Episode 34:

The Queen’s Visit

At Pride Rock, every Pride Lander and many ponies have all gathered around the path all watching on towards the horizon and for a special reason. The king himself who is standing tall on top of Pride Rock alongside the rest of his family along with Celestia and Luna are all expecting a special guest here today.

Just then Ono and Rainbow flew back over to give them the important update they are expecting.

“Everyone, everyone!”

“She's here! She here's!”

Everyone all gasped with excited anticipation with this news in light.

“Okay, Lion and Pony Guard. Let's just make sure the path is clear and nobody in the crowd gets hurt.”

“Along with making sure our special guest has the distance she needs to make her entrance.”

Both leaders of the Guard informed of their team who were all quick to do as they were told.

“You got it, Kion.”

“You got it, Twilight.”

Both Beshte and Applejack happily obliged in unison.

“On it.” Both Fuli and Rarity stated in unison.

Along the way, Zito moved to get onto the path which immediately got Bunga’s attention. “Back it up, ella fella phant! Make some room!” Zito refused to do so nor budge when Bunga tries to push Zito out of the way.

Upon seeing this spurred the Princess of Friendship to take action. “Ahem!” She cleared her throat. “Come on, Zito. Please do as you are told.” She politely and firmly asked of him. Zito rolled his eyes and groaned before obliging to her request.

“And remember your manners, Zito.” Rarity chimed in and scolded for her lack of respect shown to the Princess of Friendship.

“Yes your majesty.” Zito politely addressed with a small bow along the way.

“Thank you, Zito.” Turning to Rarity. “And thank you, Rarity.”

“My pleasure, darling.”

“She's here.” Twiga commented as she and a few of her friends moved close to the path.

Seeing this sparked Fuli and Rainbow to take action.

“Hey giraffes! Down in front!”

Both Twiga and Shingo looked at each other in confusion before moving to duck their heads.

“Okay. That works.”

Along the way both Beshte and Fluttershy encountered some animals that were getting too close and on the path themselves.

“A little further back? Thank you.” Beshte kindly asked of the antelope who moved to back away.

“Keep it clear, please.” Fluttershy then said to the hyraxes before gently scooping them off of the path and onto the side. “Thank you.”

After doing so she moved to stand beside Beshte as they stand to the side while Ono moves to perch on the nearby tree alongside many of the birds doing the same.

“We have the best view of all.” Ono commented to his fellow birds.

“Although we could beg to differ on that.” Rainbow smugly commented while she and the other Pegasus ponies moved to float on the sidelines while nearby much to the egret’s eye rolling annoyance.

“Shh! It’s starting!” Starlight hushed from nearby just when birds flying overhead appear over the horizon.

Said birds, finches, sporting yellow feathers (brown on the shoulders and tail feathers) on the wings, orange on the back and around head feathers with black colored underbellies Upon appearing they dropped and spread out pink flowers on the ground in front of them. A group of black and white striped stripes appeared after them. Said zebras who happen to lead a very special zebra about to appear next with her most loyal zebras moving to make said announcement.

“Presenting her royal majesty!” Raha began.

“Ruler of the zebras!” Starhe added.

“Sovereign of the Back Lands!”

“The golden zebra herself!”

Both then say together. “Queen Dhahabu!”

The zebras all stand aside as said zebra appears before everyone.

“Hello everybody, Are you all here to see me?” She happily greeted everyone who all looked on in awe in response. “Then I'll really give you something to see. Zebras, frolic and romp!”

Prance With Me

As she makes her way towards Pride Rock, she sings her tune while the rest of the ponies and Pride Landers dance to the beat with Beshte himself allowing the hyraxes to climb onto his back for a higher view. At the same time both Bunga and Pinkie got into the beat only to trip and fall onto their backs while doing so much to both Fuli and Rarity’s eye rolling annoyance. When she got up top on Pride Rock everyone all cheered and applauded her for her upbeat performance.

“She's so beautiful!”

“And so queenly!”

Both Tiffu and Zuri greatly gushed of everyone in the audience.

King Simba with Princess Celestia by his side moved to walk up by Dhahabu’s side with the former moving to announce to the crowd. “On the behalf of the royal family. I welcome our friend and ally Queen Dhahabu!” The Pride Landers and ponies cheered once more.

“Thank you, you're majesty.” The golden zebra thanked before addressing the crowd. “And my warmest wishes to everyone here in the Pride Lands!” The Pride Landers and ponies cheered again.

“The official celebration will continue at sundown!” Simba then announced as the rest of the Royal Family gathered around Dhahabu.

“Which me and my sister will glad raise for you to see it in it’s wonderful glory.” The sun monarch then warmly added.

“And let me assure you, that it will be our pleasure to do so, Queen Dhahabu.” The night monarch also added equally warm in tone with the crowd dispersing once all that was needed to be said was said.

“Did you see Dhahabu's dance moves? Un-bunga-lievable!” Bunga happily expressed to the others.

“I know, right!” Pinkie happily agreed while bouncing around. “She really got everyone and everypony swinging!”

“Yeah, but isn't she supposed to be here on serious business?” Fuli agreed yet pointed out to which Applejack was quick to add on about.

“Such as making sure the negotiations for the ongoing water treaty stays in place.” Starlight reminded everyone.

“Indeed!” Ono agreed. “The water treaty between the Pride Lands and the Back Lands is very serious.”

“Yeah.” Kion acknowledged. “Dhahabu's watering hole is helping everyone in the Pride Lands get through the dry season.”

“Especially without Hakuna Matata Falls and whenever Equestria can’t provide enough water to get everyone by.” Twilight added and noted.

"My guess is that she wants to put forward that golden charm of hers so that she can be friends with those she shares with." Rarity said and suggested. "Like her way of showing that things going forward are in good hooves and paws."

"Fair enough." Kyoga replied accepting that as a reason.

“If that's so, then let me ask you a serious question.” Bunga turned his attention to both leaders. “Do you think she remembered me?” He then ecstatically asked.

“And me?” Pinkie also asked equally ecstatic.

Just then said zebra walked down from Pride Rock to greet them. “There you are.”

“She does!”

“Yipee! Whoo-hoo!”

Both Twilight and Kion still smiled and shook their heads in amusement. After all it wasn’t too long ago when the treaty was first made.

“I've been looking forward to seeing you again.” Dhahabu happily told the Guard with Kiara, Tiifu and Zuri accompanying her.

“Well you're majesty. It's good to see you too.”

“Yes, it’s wonderful to be able to see you again, your majesty.”

Both leaders greeted.

“Hiya Queen Dhahabu!”

“Hey ya! Queen Golden Stripes!”

Both Bunga and Pinkie quickly greeted next.

“My little mongoose and my silly little pink party pony.” She kindly greeted in return.

“That’s me!” Bunga proudly stated much to Applejack and Fuli rolling their eyes in annoyance again.

“You both having been helping make sure that special party is all set up for tonight?”

“You betcha! For a pony who takes party planning seriously, this pony makes sure the most royal figures have the greatest time of their lives!”

The zebra queen chuckled in amusement. “Glad to hear it.”

“So Dhahabu?” Bunga then said next. “How 'bout we show you the local landmarks?”

“That sounds delightful. But a tour has already been arranged.” Dhahabu turned to the lionesses accompanying her.

“Dad asked me to take Queen Dhahabu around the Pride Lands. As her royal escort.” Kiara explained with the other lionesses chiming in.

“And we're helping Kiara.”

“That's right.”

Bunga grumbled rather annoyed in response.

“Why don't we all go together?” She then suggested. “That way I can catch up with my old friends, while making new ones.”

This suggestion greatly appeased the honey badger. “Yeah, great idea.”

She then spots Starlight in the crowd. “Speaking of new friends, I see you have made a new friend since the last time we saw each other.”

“Hello, your majesty.” Starlight greeted with a bow. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you too.” Dhahabu then turned to Twilight. “And where is that other pony that was with you all when we first met, that fiery colored pony.”

“Sunset? She unfortunately couldn’t join us here today.” Twilight regretfully informed. “She has some classes she needed to attend to.”

“Oh, catching up on her important studies is she?” The golden zebra chuckled. “Sounds a lot like you. I hope she is still passing and acing her tests like you did.”

“Oh, she is.” She giggled though she couldn't help but blush a little herself at the amazingly accurate comparison.

“Great!” She then turned to her fellow zebras who were quick to gather around her. “Oh, I almost forgot. Faithful subjects... King Simba has given permission for you all to enjoy the Pride Lands during my visit. So go! Frolic and romp!” Most of the zebras were quick to happily to do so. “Just be back by sunset.”

The other two zebras Raha and Starehe still remained by her side not wanting to leave just yet.

“What about us, oh queen?” The former inquired.

“We're coming with you, right?” The latter then asked.

“After all what would you do without Raha and Starehe?”

“You never go anywhere without us.”

Dhahabu assured them that it’s nothing to worry about. “I have these lovely Pride Landers and ponies to look after my needs. Enjoy yourself's with the others! Consider it a day off in return for your loyal servitude to me.”

That was enough to assure and satisfy the two.

“Yes, my queen.”

“Frolic and romp?” The latter asked the former.

“Frolic and romp.”

After both Starehe and Raha left, Dhahabu was ready for that tour she was promised. “So. Where shall we go first, princess Kiara?”

“The Mekundu Cliffs. This way, you're majesty.” Kiara moved to lead the way with the Lion and Pony Guard following after them.

Among the crew, Fuli was the first to whisper that she is not on board with the idea while lagging behind a little. “Are we seriously going on a tour?”

“Looks like it.” Ono replied that it’s indeed happening.

“It is what the queen wants.” Kyoga added to cement it isn’t a fantasy story.

“I sure am!”

“Me too!”

Both Bunga and Pinkie were the first to play catch up to Dhahabu along with the others.

“I know this isn’t exactly to your liking, but it’s something we can live by.” Twilight assured while still sticking beside her along with Kion.

“Yeah, it will be fun.” Beshte chimed in agreement.

“Nothing wrong with giving a royal guest a good time here.” Rarity added seeing nothing wrong with the arrangement.

“Especially if it means further securing a great alliance between the Pride Lands and the Back Lands.” Applejack also reminded.

“Just think of it as going on patrol, with a special guest.” Kion added as a way to help his friend feel more open to the idea.

“Fine.” Fuli relented before following after the others.

Upon walking across the Pride Lands Dhahabu took notice of the grass around her and noted. “I always imagined the Pride Lands as being greener.”

Kiara then moved to explain why the grass is like that. “It's very green during the rainy season. But this time of year, everything gets a quite dried up and a little yellow when there isn’t much rain coming down to give it that color.“

“Yeah!” Tiffu chimed in. “Everything gets dried out and frizzy.”

“Especially my fur.” Zuri further complained before complimented. “Your coat looks beautifully soft and silky!”

“And how do you get your stripes that color? I love it!”

“Thank you, I'm just lucky I guess.” Dhahabu returned taking the compliments in stride.

“Well everyone in the Pride Lands is grateful for you're help.” The lion princess then expressed with equal gratitude on behalf of everyone in the kingdom. “This Dry Season is especially bad. So you can see how important the water treaty is for us.”

“Of course! We're happy to help out Pride Lands friends.”

While the four are all going on ahead, the skinks managed to spot out and spy on their conversation. Having seen and heard what they wanted to hear and see, the two then disappeared back into the rocks they are hiding from so they can deliver this information to their boss in secret.

Behind the main tour group, both Ono and Rainbow took notice of something upon ahead that they immediately didn’t like.

“Oh, no.”

“Ono, Rainbow, what's wrong?”

“Is everything okay?”

Their leaders asked as they flew up towards the source which turned out to be dark clouds up ahead.

“I don't like the look of those clouds.”

“Me neither.”

“I do.” Beshte happily replied seeing no danger from it. “We could use some rain.”

“Which is greatly needed right around these patches of grass here.” Applejack added while eyeing said grass that looks like it’s on the verge of death.

“Yeah, small problem with that…” Rainbow hesitantly began with Ono adding on why it’s bad.

“While it is raining high up in the sky. But it's too hot for the rain to hit the ground.”

“So?” Bunga asked of what the big deal is.

“So it's also perfect condition for…”

Just then thunder roared with a dangerous element quick to follow.

“Dry lighting!” Rainbow finished while caught off-guard by said strike happening and for a good reason because said strike appeared right in between the two groups which caused a fire to spark around Dhahabu, Kiara, Tiifu and Zuri.

“Gracious! A fire!” The golden zebra gasped.

“Heyvi Kabisa! The Queen!” Kion also gasped from afar.

“Fuli, Rainbow! Get the Queen to safety!” Twilight ordered who were both quick to do so.

“On it!”

“Let’s go!”

“Huwezi!”

Already the fire moved to corner Dhahabu along with the other lionesses much to the former’s fright. “It's coming right at us! What are we gonna do?”

Immediately both Fuli and Rainbow arrived on the scene to help them.

“Follow us!” Fuli ordered to which everyone was quick to do expect the queen herself which stopped the cheetah in her tracks. “Hurry, You're Majesty.”

“You'll be trapped against the cliffs!” Rainbow urgently added.

But Dhahabu found herself hesitated. “But I... I can't!”

Seeing this prompted the former to give her the push she needs to do so while leaping on over the fire to get to her. “You have to jump it! Move! Now!” She commanded before leading the way with Rainbow working her wings and keeping the fire under control.

“Go, go, go!”

Upon approaching the fire side by side… “Jump!” The two managed to clear the fire barrier before moving to catch up with the others.

While this was going on the rest of the Guard were quick to take action to stop the fire from spreading.

“Bunga! Beshte! Applejack! Pinkie Pie! Fire Break!”

“Rarity! Kyoga! Starlight! Fluttershy! Extinguish the flames to keep it burying towards the cliffs!”

“Zuka Zama!”

“Twende kiboko!”

“Time to put the fire!”

“Let’s!”

Bunga, Beshte, Kyoga, and Starlight all declared.

Kiara moved towards her brother wanting to assist them in any way she can. “Kion, how can I help?”

“We need to put out the hot spots!”

“Got it!”

“You too, Ono!”

“Affirmative.” Ono got to work in dropping dirt on the fire where the team creating the fire breaks on. “Incoming!”

“Kind of hot around here.” Bunga commented while wiping the sweat from his forehead.

“And you just noticed?” Ono returned rather annoyed at the timing of his words.

“Come on, now!” Applejack reminded. “Keep creating this here break to keep the fire from spreading!”

“Right, on it!”

While this was going on Twilight, Rarity, Kyoga, all got to work extinguished the flames by working their magic so it’s like they have water spraying all over it while Fluttershy used a literal extinguisher so she can help put out the fires herself.

Upon reaching a safe distance from the fire, Fuli managed to stop running before turning back to Dhahabu, Tiifu and Zuri.

“This is far enough. You'll be safe here.” She assured then apologized. “Sorry I shouted at you back there. You're majesty.”

Dhahabu however was quick to assure the apology wasn’t necessary.“Oh! I'm not. Your shouting helped me get moving. Thank you Fuli.” Turning to Rainbow Dash who just got done extinguishing the fire that nearly burned them alive. “You too, Rainbow Dash!”

“Our pleasure!” Rainbow saluted like it was no big deal.

Upon seeing the fires were now being put out, Dhahabu couldn’t help but look on impressed. “Gracious! The Lion and Pony Guard certainly works fast!”

After the danger had passed, the rest of the Lion Guard along with Kiara moved to regroup with the others.

“Fire's out.”

“Everybody okay?”

“Yes, thanks to the Lion and Pony Guard. And it was all done with such speed and coolness.”

“Well…” Rainbow chuckled while putting on a pair of sunglasses on. “...speed and coolness is exactly my style, our style around here.” She boasted.

“We can't help it. We're the best!” Bunga proudly added.

“Gotta admit…” Kiara spoke next. “...I don't know what the Pride Lands would do without the Lion and Pony Guard.”

Hearing that gave Dhahabu a idea she could do herself. “Oh that's exactly what I need! A guard! A Queen's guard!” Turning to her speedy saviors. “Fuli, Rainbow! I've never seen anyone move so quickly. With you two by my side I would always feel safe. I would you to be my personal guards for the remainder of my visit.”

“Really?” Rainbow spoke up highly surprised by the proposal.

“You... you would?” Fuli spoke up equally surprised herself.

Though Bunga himself felt put out again. “What about me? Your loyal mongoose!”

“Seriously.” Kyoga returned with a raised eyebrow. “Are there other times other than a special guest where you think about anybody but yourself.”

“Yes. But in times like these I choose not too.”

Kion was the first to speak up on the speedy duo’s behalf. “That's really nice of you, Your Majesty. But Fuli and Rainbow are already members of the Lion and Pony Guard. So…”

“Hold that thought, Kion.” Twilight quickly interrupted mid-sentence before turning the golden zebra with a friendly yet somewhat forced smile. “We just need a quick word to talk it over.” She then moved to pull Kion aside so she and Kiara could do just that. “Kion. I know this isn’t something you’re very keen on. But I think we should go ahead and let her borrow our friends for today.”

“Twilight’s right, Kion. Queen Dhahabu is sharing her water with us. I think we should do what she asks. It’s the least we could do to uphold our end of the deal.”

“Yeah, but…”

“It's just while she's here.” His sister assured.

“And by that we mean only until sundown.” Twilight added and reminded. “And I don’t need you remind of that talk we had about how to handle these kinds of deals.”

“No.” Kion relented before turning back to Dhahabu with a friendly smile having reconsidered what he was about say before being pulled aside. “You're majesty, I'm sure Fuli would be pleased to act as your personal guard for your visit.”

“And the same can be said for Rainbow Dash.” Twilight happily added.

“I would?” Fuli returned in surprise before quickly correcting herself upon seeing the prince and princesses looking and motioning at her to say otherwise. “I mean... I would.” She said while forcing herself to smile for the sake of the moment.

“Of course we would. It would be an honor to have your back.” Rainbow also added sounding equally committed herself with the same forced expression Fuli has now.

“Wonderful!” Dhahabu then turned to Tiifu and Zuri. “And you two! You never left my side during the ordeal. I want you to be my guards as well.”

In contrast to Fuli both Tiifu and Zuri were delighted to take her up on that offer.

“Really?”

“Ooh yes.”

Although the suggestion didn’t quite sit well with Kiara herself. “Tiifu? Zuri? I was counting on your help tonight.”

“Remember?” Kion reminded with a friendly smile. “Sharing her water? Do what she asks?”

Kiara could only sigh softly upon having her own words thrown back in her face. “I know Tiifu and Zuri would also be honored to be your temporary guards.”

“So honored.”

“So totally honored.”

“That's settled. Now I have my own Queen's guard. I think this calls for a celebration! Let's all frolic and romp!” She then did exactly that. “Frolic and Romp! Frolic and Romp!”

Both Tiifu and Zuri were very quick to happily oblige. “Frolic and Romp Frolic and Romp! Frolic and Romp!”

“Come, Fuli! Prance with us!” Dhahabu encouraged. “You too, Rainbow Dash!”

Both did so albeit reluctantly and not sharing the same enthusiasm as Tiifu and Zuri.

“Frolic and romp.”

“Frolic and romp.”

“Well. My new guards certainly are enthusiastic. Wouldn’t you agree, Starlight?” She briefly turned to said unicorn who shares the same expression mirroring both Rainbow and Fuli’s.

“Ecstatic.”

Turning to Kiara the queen then said to her. “And now that I have them, I won't need you to escort me.”

Already Kiara felt taken aback by that declaration. “But you're majesty…”

“I'm sure you have many other duties to attend to.”

Kion and Twilight were quick to assure her it’s no big deal.

“It's okay. She's got Fuli and Rainbow Dash. I'll have Ono keep an eye on them too.”

“And there are things can be done outside of watching over the queen.”

Already Kiara felt better after remembering there some things she needs to tend to. “I do need to help prepare for tonight's event.” She moved to take her leave.

“And we'll go on patrol.”

“Lion and Pony Guard let's go!”

While most of the Guard sets off ahead to do so, Fuli moved to do the same…

“Fuli!” Dhahabu quickly called and reminded her she’s on guard duty for her.

“Oh, sorry force of habit.” Fuli realized and apologized.

Upon seeing the frustration and disappointment on her friend’s face spurred Rainbow to console her over it. “It’ll be okay. It’s only for today, then we can go back to protecting the Pride Lands and Equestria once we helped secure the deal that’ll extend the privilege for the Pride Landers to use their watering hole. Just think about the needs of others, okay?”

“Okay.” Fuli relented with a sigh and groan before following after the others watching over the golden zebra herself.

“Good luck, girls.” Starlight wished to them before taking off and catching up with the rest of the Guard on patrol. All while wishing that it really does goes well for them.

In the Outlands, Scar himself is being informed of this discovery and current ongoings by the skinks in the caldera of the Outlands Volcano.

“You did well to report this skinks!” The fiery lion complimented. “But the water treaty with the zebras must be put to an end. I want the Pride Lands to stay thirsty.” Then he thought. “Perhaps something will happen to the queen during her visit. Something very unfortunate.” Upon figuring out the best approach he then ordered. “Bring me Reirei and the jackals along with Makucha the leopard. They're good at this sort of thing.” The skinks immediately leave to carry this out no questions asked. “With the queen gone, there will be no treaty. And no extra water for the Pride Lands.” He then said to himself before indulging in a little high-pitched cackling as he plans to anticipate seeing this before his very eyes.

Back in the Pride Lands, the Lion and Pony Guard are moving to carry out their daily patrol with the Guard’s Fastest by their side.

“I sure hope Fuli's all right.” Beshte expressed with concern. “She didn't look very happy.”

“She sure didn’t.” Fluttershy expressed feeling pity for her. “At least Rainbow’s taking it in stride.”

“If you count putting up a positive and convincing facade as one.” Starlight remarked to say otherwise. “Because sometimes when meeting friends and or enemies, a smile and a polite mask of manners doesn’t completely guarantee that everything is completely fine and sincere underneath. Believe me, I’m sure you and I can speak from experience of what that’s like.” She then said directly to her teacher who can confirm that is indeed true having had experience with that herself.

“They’ll be fine.” Twilight reassured. “It’s only for the rest of the day to secure a favor for her. In return the Pride Lands will continue to have access to the Back Lands watering hole. It’s practically a done deal by the time the negotiations follow afterwards.”

“As long as we deliver on our promise of course.” Rarity reminded. “Of course the whole thing could go up in smoke. Literally even.”

Just then they happened to come across both Starehe and Raha. And both aren’t being their usual cheerful self as evident by them saying in a despondent tone. “Frolic and romp. Frolic and romp.” Upon seeing they both quickly greeted in unison. “Oh, hello.”

“They don't look very happy either.” Ono noted.

“No kidding!” Pinkie exclaimed in shock before immediately moving to ask said question. “Hey Raha, Starehe. What has you both so out of sorts with your frolic and romping because you both clearly are not enjoying yourselves?

“What us?”

“Oh, it’s nothing to worry about. We’re just you know frolicking.”

“And…” Starlight inquired expecting the truth.

“Romping.”

“And…” Starlight repeated, expecting more.

“But mainly looking for Queen Dhahabu.”

“Is she with you?”

“Nah.” Bunga shook his head. “She's still touring the Pride Lands. With her new guard.”

Hearing that spark sadden shock to the queen’s most loyal zebra duo. “Her new guard?”

“Oh, we thought she might need us.”

“She's never been apart from us this long.”

“Not even for a few hours?” Fluttershy asked.

“No.”

“Never.”

“Aww. It’ll be okay.” Fluttershy consoled the downtrodden duo. “Both Fuli and Rainbow aren’t happy with their current jobs either even when it’s only for the rest of the day.”

“And don’t worry.” Kion also assured. “We can find her for you so you can get a chance to talk with her.”

Hearing this sparked relief to the two zebras. “Okay.”

“Ono.”

“On it!” Ono moved to fly up to the skies to spot the group out Ono flys to look for Dhahabu.

Said zebra is currently with her new Guard while looking on at a sight that she found rather cute. “They're adorable! What do you call them again?”

Said sight happened to be Fuli with an annoyed and deadpan expression due to finding herself surrounded by the monkey-like Pride Landers with one even leaping on top of her back. “Baboons.” Upon seeing Rainbow unable to resist giggling she immediately shot her a glare at her to get her to cut it out.

“Sorry.”

“Baboons are delightful.” The queen remarked seeing it as a very pleasing sight to behold.

“They sure do love Fuli.” Zuri remarked with a smirk.

While this is going on, Reirei and her pack are currently watching and spying on the group from the shadows of the nearby trees alongside Makucha.

"Ahh!" The leopard grinned with delight. "There you are, your majesty. Long time no satisfying gut filling revenge."

“Would you look at that.” The jackal leader said to her husband before ducking behind the tree they are hiding behind. “A golden zebra.”

“I didn't know they came in different flavors. What you think it tastes like?”

“Only one way to find out.”

"Couldn't have said it better..." Makucha commented with said feeling mutual on something they can agree on for once. "...now let's carry this out and get this over with."

Back with the others…

“Fuli! Let 'em tug your tail again!” Tiifu jokingly urged of the cheetah.

But before anything else can happen they all found themselves alerted to Reirei’s voice as she commanded her pack to attack. “Jackals! Get 'em!”

“Oh, horse crud!” Rainbow remarked with annoyance. “Not these clowns again!”

Upon seeing them everyone else minus Fuli all screamed with fright while the baboons screeched and scurried back up the nearest tree for safety.

“I never thought I'd be happy to see jackals!”

“Me too! Now it’s flank kicking time!

Both speedsters happily expressed before getting ready to fend of the pack coming their way.

“Huwezi! Nobody gets passed me!”

“Or me!”

They both fiercely stated much to the delight of the zebra queen.

“Bravo! My loyal guards! Defend you're queen!”

Given that both Zuri and Tiifu don’t have any fighting experience, they moved to still stand beside or more accurately behind the queen themselves.

“We'll be back here, uh protecting the rear.” The former expressed while still standing her ground along with the latter.

As the jackals made their way towards the group, both Fuli and Rainbow bared their teeth and pounded their hooves together ready to take them down.

At that moment Ono managed to spot them from up high and ahead. “Hapana!” He gasped before quickly flying back to warn everyone about it. “Everyone! I found Dhahabu! So have the jackals!”

“Let's go!”

“Till the Pride Lands and Equestria’s end…”

“Lion and Pony Guard defend!”

“What are jackals?” Raha asked to which Kyoga was quick to answer for them.

“They’re wild predators who serve for a greater enemy in the Outlands. And from the looks of it said ringleader has put a big price on your queen.”

“I’ll say. Especially since they found Dhahahbu.” Starhe replied before moving along with Raha and Kyoga on over to where the danger is ready to help defend in anyway they can.

Back with the queen’s guard where Fuli and Rainbow are still standing their ground...

“I'm warning you. Stay back!”

“Last chance to back away while you still can!”

Reirei however dismissed it high to the sky. “You both might be fast but you can't be everywhere!” At the same time this distraction was proving to be just what the sneaky leopard needed to carefully and stealthily make his way behind the golden zebra so he can attack when she along with her companions least expect it and are unprepared for it.

“True! At least not separately.” Rainbow didn’t even deny it before smirking along with Fuli. “But together we actually can do just that.”

“And since you all asked for it…” Fuli then added before setting her sights to the side of Reirei. “Huwezi!” She quickly moved run circles around the pack while Rainbow was quick to do the same in the opposite direction.

By working together they were both able to create a powerful twister that spun and pulled the jackals off of their paws. Said twister managed to speed off and send them plowing into a far off tree from a distance.

By the time the jackals had managed to recover and find them, the Lion and Pony Guard was already there to greet them.

“And if that wasn’t enough…” Kion began.

“...then there’s more where that came from.” Twilight finished much to Reirei’s shock.

“The Lion and Pony Guard!”

“Yep!” Applejack stated while using her lasso to give the jackals a good ole whiplash before sending it flying. “Giddyup you little doggies!”

“We’re jackals you farm girl!” Reirei snapped.

“I know that!”

“Twende kiboko!” Beshte declared before moving to knock another jackal away.

“Zuka Zama!” Bunga declared before tackling down Goigoi before he could get the chance to catch Beshte and Applejack off guard.

With Reirei alone in the ongoing battle, she found herself having to duck when Ono tried to fly in and peck her head. “Knock it off, ya pesky bird!”

“You think he's pesky?” Fluttershy angrily returned before giving the jackal herself the Stare. “Well I think you should get on going before we send you flying back to where you can from!” She fiercely stated just when Fuli moved to knock down Reirei while disoriented with Rainbow following it up with a tail powered whiplash to knock the jackal away.

“Way to go Fuli!”

“You too, Rainbow Dash!”

Both leaders complimented upon seeing.

While the ongoing chaos was going on, Raha and Starhe who fell behind finally managed to arrive to see the ongoing battle.

“How dreadful!” Raha commented in worry as they see their queen is standing by along with Tiifu and Zuri. “We must find our queen and…” He gasped when he spotted something startling.

“Oh no!” Starhe also gasped upon catching a glimpse of Makucha sneaking up on Dhahabu from the bushes in the rear. “Our queen is in danger! It's time to...”

“Kick and stomp!” Both Straehe and Raha declared before moving to go after the leopard before it’s too late with narrowed eyes and a fierce snort from their nostrils.

“Easy does it. And with a steady pounce that golden treat is good is mine…” Makucha said to himself before finding himself cut off by both Starehe and Raha along with getting a well-deserved butt kicking for the attempt.

“Kick and stomp! Kick and stomp!” The two repeated while repeatedly kicking around the leopard which caught both Kion and Twilight’s attention after they both just got done blasting away a couple jackals that tried to come out them. And seeing him sparked an alarmed reaction in their eyes upon seeing the leopard growling at them for fouling up his hunt.

In response, Makucha growled and snapped his jaws on Starhe's leg and then moved to whack the other zebra aside like a baseball bat to knock them both out of the park. But by then, the attack distracted him enough for both Kion and Twilight to quick restrain him in a bubble of magic.

"Makucha! Long time no see!"

"And quite a surprise seeing you here! That is if you weren't catching you trying to pull a sneaky one on the queen!"

"Feeling's mutual your majesties. What else is there to say?" Makucha mockingly returned as if he doesn't have any other choice now along with refusing to cower and beg for mercy like the other cowardly members of Scar's army would do in his paws.

"Not much!"

"Other than you're going to have to try harder than that next time. All of you, actually."

Upon seeing the glares and scowls from both leaders of the Guard, Reirei had wisely decided that everyone here had dealt with enough punishment before wisely calling for her pack to retreat. “Jackals skedaddle!”

To cap it all off Pinkie Pie herself moved to scoop up the defeated jackals that got captured into her party cannon. “That's right! and stay skedaddle!” She shouted before firing the cannon and sent them flying right into Reirei. Upon spotting one more, she then called out. “Hey zebras! Right over here!”

Kion and Twilight both working together with their combined magic hurled the neutralized leopard like in shot putt before blasting him away in the distance in the same direction towards the retreating jackals. When the leopard landed on the ground he ended up crashing and tumbling into the entire pack causing to all groan in pain when it happened.

"Ow!"

"My leg!" Goigoi screamed in agony.

"Goigoi!" Reirei kicked in the face. "Your leg is fine!" To prove her point she used her tail to lift up who immediately found himself being able to move around just fine.

"Oh, yeah!" Reirei kicked in the face once more. "Ow!"

"Let's just get going before the Lion and Pony Guard ensure that this meal isn't worth it." Makucha commanded of him.

"Well said." Reirei agreed before she and everyone else all ran off together without sparking further attention from the Guard.

After the danger had passed everyone grouped to make sure Queen Dhahabu was okay.

“Are you hurt my queen?”

“Please tell us you're all right.”

The queen’s most loyal zebras asked in concern.

“All right?” Dhahabu asked as if something bad happened. “I'm exhilarated!” She happily exclaimed. “Thanks to the queen's guard! Fuli, Rainbow my champions! You were magnificent! You single handedly held those jackals at bay.”

“Well that’s true…”

“Thanks but…”

Both Rainbow and Fuli humbly returned but with not enough time to fully finish what they were going to say.

“And where are Tiifu and Zuri?”

“Here you're majesty.”

“Both present and accounted for.”

Both girls replied like nothing had happened.

“You two stopped that wreatched creature from attacking me from behind!”

“We did?” Tiifu returned in surprise.

“Thanks, but…” Zuri tried to speak up to correct and clarify that before being cut off.

“You are being far too modest.” The queen zebra replied having none of it.

“But you're Majesty…”

“With all due respect…”

Both Kion and Twilight tried to say before being cut off too.

“Yes yes yes Kion, Twilight. Your guard helped too. There's plenty of credit to go around.”

“I know but we saw Starehe and Raha... “

“And they were the ones who…”

Once more, Raha and Starhe quickly rushed over to correct them mid-sentence.

“Who managed to ensure that we were safe. And we thank him. Both Kion and Twilight.”

“Yes thank you Kion and Twilight.”

Both Kion and Twilight looked on with shock that they’d rather allow it instead of being rightfully credited for the assist in protecting their queen.

“This remarkable day has made me come to a realization.” The golden zebra then declared. “My queen's guard must be permanent.” Everyone all looked on in shock by that declaration. If they could all they would be screaming “WHAT?!” together. “Fuli, Rainbow, Tiifu and Zuri will remain by my side. Always!”

“Huh?”

Both zebras uttered with lowered ears feeling completely shattered and heartbroken by the very statement their queen had just uttered. But even still they both tried to be very good sports about it.

“We celebrate your wisdom, my queen!” Starhe responded with a forced smile.

“Then so shall I! Frolic and romp, with me.”

The zebras then followed suit together. “Frolic and romp! Frolic and romp.”

After the zebras went ahead both Fuli and Rainbow quickly rushed over to their leaders in a desperate plea for them to help them out of this.

“Kion, you have to do something! No way I'm leaving the Lion and Pony Guard.”

“And the same goes for me! Please, Twilight. You gotta help us!”

“Us too!” Tiifu also pleaded. “We don't wanna be here new guards either.”

“Yeah.” Zuri said in agreement. “She actually expects us to guard her! And we’re not fully fit for battle.”

“Please tell us you have something to keep the team from breaking out, Kion and Twilight?” Rarity urged of them while sounding desperate herself.

“Yeah!” Pinkie also insisted while grabbed ahold of both the alicorns by the cheeks. “Not only will our team be broken up, I will also have no time to properly prepare a going away party for them!” Everyone looked on in disbelief and bewildered stares. “You know what I mean! Come on!”

“Kion? Twilight?” Bunga also wondered what they are thinking to resolve this.

“Fuli's part of the team.” Beshte then pointed out.

“And so is Rainbow Dash.” Applejack added.

“But you can't offend the Queen.”

“Remember the water treaty?”

Both Ono and Starlight reminded.

“Of course we do.” Twilight replied to acknowledge that before smiling to assure everyone they have a plan to resolve this. “And how we’re going to get around is something we got an idea on how we’re going to do it.”

“This way it’ll give everyone what they want.” Kion added. “But we’re gonna need a little time.”

“Oh Queen's Guard!” Dhahabu cheerfully called out which prompted the four apart of the team to reluctantly walk on over to her.

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“What can we help you with now?”

Both Fuli and Rainbow reluctantly asked.

“Show me to the nearest watering hole. I must refresh myself before tonight's event!”

“Of course.”

“This way.”

Upon her wishes, Fuli, Rainbow, Tiifu and Zuri all moved to take Dhahabu to the Watering Hole which just so happens to be a small one a fair distance away not to mention an area that Scar hasn’t already conquered, thankfully.

With the time needed already granted to them, both Kion and Twilight moved to talk to both zebras in the meantime.

“Raha? Starehe? We saw what you did to protect Dhahabu.”

“Why wouldn't you let us tell her about it?”

The two zebras glumly replied and confessed.

“The queen loves us because we're happy and carefree.”

“She wouldn't want us to see us acting like that.”

“Acting like what?” Beshte asked as he and the others moved to approach them.

“Kion, Twilight, what're you talking about?” Ono then asked.

“And what is talking to both Raha and Starehe going to accomplish?” Rarity then asked.

Kion turned to the others to answer that last one. “We think Raha and Starehe would make a great queen's guards!”

Said reply sparked surprise among everyone.

“Them?”

“Us?”

“Hold that thought.” Pinkie randomly spoke up with a raised hoof before grabbing a cup of water. She then drank from it and then did a spit take which everyone thankfully dodged in time from especially Starlight. “Them?”

“Yep.” Twilight nodded. “And here’s how we’re going to accomplish that…”

Elsewhere, the four assigned protectors are all watching on as they oversee the golden zebra happily playing in the water. “This water feels divine!”

“How can she be so happy? Can't she see we're miserable?” Tiifu expressed feeling very confused and unhappy herself.

Seeing this sparked confusion from the two speedsters.

“Why are you two so upset?” Fuli asked. “I thought you loved hanging out with royalty. And Dhahabu's a Queen!”

“Which is something that you’d both kill for as much as your first eventual hunt.”

“It was fine for a day.” The former admitted.

“Before the jackals showed up.” The latter added.

“But we can never leave Kiara. She's our best friend.”

“Besides, someday she will be a queen too.”

“And it's up to us to help her be a good one.”

“Right, of course.” Rainbow uttered feeling surprised by that confession along with Fuli.

“Wow I never realized you felt so unhappy with all of this. It’s not something I’d expect from the two of you.”

“Well, in all fairness, we hardly bothered to actually share that with any of you just because.”

“Because why?”

“Because we were a bit too proud and shy to admit it.”

“Makes sense.” But before she could give some heart to heart advice that Fluttershy would give if she were here, she then heard the sound of familiar growling from up ahead. “Uh oh, Look who's back.”

Zuri sighed and rolled her eyes upon seeing the jackals here to try to take out the golden zebra again. “Not again.”

“So much for a heart to heart conversation.” Rainbow remarked with annoyance more at the jackals interrupting the moment before getting ready for another fight.

Back with the rest of the Guard, both Straehe and Raha are left at a loss after both Kion and Twilight explain to them how they can prove to their queen that they are more qualified to be her royal guards than the team she has now.

“But our job is to frolic and romp.”

“That's all the queen ever wants us to do.”

“She might think differently. If she saw you two in action like you both did earlier against that leopard that tried to get the drop on her.” Kion said otherwise.

“And when she does she’ll want to appoint you two to be her new guards sworn by oath to protect her queen.” Twilight then said next optimistic and sure that it’ll work. “Now can you show us that you have that fierce determination for the job?”

“C'mon!” Bunga encouraged. “Show me what you got!”

After a moment the zebras acted but not in the way that they were expecting...

“Frolic and romp! Frolic and romp!”

“I give up.” Bunga frowned in disappointment.

“Not that kind of action.” Starlight corrected while trying really hard not to blow her top at seeing that kind of action again. “Fighting action, you know whenever you get angry and fierce like me or Kion or Twilight here.”

“Sorry.” Raha apologized. “We can't just turn it on and off. At least not like your pink pony friend there.” Said pony is making happy and angry faces like an on and off switch.

“Something has to make us really angry.” Starhe added.

“Okay, so what would it take?” Beshte then asked.

“Another jackal attack?” Starlight also asked.

“Well let’s see…” Ono moved to check out their nearby surroundings and just so happened to spot them out again. “Hapana! The jackals are back! They're attacking the watering hole! Dhahabu's in danger!”

“Dhahabu's in danger?” And that’s what got both Raha and Starehe kicking it into the gear that was needed to get into fighting. “Kick and stomp! Kick and Stomp! Kick and Stomp!” The two then moved to head on over to the watering hole first.

Seeing this spark delighted surprise among the Guard.

“Woah!”

“Okay, now we’re talking!”

“Well, now we know what it takes.”

“Yep.”

Beshte, Starlight, Bunga, and Applejack all commented.

“Come on…” Kion stated before leading the team on after them. “Till the Pride Lands and Equestria’s end…”

“Lion and Pony Guard defend!”

Back at the watering hole, the jackals growled fiercely as they prepared for another fight again.

“We wanna help.” Tiifu voiced mentally readying herself for that fight.

“Then stay by the Queen!” Fuli ordered. "And keep an eye out from behind."

“We won't leave her side!” Zuri vowed before she and Tiifu moved to stand by the alarmed zebra and even turning back to make sure Makucha isn't around to try to pull the same stealthy trick again.

“You should have come back, Reirei! You've already been beaten once today!”

“And don’t even think this fight won’t be able different because we can do it again!”

Both Fuli and Rainbow angrily declared.

But even still Reirei wasn’t backing down nor dropping that smug grin of hers. “But this time we brought some extra teeth!” Said extra teeth just so happens to belong to someone mean and green.

“Crocodiles!” Tiifu and Zuri screamed upon seeing them coming up from behind.

“Surprise surprise surprise!” Goigoi commented with glee with numbers now on their side.

But at that moment they were all drawn to the sounds of Raha and Starehe’s voice coming up on the horizon. “Kick and stomp! Kick and stomp!”

Upon turning towards each other the two smirked before wising backing away.

“You're in for a surprise all right.”

“And I hope you like parties because you’re in for a special treat for this one.”

“Kick and stomp! Kick and stomp!” The two repeated as they arrived on the scene.

“What in the Outlands?” Before Reirei and her pack could react they found themselves suddenly trampled by the two.

Not only that they proceeded to effortlessly take out the crocodiles attempting to attack the queen. Yet little do they realize is that Makucha himself has found a nice strong tree to give himself a flying boost to attack in everyone else's blind spot.

“Raha? Starehe? Is that really you?” Dhahabu asked in surprise upon seeing them in action like this especially after kicking the crocodiles right on top of the jackals.

“I told you those striped varmints was mean!” Goigoi commented to his wife who likewise felt they needed to cut their losses for good this time.

“Jackals! Skedaddle!”

Both the jackals and crocodiles proceeded to do just that much to the amused surprise of the Guard watching on.

“That was the most easiest fight ever.” Bunga commented.

“No kidding!” Pinkie agreed before looking at a watch she had handy. “And it only took fifteen seconds to beat them. At this rate, they’ll be on par with doing it as fast as Rainbow Dash can clear the clouds from the skies and that’s ten seconds flat.”

“We’ll see, Pinkie Pie. We’ll see.” Rainbow replied to remind her friend not to get ahead of herself in that regard.

At that moment, Makucha made the sling shot leap towards Makucha while everyone's back were turned. Something that both Zuri and Tiifu managed to actually spot out.

"Your majesty!"

"Heads up!"

"Huh?" The golden zebra moved to do exactly that in time to see the leopard himself coming right at him. Luckily she quickly able to spin around kick him away before he could strike. Upon landing and tumbling across the dirt, she moved to place a firm hoof to pin the leopard down to keep him from making another move against her. "Hi." She pleasantly greeted. "Long time no see." Makucha could only grunt in dismay in response rather than repeat the earlier exchange with both Kion and Twilight. "Wish I could say it better but given the circumstances I can't find it in my heart to do so. Now..." She turned to the leaders of the Guard. "...Kion. Twilight? What do you both suggest for a proper "Get out of here! message for our enemies?"

"If I were you in your hooves..."

"I'd go with the Iron. The 3 Iron."

With a magical spark, the two were able to conjure up golden colored iron horseshoes for the golden zebra. And after a little frolic and romping she moved to turn herself around to give the defeated leopard another swift and powerful kick like she is teeing off to send him flying off yelling in pain.

After the danger had passed, Dhahabu approached both Starehe and Raha in astonishment with what she saw just not. “Raha! Starehe! I've never seen you like that.”

Both zebras looked on feeling apologetic and embarrassed in response.

“Sorry, oh queen.”

“So embarrassing.”

Dhahabu however said otherwise feeling like she has some apologies she needs to give herself while giving her fellow the zebras the praise they fully deserve. “Embarrassing? I don't think so.” Turning to the four she assigned to protect her up until now. “Fuli, Rainbow, Tiifu, Zuri. I'm sorry, but I no longer need you to be my Queen's guard. It seem I've had a Queen's guard all along. I just never knew it. Until now.” She then added. “That is of course if you’re up for the job along with being willing to accept my apology for not realizing it sooner.”

It didn’t even take a second for the two to make up their minds on that.

“Of course we accept your apology.”

“Who are we to give our queen the cold shoulder?”

“Certainly not me.” Starlight chuckled. “You know I’m kidding right?”

“Of course, Starlight. We’re all friends here.” Dhahabu giggled taking it with a sense of humor.

At sunset everyone has all regathered at Pride Rock where Dhahabu makes her speech after cementing the latest negotiations in order to ensure that the pact between the Pride Lands and the Back Lands will thrive for many dry seasons to come.

“And I hope this water treaty may allow friendship and goodwill to flow between our realms forever!” She declared much to the cheering delight of everyone in attendance.

As the Pride Landers and ponies all cheered, Dhahabu turned to smile at Starehe and Raha knowing full well that she can trust them to protect her going forward with even more trust between then before.

“Welcome back to the Lion and Pony Guard, Rainbow and Fuli.” Twilight happily said to the two standing by their side. “Did the queen at least treat you well enough while serving as her guards?”

“At least enough to make it worth our while.” Rainbow replied with content in her tone of voice as she said it to showcase she's pleased that it all worked out in the end.

“You gonna miss being Queen Dhahabu's guards?” Kion then asked to make sure they're both really okay with the golden zebra's decision.

“I'm happy right where I am.” Fuli replied already not sweating about not being apart the queen’s guard. “Home sweet home.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“Same here.”

All while this is going on, Scar’s watchful eyes looked on narrowed with disdain upon seeing the water treaty still going. But still wasn’t bothered too much since he knows for a fact that there are bigger prizes on the horizon with more pieces of the Pride Lands that have yet to be claimed. And by keeping his army on the down low, they have the ability to maintain that element of surprise they need in order to obtain it.

Author's Note

Here in this episode, the Golden Zebra herself makes her return as she travels to the Pride Lands for an important negotiation with the lion king himself along with the princesses in order to ensure the ongoing Water Treaty stays intact. Along the way she finds herself taking up Fuli, Rainbow, Tiffu, and Zuri as her new formed Queen's Guard after being saved by a fire caused by dry lightning.

A decision that her most loyal zebras feel left out because of it and left feeling they need to further prove their worth to her. Which they thankfully manage to do when Scar sends some of his army after her in an attempt to sabotage the treaty and spare the reluctant Pride Landers and pony from the Guard from being separated from home. By the end of the day, it all worked out and the Treaty still stays intact.

Up next we will have another filler episode in place and if all goes right I may have it ready in time for Christmas so stay tuned until then...