//------------------------------// // Episode 7: Swept Away // Story: The Pony Guard (Season 5) // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Episode 7: Swept Away With the winter season having come early in Ponyville, that meant the dry season is only a little way’s away. Cooler temperatures for the Pride Lands residents to bask in so they can patiently wait until things can really cool down to the point there is more food and water to go around. Unfortunately though there are certain parts of the Pride Lands south near the border where the cool breeze from the portal couldn’t touch. And one of those areas is where the zebras had the misfortune of coming across the hard way when they somehow got themselves stuck in the ground in a dry river that’s normally filled with water during the wet season. “Well everyone. I'm afraid we have no other choice. Panic and...” Thurston spoke to everyone before being cut off mid-sentence by the Lion Guard’s Keenest of Sight. “Stop! You can't run!” Thurston sighed as he the other zebras struggled and strained in trying to break themselves free. “We can still panic.” Kion was quick to calmly insist otherwise. “You don't need to panic. We just have to figure out how to get you unstuck.” “I simply don't understand.” Thurston still felt the need to ask. “There used to be a river here. But now everything is so dry.” “That's because it's the dry season.” Fuli pointed out while walking up to him. “Ah the dry season. I see. But where'd all the water go?” He then cluelessly asked yet again much to her annoyance along with Twilight’s. “Maybe it panicked and ran.” Fuli sarcastically remarked. “All the way on out of here.” Twilight added equally deadpan sharing the cheetah’s annoyance with him. Bunga moved to propose an idea. “You know what we could really use? Some rain.” Thurston was quick to approve the idea. “Oh yes. Capital idea.” “Well obviously.” Fuli replied while rolling her eyes with her tone still bordering on sarcasm. “Is no one listening to me?” “Apparently not.” Twilight replied with the same tone. With time at the essence, Beshte moved to urge the Guard’s Fiercest to act fast. “We need to hurry Kion. This mud's gettin' drier by the second. If it dries up completely, we'll never get all these zebras out!” Fortunately Kion already has one. “Actually all we need is one dark cloud.” “You mean like that one?” Ono asked eyeing the one close by. “What are you thinking Kion?” Fuli curiously asked. “I'm thinking Bunga's right.” Kion answered much to her and Applejack’s disbelief at that the thought of Bunga being right for once. “We need it to rain.” “Okay...So where are we gonna get rain from?” Rarity asked. “The Roar.” He answered which earned him small gasps from both Fuli and Rarity. “It's made it rain before.” Hearing this sparked both Bunga and Pinkie’s interest. “Really? Ooh! This I gotta see!” “Me too! Do it Kion! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it!” At that point, Kyoga gently placed her paws on both Pinkie and Bunga before they could get overly excited. “Done?” “Yes.” “Yep.” With his decision approved Kion moved out of the dry river and looked up at the dark cloud above him. “Okay. Everyone prepare to get wet.” By focusing and concentrated his powerful breath in the cloud’s direction and was able to cause it to rain on everyone around them within the cloud’s radius. “Wow! That was super-duper fun-exciting!” “The Roar can make it rain! Un-Bunga-lievable!” Both Pinkie and Bunga excitably stated upon watching this discovery. Though Rarity and Fuli however, felt the opposite due to having soaked up fur again from the rain with the former’s curly mane flattening out again. “Ugh. That's fine all right.” “Something worth celebrating, that’s for sure.” They bitterly remarked just when Ono and Fluttershy found themselves nearly dodging lightning when it flashed from above. “Hapana!” “Yikes!” Said rain, allowed the zebras to finally break free from the previously dry dirt keeping them stuck. “Oh! Huzzah!” Thurston happily expressed. “Nice job on the rain Kion.” Beshte complimented. “Now the zebras are no longer stuck there.” Applejack proudly added. “Thanks Beshte, Applejack!” Kion kindly returned. Even with their success, Fuli wished the rain would end. “Now if only there was a Roar to make it stop.” “Before we get completely drenched.” Rarity added while trying her hardest not to cry. “I really wish I brought my raincoat today.” Both Pinkie and Bunga remained optimistic that it won’t last long. “Not to worry, like the Cakes always say, all good things must come to an end.” “Yeah, it'll stop any second.” Lightning continued to flash thus further scaring Fluttershy into hiding behind her friends for cover. “Eep!” “Eventually…” Pinkie nervously added even with the increased downpour and in the face of the fully annoyed cheetah and fully devastated unicorn. “See?” Bunga added with an equally nervous chuclkle. “Poa! This is great!” Beshte remarked upon feeling the ground. “The ground is really thirsty. “The ground might be thirsty Beshte. But it's so dry it can't absorb all this water. And there's nowhere for it to go.” Ono noted. Fuli spotted something that her speak rather alarmed up ahead. “Oh it's going somewhere all right. Look!” Up ahead, a massive flow of water is appearing and coming right at them. “With all due respect, I think now is a good to say, LET’S GET THE HAY OUT OF HERE!” Rarity yelled before leaping out of the water with Fluttershy quick to fly after her. “Hapana!” Oni fearfully whimpered with Kion urgently giving out instructions for his team to follow. “Lion and Pony Guard! We gotta get these zebra to safety! Fuli and Rainbow! Round up the zebras! “Beshte and Applejack! See if you can block the water!” Twilight urgently added. “Can do, Twilight!” “You got it Kion!” “This way! Huwezi!” “Come on, come on! Let’s go!” “I don't understand. You said it was the dry season.” Thurston once more complained. “No time in acting like a stubborn mule! Move!” Rainbow urgently pressed of them as the rest of the team moved to help guide the zebras to safety. Unfortunately, two of the zebras were still stuck with the torrent of water about to wash them away. So both Beshte and Applejack had to double down on their efforts while Twilight and Rarity moved to help them. “Come on, Rarity!” Twilight barked before working her magic on the stream along with moving to help free the zebras still stiff and stuck to the ground along with Rarity. Both the Guard’s Strongest could feel their hooves and feet slipping due to the large water coming their way, but neither one of them were just about ready to give up. Not while they are still holding their own and two of the friends struggling to free the remaining two zebras. “Come on, just a little longer.” “Twende...Ki... Bo...Ko!” The two managed to hold out just long enough to allow both Twilight and Rarity to free and get the remaining zebras out of harms away. Unfortunately for the two friends, they wound up getting swept away before the storm wave pulling them away. “Whoa….!” “…Nelly!” Applejack had to climb on to Beshte to safety while guiding his floating away from the sharp rocks they nearly hit before they eventually managed to reach dry land. “Phew! Now that was quite a ride!” “Poa. No kidding, that was the craziest water slide ever! Right guys? Guys?” Beshte realized there are not in the Pride Lands anymore upon seeing the steaming Outlands Volcano in the distance. “Wait...we’re in the Outlands.” “Yeah, we better get back to the Pride Lands and make sure everyone else is okay.” Applejack agreed before they proceeded to go back the way they came from upriver. Meanwhile back in the Pride Lands, the rain had finally stopped much to Rarity and Fuli’s pleasure and both Twilight and Kion moved over to the zebras to ensure everyone is all safe, present and accounted for. “Anybody hurt?” Kion asked. “Nope. We're okay.” One zebra expressed on behalf of the herd. “Yes.” Thurston added in agreement. “See?” Ono pointed out of how effective it is to kelp calm in times like these. “You didn't have to panic and run.” Thurston seemed to consider it. “Hmm. You're right. Zebras remember that for next time. Panicking was enough.” He then added much to Ono and Twilight’s dismay. “Of course it will be.” Twilight said while shaking her head while the egret wearily sighed in agreement. “That was un-Bunga-lievable Kion! The Roar made it rain!” Bunga said once more still mildly impressed. “Yeah.” Kion briefly smiled. “But it was a lot more rain than I was expecting. Good job blocking that wave Beshte, Applejack.” Then he sees that their two strong friends aren’t with them. “Beshte?” “Applejack?” Their leaders turned their heads looking around where they went off to. “Hey Big B? Where you hiding? Big B? Big B!” “Yoohoo! A.J. Come on, wherever you are.” Both Bunga and Pinkie called out to no avail as the team turned back to the now once more dried up river. “How'd we manage to lose a whole hippo?” Fuli asked sounding rather baffled herself. “All that water. It must've swept them away!” Twilight deduced before calling out. “Beshte? Applejack?” “Washed away?” Fluttershy gasped. Bunga quickly dismissed that’s the case. “Nah... He's Big B and she’s A.J.! You know... Big and Strong.” “Then again that was an awful lot of water.” Ono pointed out. “And it was moving awfully fast.” “Hevi Kabisa.” Kion was left ashamed of himself upon seeing and realizing this. “I should have thought of that before I used the Roar.” “But you saved the zebras.” Bunga pointed out to help cheer his best friend up. “And if it weren’t for them it would have collected the two poor helpless zebras that almost didn’t make it out of the river.” Fluttershy added in agreement. “Let's just hope Beshte and Applejack are okay.” Kion hopefully expressed. “'Course he's okay. He's Big B. And she’s A.J., they gotta be okay!” His confidence is met with sheer silent from his teammates. “Uh they are gonna be okay right?” “We’ll see…” Twilight said before turning to both Rainbow and Ono. “Rainbow, Ono, take a look and see if you can spot them.” “Can do!” “Affirmative!” They saluted before taking off following the river they both went down. “Come on Beshte, Applejack. Where are you both?” Ono muttered to himself while trying to spot them. Hopefully, they can find him before anything else can happen because it is only a matter of time before they succumb to their dangerous heat. Elsewhere, both Guard members are backing they back, but found themselves changing course upon the heat already starting to have it’s effect on them. “Phew. It's really hot out here!” Applejack expressed while fanning herself with her hat. “I know.” Beshte could already start feeling drained from the heat. “The sun's gonna burn me if I'm not careful. We better find some shade.” “Good idea partner. “ Applejack agreed without hesitation. “The riverbed might be the fastest way home...” “…But at least this way we'll be able to find some shade and see more of the Outlands!” Beshte finished while trying to feel upbeat about their situation by singing a song to pass the time. Look on the Bright Side By singing an upbeat tone, the two were able to make some progress and stay cool, heck it was so catchy that Applejack joined in on the singing herself. Unbeknownst, to them the skinks happened to be around scouting the Outlands and saw a perfect opportunity that Scar will want to seize upon when he hears about it before secretly following after them with murderous intentions. Meanwhile, the Lion and Pony Guard are all racing their way downriver trying to find theirs with zero luck so far. Judging from how they’re not in sight, they must have gotten swept up and taken deep down the river. “Who knows how far the rushing water took him.” Fuli commented as they ran. “At least we know what direction he went.” Kion shared. “Yeah that's good I guess.” Fuli agreed though the yellow Pegasus had a feeling of dread up her spine when they stopped on the Pride Land borders. “Unless that direction was the Outlands.” She fearfully expressed just when the white egret and blue Pegasus regrouped with them. “No sign of Beshte and Applejack. And the water's already drying up.” Ono reported. “Hippos don't do so well in the sun without any water or mud to cover their skin.” “And neither does Applejack .” Rainbow added. “Then we've gotta find him fast.” Twilight seriously stated before she and Kion led the way on over there. “Come on!” “Wait for me!” Ono shouted when Rainbow used her super speed to play quick catch up. Meanwhile, both Beshte and Applejack have found another cool shady space to rest up for a little bit. “Phew. That's better.” “You’ve said it.” Both Applejack and Beshte said upon arriving. “What are you doing in the Outlands hippo and pony?” Shupavu’s voice spoke to them before she, Njano, and the green skink made themselves known to the traveling duo. “Huh?” “Who said that?” They said before seeing the skinks. “Oh. Hey there little lizard.” Beshte kindly greeted. “We’re just looking for shade on our way back to the Pride Lands.” “We could use you for shade!” Njano said. Beshte chuckled in agreement though her cowgirl friend got a strange vibe from the three little strangers. “Yeah. I bet you could!” “We can help you both find more shade if you like.” The green skink offered. “You can?” Beshte eagerly asked. “Of course we can.” Shupavu assured. And that was enough to get Beshte to accept their help. “Poa! Like my dad says "You can make friends wherever you go." Shupavu chuckled while appeared on the top of his head. “How sweet. Now follow me.” Applejack however didn’t quite seem to trust them, especially when they were sporting devious smiles. But since they were guiding them through shady areas and couldn’t leave Beshte behind decided it was best to stick with him. Meanwhile both Rainbow and Ono were scanning the skies looking for their friends. “Come on A.J, Big B, show yourselves.” Rainbow pleaded. “They got to be around here somewhere.” Ono groaned upon finding no sign of them. “Better tell Kion and Twilight.” Both flyers moved to regroup with the rest of the team. “We looked all over the Outlands and there's no sign of them. I feel terrible.” “Don't beat yourself up Ono. “ Kion insisted otherwise. “This is my fault not yours.” He once more sighed with regret with what he did. “He's out there all alone.” Then he suddenly gets an idea. “Wait. Beshte's probably the only hippo in the Outlands. "And Applejack is the only pony in the Outlands." Twilight added getting the same idea too. "So even if we can't find them, we should find signs of them.” He turned to the two flyers again. “Ono, Rainbow, can you both look for hippo and pony prints? If we find those they should lead to Beshte and Applejack.” Ono smiled while Rainbow face-hoofed herself upon realizing they are all approaching this all wrong. “Of course!” “I wasn't even looking for footprints. You got it Kion!” “And maybe you and I can track him by scent.” Fuli proposed before she got sniffing right away. “And me and Rarity can scan them with our magic.” Twilight also proposed before she and Rarity got to work right away by lighting their horns right away. “Good thinking Fuli, Twilight.” Kion complimented before joining in on the sniffing. At that moment both Pinkie and Bunga got in on the action with the former wearing her silly gag face. “You smell him? “ Bunga asked while sniffing around. “I don't smell him.” He inhaled deeply just when a gusty breeze blew by. “Whoa! What is that smell?” Pinkie gagged much to Fuli’s annoyance. “That's you Bunga.” Fuli sighed while Rarity gagged too while pinching her nose shut. “The one and only honey badger that can smell like that.” Rarity remarked rather disgusted. “Oh yeah.” Bunga realized before sniffing deeply at his own scent. “Pure Bunga.” Not only are Pinkie and Rarity disgusted, but Twilight, Fuli, and Kion are all following suit. “Okay, not something I needed to see.” Kyoga commented while Rarity turned to vomit near a small boulder in the distance. “Bunga why don't you stay downwind of us so we can track Beshte without any...Interference.” Kion politely suggested while visibly disturbed by his friend’s antics. “Hmm.” Bunga thought before proposing of something else he can do. “Got it. I know! I can shout for them so he knows we're looking for him!” He the shouts loudly to the point his voice echoed across the Outlands. “Beshte! Beshte! Beshte!” “Oh! Oh!” Pinkie happily bounced up and down. “And I call for Applejack while we’re at it.” She then shouts loudly with her voice echoing across the Outlands too. “Applejack! Applejack! Applejack!” “Oh yeah. That's much less annoying.” Fuli sarcastically remarked while Rarity felt her ears were going to shoot right off. “But at least it’s less repulsive.” She said before resuming to use her magic to scan their friends down alongside Twilight. “Not to mention when not using the loudest megaphone in the world.” “True, true.” Fuli accepted that before resuming her sniffing to track Beshte’s scent. “Beshte! Beshte!” “Applejack! Applejack!” Elsewhere, for once the Outlands Volcano, there aren’t any dark clouds surrounding it outside. Inside, is where Janja and his two loyal companions, Ushari, and Starlight are all inside awaiting for either Shupuavu and Njano to arrive with the latest scouting report of the Outlands. Since Scar has yet to finish up training with his followers outside of the Equestrian borders he needed the skinks to serve as his eyes in ears whenever he doesn’t have the time to do it himself. During which, Janja pulled both Cheezi and Chungu for a secret word out of the others ear shot. “It don't matter what he says. You two always gotta listen to me.” He said rather disgruntled. “You got it boss.” Cheezi nodded in response. “What'd he say?” Chungu cluelessly asked as always. “He said listen to me.” His friend clarified. But the large hyena still didn’t get it. “Uh Cheezi? I was listening to you.” “Not me-me. Him-me.” Cheezi again repeated while gesturing to Janja. “Who me?” He asked once more much to both Starlight and Ushari’s annoyance. “So sad.” “No kidding. Especially when I can hear you three!” She shouted the last three words directed at the trio for giving her a headache which got them to shut up immediately. It was then that Njano had arrived while standing right behind the cobra. “Psst. Ushari! Starlight” He shouted right in their eras much to their irritation as the latter placed a hoof in her ear to make sure she isn't deaf because of it. “I'm right here.” “So am I. Now that you got our attention, I hope you’ve got something worth sharing.” Njano remained confident this is worth their time. “I sure do because I got a secret you might wanna know.” “Secret?“ Janja asked rather confused but curious at the same time. “That hippo and orange earth pony from the Lion and Pony Guard are stuck in the Outlands. Alone.” He reported while getting face to face with the two. “Really?” “Is he now?” The two eagerly asked finding this worth investing into. “Shupavu's keeping an eye on them right now.” Janja however was quick to dismiss this to the sky. “Who cares about a hippo and a pony?” Right on cue, much to the hyena’s sudden fear, the fiery lion himself appeared before them. “I care.” He seriously stated thus getting Janja to backpedal what he just said. “Oh yeah! Yeah! I care tons!” “Me too!” Cheezi stated in agreement, fearfully. Chungu once more felt the need to ask still not understanding why. “Uh... why do we care?” “Because if the Lion and Pony Guard's strongest is alone in the Outlands it's the perfect opportunity to eliminate them!” “Yes. It will weaken the Lion and Pony Guard.” Ushari happily deduced. “Correct Ushari. And then you hyenas will get to eat whatever you like in the Pride Lands.” That got Cheezi and Chungu’s interest and drooling lips taken up a notch. “Whatever we want? “Yum!” “First we gotta take out Beshte and Applejack.” Their leader reminded of them. “But they’re the strongest. How are we supposed to do that boss?” Chungu asked without realizing of what he was saying in Scar’s presence. “Don't call me "boss" in front of the boss.” Janja scolded in a hush. “Very convincing, Janja.” Starlight remarked sarcastically. “Right in our ear shot.” She then moved to explain it rather annoyed at them. “And in case you fools haven't noticed it's the dry season. Too much sun makes hippos weak and too much sun causes ponies to dehydrate. “Correct Starlight.” Scar nodded approvingly. “Since Beshte seems to trust you skinks we can use that to our advantage. And as for the honest yet suspicious Applejack, I have a plan.” From there his followers were all ears for what the lion has to say. “Listen to him boys he has a plan.” Janja told his companions while smirking deviously. “Him you? Or Him-him?” Chungu once more asked much to the unicorn’s growing and groaning exasperation. “Just listen. And. Stop. Talking.” Starlight quickly stated to them to get them while rubbing the temples on her forehead. “Scar always has a plan!” Ushari stated with emphasis on his reverence towards their master. “Big plans!” “Correct. Big plans indeed.” He stated with emphasis before sinisterly laying out the details and instructions that go with it. "Now here's what I want you to do.” Meanwhile the other two skinks have lured Beshte and Applejack to another shady set of rocks. “Thanks again for finding me shade. The Pride Lands are all the way on the other side of Rocky Plateau. But I don't think I can make it across without getting burned.” Just then Njano came back from his meeting with Scar to offer some false advice. “I got ya covered! Literally! I know a shortcut. Through the caves under Rocky Plateau.” “You do?” Beshte asked which further raised Applejack’s suspicions. “And you're sure that's the right way to go?” Shupavu asked. “Sure I'm sure.” Njano confidently replied. “It'll keep Beshte outta the sun so he won't burn. Trust me.” “That'd be Poa. Let's go.” “The cave's this way. Follow me.” “Who knew folks were so helpful in the Outlands?” Beshte happily expressed. “Lucky I found you guys. I mean lucky you found me. Whew! Let's go.” “Yes. Totally lucky.” Shupavu said somewhat sinisterly before leading the way. “This way.” Njano said while guiding the oblivious hippo into a trap while the very suspicious farm pony is keeping his blonde tail crossed ready to defend themselves. Unbeknownst to them, Janja and his clan were hiding behind the nearby set of rocks. “He's falling for it!” Janha laughed upon seeing the hippo’s gullibility. “This plan's gonna work out great.” Cheezu had said doubts however, “I dunno Janja. Your plans don't usually work out so good.” “This ain't my plan fur-brain remember? It's Scar's.” Janja irritably returned. “Oh yeah right.” “Then maybe it will work.” Chungu hopefully expressed. Janja felt the need to state it will work. “Exactly! Hey!” He then sighed seeing where this is headed. “Never mind. Come on fur-brains. Let's get over to Rocky Plateau. We got work to do.” He then cackles ready to their body which did not go unheard by Applejack. Upon hearing them, the orange earth pony frowned with narrowed eyes after being given the confirmation he needed to know that the skinks are indeed luring them into a trap. Meanwhile in another part of the Outlands, Fuli and Kion are trying their hardest in sniffing out their friends, but seem to having a little trouble with that. “I thought I had him but...” Fuli started. “Yeah I'm not having much luck tracking him either.” Kion finished. “It's hard to smell somebody's scent when it's been washed away by so much water.” Kion sighed seeing this is quite a difficult task for them. “I hope Ono, Rainbow, Twilight, and Rarity are having better luck.” In the skies, Rainbow and Ono were keeping their eyes peeled (open) for foot and hoof prints that show them where their two friends have gone off too. “Come on Applejack…Beshte…where did you go?” Rainbow said to herself while Ono scanned from the skies with his keen sight. “Where did you go?” He muttered before spotting something familiar. “Those look like...Hippo prints! Of course! Applejack and Beshte went into the cave to get out of the sun! Kion! I know where Applejack and Beshte went!” “You found him?” “Not exactly. Just follow me. His tracks lead in here.” And that’s when Twilight spoke up when she returned with good news herself. “I’m picking up strong magical detection in this direction towards Rocky Plateau. Both Applejack and Beshte have definitely gone this way.” “Nice work Ono, Twilight.” Kion complimented. And that’s where Bunga picked something outstanding himself. “Whoa! Look at that!” “What is it?” “Something big about those foot and hoof prints?” Both Fuli and Fluttershy asked. “Big B...He has really big feet!” “Oh.” Fluttershy softly spoke disappointed. “Because he's a hippo Bunga.” Fuli pointed out something that should be obvious to him. “Oh yeah.” Twilight however had the strange feeling that something was wrong here when she realized something after saying what she found. “Wait!” She spoke up to get everyone’s attention. “Something’s not right here.” “Twilight?” “What’s not right?” Both Kion and Ono asked. “Avoiding the sun through shady areas, away from the Pride Lands, to Rocky Plateu…” Her eyes widen in horror before flying off ahead. “…we got to over there right away!” “Why? What’s going on?” Kion asked still confused. “Both Applejack and Beshte’s lives are in danger! Come on!” The others followed after her with both Kion and Rainbow quick to keep pace with her. At the same time, the skinks have just managed to lure both Beshte and Applejack into their trap. So far they are nearing the dead end where Janja and his crew are waiting to do their part. “So are we getting close to the end of the caves?” Beshte asked. “Oh we're getting close to the end all right.” Njano falsely assured while unable to help but snicker for what’s to come next. “You got a plan right?” Shupavu asked knowing that Scar gave him their instructions on their trap for them. “Oh yeah.” The yellow skink nodded before leading him through a tight opening with the earth pony following suit. “Hurry up.” “Okay.” It took a tight squeeze but Beshte was able to fit through the opening. “Phew! That was a tight squeeze.” There he realized something was wrong with their guidance. “Uh-oh. Hey little skinks? I think we made a wrong turn somewhere. This is a dead end.” “You got that right!” Janja’s voice shouted in their direction with an evil cackle. “Janja!” “And us!” “Hello!” Both Cheezi and Chungu also greeted. “I knew it!” Applejack furrowed her eyes at the skinks. “You weren’t leading us back to the Pride Lands you were leading us into a trap. Well let’s see how you like when I get my…” “Now!” Janja commanded of his crew to send a huge boulder in their direction. They were quick to do so on cue, forcing the two to barely avoid it when it crashed into the opening thus blocking them inside. Unbeknownst to Beshte the skinks have managed to use the distraction to escape through the cracks and small opening in the crater. “Uh-oh.” Beshte said upon realizing how big their predicament has gotten. “That's right! You're trapped! And we got lots more rocks up here!” Janja taunted. “But not for long!” “We’ll see about that!” Applejack said ready to tackle on whatever rock they throw at them, literally. “You sure you want to do that, tough pony? I wouldn’t want to crush you on purpose?” Janja grinned rather amused at the pony’s bold stance. “Try me.” Applejack dared thus getting Beshte rather nervous given with how large the boulders are and the one he just sent in their direction nearly crushed them. “If you insist.” Janja’s buddies moved another rock straight at her. Applejack had turned around ready to buck it and had managed to crack it with her back hooves alone. She was prepared to use her super strength to defend herself and Beshte… …but she wasn’t prepared for when Janja and his crew quickly sent another rock at her legs. It was a big one, and had the pony yelping in pain when she heard her leg bones suffer a hard impact with an audible crack. “Applejack!” Beshte gasped as he moved the rock aside so he can scoop her up and carry her on his back. “Don’t worry, Big B’s got you.” He then turned up in the hyena leader’s direction with an angry glare. “And that wasn’t very nice, Janja!” Janja laughed at the farm pony now in pain with broken bones. “Guess you should thought to try to avoid that rock instead of facing it head on!” “But she faced it back on with her legs, Janja.” “So it was back on, wouldn’t you say?” His partners felt the need to say. Janja quickly glared at them to shut up. “Just keep pushing rocks there’s no time for stupid questions.” “Aye, aye, Janja.” “On it, boss.” At least Janja was pleased that they now get the memo to get serious when the situation calls for it. “Thank you.” “Oh boy!” Beshte was impressed yet still worried for her friend. “I don't think I want to be around when that rock hits!” He then sees what he can do with little time they have. “I just gotta unblock the entrance.” He backs up with the room he has to prepare to crack the rocks blocking them inside. “Twende Kibokoooo!” At that moment, the sound of his catch phrase was well heard by the rest of his teammates on the ground. “Beshte!” "Applejack!" They moved towards the blocked off opening where they heard his voice. “Beshte!” “Applejack!” Both Bunga and Pinkie both called once more much to both Fuli and Rarity’s complete annoyance. “Bunga! Pinkie Pie!” “Not helping! “Bunga?” “Pinkie Pie?” Both Beshte and Applejack called back after having heard them. “It's not huh?” Bunga returned rather smugly. “Cause that sure sounded like our friends to me.” Pinkie giggled. “Beshte, Applejack, glad to hear you're both okay.” Fluttershy happily called out to them. “Thanks Fluttershy…” Beshte thanked his dear friend before moving to urgently explain to them of their predicament. “But uh...we've kind of got a "hyenas and falling rock" situation here. They're pushing down rocks from an opening to Rocky Plateau. And I'm pretty sure they're trying to hit me!” He then remembered. “Oh, and in case you’re wondering, they managed to break Applejack’s legs already.” Fluttershy gasped in shock before adopting a really peeved off face. “That. Big. Dumb. MEANIE!” She proceeded to fly up as fast as she could up into the sky so she can confront Janja for what he did. “Don’t worry darlings, we’ll get you both out of here.” Rarity vowed before she worked her magic in removing the rocks with Pinkie proceeding to help big time by donning her hard hat before drilling a massive hole into the pile of rubble while Kyoga moved to clear the rocks away with her magic and claws. “Or of course, Pinkie will.” She muttered rather annoyed while Pinkie innocently grinned back. “Showoff.” At the same time, Janja was just preparing to send the last and final rock in the helpless Guard members in their direction with murderous intent. “Don’t worry, fellas. If you just stay still for a moment, this won’t hurt a bit.” “Wanna bet?!” Twilight angrily asked while sending a magical blast right at his chest thus knocking him aside and hard into the ground. Rainbow having managed to keep up with her friend followed it up by going for a double knock out with both of her front hooves. She then flipped over and then kicked both Cheezi and Chungu backwards into Janja’s direction. Unfortunately for them, the rock had just managed to fall into the pit for a head on collision in Applejack and Beshte’s direction much to everyone's jaw dropping horror. Rarity acting quick was able to use her magic to form a shield to keep the rock from fatally crushing them. But that was it since all of that mental straining was enough to knock herself out while Pinkie also got knocked silly from the impact. “Pinkie! Rarity!” Both Applejack and Beshte cried out in horror. “Hot wings!” Pinkie dizzily said before passing out while the alicorn princess looking down from above could only look aside feeling embarrassed and mortified with herself that happened. Janja and his pack managed to get themselves up on their paws just when Kion flies up to join the rest of the Guard who managed to make their way up to the top of Rocky Plateau. “Thought you could hurt one of the Lion and Pony Guard did you?!” Kion sternly asked with narrowed eyes directed at Janja with Fluttershy getting close in their faces by giving them the Stare. “Oh? Is the hippo and pony down there one of the Lion Guard and Pony Guard? I had no idea.” He said with false innocence and a forced laugh yet unable to keep his composure to the Pegasus's imposing glare. “We were just havin' some fun. So I got nowhere to run eh cub and pony?” “You got that right!” Twilight stated before charging at him with Rainbow quick to follow after her. The former managed to pounce and tussle with the hyena leader while Rainbow yanked Cheezi and Chungu and managed to slam the two of them hard into the ground like rag dolls. While she was making effortless work against Janja she gave this command to both Kion and Fluttershy both wanting in on the fight against him. “Get everyone out of the pit!” Both Kion and Fluttershy were quick to obey with the latter's adrenaline fueled energy focused on flying down on over to their injured friends to get them to safety. When they both flew down, everyone had managed to come too. “All right Fluttershy, stay behind me.” He ordered before focusing his attention on the blocked off exit before using the Roar against the rocks. And quite effectively, the Roar cleared an opening for them to escape through. While Beshte continued to carry Applejack, Kion moved to carry Pinkie Pie while Fluttershy moved to carry Rarity before they both flied out of the hole all while Kyoga clears aside all of the fallen debris and kept her guard to keep anymore rocks from falling in their direction. Upon seeing that they have all managed to get out of there, Twilight decided it was time to put an end to this fight. But not without allowing the others to get in on the action. “Bunga, Ono, Fuli…” She gestured to the struggling hyenas who just managed to get up again with a smile. “…would you all like to do the honors?” “Absolutely!” Fuli said with an equally pleased smile. “Huwezi!” She charged right at the hyenas while bowling them all over in one sprint. By doing so she ended charging off a cliff to which Rainbow was quick to fly after and catch her mid-air. Chungu having just managed to get up again managed to grab Ono’s tail feathers to allow Cheezi to chomp down on him with one more pull. Luckily for Ono, Bunga was quick to pounce on the latter to allow his egret friend to relentlessly peck at the former until he was forced to retreat. “Hey! Stop with the pecking!” “Sure thing.” Ono smiled at the same time Janja managed to get back up upon seeing that everyone else is done taking their best shots at them… …at least until Kion returned with the rest of the Guard now out of harm’s way causing them to briefly widen their eyes knowing what’s to come next. With one focused look, Kion once more used his Roar to send the hyenas flying away and screaming. “I never get tired of that.” Bunga smiled with joy. “No rain this time though. Oh well. Least we got rid of the hyenas and saved Big B, A.J., Pinkie, and Rarity all in one day.” “Couldn’t have said it any better, Bunga.” Rainbow said equally satisfied before starting to feel a little dehydrated herself from all of the energy she spent smacking around the hyenas. “Phew. Say Twilight, you think we can teleport on out of here before we start to parched…” She then noticed her coat is starting to sport some pink spots. “…and get sunburned.” “Of course.” Twilight said with a smile before gesturing everyone to get together for a group huddle before they all teleported away in one flash. At the same time, the hyenas have just crash landed a small distance from the volcano. Aside from the beatings they took in from their most recent battle, they were all left unharmed from the Roar’s impact. “So much for that plan.” Janja grumbled. “I guess Scar's plan worked out as good as one of yours. Huh Janja?” Cheezi obliviously chuckled. “Think he's gonna be mad?” Chungu asked knowing of the lion/alicorn’s little tolerance towards failure. Especially considering they had almost half of the Guard dead to rights there, literally in the hole. Realizing this Janja prepared to lead the others away in the opposite direction. “You know maybe we don't gotta go right back to the volcano.” “Janja!” “Hyenas!” Both Ushari and Starlight called out to the trio just when they arrived and spotted them trying to turn and walk away. “Scar wants to see you. Now.” “And he's not happy.” To back it up, the volcano produced a small eruption that Scar himself had created to make it clear to them that they are in serious trouble for their failure to off some of the members of the Lion and Pony Guard. All Janja could do was nervously gulp while Cheezi and Chungu both cowered behind their leader knowing what he is going to say to them when they arrive. “Oh boy.” With no other choice, the hyenas all made their way on over to the volcano while all terrified for their lives. During which Starlight took some pleasure at their plight when she smirked in their direction. “Dead men coming through!” Now that Beshte and Applejack have been rescued, the Lion and Pony Guard as a whole can feel relieved that the danger has passed. They were all now recovering in Sweet Apple Acres, where Applejack is having her legs treated by her big brother Big Macintosh and Twilight who is moving to work her healing magic on her injuries. Pinkie Pie and Rarity are both resting on lounge chairs with ice on their foreheads still weary from the hit they took back in the Outlands. While Beshte, Pinkie, and Rarity will all be find with some bed rest and taking off from duty for the next few days, Applejack herself took in the worst wounds of the bunch due to the fractures on her back legs. Even with Twilight managing to reduce the severity of her injuries down to small fractures with her magic, the orange earth pony is facing some sit and rest time for a while in order for her legs to recover and repair themselves along with wearing a cast at all times. Everyone is now currently helping themselves to well-earned apple cider with Rainbow Dash, Bunga, and Twilight all handing them each a bottle so they can help themselves to a drink alongside them. “Beshte, Applejack, I'm so sorry I got you both swept into the Outlands.” Kion apologized. “And I’m sorry for accidentally causing you both to get knocked out back there, Pinkie, Rarity.” Twilight also apologized. “That's okay Kion. It's not like you did it on purpose. You were helping the zebras.” “And considering the ground there was drying up really fast, it wasn’t exactly like you had any other choice.” “So of course, all is forgiven, silly lion cub and filly.” “I think the boys have said it best, darlings. Especially considering you were stopping Janja and his brutes from murdering both Beshte and Applejack, Twilight.” “Yeah and it all worked out great.” Bunga added in agreement while doing a front flip. “Plus we got to see all the hyenas go flying!” “I know right!” Pinkie cheerfully chimed in while talking her mouth off randomly appearing in and out every flash second. “First they we all grinning like smugly mad, then they were all “Uh-oh.”, and before they knew it they were all “Whoa!” when they were all sent flying!” Kion chuckled knowing of how true it was. “No kidding! That was so awesome as always!” Rainbow said feeling very excited herself going through that thrill once again now that the Pride Lands are back under their control. “Yeah and that never would've happened if you guys hadn't come to look for me.” Beshte added. “And for that, we thank for you all for saving our lives.” Applejack added while briefly taking her hat off while placing it to her chest to show how grateful they are to them. “You can always count on us Beshte.” Twilight said with an assuring smile. “You know it Big B.” Bunga added while slapping his paw onto his side. “Yeah, way to tough out that heat, A.J.” Rainbow also complimented while jabbing her in the arm with a friendly punch. But because the two had endured quite a sunburn while out there they both felt a sting from when their friends touched them like that. “Ow.” They both winced with Applejack feeling it more given that Rainbow packed a harder punch on her skin. “Oops, sorry.” Rainbow apologized upon seeing the pain she accidentally inflicted on her. “Ooh. You really did get burned out there.” Bunga commented apologetically. “My bad.” “It’s okay, partner.” Applejack accepted their apology. “Yeah. It's good to be home.” Beshte agreed. “Where there's lots of shade.” He then sees his favorite and long-awaited relief. “And mud! Oh yeah! Gotta love it!” He was the first to charge towards and leap into the pit, thus splattering his team with mud much to both Rarity and Fuli’s dismay and Applejack’s relief since mud does actually give her something to ease her burns away too. “Do we?” Fuli asked with an irritated sigh while Rarity was left stuttering and flustered feeling like a train wreck with her precious mane all messy again. Luckily for them, Twilight was kind enough to remove the mud from their fur and combed the unicorn’s mane back into its eloquent well-groomed state. They both smiled at the alicorn princess in return while the rest of the Guard laughs happily in amusement at their lovable friend’s passion for mud true to his nature.