Episode 40:

Fire in the Sky

Ever since Starlight had returned to the Lion and Pony Guard, she’s been informed of how Scar had recently conquered Mizimu Grove in her absence, she’s been doubling down and keeping her guard going forward. On her end it feels to be a more self obligation given that she wasn’t there when it happened never mind the fact that it would have been the most unfortunate victim of a death battle that the others had good fortunate to luck out on. Even though both Twilight and Kion don’t hold anything against her and there really was not much that could have been done to prevent it, she still feels responsible for what happened while she was gone.

So far today, it seemed to be a peaceful morning which is very fitting for the giraffes having lunch from the trees in their territory. Until…

“Incoming!” Both Ono and Rainbow’s voices alerted them just when fire bombs started appearing from the sky with the latter managing to snuff out the first one while doing so.

“Fire! Fire from the sky!” Twiga exclaimed in alarm.

“Fire? No!” One of the other giraffes Shringo panicked.

“Does that mean Scar?” The other female giraffe also asked.

“Afraid so.” Applejack bluntly replied before getting ready to hear orders from the leaders on how to tackle this.

“Beshte! Ono! Bunga! Take care of the fire! Fuli, we'll get the giraffes to safety!”

“Rarity! Kyoga! Pinkie! Rainbow! Starlight! You’re on fire catching and extinguishing duty! Applejack, Fluttershy, you’re with me, Kion, and Fuli!”

With the call decided, Kion and Twilight took lead in guiding them to safety. “Giraffes! This way!” The former ordered while setting his eyes on the closet place to retreat to safety.

The giraffes were quick to obey without question. “Everyone! Follow Kion and Twilight!” Under their guidance they were able to retreat to a nearby slated rock for them duck and cover until the attempted fire storm is over.

“I got this one!”

“And I got this one!”

Both Beshte and Bunga positively reported while using the dirt in front of them to do it with ease.

Ono however squawked in response. “And that one almost got me!”

Rarity was quick to pull out her magic to extinguish it like a hose. “But it didn’t for me!”

“Or me!” Pinkie happily reported while easily being around in a Rainbow Dash like fashion in snuffing every fire bomb that tried to hit the ground every split second they appeared.

“Or me!” Starlight also reported while trying to get a good look out for anymore fire bombs from the sky along with Rainbow Dash who is high up in the sky trying to spot out the culprits responsible for this.

Back with the giraffes, Applejack, Fuli, and Fluttershy were to assure them they have them where they want them to be now.

“Don't worry. You'll be safe here.” Fuli was the first to assure them.

While trying to move her neck around she ended up hitting her head on the rock right above her. “OW...”

“Safe from the fire, at least.” Fluttershy apologetically added with a small smile.

“Which shouldn’t be long now.” Applejack added turning towards their grazing grounds hoping that’s the case.

Upon seeing the rest of the Guard approaching them, Fuli could definitely confirm it. “Right on cue!”

“All clear, Kion and Twilight!” Beshte happily reported. “Fire's out!”

“Okay, giraffes. You're good to go.” Twilight told them who are happy and glad that’s it all over.

“Ah! Thank goodness!” Twiga expressed in relief before leading her friends back to their peaceful lunch in their home.

After the giraffes had left, the team moved to discuss what had just happened back there.

“Scar's gotta be behind all this fire falling from the sky.” Kion expressed first.

“No question about that.” Applejack replied in agreement.

“But how's he doing it?” Beshte asked.

Kion moved to turn to the blue Pegasus. “Rainbow? Any ideas?”

Unfortunately, Rainbow herself didn’t have the solid answer to that. “I mean… we know who’s he’s put up to actually doing it, but the problem with that is that I haven’t been able to see Mzingo and his flock in the act of actually doing it today! Whenever I’ve been able to catch many of the fire bombs that tried to fall down to the ground whoever is doing it is just moving too fast for me to spot out.” Turning to the princess she wondered. “Would you call me crazy if I were to guess that Scar himself is actually starting the fires himself now?”

“No.” Twilight shook her head. “And knowing that he knows that we’re now investigating these fires means he’s deciding that this is something he wants to deal with himself given he actually does have the power to get around in a flash, literally.”

“Would make sense given that he took a more active role in the fight by getting us to split up in order to keep you all distracted from his true targets.” Starlight chimed in having had past experience of servitude to Scar. “I guess the question now is, how do we deal with him this time?”

“Simple.” Twilight replied while looking towards her friends Kion and Rainbow. “We’re going to try to stay on top of him by catching him in the act of doing it.”

Rainbow was quick to support that idea if that means getting a chance to throw down with Scar himself. “Aw, yeah! Count me in!”

Kion himself agreed to the idea since the Fall of Mizimu Grove along with the desire to beat him still fresh on his mind. “Sounds like a plan!”

“And now's your chance to act on. Look!” Applejack directed the three’s attention to more fire bombs falling down from the sky. “They're falling over Chakula Plains!”

“You both ready?” Twilight asked of both Kion and Rainbow as she spread out her wings ready for take off.

“I am! But first…” Rainbow moved to put on goggles while handing both leaders of the Guard goggles to wear so they can see through the smoke. “...now we’re ready!”

“Ready when you are!”

“Here we go!” Flying off ahead at top speed, the princess took to the skies with both Kion and Rainbow flying beside her.

“And we're back on fire patrol!” Fuli stated before leading everyone on over there. “Chakula Plains! Fast!”

In the skies, the lead trio flew higher and higher while moving above the clouds.

Upon spotting the culprit dropping the fire bombs himself, Twilight herself conjured a powerful blast of magic in his direction. But upon the blast itself powering through, the culprit showed no signs of being attacked as if he vanished into thin air. Twilight was left confused of where he went until being suddenly struck by her attacker with a counter attack of magic himself.

Seeing this sparked an angered growl from Kion who wasted no time in sending multiple blasts of magic in the direction of where the attacker’s last blast came from. But no matter the intensity and range of his attacks he couldn’t connect, at least until one shot he made was actually grabbed by the attacker who proceeded to send it right back at him following by a powerful punch to knock him out of the skies.

“All right!” Rainbow growled. “No more messing around, Scar!” She then proceeded to fly up into the smoke to conjure it all up into a tornado before swirling it up into a great big bowling ball shape.

She then proceeded to spot out Scar himself before using her super speed to instantly charge at him while riding on said bowling ball of smoke to give herself a speed boost. Upon getting close to the half lion/alicorn who still stood his ground she prepared another super powered punch ready to knock his teeth out…

...at least before finding herself halted with a well-timed grab to the neck while the smoke just rolled right by him.

Smirking he whispered to the pony in a taunting manner. “You’re going have to be quicker than that next time, Lightning!” He then proceeded whisk up the smoke cover before spinning the pony around like a yo-yo before sending the pony flying and screaming away. Turning back to the others he was quick to gloat to them. “You’ll have to try harder than next time, Kion and Twilight. That is assuming you can actually see me this time!” He then chuckled before disappearing all together in a flash before either one of them could do anything about it.

But with their friend on the very verge of flying into the trees, Twilight was quick to teleport herself and Kion over there before conjuring a magic bubble for her to safely land in.

“Phew! Thanks, Twilight!”

“No problem, Rainbow Dash!”

Kion then groaned in frustration. “But Scar still got away with it again.”

“I know.” Twilight sighed understanding why. “But he’s not causing anymore trouble for now. In the meantime, let’s regroup with the others and see if they managed to deal with the fires that managed to make their way down here.”

“Okay.”

At the same time, the rest of the Guard had managed fairly well on their own just having dealt with the last of the fires that managed rage in the area.

“There. That's the last one!”

“All fires here are all out!”

Both Bunga and Pinkie happily reported.

“Till the next one.” Fluttershy shuddered knowing that this will happen again and again until they either emerge victorious or concede in defeat.

By then the rest of their friends managed to find them all while heavily panting.

“Kion?!”

“Twilight?!”

“Rainbow?!”

“Are you all okay?!”

Fuli, Rarity, Applejack, and Starlight all asked in worry and concern.

“Good news, it is Scar that is really behind them himself…” Twilight began first.

“...but the bad news, he’s really skilled at using the power of fire along with it’s resources around him to his advantage…” Kion added.

“...and is making it really hard for us to properly breath, see, and be able to fight back.”

“In other words you all got smoked this time?” Kyoga asked.

“Yes.”

“I wish I could have been able to join you all…” Ono expressed wishing there was a way to help them. “...but I can only fly so high along with the other egrets. The air up at point is just too thin for me to breath through.”

“It's okay, Ono.” Kion assured it’s no big deal. “I know you’re doing your best as is.”

“Anybody or anypony got any ideas of how can we deal this threat without losing anymore territory to Scar?” Kyoga asked of the others.

“Like another pair of eyes that can help Twilight, Kion, and Rainbow navigate through the smoke and actually spot out Scar so they can actually stand a chance against him in a fight.” Starlight also added and suggested. “Hopefully one that is willing to help us even with all things considerd.”

Beshte thought about it before actually speaking up of an idea of who they can turn too. “Hey, wait. I know somebody who can fly really high. Her name's Anga.”

“I don’t think I’ve heard of her up until now.” Fluttershy spoke feeling intrigued. “What kind of bird is she?”

“Anga's a martial eagle!”

“A martial eagle! I think I did my research on them once!” She said her heart fluttering with excitement at being able to meet one.

Ono himself chimed in with his knowledge about them. “Indeed. Oh, they're amazing flyers. And they do fly high. Very high! Common knowledge, really.”

“You think she'd help us?” Kion asked Beshte.

“I think so. I don't know her that well. She doesn't talk much.”

“That’s okay.” Twilight replied taking no issue with it. “I’m sure we can work with that. Nothing unusual I can say for a fact.”

“True.” Kyoga acknowledged while turning to Fluttershy who is not much of a talker herself. “True. At least when you’re not in one of those moods of yours.”

“My moods?”

“Nothing personal it’s just…” Kyoga continued with the right words in mind to describe it. “...you’ve had some moments where you speak little to none at times yourself, and that’s only because something’s really getting to you.”

“That is true, darling.” Rarity noted. “Considering the time you were mad at us for the whole Canterlot Wedding debacle. The time when Discord managed to have fun with everyone expect you. And the time when you came across your…” She cleared her throat. “...ex-colt friend of yours.”

Fluttershy then chimed in with this to say. “What she means to say it’s just a little unsettling whenever you speak little to none at times. You know, because it’s so unlike you to be so out of sorts for whatever is truly upsetting you.”

“Okay, fair enough.” Twilight accepted and understood where her friends are getting at. “But still, maybe that how Anga likes to communicate with one another. Short, simple, and sweet to the point.” She quickly added to Pinkie. “No actual sweets involved.”

“Aww! Bumper!” She pouted.

“So enough said, it still doesn’t hurt to try to reach out to her. Especially when we still need a pair of eyes to help guide us in our next fight against Scar.”

“Well then what else are we waiting for?” Applejack then asked. “Let's go ask her!”

“Let’s!” Kion couldn’t agree more with wanting to do so right away.

Upon following Beshte, the Lion and Pony Guard all came across where said eagle is flying around.

“Anga? Anga?” Beshte called out upon seeing she’s not around. “Huh. I don't see her. But I'm pretty sure she lives in one of these trees…”

“Maybe she’s around.” Rarity suggested. “Up in the skies.”

Bunga and Pinkie quickly took a look upwards and saw something flying in the sky.

“Hey! What's that up there? Another fire stick?”

“Or is that the bird you were just talking about?”

“Let’s see…” Rainbow and Ono flew up a little to get a good look from afar. “...Thankfully, no.”

“It's a martial eagle.”

“That must be Anga.” Beshte recognized before calling out to her loudly. “Hey! Anga! Down here!”

Immediately the eagle was quick to answer his call. “Anga Lenga!” She moved to fly down towards them.

“Cool catch phrase.” Rainbow complimented.

“She's coming down pretty fast.” Fuli first noted upon seeing her really coming right at them.

“And right at us!” Ono exclaimed in alarm upon seeing the speed is she flying with.

“You do something to make her mad?” Bunga asked his hippo friend.

“Me?”

“Since when has Beshte ever angered someone?” Twilight asked with a skeptical brow in the honey badger’s direction.

“Um...good point. You got me there.”

“Regardless of what she’s thinking, I don't think she's gonna stop!” Fluttershy also expressed in worry.

“Hevi kabisa!” Kion exclaimed upon seeing that she is not slowing down in her descent. “Everyone, duck!”

Everyone all proceeded to either run to the aside and or duck out of the way, expect for Pinkie who still looked on in confusion. “But that’s an eagle not a duck!” She is quickly pulled down by Rarity once more just before Anga could make contact with her. Upon reaching the ground she ended up landing gracefully.

“Hi!” She politely greeted everyone who all looked up at the bird herself.

“Whoa!” Bunga was the first to break their silence. “That landing was un-Bunga-lievable!”

“Well timed I will say!” Twilight admitted.

“I agree. For once.” Ono also admitted.

“It sure is quite a greeting there.” Starlight commented herself.

“So quick and graceful in an instant.” Rarity also complimented. “Much more so than Rainbow Dash coming in for a landing like that.” That comment earned her a frown and glare from said pony. “What? It’s true. Remember the trips to the hospital you made because of earlier incidents when you did something similar?”

“Touche.” Rainbow admitted. “But still I will admit that was better than what I could have done I your position.”

With the compliments and praise of her landing out of the way Beshte moved to introduce his friends to her. ““Hey, Anga! I want you to meet Kion, Twilight, and the...

Anga was quick to cut him off mid-sentence to finish what he was going to say. “Lion and Pony Guard. I know who you are.”

“Okay…” Rarity returned rather taken aback a little by the manner she said so. “...you at least could have let him finish his sentence there because that was a little rude, don’t you think?”

Anga however still looked on stoically in response. “Nope.”

“Well…” Rarity huffed in response to which Twilight was quick to place a calming hoof on her shoulder.

“Easy there, Rarity. We can work on that later.” She assured before turning back to the eagle in question. “So you’ve heard about us, huh?”

“Yep.”

“'Course you do!” Bunga then proudly boasted. “We are the Protectors of the Pride Lands and Equestria. Defenders of the Circle of Life? “Uh…” Then he got confused before turning to the others. “...Aren't we?”

Fuli was quick to state it is indeed a fact, a very obvious fact that he’s been aware of for years now with a smirk. “Of course, we are. But if you knew who we are, why'd you buzz us like that?”

“Yes, very good question, Fuli.” Rarity once more irritably asked while having to be restrained by the princess. “Why did you buzz us like that?”

“Rarity!” Twilight scolded.

Anga however replied with the same expression as before while shrugging. “That's how I land.”

Rarity was about to open her mouth again with more furious words to say to her about that, before finding herself fully restrained by a very strong and firm hoof from the purple alicorn. “Rarity, be polite!” She ordered in a hushed whisper and gritted teeth. “We have more important things to worry about right now!” Now speaking calm and friendly she then smiled as she moved to properly speak to the eagle in question. “So, Anga. It’s really great to meet you, and I know this is quite a big ask but we were wondering and hoping if you could do us a huge favor.”

Kion then chimed in with said favor in mind. “We need someone who can fly really, really high and be able to see very clearly. Like you.”

Anga didn’t quickly respond still looking on with the same expression which sparked some uncertainty among most of the team.

“Sure seems like you're the right bird for the job.” Beshte then said in an effort to get her to speak.

“Did we mention it's a job with the Lion and Pony Guard?” Bunga also added.

“Something that anybody and anypony would kill for nowadays.” Rainbow also added before quickly throwing in. “Not literally, of course.”

“Of course, you don’t.” Starlight returned and quipped.

Anga still said nothing in response with the sane neutral expression.

“Let me talk to her, bird to bird.” Ono asked of the leaders before moving to do just that. “Anga, you would really be helping us out…”

“I'm in.” Anga quickly and finally answered before flying off into the sky.

“But you're the only one who can…” At that moment he realized what her answer really was. “Wait, did she just say she'd do it?” He asked the others.

“Sounds like it.” Fuli replied to confirm it.

“Yep.” Kion also nodded.

“Sure does have quite a weird way of showing it.” Rarity remarked with a scoff.

“I heard that.” Anga returned without a hint of annoyance or anger while returning to regroup with the others with Rarity briefly taken aback by her sudden reply. “So? When do we start?”

Both Ono and Rainbow looked up in the skies and managed to spot out another attack up ahead.

“Hapana! More fire sticks!”

“Falling over Embamba Canyon!”

“Then we start now! Let's go!” Kion stated with fierce determination to be ready to stop Scar this time.

“Kion, Rainbow, Ono, Anga, with me on pursing the source of those fire sticks are coming from! The rest of you put out the fires!” Twilight then commanded of everyone. “Now let’s go...Oh!” Anga already took off to the skies. “Okay. Great!”

“Still rude if you ask me…” Rarity whispered to the others.

“I heard that!” Anga’s voice called out in response which took her by surprise again.

“Seriously?! You can hear me from up there?!”

“Yep.”

“Maybe you should just stop talking smack about her.” Rarity advised to the white unicorn in a whisper.

“Good idea!”

The team split up to do as they were told with the fliers accompanying Anga after a quick catch up.

“They're coming from up there!” Ono informed while trying his hardest to keep pace with the others once he reaches higher ground. “Getting... Hard to breathe. Can’t go any higher.”

“Save your breath, Ono. I got this.” Anga assured before taking off ahead. “Anga Lenga!”

“Hang on!” Twilight also assured before working her magic to give Ono the ability to breath while flying higher. “Can you breath now?”

Ono moved to keep flying while finding he is indeed having an easier time breathing and flying now. “Affirmative. And thanks a bunch!”

"You're welcome! Now let’s go!”

“After her!”

Up ahead, Anga managed to catch one of the fire sticks with ease before using her keen sight to zero in on the true culprits. And this time, it wasn’t Scar.

“Hmm…” She uttered before catching her target. “Vultures? Those bone pickers! Anga Lenga!” Anga moved to fly after them herself.

“Huh?”

“What?”

“Hapana!”

The three other fliers uttered in surprise at what they saw too.

“It’s not Scar this time.”

“It’s Mzingo and his flock.”

“But how and why?”

“I don’t know.” Twilight was quick to take lead in flying after Anga. “But we better catch up to her before and in case Scar decides to show up again.”

“Good idea!”

“Let’s!”

It wasn’t long when Mzingo who had just dropped another fire stick managed to catch sight of what’s in their rear view mirror. “Oh, dear. Seems we've been spotted. By an eagle, no less.”

“Should we break off the attack?” Mwoga asked.

“Not without putting it to a vote.” He firmly replied just when the flock unwisely decided now is good time to stop and group up together.

“Oi! She's getting closer! And she’s got company! Lion and Pony Guard company!”

“Ah.” Mzingo calmly responded. “Then I propose we break off the attack and reconvene somewhere safe to discuss whether or not, we should break off the attack! All in favor?”

“Aye!”

By the time they all got retreating to the Outlands, Anga had narrowly managed to catch their leader who gasped at the near miss. Upon getting going, they were able to escape her with the others managing to quickly catch them.

“It’s okay, Anga. Let them go.”

“They’re no longer in our territory.”

Upon seeing the eagle’s frustration Rainbow further reassured. “It’ll be okay, Anga. We’ll get them next time.”

“Now come on, let’s go back and report to the others.” Ono then advised.

“Fine.” Anga relented while still having this to say. “They're lucky they’re no longer in the Pride Lands.”

“I know it’s tough, but it is for the best.” Kion said in an effort to help assure Anga that neither Scar nor his cronies are going to get away with it.

“Least you want to encounter an even bigger bird too much for you to handle.” Twilight added before leading the way back to where the rest of the Guard currently is. “Come on!”

Upon arriving at Emababa Canyons the four fliers landed before their friends who are all putting out the last of the fires.

“Everyone! Everyone! We figured it out!” Ono quickly informed everyone.

“Mmm?” Anga returned with a look to which had the egret quickly realizing his mistake.

“Or Anga figured it out, really. Uh, Anga? You want to tell them?”

Anga proceeded to toss over the fire stick she caught before explaining. “It's the vultures. They're the ones dropping the fire sticks.”

“Vultures?”

“That's why we couldn't spot them initially. Vultures can fly very, very high. Common knowledge, really.”

“And knowing Scar, he must’ve put them up to it this time around. He’s pulling the old shuffleboard move on us again.” Twilight added with a grim tone of voice.

“Well, it ends now.” Kion vowed with a serious expression and determination drive in his blood. “Now we know what we're up against. Thanks, Anga. We're not going to let Scar's vultures control the Pride Lands' skies.”

“That's right! Let me at them vultures!” Bunga said with raised fists ready to do some punching. For added humor, Pinkie quickly pulled out boxing gloves from out of nowhere for him and herself to use.

“Yeah! Let me at them! Let me at them!” She even remembered to propel herself upwards before being quick stopped when Twilight conquered a shield to bring her back to reality.

“Bunga, you can't fly.” Fuli reminded.

“And with a 50/50 chance of running into Scar again, that’s a risk we don’t need to take.” Twilight added to further back up that point.

But even still Bunga felt it was doable. “So? Anga or any one of you with wings and magic can carry me up. Then I'll send those vultures flyin'!” Turning to Anga. “Give me a lift?” Anga still looked on blankly and with a raised eyebrow as if he is crazy. “Is that a yes? No?” Turning to the others. “How about you, Twilight? Kion? Kyoga? Rainbow? Fluttershy?” None of them moved to allow him to hitch a ride on their backs.

“You know…” Kion spoke upon getting an idea out of what his friend said. “Bunga's right.”

“I am?” Bunga returned surprised himself.

“He is?” Fuli and Rarity both asked together

“Beg your pardon?” Applejack asked as if he is talking crazy there.

“Yeah, what she said!” Rainbow said in agreement.

“Yeah.” Kion confirmed with a smile before elaborating it. “If we're gonna fight the vultures, we need sky power.”

“Hear that? Let's go, Anga! Zuka…” Bunga moved to hop on Anga’s back before falling to the ground instead due to the annoyed bird moving out of the way. “Zama…”

“Not like that, Bunga.” Kion shook his head. “What we need are birds. And lots of them.”

Ono already liked the idea. “Yes! That could totally work! The trick is getting all of the birds to come together!”

“Yeah. Birds can be kind of flighty.” Bunga then quipped while flapping his arms. “Get it? Birds? They fly…” The others looked on with either dull and or annoyed expressions in response.

“I get it!” Pinkie happily giggled. “That was good.”

“Yeah...no.” Kyoga quickly shut down while shaking her head

“Anyways…” Fluttershy continued with said subject at hoof that needs to be addressed. “...anybody we know that can help us assemble a squadron of birds as soon as possible?”

Thankfully it only took a second for Ono to come with someone they know that can help. “Oh! I know! Hadithi!”

Hearing his name sparked a big smile on her face and got her wings spread out with eager glee. “Hadithi?” She then quickly composed herself upon realizing what she just said and did. “Interesting.”

“Ooh!” Pinkie giggled along with Rarity. “That got a smile from her!”

“No question about that, darling.” Rarity also giggled with mischievous intent. “Smoochy. Smoochy. Someone’s in love.” Said eagle glared at her in response which got her to shut up.

The idea itself proved worthy of a stamp of approval from the leaders of the Guard.

“Great idea, Ono.”

“Wherever Hadithi goes, birds follow.”

“Last I heard, Hadithi was hanging out near the Urembo River.” Beshte recalled.

“Okay. Ono, go ask Hadithi if he'd be willing to help.”

“Rainbow, go with him too. Just in case any balloons get overflated.”

“On it.”

“Can do.”

Before flying off ahead the Guard’s Keenest of Sight called out to Anga. “Thanks for your help, Anga. Nice meeting you.”

Anga however still fluttered inside about him was quick to be vocal about it. “I could come too! To find Hadithi. Or... Whatever.” She said with her stoic mask slipping a little.

Both fliers didn’t mind the company and were quick to accept her to tag along.

“Sure. Come on!”

“The more the merrier!”

“Fantastic!”

Once the three had left, both Pinkie and Rarity were giggling like gossip hens already cracking up at seeing Anga smile for the first time and is crushing over Hadithi himself.

Upon taking to the skies once more Ono along with Rainbow were able to make some small talk with Anga along the way.

“You martial eagles sure fly high.” Ono began.

“We do.”

“And you're a very impressive flyer, Anga.” Rainbow added.

“Thanks.”

“I wish I could do that fast swoop and sudden stop like you.”

“Me too. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about crashing into anyone again.”

“You do?” Anga asked now surprised by the duo’s wishes. “But you're Ono. Keenest of sight. And you’re Rainbow Dash, the Fastest known for great Loyalty towards other. You're really special! You both are! Any eagle can swoop and stop.”

“Oh, not just any eagle.”

“And it’s not a easy find and skill to master when you have super speed like mine.”

“Well, it's pretty easy. Come on, I'll show you!”

Along the flight over, Anga moved to show the two what she means by what she said through song to which the other two moved to join in themselves while passing by Ma Tembo and Twiga's herds and later a turaco nest along the way.In addition they soared through the skies and nearby canyons while pickig up what even the smallest ants are doing from afar with a combination of super speed and keen sight.

By the time the song ended, Anga was the first to spot their destination. “There's the Urembo River…”

Ono gasped upon seeing who they sought out. “And there's Hadithi!”

“Down on the tree talking to some fellow birds right now.” Rainbow added before moving to fly on down there.

“...and then I rescued the klipspringers from the hyenas.” Hadithi spoke to said birds who are all in awe with what they are telling him.

“Ooh!”

“Oh. I hope he's not back to taking credit for things he didn't do.”

“I hope not. If otherwise.” Rainbow pounded her fists together. “He’ll have to answer to me!”

No sooner that she said it they ended up hearing Hadithi continue on with his story telling. “Which I never could have done without Ono of the Lion Guard showing me how to be a real hero along with Rainbow Dash of the Pony Guard showing me how to be a loyal friend along the way.”

“Oh!”

“Huh! What do ya know?”

“Looks like that lesson of humility and bravery is truly sticking after all.”

“Come on, Anga. Let us introduce you!”

Upon flying onto the branch Hadithi is standing on, the latter was quick to happily eager greet them. “Ono! Rainbow! I was just telling these fine birds about our adventures. Everyone, meet Ono! Hero of the Pride Lands! Along with Rainbow Dash! Hero of the Pride Lands!”

“Ono. Rainbow.”

“Of the Lion and Pony Guard. Wow!”

“Yeah! Yeah! I know! We get that a lot here!” Rainbow proudly returned while doing some poses to show off to the group.

Ono on the other wing greeted them humbly. “Uh, hi, everybody. Um, Hadithi, this is our friend Anga.”

“Well, any friend of Ono and Rainbow's is a friend of mine.” Hadithi returned while ready to greet said friend of theirs. “What do you say, Anga?”

Anga for once nervously stammered a little instead of completely regaining her composure like before. “Uh... Um…” Then she broke out a huge smile with a fan girl tone and posture. “You're Hadithi!”

“Indeed, I am.”

“Wow!” Rainbow chuckled in delighted surprise. “Didn’t realize you’re one of those fan girls?”

But at this point Anga didn’t care complete being willing to sing his jingle. “He's Hadithi! Hadithi the hero! Hadithi the Hero! wherever he goes!”

“Yes. That's me.” Getting down to business the now noble bird moved to ask of the Lion and Pony Guard members. “So to what do I owe this honor, old friends?”

Both Ono and Rainbow upon getting serious were quick to cut to the chase of why they have sought him out now of all times.

“The Lion and Pony Guard needs you, Hadithi.”

“Actually, all the Pride Lands and Equestria need you.”

“Me?” Hadithi returned in surprise. “Why would the Pride Lands and Equestria need me?”

“Because…” Rainbow spoke up. “...the Lion and Pony Guard needs extra assistance in helping stop a very serious threat to our kingdoms. And you’re the bird for the job.”

“Not only that but you're Hadithi!” Anga excitedly reminded before covering her mouth with her wings in embarrassment.

“Ah. Well yes, of course.” Even that was enough to convince him and the birds to follow Ono and Rainbow’s lead. “Well, then. Let's be off.”

While everyone else takes off, Anga briefly chastised herself for letting her emotions get the better of her. “"You're Hadithi." What was I thinking?”

“It’s okay.” Rainbow quickly popped by to assure it’s no big deal. “Tends to happen to those who are in love and or crushing on someone.”

“Love? Crush?” Anga briefly blushed pink cheeks in response. “I don’t know what you mean by that.”

“Of course you do! But we can talk about that more later, okay.” Rainbow then flew off ahead to keep up with the others. “But for now, let’s go!”

Meanwhile in the Outlands Volcano, Mzingo and his flock are all gathered inside appearing before Scar in his fiery form as the latter shows them the flock of birds Ono and Rainbow have managed to recruit.

“So sire…” Mzingo spoke up. “...how do you propose you want to handle this?”

“A very valid question, Mzingo. A very valid question, indeed.” Scar returned as he adopted his calculating expression as he formulates a way to deal with this himself. “With the Lion and Pony Guard onto the source of the fires responsible for some of the destruction in the Pride Lands we need to be smart about this. So, we’ll do it in a way that they can’t be all together to stop us in the act.”

“And that is…” Mwoga asked.

“...and by that I mean you will take your flock to Maumivu Thorn Patch and set a fire there. Once the fire touches those dry thorns there will be no way anybody from the Guard can stop it before it spreads everywhere at a very rapid pace.”

“Oh! I do love the smell of a good roast!” Another vulture spoke already liking the idea himself. But then he remembered something. “But what about both the alicorn prince and princess? Surely they have the power to end it in an instant and stop what we’re doing.”

“Even though I find your behavior frustrating at times…” Mzingo spoke before conceding to his point. “...I have to admit you make a good point there. With both Prince Kion and Princess Twilight around you’ll find your chances of causing that to happen go from a hundred to zero…” He snaps his talons to make a fingersnap sound. “...just like that.”

“Correction.” Scar spoke still certain about this plan. “They won’t be around to stop you, they’ll be trying to stop me while I divert them away from you all. While I take care of them both, you all take care of the fire. Does that make sense to you all?”

“Yes, Scar.” Mzingo answered on behalf of his team. “It does. Definitely so.”

“Good.” Scar smiled with satisfaction before making sticks with fire on them appear and standing right in front of them in a perfectly straight line. “Then proceed with the plan. Like before, Divide and Conquer!” He proceeded to laugh manically and evilly as the vultures pick up their torches one by one as they all gear themselves up for their next big battle.

In another part of the Pride Lands, Bunga has climbed up a nearby tree in an effort to spot them out alongside Twilight and Fluttershy who are all expecting them. And upon appearing on the horizon they were indeed able to spot them.

“I think that's them!” Fluttershy spoke first.

“Yep! They got Hadithi!” Bunga confirmed before moving to climb down the tree.

“Think we should tell all the birds about Hadithi?” Beshte asked the others.

To answer that question, Fuli founds herself greeted and surrounded by the flock accompanying Hadithi, Ono, and Rainbow Dash with two birds actually sitting on her head much to her annoyance. “I think they figured it out.”

“Aw, they really love you, Fuli.” Fluttershy giggled while every gathers in from of the long rock where the birds in charge moved to stand tall in front of everyone.

“Thanks for coming, Hadithi.” Twilight first thanked upon standing up on the rock alongside him and Kion.

“Yeah, it really means a lot to us” Now speaking louder upon being disturbed by the constant squawking and chirping from the other birds. “Uh, everyone?” He then tried speaking louder. “Everyone... Please listen!” But even still the birds still kept chirping and Fuli looks on still sporting the same annoyed expression.

Thankfully, Hadithi was able to get their attention by pulling his wing, which got them all to instantly stop chirping. “My fellow birds. It's good to see you all again.”

“We missed you, Hadithi!” One male duck happily returned.

“And I missed each and every one of you.” When the birds moved to resume chirping loudly again, Hadithi raised his wing to signal them to stop again. “But, I believe Kion and Twilight have something important to tell us.” He moved to step aside to allow them to speak to the crowd.

“We've recently learned that the fire sticks falling on the Pride Lands are coming from the vultures.” The birds all gasped upon hearing this.

“Not only that Scar himself is personally leading the attack!” The birds further gasped in horror upon hearing his very name. “Yes, I know. It’s a very scary thing we’re dealing with here. But you don’t have to worry as long we have your backs as much as you have our backs.”

“And that's why we've asked all of you here.” Kion added. “To help us stand our ground against Scar and the Outsiders.”

Hadithi further backed them up with this to say. “The Lion and Pony Guard has shown great bravery protecting you, especially on the ground. But now we need to control the skies. The Outlanders want to scare us. But I won't let that happen. Together we'll teach them not to mess with the birds of the Pride Lands!” Hearing his confidence and praise had all of the birds all on board.

“Are they cheering?” Bunga asked the others in confusion. “I don't talk bird.”

“I do.” Fluttershy confirmed with a smile. “And despite admitting that they are all scared of Scar and his cronies, they are all more than willing to brave the danger he poses over our heads.”

“Oh! Okay! Great!”

“Excellent!” Applejack smiled. “Glad to see you all are on board with us here! And I can’t wait to get started with you ya’ll.”

No sooner than she said it Ono along with Rainbow were the first to spot something amiss up ahead when they turned their backs from the others.

“Wait a tick…” Ono uttered while scanning what’s afar in his sights. “Anga? You see what I see?”

Anga used her keen sight to get a good look at what Ono spotted from afar. “Smoke trails.”

“And you know what that means!”

“Scar and the vultures are making their next move!” Rainbow growled with a frown. “Which means it’s now time to act against them!”

“So will you join me?” Hadithi asked each and everyone of his followers. “Are we together?”

“Vultures!” Rainbow quickly exclaimed and reported which got everyone’s attention.

“And it looks they're headed for the Maumivu Thorn Patch!” Ono further informed everyone.

“Those thorn bushes are so dried out they'll catch fire right away.” Kion noted and realized.

“And with all the sharp thorns? Once the fire's started, we'll never be able to put it out!” Fuli also added in worry.

Hearing this sparked the princess’s alicorn’s wings to spread out ready for another fight. “Hadithi, Rainbow, Ono! Don't let the vultures make it to the thorn patch.” Turning to the other leader along with her student. “Kion! Starlight! You ready for another rematch with Scar?”

Kion spread his wings out and sparked up the magic on his horn. “Ready!”

“Ready as always!” Starlight stated with a determined expression and flaring horn.

“Then let’s move out, everyone! On the double!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“Affirmative!”

With a swift teleportation spell both the prince and princess instantly disappeared and then reappeared to wherever Scar is up high in the skies.

With their orders, Hadithi lead the charge. “Birds of the Pride Lands!” He briefly stopped himself when he thought of what he just said. “No, that doesn't sound right. Hadithi's High Flying Heroes!” That was more to his liking. “Follow me! Together, we will protect the skies of the Pride Lands!” Under his lead and command the birds all followed after him ready to take on the vultures.

“What I wouldn't give to be a bird right now.”

“Me too!”

Both Bunga and Pinkie wished and shared together.

“We can think more about what wishes we want in life later.” Kyoga spoke up and reminded the two out of their fantasy thoughts. “We still have plenty of work, to do down here, Bunga, Pinkie. Maumivu Thorn Patch! Let's go!”

Upon reaching the skies, Ono and Rainbow took charge in giving the birds directions on where to go.

“There!”

“Aim for the smoke trails!”

“All right, everyone. This is it.” Hadithi informed the others. “Let's stop them.”

“Hmm.” Anga however had a thought occur when she used her keen sight to pick up on the incoming vultures. “If we can see them coming... They can probably see us…” Upon seeing the sun above her, she smirked upon getting an idea to act upon.

Upon making their way to their destination, Mzingo spoke up to give his flock instructions on what their next mission is. “Remember, everyone, Scar wants this fire at Maumivu Thorn Patch. So don't drop your fire before then! Is that clear, Mwoga?” He added with a stern expression towards said vulture who looked on seeing another potential problem up ahead.

“Uh, yeah, Mzingo. But look!”

“Oh, dear.” Mzingo realized when he saw the flock of birds along with Rainbow Dash coming right at them. “Quite a few Pride Land birds coming right towards us. Not to mention the Pony Guard’s Fastest flying right alongside them.”

“What do we do?”

“What we always do.” He simply replied. “Fly higher then they can! Emergency resolution to gain altitude. Those in favor?”

“Aye!”

All of the vultures moved to do just that.

“Everyone! They're trying to fly above us!” Ono reported to the others.

“Not a problem!” Rainbow returned before going after them herself at top speed at a different angle.

Mzingo chuckled at the sight that he is seeing. “I do so enjoy looking down on Pride Landers and Equestrians.”

But said smug satisfaction was short lived when he and his flock found themselves in for a big surprise from both up high and down low.

“Then I bet you enjoy the feel of lightning!”

“Anga Lenga!”

Said surprise attack caught them off guard and kept the flock from gainer higher ground over their opponents.

“Was that your little friend?” Hadithi asked Ono.

“Little? No! Friend? Yes!”

“Indeed.” Hadithi then commanded of the birds. “High Flying Heroes! Engage!”

As the birds move to do so, most of the Lion and Pony Guard have managed arrive near the thorn bushes.

“Whoa! Look at 'em go!”

“I know! They’re all over them!”

Bunga and Pinkie happily shared.

“Which means a much fairer fight with them varmits this time around.” Applejack added now ready for that fight with her lasso at the ready.

“And here come the fire sticks!” Kyoga added upon seeing the first of many come headed their way.

Already Beshte was on it. “I got 'em, Kion. Twende Kiboko!” Just when the sticks landed Beshte was quick to kick dirt over them to keep them from growing the second they landed.

“Nice!” Fuli complimented.

“Way to go, Big B!” Bunga also complimented before spotting another one coming. “Uh-oh.”

“Another fire bomb at 11:00 or 10:00 I should say!” Pinkie reported.

“Roger that!” He quickly hopped on Beshte for a leap and then performed a spinning maneuver to catch it in mid-air before snuffing it out by stuffing it in the dirt upon landing.

“Great work.” Kyoga complimented. “Let's keep it up!”

Elsewhere in the skies, Scar himself was laying down the fire on the dry grass down below with nothing more than the power of conquering fire from his fiery paws. Said fires were enough to scare the nearby giraffes once more into fleeing.

"It's Scar! Run for it!" Twiga commanded of her herd before leading the way away from the evil lion himself.

Scar himself chuckled at the very sight. "Oh, how do I just love the smell of fear!"

"Then I hope you love the smell of defeat because that's what's going to happen next if you don't stop now, Scar!" Twilight's voice sternly said to him from behind with Kion by her side and Starlight following after them.

"So stay away from the giraffes and stand down now!" Kion then demanded of his great uncle.

"It's over." Starlight added ready for a fight if he doesn't obey the leaders of the Lion and Pony Guard.

Even still he continued to smirk while turning to face them. "Quite the opposite, things are just getting started and I'm not going anywhere until I set out to get what I want here." He then moved to charge his paws with fire as the others ready their horns charged with magic too. "You think you three have what it takes for another repeat performance like you two along with your other royal relatives did at Mizimu Grove?"

"What do you think, Scar?"

"Either way we're willing to take those odds?"

"So bring it on!"

"Very well. You all asked for it." Scar said before unleashing his fiery magic at them once more while creating the hard to see smoke all around them...

Back in the skies, Ono is taking on Mwoga by refusing to budge when he’s trying to get by. “Oi! Get out of me face!”

Upon seeing this Hadithi directed some available birds on over to the white egret currently in a deadlock battle. “Green Bee Eaters! Help Ono!”

Said birds chirped in response before moving to knock into the vulture causing him to drop his fire stick.

“Look what you made me do!” Mwoga groaned before being given a swift power kick by Rainbow Dash.

“Sorry, not sorry.” She then quickly gasped along with Ono upon seeing that fire stick is headed striaght for the thorn bushes.

“Hapana! Incoming!”

“Another one coming in at 4:00!”

“Got it!”

“Roger that!”

Both Bunga and Pinkie repeated before taking action with the latter giving the former the boost he needs to redirect it in time.

“Zuka Zama!” With a swift karate kick he was able to kick it into the dirt instead of the thorns where Rarity was quick to snuff it out with water she conquered up.

“Good form, darling. Your moves have improved I will say.” She complimented.

“Thanks!”

“Reconvene! Reconvene!” Mzingo quickly ordered of the flock before moving to retreat.

“Are they leaving? Did we win?” Hadithi asked both Ono and Rainbow who all managed to catch sight of it.

“I don't think so.”

“They're going back for more fire sticks.”

“Which means this battle is not over yet.”

Anga was quick to ensure they don’t get anymore ammo they can use against them by flying off ahead and after them. “We'll see about that.”

After Ono and Rainbow followed after her, Hadithi called out to the birds that just helped Ono minutes earlier. “Green bee eaters. Follow us.” Said birds willingly followed after him without question.

“Oh, dear.” Mzingo uttered with his worries further increased and now on edge than before. And those worries were justified when Anga and the Green Bee Eaters managed to subdue his fellow vultures flanking him. Not only that Ono, Hadithi, and Rainbow are all eyes directed at them ready to do the same to him. “Three against one? That's hardly fair.”

“Says the vulture who has no problem trying to take me and Fuli down only when we were worn out from running and flying?!” Rainbow scoffed before pulling ahead and yank him out of flight before flinging him away across the sky and into a neaby tree to crash head through a branch.

Elsewhere, Anga has proven to be a very capable bird in combat when she managed to subdue Mwoga by grabbing onto his leg and then flinged him into another vulture. “Hi-ya!”

“Whoa!” Both vultures screamed in pain when it happened.

Unfortunately for her she is blindsided when one of the other vultures nearby happened to play dirty by knocking down to the ground with her back turned putting her on a collision course down to the ground.

Ono just happened to nearby to witness it. “Hapana, Anga!” He moved to dive after her catching Hadithi’s attention as well. “Gotta dive faster! Just liked Anga showed me.” By folding in his wings for a faster descent he was able to catch up to Anga and managed to catch her. “I got you…”

“You got me? Who's got you?”

“Oh!” Ono groaned and strained as he tries and fails to keep himself and Anga from slowly falling to the ground. Luckily for him, someone else came to their rescue. “What?“

“I've got you both.” Hadithi assured having managed to catch them on his back.

But much like before, more vultures played dirty by bumping into the three birds causing Hadithi to crash downwards leaving both Ono to pull Anga’s weight himself.

“Hapana!”

“Oh, no!” Beshte gasped.

“Pull up! Pull up!” Bunga urged of the egret even though it’s a futile and losing struggle.

With her motherly instincts kicking in, Fluttershy swooped in the skies to catch the two with her hooves just managing to catch them in time. And with adrenaline still kicking in much like when playing buckball, she moved to fly up and catch Hadithi with her tail just before the same could happen to him too.

“Poa!”

“What a save!”

“No kidding!”

“Woo-hoo! Way to go Fluttershy!”

Beshte, Bunga, Fuli, and Pinkie all commented with the latter cheering for her.

“Phew.” Ono sighed in relief before turning to the eagle. “You okay, Anga?”

“Yeah, I am now. Thanks to one of your friends here.”

Fluttershy smiled sweetly in response. “Oh, don’t mention it. Saving and caring for animals is my specialty.”

“And that is something I am very grateful you have.” Anga complimented which got the Pegasus sporting pink cheeks in response.

“Same here.” Hadithi also commented despite feeling a twinge of pain in the wing he was hit on. “Thank you dear Fluttershy for saving us from those thorn bushes.”

Kyoga upon regrouping with them asked them if they’re all right. “Everyone okay?”

Anga regained her composure while separating herself from the others. “Fine. Just need a second.” She proceeds to do just that.

“I'm Hadithi. I'll be fine.” Said bird proudly boasted.

“But we still got those vultures still circling around the sky waiting for another opportunity to set this place on fire!” Applejack pointed upon seeing the vultures are now taking this moment to retrieve more fire sticks. “And it won’t be long until they’re back!”

Rarity sighed as they see how thin their options are now. “If only Kion and Twilight were here, they’d take care of this right away!”

“But they’re not here right now, they’re busy fighting off Scar right now.” Rainbow pointed out.

Fluttershy then asked. “What are we going do?”

“We gotta get back up there and stop those vultures.” Ono declared before spotting Hadithi struggling to maintain flight for a extended period of time. “Hadithi?”

“Oh, no. Please tell me that’s not what I think it is.” Rainbow pleaded.

Hadithi briefly gasped in pain while allowing himself to be caught by Fluttershy. “I’m sorry Rainbow, but I'm afraid I'm grounded for the moment. Those vultures laid some pretty nasty bruises on my wings.” Upon seeing this Kyoga quickly rushed to work her magic on the bird’s injuries.

“Oh! Dang it!”

“I wish Kion were here. He’d blast those vultures out of the sky.” Bunga expressed wondering how much longer is Scar planning on keeping him, Starlight, and Twilight at bay.

Kyoga shook her head against the idea. “Well even if he could, that wouldn’t do us any good.”

“How?”

“Use the Roar now and take out all the Pride Lands birds along with the vultures?” Fuli asked and reminded.

“Oh!” Bunga now realized. “Good point.”

“Not only that them vultures are too spread out.” Applejack added.

“But if the Pride Lands birds got the Vultures all in once place…” Ono then thought before turning to Rainbow Dash. “...then maybe you could perform one of your famous sky twisters to send them packing back to the Outlands!”

“Right! But we still need a new leader in place because I need all the time and focus and work up the energy to perform that maneuver!” Rainbow acknowledged and reminded.

Turning back to Hadithi and Kyoga. “How’s that wing coming along?”

“It’s getting better but it still needs a few more hours until he’s ready to start flying at full strength.”

“What!”

“Sorry.” Hadithi apologized not going to argue with her nor Fluttershy on it. “Even if I could fly right now, I'm not sure I'd be sky worthy to lead.”

Anga however knew someone that has potential to do the job himself. “You can lead them, Ono.”

That idea surprised Ono himself. “Me?” He then turned to the others to make sure she isn’t the only thing who thinks it’s a good idea.

“I think that’s a splendid idea!” Rarity voiced her approval first.

“Sounds good to me!” Applejack also liked the idea itself.

Ono still stammered at the proposal. “But...but...I mean...do I really have what it takes to do it?”

“Of course you do!” Rainbow quickly voiced her support. “As much as I see every Wonderbolt that has that spark in their eyes and you my friend have that in yours. That great sense of direction, the much needed confidence to lead, and knowing the right course of action with your current surroundings!”

Ono felt more confident than before hearing those inspiring words. “That is true. I do. That is if you really think so?”

“I know so. And I know you can do it even if you don’t think you’re ready.”

“And sometimes you have no choice, Ono. You just have to lead.” Hadithi added in agreement. “You just need to have faith in yourself to know what’s the next best course of action.”

Upon hearing what he needed to hear, Ono looked on with that very confidence of a leader. “Right. I'll do it.” He turned to the purple eagle with a condition to add to it. “But, Anga, I'll need your help.”

Anga was already more than ready to follow his lead. “You got it.”

The two birds along with Rainbow all took to the skies where the other birds are waiting for the vultures to return.

“Go get 'em, kids. I believe in you both.” Hadithi called out to them fully supportive and sure that they will succeed.

Hearing that sparked another smile in Anga’s heart and confidence. “Hadithi believes in me?”

“Better believe it!”

“120%!”

Both Rainbow and Ono stated before carrying this crucial mission together.

Elsewhere in the Pride Lands, the prince, princess, and protege are all braving the smokey area around them in their efforts to fight Scar. In order to do this they have donned flight goggles and had their heads covered with impenetrable bubbles to allow them to breath while avoiding inhaling the smoke around them. Thanks to being ready this time around they were able to put forward a better fight with their powerful opponent this time around.

At the same time Scar continued to use the ongoing fire and smoke around him to his advantage. With the magical powers backing him up along with the power of his wings he was able to spread it around him along with the giraffes grazing grounds like wildfire. That said he was equally on guard when he was able to multi-task by spending smoke and fiery magic right at them from each angles forcing each and every one of them to back off when they tried to get close to him. Even though none of them got struck yet unlike last time, they were able to keep the fire getting spreading more than it already has.

In an attempt to throw Scar off of his game, Starlight used the cover to create clones of herself and had them charge at Scar himself. Said strategy allowed Starlight to weave through the smoke so that when she managed to appear before Scar she was now in striking distance. Scar himself however, quickly moved to dodge the attempted strike, and managed to deliver a super powerful upper cut to the jaw. Said attack was so powerful that it knocked the magical bubble and goggles right off of her and completely knocked her out cold.

On instinct, Scar was able to teleport away before both Kion and Twilight could use the distraction to double team before moving forcing them to fly in opposite directions to avoid crashing into each other just a split second to spare. The two then had to skid downwards onto the ground creating a trench in their landing to avoid any injuries before the latter moved to whisk the knocked out unicorn from out under the smoke.

Upon ensuring she is safe and away from the fire and smoke, the two moved to try to challenge Scar again by trying to throw him off of his game. To do this, Kion moved to use his magic to whisk the smoke and fire away from the area around them getting his great uncle's attention.

Once all eyes were on him he moved to shoot it right at his face who likewise easily dispelled of it with a combined paw clasp before reigniting the flames and smoke around him. He then moved to engage against Kion with paw to paw combat which ended up with the younger lion swiped off his paws, caught by the back before being hoisted upwards into the air and then slammed down into the ground with a super powerful backhanded strike.

Instantly, Scar himself got drop kicked and then body slammed into the ground by Twilight herself before finding himself pinned down to the ground. "Still want to keep pushing your luck, Scar?"

In response Scar simply used beams from his eyes to blast the alicorn princess off of her before rounding enough with a powerful backhanded strike to send her crashing into a burning tree behind her. In addition he moved to create another magical dome over the giraffe's grazing grounds before using the smoke around him to shoot it right at his opponents before making his escape. But not with these last ominous words to them that echoed through the land around them.

"Not for now. But mark my words, Twilight, you, Kion, and all of your friends and family shall never see the light of another day for as long as you keep ensuring that I shall never be king. And that day will come soon for you all..."

While it wasn't exactly a repeat performance like back in Mizimu Grove, it was still enough to get Scar back off for now once the ongoing fires around them ceased to continue.

Starlight panted upon recovering. "And something I hope never comes."

"And as long as we can Scar on his toes that day will never come." Kion said in agreement upon groaning and shaking off the pain he endured along with Twilight.

"You said it." She alsoa agreed before leading the way back towards the others in flight. "Now let's go and see if the others have managed without us to help out."

"Let's."

Upon arriving at the sight of the birds all scattering around, chirping, and squawking amuck, Ono took charge to try to get their attention. “Everyone, everyone!” When that didn’t work, he cleared his throat for a more authoritative tone. “Listen to me.” Upon seeing that they are now all eyes and ears for what he has to say much to his and Anga’s delight, he then continued. “Here's the plan…”

From down below the rest of the team are already looking on feeling very proud of Ono themselves.

“He’s doing it!” Fluttershy spoke first already making her voice heard with a big wide smile.

“So powerful!” Pinkie briefly sniffed and cried.

By the time they were ready, the vultures have returned with more fire sticks handy.

“All right everyone! Get ready and reconvene!” Mzingo commanded ready for another attempt to set the Pride Lands ablaze.

But just when they arrived they found themselves in for a surprise themselves when the birds assembled together to circle around them.

“Ah, what now?” Mwoga asked while trying and failing to get around the birds surrounding them. Upon numerous spins and go arounds, he started to have his eyes spinning himself. “I'm gettin' dizzy.”

“I propose we fly higher.” Mzingo instructed to everyone who were all more than happy to follow his lead there.

“Aye!”

But Anga was once more a step ahead of them again, “Oh, no, you don't.” By maneuvering around them she managed to ensure that the vultures are all stuck together in one small circle.

“Pride Landers! Anga, clear out.” Ono ordered of them who all quickly did so. “All clear, Rainbow!”

“All right, vultures! Showtime!” By flying around and around as fast as she can around the vultures who can only scream and sport green faces as they are all circled around together. Rainbow then was able to create her super passionate rainbow twister that surrounded and hurling the whole flock away from the Pride Lands and into the Outlands.

Upon seeing they have won the battle, the birds all chirped with everyone else cheering victoriously upon stopping another potential threat to the Pride Lands with Rainbow and Ono high fiving each other in celebration together. With the threat taken care of they moved to regroup with Hadithi and most of the Lion and Pony Guard.

“I knew you could do it.” Hadithi complimented.

“Thanks, Hadithi.” Ono humbly returned. “That means a lot coming from you.”

“And that means a lot coming from you.” Hadithi returned in kind.

“Couldn’t have said it better myself.” Rainbow replied feeling proud yet humble about it at the same time.

By then Kion, Twilight, and Starlight have managed to return to where they are now.

“Hey, everyone!”

“We’re back!”

“How did it go?”

“It went amazing!” Rainbow happily and excitedly expressed to them.

“Oh, you should have seen it!” Pinkie happily chimed in before rapidly explaining everything. “The vultures were caught off guard thanks to the awesome teamwork of the birds with Hadithi leading them, and Ono managed to prove it just as much when he took command and lead them into surrounding the vultures long enough for Rainbow Dash to perform a super duper powerful twister to send the vultures flying back into the Outlands. Also, Anga really helped them out by flying higher than the vultures and getting the drop on them literally.” She giggled at that last part while some rolled their eyes in response.

“Well, that pretty much sums it up.” Starlight first spoke surprised yet impressed.

“It sure does.” Kion said in agreement before turning to Ono with a smile. “And I’m very proud of you, Ono. Your Keen Sight and training among the Wonderbolts has come a lone way.”

“We are all. For you are proving yourself a more and more capable protector of the realms with every passing day.” Twilight added with the same proud tone and expression to match Kion’s.

“And it’s nice to know that the vultures won’t be trying to set fire to the Pride Lands anytime soon.” Starlight then said feeling relieved for the time being.

“You can say that again!” Rainbow was quick to agree with her there. “Those vultures will think twice before coming back to the Pride Lands.

“And if they do come back, we'll be ready for them thanks to the birds of the Pride Lands.” Kion added feeling completely sure himself.

“Not only that in due time, the griffons will be ready should they ever try anything in Equestria.” Twilight also added with the events of the friendship summit and meetings with the griffons on the matter still fresh in her mind with the birds all chirping to vow their support and willingness to work with them going forward.

After all is said and decided, Ono turned to Anga along with Rainbow as the former asked the eagle. “So, Anga? How'd you like working with Hadithi and the Lion and Pony Guard?”

She gave it a little thought before replying with a warm and sincere smile. “I could get used to it.”

“That’s great to hear!” Rainbow thanked. “Because it’s something I can could get used to doing myself.”

Both leaders of the Guard moved to further touch upon that with this to say to her.

“And if we do have missions that require your help, you’ll be the first bird informed about it.”

“And that’s a promise! Pinkie Promise!”

“Pinkie Promise?” Anga returned looking on confused.

“Nothing complex about it, it’s just a little process where you make good on said promise going forward.”

“And by that we mean a promise you need to keep and uphold to the best of your ability as much as you are sworn under oath to tell the truth in court.”

“It goes like this…”

Both leaders moved to perform it word for word, move by move in unison.

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!”

“Well…” Anga uttered before going with. “...okay. I’ll keep that in mind going forward.”

“Oh, you’ll defintely will be!” Pinkie cheerfully informed before briefly and ominously looking into the eagle’s soul. “I’ll be watching!”

Anga looked on unfazed before returning the glare in kind. “Will you?”

Seeing this got the pink pony to back off before sheepishly returning to her cheerful demeanor. “Mostly. Only when absolutely necessary.”

“Well that’s encouraging.” Anga quipped in return which sparked a group laughter among everyone gathered together right now.

All while Scar’s ominous eyes watched on from the comforts of the skies while invisible before disappearing and then reappearing back outside of Equestria where Zira and Chrysalis are waiting for him.

“Is it time, Scar?”

“For us to finally make our move on those Pride Landers and ponies?”

Both Zira and Chrysalis quickly and eagerly asked.

“Yes it is.” Scar confirmed while still sporting a serious expression. “It is indeed time for you two to lead another attack on the most powerful figures in both the Pride Lands and Equestria. But when they are all ready to try to make that very attack on the Outlands.” With that said he did move to look on at the both of them with a look that he is expecting the best of the best out of them. “Can I trust you two can work together as one big team in securing that very victory when the time comes?”

Both bowed before him to assure them of that and their loyalty to him. “Yes, Scar.”

“Excellent!”

Author's Note

Here in the penultimate episode of Season 6, the Lion and Pony Guard meet a new character who is capable of flying to new heights higher than Ono could ever hope to achieve who steps in to help them when Scar and the vultures start planting fire bombs from the skies.

In the typical Kansas City Shuffle maneuver, Scar lures the most powerful of the bunch away while taking more of what he wants while the vultures are left with the leg work requiring Ono for once to step up and take charge of the flock when the situation called for it. And he ended up doing so in flying colors with Rainbow around with a move to send them packing into the Outlands in place of Kion's Roar.

And with Scar closing in on Pride Rock, he is once more entering his endgame and with both his most loyal and powerful followers ready to do their part, he will be ready to enact it. Something that'll be seen when the season finale is published on Sunday January 26 so stay tuned until then...