DISC: I DO NOT own any characters fro Lion Guard. I'm just borrowing them.
Enjoy!

A/N: I couldn't resist! I hope my first Lion Guard story is received well!

"Sisi Ni Sawa"

Chapter 1

Kion sighed as he passed the same tree for what seemed like the thousandth time. He couldn't believe this had happened. One minute they had been chasing a herd of antelope, the next the leader of the lion guard found himself in the outlands. As for his friends, they were nowhere to be seen.

"Bunga! Ono! Come on you guys, stop fooling around! This isn't funny anymore! We need to get out of here before-" he stopped talking as a twig broke nearby. Jumping back, he crouched in attack position. As he stayed still, a thought occurred to him.

"Okay, Bunga, you got me...hehe! Joke's !" he yelled as the creature made its presence known. To his horror, it was a hyena. Letting out a warning growl, he backed up even further. "You better leave me alone! You don't know who you're dealing with!"

The hyena came closer and sniffed Kion.

"I mean it, back off!" Kion continued to back up. When he felt his back hit a tree, he extended his claws.

"Calm down, its' okay," the hyena assured, "I'm Jasiri. You're Kion, right?"

"You've heard of me, good. Then you know you have no chance," Kion fiercely said.

Jasiri cocked her head to the side.

"I've heard about you. But I guess what I heard was a lie."

This caught Kion off guard.

"What are you talking about?"

"I never thought you would be rude," she commented.

Kion was truly confused now.

"I…I didn't mean…you just startled me," he admitted.

Jasiri eyed him with interest.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you," she sincerely said, "are you lost?"

Kion almost nodded, but something stopped him. Taking a few cautious steps closer, he sniffed Jasiri. He was surprised when he smelled something familiar about her.

"Do I meet your approval?" she rolled her eyes.

Kion backed off.

"Sorry," he gave her space.

Jasiri shrugged.

"Now that we've gotten to know one another, do you wanna play?"

"What?" Kion shook his head. "I don't play with the enemy."

"There's that rude thing again. I know you've had trouble with other hyenas, but I'm different."

"Yeah right," Kion scoffed, "all hyenas are the same."

Hardly," Jasiri shot back. "I can help you get out of here. Are you thirsty?"

"A little," Kion admitted.

"Follow me," Jasiri turned around and started walking away.

Kion took a deep breath and did so.

"I hope I'm not making a mistake," he said to himself. Following Jasiri, he was able to get a good look at her. She was pale gray with a black mane, which ended in bangs. She had spots on her back, and stripes running down her legs. She was also small in size.

The two walked in silence for a few minutes. It wasn't long before Kion heard the sound of water.

"Ta-da!" Jasiri announced. "Drink up."

Kion gasped in surprise. In front of them was a fresh watering hole. Stepping forward, he bent down to take a drink. After having his fill, he glanced up. Meeting Jasiri's gaze, he said, "Thanks." He noticed her eyes were a sparkling blue. They looked friendly and a bit mischievous, unlike the other hyenas he had met before.

"You're welcome," she replied.

"Can you really help me out of here?" he asked.

"I sure can! I've lived here my whole life. Sometimes, I watch you and your family hunt."

"You spy on us!" Kion exclaimed.

"Let me explain," Jasiri implored.

"Did Cheezi and Janja put you up to this?" Kion hissed literally.

"No!" Jasiri cried desperately. "Please, give me a chance to-"

"No thanks! I'll find my own way out of here!" with that, Kion turned around and took off.

"Kion, wait!" Jasiri called after him. "You're going the wrong…" she sighed. "…wrong way…" with that, she made a decision. Taking a short drink, she ran after him.

******

Meanwhile, Kion had gotten far away from the watering hole. Taking a break, he sat down to rest.

"I don't need a hyena's help. They cause too much trouble. There's no way Jasiri can be any different…" Kion said to himself. He started when a light streaked across his path. Jumping back, Kion sighed with relief when he recognized the figure inside the circle.

"Grandfather, what do I do? I want to get back home, but I don't wanna get hurt in the process."

Mufassa nodded in understanding.

"Kion, there's something you need to understand."

"What?" he asked.

"Let me ask you something," his grandfather gently said.

"Okay."

"Are all lions the same?"

"No," Kion replied. "I'm more adventurous than Kiara."

"That's right. You and your sister do have different personalities. The same goes for all animals. No two lions are alike, just like no two other animals are completely similar. The same goes for hyenas. I Know you've had trouble with them in the past and your father told you what happened to him when he was a cub. But you might want to give Jasiri a chance. You may be surprised. You need to hear her out."

Kion sighed.

"I really messed up. I was mean to her for no reason. I feel terrible for what I said."

Mufassa nodded.

"Don't tell me. Jasiri is the one you need to talk to. Who knows? She might become a friend to you. You can never have too many friends."

"You think?"

"You'll never know unless you try, hmmm?" Mufassa smiled at his grandson.

"Thank you, Grandfather Mufassa."

"You're welcome, Kion," with that, he disappeared.

"Okay, here goes," with that, Kion turned back. He had only taken a few steps when three creatures he wanted nothing to do with blocked his path.

"Well, well, well, look what we have here," Janja smiled evilly. "Here I thought we were going to have a boring day. And we get lunch along with exercise."

"Can we eat him now?" Cheezi begged. He made a dramatic face, "I'm starving!"

"Not quite," Janja cautioned. Turning to Kion, he sneered. "Where are your friends? Did they dessert you when you failed the lion guard?"

"No! We got-it's none of your business!" Kion shouted. "Unless you want to see what I can do on my own, I suggest you let me pass!"

"Ooh, I'm scared!" Janja smirked. "Let's see if you can back that tough talk up with actions…" with that, he lunged at him.

Kion jumped back. Extending his claws, he readied himself for the fight. As he fell backwards, he fought with all his might as two of them pinned him down.

"Not so tough without your friends, huh?" Janja taunted.

Kion hissed as pain shot through his left hind leg. He swatted at Janja, managing to get him in the face. As the pain doubled, Kion regretted his actions with Jasiri. As the second attack came, he suddenly felt Janja fly backwards. He soon heard a new voice join the fight.

"Leave him alone!" a female voice growled.

"Jasiri!" Kion gasped.

"Kion, run! I'll take care of these guys!" Jasiri turned back to the three hyenas advancing on her.

"No, I owe you," Kion insisted. He got to his feet, only to fall from pain.

"Go!" Jasiri commanded. "I'll find you. There's a cave past the fourth tree!"

"What about…" Kion started to ask, but the pain in his leg made him obey her. As he ran, a strange feeling came over him. It was concern for Jasiri. After all, she had come to help him even when he said all those horrible things about her. Spotting the cave Jasiri had mentioned, Kion crawled inside. Lying down, he tried to lick his wound. Tasting blood, he spit it onto the ground. As he started feeling dizzy, he closed his eyes. He prayed she would get here soon. Before Kion knew it, everything went black…

*******

Kion's eyes opened slowly. He groaned as his surroundings became clear. He felt someone licking him.

"Mom?" he mumbled.

"No," a slightly familiar female voice stated before softly laughing.

"Jasiri," Kion softly said as he came to.

"Give the leader of the lion guard a prize," Jasiri quipped. She became serious a minute later. "Your leg is pretty banged up. You might not be able to go home until tomorrow."

Kion shook his head.

"I can't stay here!"

"Please, believe me when I say you're safe here. I'll protect you," Jasiri earnestly vowed. "I just spent the last hour keeping your wound from getting infected."

"Asante," Kion softly said. "I mean that. I…I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I was wrong."

"You hurt my feelings," Jasiri admitted.

"I'm sorry," Kion repeated. "My grandfather was right."

Jasiri looked confused.

"I shouldn't judge you just because Cheezi and Janja are jerks. No two animals are the same."

Jasiri nodded.

"Well, there might be hope for you yet," she smiled softly. "Sisi ni sawa."

"We just might be," he agreed. It was then that something occurred to him. "Do you have a family?"

Jasiri became quiet. She ceased cleaning his wound and lowered her gaze.

"I'm sorry. You don't have to answer," Kion assured her. "That was rude."

"It's okay," Jasiri softly said. "I did for a while. My mother was killed when I was little."

"Jasiri, I'm sorry," Kion tried to move closer, but his injury prevented him from doing so.

"It happened a long time ago," Jasiri sighed, "she taught me to give everyone a chance."

Kion nodded.

"How about you're Dad?" he asked before he could stop himself.

"I never knew him," Jasiri answered. "Come on, let me put more salv on your leg," with that, she dipped her paw into a coconut and spread something on Kion's left hind leg.

"Aah…" he hissed.

"I'm sorry. I know it hurts. You'll feel better by tomorrow," Jasiri comforted.

"Thanks," Kion smiled a little.

"You're welcome. Like I said, sisi ni sawa," she reiterated.

Kion nodded.

"That should do it for now. You need rest. Are you hungry?" Jasiri asked.

"A little," Kion answered.

"Here you go," with that, Jasiri pushed some food over to him. "You need your strength for the walk tomorrow."

Kion ate with gusto.

"Thanks."

Jasiri nodded.

Kion blushed in embarrassment as the next question left his mouth.

"Will you stay? I…I'm a little scared being alone in the outlands."

"I was gonna stay anyway," Jasiri told him. "And you're not alone anymore. It's okay to be afraid."

"Maybe we are the same after all," he mumbled as his eyes started to close.

Jasiri nodded as she spread a blanket of leaves over her new friend.

"Sleep well, Kion," with that, she settled down for the night. She lie down, but she didn't sleep right away. She was determined to keep her promise to him. Even if it meant she didn't get any sleep for the night. Kion's safety was more important…

*****

The next morning, Kion awoke with a start. Glancing around, he jumped up when he didn't recognize his surroundings at first. The sound of a female voice made him stop.

"Hey, you're awake. Morning! How do you feel?" Jasiri yawned.

"Better," Kion replied. Gingerly, he put weight on his left hindquarter. It still hurt, but not as badly as the night before. "Hey! My leg feels a lot better!"

"I'm glad. I got us some breakfast. We'll head out in a little bit," Jasiri told him.

"Okay," Kion started to eat. Glancing up, he gasped at the sight. Why hadn't he noticed it before. "Jasiri, your shoulder's bleeding."

"I'll be fine," Jasiri shrugged. "I've had worse."

"When we get back, my Mom can help you," Kion offered.

Jasiri shook her head.

"Thanks, but I'll be fine. Besides, she won't accept me."

"Yes she will. She's a lot like you. She gives everyone a chance," Kion assured her.

"So I guess open mindedness skipped a generation," Jasiri quipped before smiling.

"I deserve that," Kion sighed. "Jasiri, I'm really sorry."

"I forgive you," Jasiri came over and licked Kion's face.

"Ewwww!" Kion was laughing though. He nuzzled his new friend in kind.

"So I guess after you take me back home, you'll come back here?" Kion frowned.

Jasiri shook her head.

"I…I can't," she softly revealed. There was no humor in her voice now.

"What do you mean?" Kion asked.

"Janja exiled me because I helped you…" her voice trailed off as she blinked back tears.

"Siri, I'm…I don't know what to say," Kion nuzzled her again.

Jasiri accepted her friend's comfort.

"There's nothing to say. I'd do it again," Jasiri told him.

"Why?" Kion asked.

"You're starting to grow on me," Jasiri quipped. Sighing, she elaborated. "You're the first real friend I've had."

Kion frowned.

"I can't believe I almost missed out on getting to know you because I was a jerk."

"Me neither. But we're cool now. Come on, we better get going. Your Mom's probably worried sick," Jasiri commented.

"Probably. I'm surprised my Dad hasn't sent Zazu and Timon to find me," with that, he followed Jasiri out of the cave. They walked in comparable silence for a half an hour.

"Are you thirsty?" Jasiri asked.

"Yeah," Kion replied.

"Follow me," Jasiri lead Kion to a watering hole.

After they both drank their fill, they continued.

"I see it!" Kion happily shouted as the golden path of the pride lands came into view. He bounded forward, not even noticing the slight pain in his leg. "Come on, Jasiri!"

Jasiri followed her friend, trying to ignore the pain in her shoulder.

"Kion, wait!" she cautioned. She ran after him. She caught up just in time to see Kion step back from Cheezi and his gang.

"You gotta get passed us if you wanna go home," Janja snickered.

"And we want you to stay a little longer," Cheezi laughed.

"Let us pass," Kion ordered.

"Ooh, we're scared!" Chungu smirked. "I think someone needs another lesson in who's really in charge."

Jasiri jumped in front of Kion.

"If you want Kion, you'll have to go through me," she growled.

"Oh, boys, look who it is! The lion lover!"

Jasiri let the remark slide off her back like water.

"If you don't want any trouble, you'll get out of the way," Jasiri bared her teeth warningly.

"Jasiri, wait, I think I have an idea," Kion whispered.

Jasiri stepped aside, but stayed close enough in case Janja tried anything.

"What are you gonna do?" Janja taunted.

"You have one more chance to let us pass or else…" Kion threatened.

"Let me think…" Janja shook his head.

"Fine, I warned you," Kion turned to Jasiri, "Siri, get behind me. I don't want you to get hurt."

"Kion, are you sure you know what you're doing?" Jasiri frowned.

"I trusted you last night. Now it's your turn to trust me," Kion locked eyes with her.

Jasiri did as he told her.

"This is your last chance…" Kion whirled on the three hyenas.

"We say no," Janja laughed.

"What cha gonna do?" Cheezi giggled.

Kion stepped back, took a deep breath…ROOOAAAAR! The mighty sound vibrated all around them. It shook the ground and scared some birds out of a nearby tree.

Janja and his two friends turned and ran like their lives depended on it.

Catching his breath, Kion turned to Jasiri.

"Siri, are you okay?" he asked.

Jasiri nodded. She was looking at Kion with a newfound respect.

"You...you did it!"

"It was nothing," Kion dismissed. He smiled at her. "Come on, let's go home."

"That sounds nice," she smiled back. With that, she followed her new friend out of the outlands and into her new life.

A/N: I want to thank my friend, Ono keenest of sight for helping me with Jasiri's description! I highly recommend her Lion Guard stories! They're amazingly fantastic!