yeah!” Starlight agreed but noted. “But a massive pileup from behind.”

“What was that?” Fuli then asked of the larger animals as she and the rest of the Guard rushed over to make sure they’re okay.

Bupu upon getting up first was quick to reply. “Blame the galagos. They got in our way. Again!”

“Now, Bupu…” Twilight urged of the antelope leader to calm down. “...I’m sure they didn’t mean for that to happen. It was all an accident through missteps and miscommunication which we can and will improve on.” Bupu sighed in response but didn’t argue any further.

“I should hope so, because it seems these Pride Landers are all getting very tense over here.” Applejack commented in worry.

With that Fuli then asked both leaders. “Kion, Twilight, you still think we can get them to work together?”

“We have to. For the sake of the Pride Lands.”

“And all of Equestria. It’s just a matter of figuring how to get to coordinate as one fully in sync team.”

Both firmly replied.

“They're all trying.” Beshte noted and defended. “They're just not used to being on a team.”

“And considering that we just started excerises that have everyone all together at one time, it’s quite a big deal there.” Rarity also noted while quick to add. “No pun intended.”

“Got anymore ideas of how we can help them?” Fluttershy then asked.

“We’ll keep trying in a little bit, but in the meantime, we’ll need to walk them through the exercises as seperate teams before we try again.” Twilight responded. “Though we do need to figure out a way to get them all to coordinate as a whole.”

“Hmm.” Kion gave it some thought before thinking of an idea. “Maybe they need to learn from some other Pride Landers who are used to working together as a team.”

“Huh?” Rarity spoke up with a concerning gasp. “You mean…”

“You're not thinking about who I think you're thinking about, are you?” Ono asked hoping the same thing as the unicorn who isn’t really on board and keen of the idea.

“He is.” Rainbow confirmed as Kion flies off to pursue said someone he is thinking about. “I just hope he can manage things better than Gilda would if she were here.”

At the same time Twilight had thought of another idea the others could do in the meantime. “And come to think of it, I might have some exercises that they could benefit from, something that I picked up from the way I was taught.”

“Like what, darling?” Rarity asked before realizing. “You mean...?”

“Yep.” Twilight nodded.

The said someone Kion went forward to just so happens to be Makku himself.

“And why should I help other Pride Landers along with Outsider allies learn to work together?” Makuu irritably asked after being explained the situation to him. “We crocodiles take care of ourselves, and nobody else.”

Kion continued making an effort to reason with him as he continued. “Makuu, you've trained your crocs to be a strong and unified team.”

“True.” He acknowledged and admitted.

“And I think the rest of the Pride Landers could learn a lot from how you train your float.”

“Hmm. Perhaps you could.” It was there Makuu seemed to be on board with the idea itself.

A little later, Kion had regrouped with the rest of the Guard along with the trainees who have just finished up separate go arounds with the previous excersies, along with the attempted go arounds with the previous two teamwork simulations, and the newly added obstacle course that Twilight herself uses to teach and train herself during her downtime.

“Okay, everyone, good news.” Kion informed everyone. “The crocodiles have agreed to help.”

“Help whip you soft and fluffy dirt-dwellers into shape.” Makuu himself clarified while stepping forward much to the offended responses from both Bupu and Ma Tembo.

“I'm not soft.”

“And I'm certainly not fluffy.”

Laini however, took that as a compliment as she moved to hug herself. “Ooh, I'm soft and fluffy.”

Upon seeing the bad vibe the crocidle leader is starting give had Kion gently nudge him to remind him to be polite while clarifying what was said in better context. “What Makuu means is he'll have you wrestling and fighting like crocs in no time.”

“Let's not except too much, Kion.” Makuu quickly reminded not to raise their hopes too high to which had the other crocs sharing a mean laughter together.

Trying to keep team morale up, Kion then got ready to get started with resuming the excerises. “Why don't we start with some basic training? Ma Tembo if you…” But he didn’t get to finish due to Makuu cutting him off and taking over.

“I got this, Kion.” Said lion looked on annoyed by his gesture as he moves to address to the elephant, anteleope, and rhino leaders. “You, you, and you. With me.” He summoned of them before leading the crocs with him so they can get started.

“Do we have to take orders from Makuu?” Ma Tembo asked the lion prince feeling very unsure of this arrangement. “He's so... rude.”

“I know.” Kion acknowledged before pointing out the benefits of it. “But he can give us some good tips on how to work together to protect the Pride Lands. Just give him a chance. Please?” He then kindly asked of them to which both Bupu and Ma Tembo relented for his sake.

“Very well.”

“For you, Kion.”

The selected Pride Landers and Equestrian residents moved to follow after Makku but not without some members of the Guard voicing their opinion on Kion's idea on turning to said crocidle for assistance.

“You sure about this, Kion?” Ono asked feeling very uneasy with this arrangement too.

“Even considering that Makuu is still one of the meanest and rudest of the bunch?!” Rainbow agreed. “While I might have a bit of fuse at times, that croc is a stick of dynamite just waiting to be lit and go off in seconds. And the same can be said if Gilda agreed to come to do the same.”

“Makuu is a good leader when he needs to be and so is Gilda the last we saw of her at the last Summit in Griffonstone.” Kion defended and justified his reasons and decisions for seeking his help.

Though it was hard to take his words for it when they turned and saw Makuu yelling out to some of the Pride Landers. “No. No, no! No. Swing you're tail fast. Like this! See?”

“Maybe go keep an eye on him. Just in case.” Kion then added to the both of them.

“Affirmative.”

“That we can do.”

“And if things start to get tense, tell us immediately and we’ll take care of it from there. Do not engage with Makuu.” Twilight added while sternly looking at the speedy Pegasus to remind her to keep a cool head here. “Is that clear, Rainbow Dash?”

“Crystal, Twilight. As crystal like Spitfire would tell me if she were here.”

“Good.”

Under Makuu’s watchful eye and coaching, the Pride Landers grunted in vain as they tried to master the jaw vice which proves difficult due to the fact they don’t have crocodile jaws themselves.

“You call that a jaw vice?” He asked in contemptible disgust.

“We don't have jaws quite like yours.” Ma Tembo politely returned.

But even still Makuu ruthlessly continued to bark orders. “Reverse tail whip. Now!” He whipped his tail as a demonstration before looking on expecting the others to do the same. “Well? Do it!”

“But…” Ma Tembo tried bu struggled due to elephants’s tail are smaller and thinner compared to the crocs. “Oh.”

“I'm waiting.” Makuu said impatiently while briefly rolling his eyes at what he is seeing. “It's a simple move.”

“Not if you don't have a long tail.” The elephant leader again pointed out in her defense.

“You think excuses are the crocodile way?” The crocodile returned still not giving her or anyone else the benefit of a doubt.

Ma Tembo’s patience with the crocidle leader was now starting to wear thin already. “In case you haven't notice, Makuu, we're not crocodiles.”

“And that's why you'll lose. And those Outlanders will have you for breakfast.” He then turned to another elephant. “And you for lunch.” He then turned to an antelope. “And you for dinner!” He then addressed everyone else. “And the rest of you for a late-night snack. You wanna be a late-night snack for an Outlander? Hmm?”

“Of course not. But…” But that was all Ma Tembo could get in before being cut off by the abrasive croc.

“I didn't think so. Now, do it again!”

Both Ono and Rainbow having witnessed this from nearby with the former sighing while the latter growling in response.

“Let’s just get Kion and Twilight on over here to calm him down.” Ono insisted to his equally hot-headed friend who could only growl in agreement. “Besides it could equally ugly if Fluttershy catches wind of this.”

“Oh, all right!”

The two proceeded to fly off to do so.

At the same time, said leaders are overseeing Fuli, Applejack, and Bunga working with the antelope on another training exercise.

“Okay. Let's see if we can at least coordinate your kicks.”

“The goal here is to do so as a team. Quick, decisive, and powerful is what you all want to aim for here.”

Both Fuli and Applejack coached as Bunga walks behind them to make sure they are all in a good ready position.

“On three, ante-lanty-lopes. One, two…” One of the antelopes suddenly and accidentally kicked Bunga a second too soon causing to him to fly and slide a little because of it.

Kion then moved to fly over to his friend to make sure he isn’t injured. “Bunga. You okay?”

“Three.” Bunga weakly finished before passing out.

“Medic.” Fuli spoke up to which Twilight was quick to work her magic to make sure Bunga is completely healed. She then turned to Kion and Twilight hoping that something else is good news right about now. “You'd think training's going any better with Makuu?”

“Can't be any worse.” Kion replied feeling very sure about it.

“At least when he is in a good mood.” Twilight added feeling 50/50 on the matter.

“When was that?” Applejack inquired.

After a moment of thinking she replied with. “Only when he is relaxing in the water.”

“Uh-huh.” It didn’t take much for honesty to tell that even she isn’t so sure about that.

“And if what you say is true, then I too wouldn't be so sure about that.” Ono chimed in as he appeared before them. “Kion, Twilight, you two should see this.”

“Oh, no.” Twilight face-hoofed herself knowing exactly what headache they are about to deal with today.

Boboka herself is trying and failing to do the tail whip due to not have a crocoidle size tail much to Makuu’s overgrowing annoyance and anger. “You're even worse than Ma Tembo.”

“I'm doing my best.” The antelope insisted with no malice in her defense but Makuu wasn’t accepting that.

“Your best is worse than my worst. Now, get it right! Or I'll have you for lunch.”

But before anything else can happen, Kion and Twilight were quick to intervene and get in between them.

“Makuu! That's enough!”

“And that’s no way to talk to a fellow Pride Lander or Equestrian.”

“It's the crocodile way.” Thr croc leader angrily asserted.

“But this is our team.”

“We have to work together, not threaten each other.”

“Tell you two what…” Makuu then said deciding a different option in mind. “You defend your territory your way, we'll defend ours our way.”

He proceeds to walk away, despite their insistence it isn’t personal.

“Makuu, the Pride Lands belong to all of us.”

“And the same can be said for all of Equestria. And if you least just try to work with us some more we can find a way to work this out.”

Makuu scoffed in response. “I doubt that and we'll take our chances. Crocodiles, let's go.”

Makku along with the rest of the crocodiles all take their leave, all while the skinks themselves secretly observe in secret before making their way to the Outlands Volcano to report the current ongoings to Scar who has the other team leaders inside the caldera present.

“So the Pride Landers and Equestrians are training for battle to defend themselves against me?” Scar noted before evilly chuckling to himself finding it a bit amusing himself.

Janja himself nervously laughed in agreement. “Yeah. They should know they don't stand a chance.”

“Don't be so sure, Janja.” Scar was quick to caution. “Pride Landers and Equestrians working together could pose a threat to my plan.”

“Yeah.” Janja then stammered in agreement again. “Of course it could.”

“Although…” Scar spoke up sensing something useful out of the skinks discovery. “...if Kion and Twilight's alliance with the crocodiles is already fraying, this could also be an opportunity.”

“You mean…” Kiburi eagerly asked to which is confirmed with an approving nod from his boss.

“Yes, Kiburi. Now is the time we take Makuu's watering hole.”

Kiburi was quick to head out and get his float ready for said attack. “Makuu won't know what hit him.”

As soon as Kiburi, Janja, and Reirei all left, that left both Lightning Dust and Wind Rider left alone with Scar who has further instructions for them. “And while they are gaining all eyes on the Lion and Pony Guard along with their new team, here’s what I want you both to do...”

Back at the watering hole itself, Makuu could only scoff feeling he did nothing wrong but try to help them never mind what both Kion and Twilight were trying to tell him otherwise. “What a waste of time. I can't believe Kion and Twilight wanted me to train the Pride Landers, and be nice to them.”

“Hey…” Janja’s voice called out to him from above. “...we'll be real nice to ya. Right before we kick you out of your watering hole.” He and the other hyenas all laughed maliciously together.

“You really think you stand a chance against crocodiles?” Makuu asked while barely batting an eyebrow at them thinking they are picking the wrong guy to fight with.

But instantly, the voice of his rival spoke up and made his appearance known with the jackals to let him know they’re not alone. “Maybe not. But we do.”

“Kiburi.” Makuu growled at the very sight before finding himself in a deadlock battle with the evil crocodile while the others watch on ready to act when needed at the outnumbered and surrounded enemies.

As luck would have it both Ono and Rainbow Dash have just managed to catch sight of it.

“What's this? Hapana!”

“Trouble for Makuu that’s what it is.”

The two shared before rushing over to report this to their leaders.

“Kion! Twilight!”

“The Outlanders are attacking Makuu's watering hole!”

Already, Kion was ready to lead the Guard on over there. “Let's go.”

But before he could take off, Ono intercepted him to stop him from getting ahead. “Kion it's a lot of Outlanders. As in, jackals, crocs, and hyenas. We might need a lot of animals on our side, too. Especially since we need to know where Mzingo, Ushari, Lightning, and Wind Rider are.”

“Knowing them they would have to get half the team diverted somewhere that requires our attention…” Twilight said as she gave some thought of what the diversion tactic Scar is playing here.

“...somewhere where Ushari can get the drop on someone without them realizing it in flight...” Rainbow added before both she and Twilight gasped and realized and speaking at the exact same time.

“Griffonstone!”

“But we need the Guard as a whole!” Kion asserted trying to speak up against the idea while looking on at the Pride Landers and Equestrian’s still struggling to get the crucial exercises right. “Trust me, This crew isn't ready.”

As soon as those words came out of his mouth, Bupu along with the others having heard that were quick to assert otherwise.

“Don't be so sure.” Bupu spoke first.

“We have to be ready.” Mbeya added.

“After all, a threat to the Pride lands anywhere is a threat to Pride Landers everywhere. The sable antelopes are ready.”

“Makuu may be brusque, but he was trying to help us.” Ma Tembo then said next. “The elephants are ready.”

“Same goes for the rhinos.” Mbeya added voicing his support to throw down.

“And you know the galagos are ready.” Laini also added.

Upon turning to Twilight, she returned a supportive smile to assure him that he has the help he needs. “If they say they are ready, then we should give them that chance to shine.” She then added. “We’ll be fine as long as we have our fellow Pride Landers and Equestrians together on this.” Turning to said Equestrians also ready for those fights she was quick to give direction to them. “All of the Apples, you go with the Pride Landers to help Makuu. And all of the unicorns, you’re with us as we help the griffons together.”

“You heard her.” Applejack spoke to her family. “Ready to kick some hyena, jackal, and croc flank?”

“Let’s do it!”

“Yep!”

“You can me in, for this pony’s still got some bite in her bark, and that’s me, dag nabbit.”

“And how you girls…” Twilight then spoke to the unicorns. “Ready to help friends out even if we don’t completely see eye to eye with them?”

“Of course!”

“What are friends for?”

“Let’s do this!”

“Even if griffons still aren’t the friendliest of the bunch, we’ll still help them. One Equestrian to another.”

Seeing this had Kion feel confident going forward. “All right, then. Pride Landers, follow me. We'll fight for what's right.”

“Even when split in two.” Twilight added as she led the other team on over towards Griffonstone with full concentration to teleport to Griffonstone fully in her mind. Before leaving both parties cried out together.

“Pride Landers and Equestrians unite!”

Back at Makuu’s watering hole, both he and Kiburi continued to fight out to a standstill where neither croc had the advantage so far. But the latter sure had numbers on his side and was not going down like the last two times.

“Just give up now.” Kiburi demanded.

Makuu scoffed in response. “"Give up"? That's not the crocodile way. Or have you forgotten that in your time in the Outlands, Kiburi?”

The other Outlanders move to close in on the surrounded crocs as Makku makes another charge at Kiburi. Said charge is met with a tail whip that knocked him hard into the ground allowing the latter to pin him down.

Just then Kion along with the rest of his Guard have just arrived. “That's enough, Kiburi. You too, Janja. Stop!”

“"Stop"?” Janja like before laughed it off like it’s a joke. “Who's gonna stop us, the five of you? And speaking of which where are your powerful pony friends? Shouldn’t they be by your side to back you up like always? No? I guess they have their hooves full this time.”

“Yeah!” Chungu remarked. “Five against…” He tried to count out how many Outsiders they have on their side. “Two, three, four, uh... Heh.” He then gives up on that since he can’t count. “Against a lot of us.”

Kion still remained confident that it’s going to be a fight they will win. “It's a little more than five.”

And that’s when the Pride Landers along with the Apple Family made their appearance known to surround the Outlanders and stand by the Lion Guard’s side.

“That's a lot more than... a lot.” Cheezi remarked in shock at the numbers now piled against them.

“Everyone, let's go.” Kion declared just as Ma Tembo lets loose a charge trumpet before joining everyone in the charge to fight the Outlanders.

“I sure hope they're ready.” Ono muttered to himself as he flew into the thick of danger.

Elsewhere in Griffonstone, the griffons are carrying on life like it's an ordinary day for them with the sole expection of them trying to make an effort to be more friendler with one another, particularly Gilda meeting up with Greta ever since Rainbow, Pinkie, Bunga, and Kyoga's past visit. And so far everything was going through in flying colors.

"Hey, Greta!" Gilda greeted.

"Hey, Gilda!" Said griffon returned in kind. "How's your day turning out so far?"

"Turning out fine! For once! For the first time in years the sun is shining here, the place is cleaner, and the magic sparkle here is working like a cinch!"

"Gilda!" Greta scolded with a frown.

"What?!" Gilda returned with a confused expression. "It's true I meant that as in the magic of sparkle of friendship is actually working wonders here."

"Ooh!" Greta realized. "Okay! That is so true!" She then laughed. "For a second there I thought you were swearing there!"

Gilda laughed once she realized why her friend was taken aback just earlier. "Yeah! I was! Bad habit you could say. I mean what can I do?"

"I've got an idea!" Lightning Dust's voice spoke to her as she along with Wind Rider, Mzingo, his flock of vultures, along with Ushari and the skinks for company. "How about you surrender to us this dusty and messy old place of your's and we'll call it a day?"

"How about not!" Gilda defiantly returned before taking in a deep breath before roaring the crowd of enemies challenging away down the mountains.

After doing so, she moved to catch sight of them recovering down at the bottom of the mountains ready to regroup and try their attempted charge against Griffstone once more. "Get the troops, ready Greta!" She then ordered. "Because a simple roar isn't going to get them flying away from here."

"Sure thing, Gilda!" Greta proceeded to fly off to do so.

At that moment, Twilight and the Pony Guard appeared by her side much to the griffon's surprise along with their Equestrian allies. "And we'll help ensure you all are ready for that fight!" Their leader assured. "Because we're not about to allow Scar to start conquering land in Equestria too!"

"Great to hear!" Gilda returned with a confident smile before turning her attention back to the enemy making their way back up the mountains. "Because they're coming right back up here now!"

"Not a problem!" Turning to the unicorns. "Girls! Force field at the ready!"

"Yes ma'am!" The girls all obeyed before working their magic in putting a dome around Griffonstone alongside Twilight to allow the griffons time to properly prepare for battle.

Turning to the others. "Get ready everyone, the Army of Scar is knocking on our doorstep!"

"We're on it!" Rainbow stated with a confident smile while pounding her hooves together ready for that fight as everyone inside Griffonstone territory gears up ready to go against their enemies once more.

While the antagonistic crocs continue to give the Pride Lander crocs fighting, Janja and Reirei led their teams towards the charging heroes.

“Fuli, have the antelopes make a clear path.” Kion instructed.

Fuli was quick to obey the call without question. “On it.” She then quickly moved to run alongside the antelope so she can help them coordinate that move. “Bupu, Boboka. Wanna take this guys for a little spin?” She then kindly threw in a... “Please?”

Bupu smiled in response ready to comply with her request. “Thought you'd never ask.”

“Antelopes, together!” Boboka called out to them as they all got into position ready to counter attack the oncoming Outlanders.

In quick succession, each and every Outlander, Janja, Cheezi, Chungu, Goigoi were kicked away in effective fashion.

“Whoa!” Ono gasped as he dodged the Outsiders kicked away.

“Whoo. I can see my den from here.” Chungu blissfully remarked as he floated back down to the ground.

Kion himself managed to briefly tussle and throw off Reirei just as Ono gives another aerial report.

“Kion. The Outlanders are breaking up into smaller groups.”

“Beshte.” Kion then called out to him while knocking aside Cheezi. “Have your guys take out those crocodiles and hyenas.”

“You bet, Kion.” With that Beshte turned to the rhinos for the job. “All right, guys. This is what we trained for. Stopping the Outlanders.”

“Just point me at 'em.” Kifaru bravely declared ready to do what it takes.

Beshte proudly smiled him in response to this declaration. “That's what I like to hear. Remember, stay calm.” He then reminded.

“Calm, right.” Mbeya acknowledged.

“Calm, but strong.” He then started his signature catchphrase. “Twende...

“Kiboko!” Both rhinos finished before charging towards the Outlands much to the Lion Guard’s Strongest impressive reaction.

“Poa.”

While the ongoing fight is taking place, the galagos are all standing by on a rock for safety.

“Don't worry, galagos. We'll get in there.” Laini assured even though the ongoing danger around them makes it hard to give a sure declaration on that. “Eventually.”

Elsewhere, Reirei and her jackals are all ganging up on the elephants after moving to surround them and they are all starting to gain the advantage over the latter.

“Get their trunks.” Reirei commanded while face to face with Ma Tembo who is already struggling with another jackal already on her back. She then laughed menacingly feeling they’ve got them in a corner now.

Fortunately for them, Bunga who is fighting one of the Outlander crocs managed to spot it out and report to Kion who had just got done knocking Janja away. “Elephants in trouble!”

Upon seeing this had Kion unsure of what call to make in order to help them, especially since they don’t have the Pony Guard backing them up on this one until…

“Kion, we wanna help.” Laini quickly offered and voluntered.

“Great. I need you to do what galagos do best. Get underfoot.”

“Sir, yes, sir. But we need somebody to get us to the right feet.”

It took little thinking for Kion to think of the right Pride Lander to call upon. “Bupu, over here.”

Bupu after just getting done knocking away Nne was quick to rush over to him without demanding a “Please.” in return. “Yes, Kion?”

“Think you can give these guys a lift into battle? Please?”

Bupu for once agreed with a friendly smile. “I suppose this one time wouldn't hurt.” With that he allowed the galagos climb on top of him.

“Engage.” Laini commanded before the antelope leader charges his way over to the struggling elephants who are still standing their ground against the jackals.

“Just 'cause you're big don't mean you can't fall!” Reirei growled while viciously snapping her teeth at Ma Tembo in an effort to get her to do just that.

With the Lion Guard already having their paws and claws full of the fighting the hyenas and crocodiles, it is up to Bupu and the galagos to help save the elephants from the viciously hungry jackals.

“Let's go, galagos.” Laini declared as she and the other galagos shared a battle cry before leaping into the thick of danger in order to trip up and distract the jackals from their current target.

“Hey. Watch where you're going.” Reirei demanded of them before trying and failing to snap her teeth at them who all manage to dodge and run circles around her and the others.

And this is what the elephants needed to force the jackals off of them and away from them. In addition, Reirei just after getting knocked aside finds herself looking up at Bupu himself.

“Now who's falling?” He asked with a smirk like it’s karma’s calling against before lifting the jackal leader and tossing her away.

“Whoa, Nelly!”

“Wow! That was amazing.” Laini spoke up very impressed with what she saw.

“It was fun.” Bupu admitted before declaring. “Let's go, galagos. You trip 'em up, I'll toss 'em out.”

Both antelope leader and the galagoes as a whole all rushed off to do just that.

“This is what I call teamwork!” Laini happily said while running alongside Bupu.

Back in Griffinstone, the battle got underway when the force field was finally released allowing the flyers and their accomplices to attack. But their opponents were all ready for whatever they had in store for them.

Both Lightning Dust and Wind Rider found themselves fended off by both Rainbow Dash and Rarity once more with the former pairing taking it to the skies for an aerial battle while the latter pairing moved to make their battle grounded. This time around much like previous battles, Rainbow was able to outspeed her opponent while managing more hits on her this time around. While Rarity herself kept outschooling the formerly disgraced Wonderbolt at every move.

"Ha! Ha! Can't touch me today!" Rainbow taunted.

"Yes I can! If you just hold still and let me punch you!" Lighnting angrily retorted.

"Sure thing, old pal!" She moved to do just that to allow her the opening...

...only so she could get sucker punched in the face and then given a powerful tail whiplash along with a swift powerful twister kick to send her flying away from her. "Not!"

"What's the matter, old friend!" Rarity then remarked with disappointment towards her foe. "Feeling too winded to keep fighting like you used to?"

"Ha, ha! Very funny!" Wind Rider moved to try to fly at her to land some blows on her only to be swifted blocked on each and every one of them.

Rarity then proceeded to grab ahold of her restrained opponent before performing a spinning kick to knock her away. "Well at least to me, darling!"

At the same time, Ushari and the skinks tried to ride Mzingo and his flock so that they land and get the drop on some of the griffons who are occupied in wondering where they are going to strike next. And it seemed they managed to find an angle so they can make their moves on them until...

"Behind you!" Gabby alerted as she and the Crusaders were quick to take aim and fire their rotten apples at them to pelt them right in the eyes.

"Agh! My eyes!"

"I can't see!"

Both Mzingo and Ushari complained.

"Me neither!" Shupavu also voiced while grunting and disoriented.

"Good!"

"Because these apples are your just desserts!"

"So I hope you're hungry, because there's more where that came from!"

The Cutie Mark Crsuaders then bravely added.

Njano in contrast to his allies and partner slurped up the apples and actually liked them. "Mmm! They're actually pretty good!"

"Njano! They're bad apples!" Shupavu returned in disgust as her partner suddenly turned green and ill because of it.

"Ah, of course. Now I'm very ill!" Shupavu could only face palm briefly before being rounded up and tied up by the Apple Family who were quick to neutralize them on the spot.

"Which is why you shouldn't eat bad apples." Applejack told them. "But apparently you haven't lived around these parts to know that did you?"

Big Mac shook his head, "Nope."

Upon focusing back on the recovering vultures, Applejack then stated. "And now it is time the rest of you varmits started heading my advice and get on out of here while you ya'll still can because it's going only to get worse!"

"All those in favor of saying no and continuing on with the fight, say aye!" Mzingo said to his other vultures.

"Aye!"

"Very well, ya'll asked for it!"

"Yep!"

With powerful lassoes at the ready, each and every one of the vultures suffered whiplash to the point they found themselves retreating because of it.

All while this is going on, Ushari himself moved to try to get the drop on the two earth ponies. "And so did the two of you!" He hissed before moving to make a lunge...

...only to be stopped in place when Fluttershy placed a hoof on her tail with a firm glare in her eyes. "Not on my watch, pal!" She then unleashed her Stare on him causing him to grunt while trying really hard to shield his eyes from it.

"Fluttershy! Get your hooves off of me!" He grunted before finding another hoof placed on him to further restrain him from trying to bite her.

"No! Friends don't bite other friends or at least we don't!" Fluttershy refused with a shake of her head. "And to think you had some deceny long ago."

Upon retreating the vultures moved to regroup in an effort to salvage this battle, by redirecting their flight towards the other griffons, only to be quickly intercepted upon being shot hard confetti by Pinkie Pie herself along with red hot magic from Twilight's horn.

"You're all going to have to try harder than that if you think you're going to miss out on my party, you mean birdies!" Pinkie roared while non-stop on the firings and shootings.

Said birds then found them trapped in a magic bubble courtesy of Twilight herself who then turned to the other unicorns. "Hold onto them for a minute! I need to go catch one more bird! Two actually" She declared before spotting Mzingo and Mwoga having managed to avoid capture and are both trying to aim for Gilda while distracted fighting off and defeating the remaining vultures that came at her.

"Quick! Decapatice their leader while we still can!"

"Aye, governor!"

The two then rushed over as fast as they can towards her who seemed unaware of their drawing presence...

...until she quickly used her tail to catch them just an arm's reach from her.

"Here's a better idea, you two buzzards!" She then roared. "Get out of here while you all still can!"

"Sure thing!"

"Aye, governor!"

The two birds then attempted to flee only to be caught by Twilight who was quick to stop them on the spot. "You don't need to worry about that! We can help ensure that happens for you all!"

By then everyone that tried to attack Griffonstone has been rounded up and captured after being defeated. "Care to do the honors, Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked her eager companion ready to try out one of her new moves.

"Absolutely!" Rainbow then flew circles around the Outsiders before working up a powerful rainbow twister to swirled them all up and sent them flying away and uncontrollable speed and right on towards the Outlands through the portal closest to the kingdom.

With the Outsiders defeated, the heroes and allies all cheered and celeberated their victory together, complete with high fives and happy confetti spread around Griffonstone.

Elsewhere both Janja and Kiburi have teamed up to go head to head against Makuu with the former leaping onto their opponent’s tail. Said move managed to restraint Makuu from using his tail against him.

“Ha!” Kiburi taunted. “Reverse tail whip's no good when you got someone on your tail.”

But before Kiburi to attack his rival when he is at an disadvantage, Kion was quick to leap onto his tail in order to stop him. “Good to know, Kiburi.”

Kiburi grunted and struggled to get Kion off of him, before being saved when Cheezi leaps onto Kion to force the lion alicorn off of him.

With Kion forced away from helping Makuu, Kiburi then set his sights back to do what he wants to do. “Now, where was I? Oh, yeah. Reverse tail whip.”

But suddenly, Ma Tembo came charging towards him. “You mean like this?” She asked before performing a similar move with her trunk to whip Janja off of Makuu and crashing into Kiburi.

“Impressive.” Makuu complimented.

“I call that the "reverse-reverse trunk whip." Ma Tembo returned with a wink to show Twilight’s point that there are other ways to incorporate his moves to those who aren’t crocodiles.

“Most impressive. But you're not a crocodile yet.”

“Get off me!” Kiburi grunted while pushing Janja aside even when it wasn’t intentional. Though this distraction, allowed Makuu to push and knock Kiburi away.

“Now, out of my watering hole!”

Upon seeing that the Pride Landers along with their Equestrian companions are now starting to fight the Outlanders on even footing, Janja decided to take charge in trying their next best course of action. “Outlanders, regroup!”

Hearing this got Cheezi confused and distracted while fighting Kion. “We're leavin' the watering hole?” He asked before being kicked off by the half lion and alicorn. He then growled threateningly in response to heed his leader’s call.

“Everyone, get to higher ground.” Janja insturcted of everyone who were all quick to do just that while their opponents follow after them. From there, the Outlanders were now in a position they can take the Pride Landers and their Equestrian companions down on the spot. “All right, we got 'em now.”

Even still Kion stood his ground while perched on a nearby rock. “Outlanders, don't mess with the Pride Lands.”

“'Cause when you mess with the Pride Lands, you mess the Pride Landers.”

“And that goes double for those in Equestria.” Granny Smith fiercely declared. “Now get on out of here you nasty varmins!”

“Exactly.” With calm and controlled focus, Kion used the Roar of the Elders to blast the Outlanders away to end the battle.

After the danger had passed, the Pony Guard along with the unicorns, after just after taking care of buisness in Griffonstone were quick to return and check up on Makuu and his float who are now approaching the Pride Landers and Equestrians that came to help him even when they didn’t have to.

“Uh, what can I say? You saved our watering hole. And my float.” Makuu gratefully said to everyone though struggled with the right words to properly express his thanks to them.

“You can say thank you.” Bupu pointed out.

It took a little effort as those are little words he’s hardly ever used before, but was able to swallow his pride to say it. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome.” Mbeya kindly returned.

“Glad you're part of the team.” Laini happily expressed.

“You would've done the same for us.” Ma Tembo also added.

“I will now.” Makuu promised and then vowed. “If there's ever trouble for anyone in the Pride Lands, we'll be there.”

“You will?” Kion asked to make sure he really means it.

“Yes. Because a threat to the Pride Lands anywhere is a threat to Pride Landers everywhere.” Upon seeing the returning Pony Guard along with those from their homeland. “And the same can be said for those in all of Equestria.”

“Well said. And I’m glad to hear it, Makuu.” Twilight complimented. “And if you’re still up for it, I know ways we can help incorporate your moves in ways that the others can utilize even when they aren’t crocodiles.”

Makuu smiled in response being willing to give a try going forward. “I’m sure we will.”

“Yep.” Kion nodded in approval. “And by working together, we can all defend the Pride Lands and Equestria. We'll fight for what's right.”

All together everyone all declared. “Pride Landers and Equestrians unite!”

After that firm vow between two realms, Kion then turned to Twilight to ask about how things went down while they were taking care of the Outlanders here. “So Twilight, how did things go in Griffonstone?”

“Well, they obviously managed to win and protect Gilda and the other griffons.” Fuli noted.

“We sure did!” Rainbow proudly declared before going on to ramble her excitement. “Oh, you should have seen it. We were awesome, and so were the unicorns being able to strike and wipe the smug grins of Lightning and Wind Rider’s faces when they struck them down with mastered spells of there.“ Rainbow then laughed. “And as for Ushari, boy. All Fluttershy had to do was stare into the wicked cobra’s soul just to get him to back off and flee.” Fluttershy herself blushed and looked aside even while smiling at her own success. “You have no idea of how great a battle it was.”

“Considering that Kion and the others managed to hold their just as well, I think they do.” Applejack commented upon seeing that everyone is all here and standing completely unharmed.

“Yep.”

“We sure did.”

Both Bunga and Beshte confirmed with smiles.

“And so did the Cutie Mark Crusaders.” Twilight added as said fillies smirked in response to prove it. “Along with their friend Gabby. If you were there, you would have seen just how well, they’ve come since day one.”

“We sure would have.” Kion said in agreement with a look that tells the fillies that everyone is proud of them. “Want to see how the fight went down here?”

“Sure. And in return we’ll show you of how things went down in Griffonstone.”

But before either one of them could decide who get’s to go first, they were suddenly drawn to the sounds of allies in troubled pain, complete with appearing with bruises, black eyes, and little blood coming from their cuts as if something really bad had happened. And said sounds came from somebody, particularly Beshte instantly recognized.

“Dad!” Beshte cried in horror before rushing over to his side as he appeared over the horizon alongside his fellow hippos. “What happened?! Who did this to you?!”

“Scar happened…” Basi weakly uttered due to his injuries. “...he along with the Outsider lions and that leopard friend of his appeared to attack Big Springs. We tried to fight them off but they were all too strong, fast, and vicious for us to happen. We barely managed to get out of there with our lives.”

Upon hearing what they are hearing immediately dropped any victorious feelings as everyone looks on in Big Springs direction to see another force field with the Mark of Evil symbol appearing over their heads to indicate another portion of the Pride Lands has just been taken. And with the sight of Scar looking on in everyone’s direction as he appears while placing two gold coins over his eyes while pointing his fingers from his face to everyone from afar, especially Kion and Twilight. That sight sparked the very sense of dread and fear that reminds them of the power and danger he possesses to them before disappearing in a flash. A very sight that left others wondering how this happened and realizing again of how he managed to outplay them again and that their job got even more harder now.

Author's Note

Here we have the first major battle the Pride Landers and Equestrians partake as they continue the ongoing fight with Scar and his army. And split up the party into two, while the Lion Guard takes the Pride Landers to help Makuu, the Pony Guard takes the Equestrians to Griffonstone.

Long story short even with the training leading up to it having a handful of bumps in the road along the way, both battles played out very well for both parties...

...too bad Scar kept playing with the shuffleboard once more to get the more desired outcome he wanted out of it, and that land itself happened to be Big Springs itself thus making him the true winner of the game he was playing today. With that, one's left to wonder how they are going to combat these constantly changing tactics Scar has been employing since his return.

In the meantime while they try to figure that out, the next episode in the lineup is "Buckball Season." where we get to see an upcoming match up with said game between Ponyville and Appleloosa. So be on the lookout for that next time around, and since I have the following next few episodes just about ready, I'm going to go ahead on continue rolling them weekly into next month so stay tuned until then...

Oh and Happy Thanksgiving!