//------------------------------//
// Episode 10: Undercover Kinyonga 
// Story: The Pony Guard (Season 6) 
// by MXCDarkHorse2020 
//------------------------------//


Episode 10:

Undercover Kinyonga


In the following days since Ono and Rainbow’s earlier injuries and later probation, the Lion and Pony Guard continued on with their daily patrols  without them along with trying to stay on top for whatever Scar has in store for them. Without Rainbow and Ono around, they had to try to rely on someone else to sneak in enemy territory with hopes they have cruical information they can use to stop Scar from getting the jump on them again like he did with Kilio Valley or what he nearly caused with having Lightning Dust and Wind Rider try to meddle around in the Dragon Lands. 

So in an attempt to try to get a sneak peak for whatever is coming next, both Twilight and Starlight decided to try sneak their way through the Outlands to see if they can try to spy on Scar and find it out themselves while the rest of the Guard stands by at the border. And thanks to their past experience, navigating the place during their earlier servitude to Scar, they were able to make their way to the volcano undetected. And it seems, that they might be able to pull this off.

“So far so good.”

“Yeah. Who would have thought that past experience on the opposite side of things would come in handy someday?”

The two quietly shared in a hush before peering towards the opening leading up to a good opening where they can witness Scar as he makes his fiery appearance to his followers. But just when they managed to get a glimpse of the caldera from above…

A loud siren blared across the Outlands Volcano, alerting the vultures along with Lightning Dust and Wind Rider to their presence.

“So much for the element of surprise.”

“Yep. Now’s it time to high-tail it out of here.”

The two casually shared with each other before making a flight towards the border with the enemy fliers hot on their tail.

“We’re on you, Twilight Sparkle!” Lightning Dust shouted while right being the two ponies. “You and your traitorous friend are trespassing on private property! You’re mine, intruders!”

“Guess again, Lightning!”

“Yeah! Storm’s over, Dirty Dan!”

The two returned like it’s nothing they haven’t been through before splitting up. Twilight went ahead in one direction with Lightning following after her with Starlight going the other direction with Wind Rider and the vultures following after her.

Twilight managed to fly through the pillars like she during her earlier battles with Scar like it was effortlessly cruising through an obstacle course while Lightning was able to follow closely behind despite a few near run ins with a few pillars. And just when it seemed like she was going to catch the princess…

...she ended up crashing face first into the hill leading up to the edge of the Pride Lands while Twilight managed to fly up and out of the Outlands at the last second.

Meanwhile, Wind Rider gave his all in trying to hunt down Starlight but unlike Lightning he didn’t have the endurance and speed she has before finding himself collapsing on a nearby pillar he ended up falling onto. So it left it up to the vultures to try to chase after Starlight but even still they didn’t have the speed to catch the unicorn herself.

“Motion to attack from above and behind at the same time?” Mzingo asked the other vultures with all eyes on the unicorn.

“Aye!” They both agreed before carrying out the attempt.

“Leaving so soon, Starlight?” Mwoga called out to her. “You've hardly had a chance to get a good look around.” Mzingo tried to get a good jab at Starlight’s tail only to be whipped aside by said tail who then proceeded to accidentally bowl right into the other vultures and knocked them off the ground and down right next to the defeated and pained Lightning Dust where they can only moan in defeat.

“I think I’ve already had my fair share, thank you very much.” Starlight returned like this is just another day of training for her. “So I’ll just take my leave.”

Wind Rider having just recovered, moved to try to seize this opportunity to fly head on towards Starlight for a direct attack. He flew up preparing to go down for the famous spinning air kick. But just before he could unleash that attack, he was swiftly froze in place by Starlight’s magic who looked still not impressed.

“No offense, old man, but you’re really not living up to the legend as a famous Wonderbolt.” Starlight said before using her magic to roll up the pony like basketball before flinging him on over to the volcano where he would land inside the caldera (not landing in the lava of course) 

She proceeded to do the same to Lightning and the vultures one by one to keep them from getting the drop on them when they come to before joining Twilight who came back to make sure she’s okay before they made their leave from the Outlands.

“Nice shooting.”

“Thanks. I know how to play ball.”

Once they arrived back in the Pride Lands, the rest of the Lion and Pony Guard approached them having seen the whole fight from where they stand.

“Good going!”

“Yeah! Mzingo and Mwoga got a beak-full of dirt for lunch.”

“Not to mention you blew Wind Rider out of the sky! Literally!”

“And you made Lightning eat her own dust!”

Fuli, Bunga, Pinkie, and Applejack all complimented with both Pinkie and Bunga finding what they saw very funny.

“Thanks. But there’s nothing to celebrate over yet.” Twilight returned while treating that little victory as nothing exciting.

“What'd both you see, Twilight? Starlight?” Kion asked.

“The crocs and jackals are still in Kilio Valley but the hyenas are moving towards the volcano.” Twilight reported.

“Maybe Scar has plans for Janja.” Fuli correctly figured.

“No question about it.” Starlight replied knowing that’s true for sure before continuing with their report. “But he also knew that we’d try to sneak by and placed an alarm so that we can make sight for whenever Scar appears there or what he is planning to do next.” Starlight grunted in frustration. “Should have known. Sorry, Kion, Twilight.”

Both leaders of the Guard were quick to assure her it’s nothing to sweat about.

“It's okay, Starlight.”

“We’re just glad you made it back in one piece. We made it back in one piece.”

“More or less.”

“I mean with all things considered you both did a pretty good job.” Rarity complimented.

“And it doesn't matter what Scar's planning.” Bunga chimed in. “The Lion and Pony Guard' will beat him!”

“I sure hope so, Little B.”

“And let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Applejack reminded. “It could be what Scar’s counting on us to do if it comes down to that.

“Applejack’s right.” Kion agreed. “We need to stay alert. Scar could make his next move any time now.”

“But it would be a lot more helpful if we could get an idea of what he’s planning before he executes it.” Kyoga pointed out. “Considering we narrowly escaped defeat and death more times recently, our luck is really starting to wear thin at this point.”

“I know.” Kion acknowledged. “The question is how?”

Before that could be elaborated on more, Thurston and his herd came on by.

“Panic and run! Panic and run!”

“What's up with the zebras?” Beshte asked.

“Probably got spooked again.” Kyoga theorized.

“Only one way to find out.” Twilight said before she and Kion led the team after them.

“Come on!”

Upon catching up to them, the Guard wasted no time taking action.

“Whoa there, zebras! Just slow down, y’all!” Applejack commanded while commandeering her lasso to get full control of their leader so everyone else would follow suit.

Bunga proceeded leap up onto Kion before leaping onto one of the zebras to get him to do the same. “You heard the pony. Easy there, zebra-deebra!”

And just like that with combined teamwork it was over in a matter of seconds.

“Is everyone calmer now?” Fluttershy kindly asked of them once they came to a complete stop and took the time to catch their breath. The zebras all neighed “yes.” in response. “Good.”

After releasing their control over the zebras, Bunga then asked what everyone in the Guard’s thinking. “So, what made you panic this time? Jackals? Hyenas? Dung beetles?”

“Changelings, Creepy moon creatures, mind-controlled ponies?!” Pinkie chimed in to which frightened the zebras once more but not enough for them to start panicking and running all over again.

“Uh, back there!” Thurston answered directing their attention to the rock up ahead.

“Okay…”

“...that sure is...scary.”

Both Rarity and Fluttershy replied just looking on confused instead of worried like the herd expected.

“So what's the problem?” Fuli asked still not seeing the source of their scares.

“The rock. The rock is the problem. Something must be done about it.”

“The rock…” Twilight looked on like this is the most baffling thing to run away from but still moved to inspect it. “...yeah, sure. We’ll check it out.” While leading the team on over there she couldn’t also help but feel she has come across this before. “Where have I heard and seen this before…”

Once they approached, Bunga and Pinkie were quick to take action.

“Bad rock! Bad, bad, rock.” Bunga scolded like a misbehaving dog.

“Get lost! Rock!” Pinkie shouted it with her megaphone to the point it shattered into a million pebbles. “There. Problem solved.”

“Anything else you’d like to elaborate more on or should just take you on to the Ponyville psychologist?” Kyoga asked having a hard time believing that she is actually going to entertain herself with what she believes to be a silly little phobia.

“Not me.” Starlight nervously giggled in response trying to laugh it off before stepping aside in silence.

“You don't understand. It talked.” Thurston protested while cowering behind the nearest tree from a safe distance.

“The rock talked?” Kion asked looking on amused at this point.

“It most certainly did. We all heard it. Didn't we?”

The other zebras all neighed in agreement to confirm it’s true.

“A talking rock?” Fuli looked on like it is one of the funniest things they’ve actually dealt with while on patrol.

“Wow!” Starlight laughed. “You’re really having us gong there.”

“I know right!” Pinkie laughed finding very funny herself to the point she fell on her back with all four hooves raised up in the air while laughing. “Rainbow Dash sure would get a kick out of this if she were here!”

“Like my dad always says, "You never know what you might see until you see it." Beshte commented equally amused.

“But all I see is a rock.” Bunga pointed out. “And Pinkie destroyed it.”

Just then Twiga approached the Guard looking on at them in desperate need of their help. “Lion Guard! Pony Guard! Help!”

“Twiga? What's wrong?”

“What is it?”

Both leaders of the Guard asked.

“That tree. Over there.” Twiga pointed in the tree’s direction. “I tried to scratch my back against it and it yelled at me!”

“It yelled at you?” Rarity asked looking on confused even more.

“Yes! It said, "Careful. I'm standin' here."”

“Hmm, odd.” Starlight commented rather puzzled herself. “I don’t recall ever playing those kinds of pranks even while invisible.” She then hastily moved to clarify. “I really didn’t.” She said with a shake of her head to assert that.

Hearing that started to get Twilight’s past memories flowing in her head as it is all coming together now.

“First a talking rock. Now a yelling tree. Next thing you know the grass will be singing.” Thurston fearfully expressed. “You know what this means.”

“You don't have to…” Kion began to say on deaf ears.

“Panic and…”

Thankfully, Fuli and Fluttershy were quick to intercept him mid-sentence with the latter giving him the Stare towards him.

“Stop! Just calm down.” Fuli ordered. 

“The Lion and Pony Guard's here. So don’t panic and run! Got it! Fluttershy added before averting her gaze once Thurston has calmed himself down once more.

“Mmm-hmm.”

“Good.” Fuli said satisfied now.

“Yeah. We'll protect you from rocks, trees, and grass.” Pinkie happily assured while pulling out her party cannon ready to unleash confetti on it.

Applejack however was quick to stop her before she could use it. “Whoa! Whoa! Hold on there, Pinkie Pie! Now’s not the time for party decorations.”

“Aww.”

“Okay. Everyone just stay calm.” Kion urged of everyone. “Please. We'll go check it out.”

The crowd dispersed as the Lion and Pony Guard went ahead towards the source to investigate it further.

“I don't get it.” Fuli expressed feeling very confused now. “I know the zebras are easily spooked, but not Twiga.”

“Yeah. Why would she say she heard a voice?” Rarity also wondered.

“Unless she really did.” Kion replied.

“Are you saying the tree really talked?” Beshte asked unsure if it really is true. 

“No…” Kion replied certain that’s not the case. “...but... I think Twiga heard something.” He then noticed Twilight is looking on with squinted eyes before leaning down to the ground. “Twilight?”

“I think she just found our talking rock and tree.” Kyoga said as they watch on as Twilight worked her magic in scanning something out.

She paid no attention to Kion as she worked her magic around what she thinks she sees. “The garden burrows are in alignment.” The voice of the invisible source spoke.

“And so is the cinnamon and sugar on the churros.” Twilight returned with narrowed eyes.

"Twilight, who are you talking to?" Starlight curiously and rather confused with what she is seeing asked.

Knowing that this is her and her friends along with the correct code phrase used. The mystery voice owner showed herself to everyone. “Hello, Princess Twilight and friends of the Lion and Pony Guard. You got me. Again.”

“Yes, it’s us. And it’s okay. No need to run from us.” Twilight assured before undoing the magical dome she had over her to keep her from running off while raising a hoof to ensure Fluttershy doesn’t scare her off with her over-eagerness to get to know her more.

“Okay.”

“Sorry for cornering you like that, Kinyonga.” Twilight apologized. “We just wanted to talk and know why you were spooking Twiga and the zebras.”

“Oh, I didn't mean to.” Kinyonga apologized. “I was trying to be friendly. Sometimes I forget that I'm camouflaged.”

“Camo-what?”

“Yeah, what she said?”

Both Pinkie and Bunga said looking on confused.

“Camouflage.” Kinyonga answered. “It's what we chameleons call it when we blend in with what's around us. Let me show you.”

Now You See Me, Now You Don't

Music and song plays from 0:22 - 2:00

Through upbeat music and casually blending in with the environment with her changing colors as she moves around her surroundings even allowing the Lion and Pony Guard to play around trying to catch her along the way especially Fluttershy. Up until she made her way back to where she began.

“Wow!” Applejack was the first speak in amazement of her abilities. “That’s amazing!”

“Especially the parts I couldn't see.” Rarity added equally impressed.

“Me neither.” Starlight chimed in feeling delightfully surprised herself along with the chameleon herself upon seeing her. "And hello. I'm Starlight Glimmer, newest member of the Lion and Pony Guard. Nice to meet you, face to face, one friend to another now." She then greeted and introduced.

"Nice to meet you too. Even though I have seen you in action before when you were an enemy." Kinyonga returned with no disgust nor fear towards her, seeing that it's all in the past now and it's safe to speak with her on equal footing. "But nothing I can say or hold anything against you."

"Good to know, and much appreciated coming from someone who has a very special connection with the princess." Starlight returned humbly though somewhat awkwardly given her matching nervous grin at having her past regrets brought up, even innocently.

"My pleasure. It does help that I'm a very nice and friendly reptile deep down by changing colors."

“And so very, very, very cute!” Fluttershy squeed while giving the chameleon a big tight hug up until she slipped away from her grasp with her camouflage abilities.

“Ah, thanks. I was just doing what comes naturally.”

“Well Kinyonga, you can color me impressed. Get it?” Bunga then joked. “She changes colors? I'm impressed?”

Everyone else expect for Pinkie all groaned in response to the attempted pun.

“Ugh!”

“I like that one. That was good.”

“It's nice to see and get to know you more, Kinyonga.” Kion said pleased that they were able to make the time to do so. “But please be careful when you're camouflaged.” He then cautioned.

“You might cause another panic.”

“Especially around zebras.”

“And don’t even get us started on how they react when they do.”

Fuli, Beshte, and Kyoga then said and advised.

“I'll do my best not to scare anyone else again. I promise.”

“Thank you.” Kion returned pleased to hear that. “We've got enough to deal with trying to figure out what the Outlanders are gonna do next.”

“Oh, yeah!” Kinyonga acknowledged before remembering why else she was around. “Because of Scar.”

“You know about Scar?” Kion asked finding it a bit surprising himself.

“Yeah! I heard the skinks talking about him along with seeing him in action in the Outlands.”

“The skinks talked about Scar? Right in front of you?” Starlight asked equally surprised as she, Kion, and Twilight leaned down to her eye level as she continues.

“Yep. It's amazing what you hear when nobody can see you.” She then shuddered as the memories of seeing what he’s capable of when he conquered the Pride Lands flow through her head. “And Scar sure is bad news for everyone in the Pride Lands.”

“And all of Equestria.” Twilight added before remembering of something she needed to ask her. “Which reminds me, you wouldn’t happen to know of anything new in the Outlands before you came here, did you?”

“Nothing other than Scar is expecting Janja over inside the volcano for something important. Other than that he also has complete control of Kilio Valley with constant shift changes of watching over the land to ensure none of you try to take it back.” Kinyonga reported. 

“Right. Something that me and Starlight have already figured out ourselves.”

“Sorry, that’s all I have.”

“It’s okay, Kinyonga.” Twilight assured there’s no hard feelings. “I know it's not easy to slip into the Outlands without risk being seen.”

“Or maybe I can.” Kinyonga said otherwise.

“Huh?”

“What?”

Both Kion and Twilight shared confused and concerned with what she just said.

“Maybe I can try going in there again and spy on Scar himself.” Kinyonga proposed, though both leaders of the Guard were very reluctant to try that idea with Fluttershy herself gasping and nearly fainting in shock with Starlight quick to catch and support her.

“I don't think so.”

“There's some really bad stuff going on in the Outlands.”

Kion and Fuli both said to voice against it.

“Kinyonga…” Twilight spoke to try to gently decline the offer. “...I do appreciate you willing to step up and risk more for everyone’s sake, I really do. But that’s a very risky and dangerous idea you’re proposing.”

“But I’ve spied for you countless times.”

“Yes, but that was for when I needed your eyes to watch over the other Outsiders, in open and unguarded areas in the Outlands. I mean spying on them is one thing, but doing so to Scar is a much more difficult task. You would have to be lucky to make it out alive.”

“I know that for sure.” Starlight voiced to assert that she can attest to that. “He’s even got all eyes on us in case we try anything to sneak any info on him from up close.”

“Scar's inside the volcano which is heavy guarded even towards us.” Kion also pointed out. “There are bad guys all over the place. What if one of them spots you?”

“Why would they? You guys didn't.” Kinyonga pointed out.

“That’s true.”

“She's got a point.”

Both Applejack and Pinkie both admitted.

“But still…” Twilight then said trying to get her to understand of what she’s risking if she does so. “...I couldn’t ask you to do something that’ll risk your life.”

Even knowing what Twilight’s telling her, she still remained sure it’s something she can step up to. “I know it’s risky but please let me go into the Outlands and find out what's going on for you. I've been there lots of times. Nobody sees me come or go.”

Both Kion and Twilight shared a look knowing exactly what the other’s thinking about this proposal.

“We really do need to know what Scar's up to.” 

“And it’s not like we have a lot of other options at this point.”

Out of sheer reluctance even knowing full well of what happened last time one of the Pride Landers volunteered to do something similar, they came to a consensus on the matter.

“You promise to be careful?” Twilight asked.

“I'll be in and out before anybody knows I was there.”

“But if somebody does see you…” Kion brought up.

“Never going to happen.”

“A little tempting fate there…” Twilight said with gritted teeth. “...but since you’re so willing and sure about this, then okay. You have our permission to go in there as long as you get back before sunset.”

“Yeah. You don't want to be in the Outlands at night.” Beshte chimed in.

“It gets really spooky and dark and even more dangerous to navigate with so many creepy eyes looking at you…” Fluttershy added in nerve wracking panic before fainting once more while being caught by Starlight before she could hit her head and suffer a concussion.

“No problem.” Kinyonga assured while patting her on the head to help revive her while Rarity and Pinkie quickly fanned her to help her wake up before setting out and blending in with her current surroundings.

“See you around!” Bunga happily called after her before asking the others. “Or will we?”

“Ugh!” Fuli groaned. “Of course we will. Since she’s absolutely sure, she can pull this off. Right, Kion? Twilight?”

“No.” Twilight quietly replied with the gut feeling that she can’t be too sure of that before heading on inside enemy territory while invisible. “Come on, Starlight.” She then turned to Kion before setting out. “And Kion, if you see me shining my horn constantly or hear the alarm going off again, come on over with the rest of the Guard.”

“Will do, Twilight. And be careful.”

“We will.”





Once inside the Outlands, Kinyonga made good use of her camouflage abilites to make her way across while timely managing her sudden color changes well enough to avoid the timely fly by’s the vultures along with Lightning Dust and Wind Rider. But Lightning Dust wasn’t fooled for a secons as she really spotted something amiss with their random bright colors she thought she was before continuing forward with her eyes more focused than more.

Along the way, she happened to nearby cross paths with Cheezi and Chungu with the sounds of something growling drawing her attention.

“What you growling at, Chungu?”

“That wasn't me, that was my tummy.” His stomach growled to prove his point. “Let's go find something to eat.”

“But Janja told us to stay here while he talks to Scar.” Cheezi reminded. “We're the look-outs.”

“What are we looking out for?”

“I don't know. Whatever shows up, I guess.”

“Whatever it is, it better be tasty. 'Cause I'm so hungry I could eat that rock.”

And right on cue, Kinyonga’s random color changes caught their attention. “Oops.” She gasped upon being spotted.

“Where'd that come from?” Cheezi asked.

“I do not know. But I'm gonna eat it.” Chungu quickly moved to rush over there to do so.

“Not if I eat it first.”

Luckily for her, she was able to blend in with the enviroment from where she stands causing the two hyenas to sink their teeth into the rock she was standing on instead.

“Ow!” Cheezi moaned before looking on in confusion. “Hey, where'd it go?”

“Aw, You ate the whole thing yourself.” Chungu complained.

“I did not.” Cheezi innocently defended though his partner wasn’t smart enough to figure out it’s indeed the truth.

“You did.”

“Did I?” Now Cheezi started to believe it. “Uh, yeah.”

“No fair. I'm the hungry one and you get the snack.”

“And it was good, too.”





With that Kinyonga made her way on over to the top of volcano where she briefly looked on in fright as she gets the ominous feels going through her spine upon seeing the Mark of Evil indicating that Scar himself can appear at anytime. She then calmed herself down enough before pressing forward with entering the caldera unnoticed…

...expect for a certain speedy Pegasus who has managed to monitor the chameleon's movements up spotting her again.

Inside the volcano, Janja had just arrived all while walking by like manners mean nothing to him. “Outta the way, skinks.” He rudely told them as they found themselves forced to step aside to avoid being squished by him.

“Watch where you're walking, Janja.” Shupavu’s irritably returned.

“If you're so good at spying, you can watch out for me.” Janja returned unapologetically feeling like they should have expected that before making his way up to the cliff where Ushari is waiting for him.

“You're late!” The cobra sternly scolded. “I was about to send out the skinks to find you!”

“Don't go getting your scales in a knot.” Janja argued back asserting he did nothing wrong.

“Spare me your sarcasm. And don't ever keep me waiting again.”

While the two were arguing and getting face to face with each other Kinyonga managed to find herself a good rock from close above to hide on.

“Back off, Ushari. You ain't the boss of me.”

Before it could escalate further, Scar made his fiery appearance before them with Kinyonga slinking back to avoid being spotted by him along with another skunk passing by. “No! But I am. And I have no time for these ridiculous arguments.” He sternly stated.

“Sorry, Scar.” Janja apologized while glaring at Ushari. “But he started it.”

“Enough. Janja,” Scar stated not caring who started it before getting down to business. “I summoned you here for a reason. You have the honor of carrying out my latest plan. It will bring suffering to the Pride Lands and leave them weakened and begging to surrender.” Kinyonga moved to hide behind a rock when a skink came walking by. “Janja, take your hyenas into the Pride Lands. Go to the rocky river bank above Hakuna Matata Falls. Wait for the cover of darkness. Then push the rocks into the river and block the water from flowing.”

“Got it. Push rocks in river and stop the water.” The hyena moved to head out before stopping and turning back around. “Um, how come?”

“It will cut off a major water supply in the middle of the dry season.” Ushari explained.

“Right, of course. But what about Ponyville?”

“That’s something they can be dealt with also.”

“How?”

Scar looked on midly annoyed in response. “Just leave that to me. Now just take your clan and go.”

“I'm going, I'm going.” Janja then left with no further questions leaving Kinyonga herself to wonder what Scar means by what he said.

“The Pride Lands are about to get very thirsty. And with thirst will come unrest, desperation, and chaos.” He laughed evilly with what’s to come with the bright flash of his fiery flames ended up allowing Shupavu to spot Kinyonga’s shadow.

“Scar! Scar! Somebody's there.” The red skink alerted.

“Who dares to spy on me?” Scar angrily said in the shadow’s direction with the caught spy accidentally revealing herself.

“Uh-oh.”

“A chameleon!”

Before Kinyonga could flee, she was swiftly pounced and pinned to the rock she was standing on by Lightning Dust before ensnaring her with her tail in a hold that she can’t break free from or use her camouflage abilites to slip her way out of this one.

“A very sneaky chameleon who’s strayed too far from home.” Lightning remarked before bringing her on over to Scar who will definitely pass judgment on her after being caught in the act.

“No question about that. Not to mention one that is in so much hot water right now.” Scar said in agreement with a hardened glare directed at the chameleon that sure had her cringing in fear of him.





At the same time, both Twilight and Starlight’s worst thoughts are confirmed with their own eyes when they managed to spot out and make out the conversation from above. The former wasted no time in writing down a message for Kion before sending him the signal.

“Twilight?” Kion spoke before finding a written message in his magical grasp. “Hevi Kabisa!”

“What is it, Kion?” Fuli asked as she and the others got a look at what he just read. Once she read it, her eyes look on seeing things have just gotten serious. “Oh, no. Kinyonga’s been captured.”

“Oh, no!” Beshte gasped with Fluttershy even passing out once more before having to be caught by both Rarity and Pinkie.

“Okay, no problem!” Bunga saw this as nothing to sweat over before preparing to heading on over. “Time for a rescue! Kion, lead the way.”

Rarity spoke up very against the head on charge by halting the honey badger from taking one step in the Outlands. “Wait! Bunga! Stop! What if the vultures see us coming?”

“They'll call for reinforcements. That’s what they’ll do.” Applejack stated.

“We could end up facing Scar's whole army.” Kyoga added.

Even still Bunga felt they can take their chances. “So? Bring 'em on!”

“Easy there, Bunga.” Applejack once more asserted. “We need to save Kinyonga, not start a battle.”

“Applejack’s right.” Kion agreed as he continues reading the instructions Twilight had sent for him and the rest of the Guard to follow. “Aside from an invisibility spell, I think I know another way how to get into the Outlands without being seen. But first...” He quickly used his magic to make the letter disappear much like when Spike does when sending a letter to the princesses. "Okay. Now here's what we're going to do..."





Back inside the Outlands Volcano, Ushari and the skinks all look on as Scar prepares to cast judgment on the intruder that attempted to sneak out and tip off the Lion and Pony Guard with his latest plan to wreak havoc on the Pride Lands and Equestria.

“So the Lion and Pony Guard sent you to try to spy on me and give them the head’s up for once.” Scar chuckled like it’s a joke. “Figures that you were the best spy for the job after personally ensuring that Twilight, Starlight, nor Kion could try that trick on me.”

“Um, Scar. If I may…” Kinyonga tried to speak up with a nervous smile.

“May what?”

“Technically they didn’t send me, I volunteered myself to try to spy on you.” Kinyonga explained. “And considering of how much I really wanted to help them, I couldn’t say no to that.”

“Is that so?” Kinyonga nodded with Scar briefly looking on with respect towards her. “While impressive and you certainly have valor for risking your life on your accord…” He then frowned once more. “...I can’t have you informing them of that, and a punishment for trespassing is a must. So…” Scar traps Kinyonga in a fiery ball and raised it up ready to plunge it into the lava pit down below. “...on with the execution since the sentence for your crimes here today is death. Such a pity, you threw away what could have been a long-lived life.”

“Well, if it has to be cut short, consider it my highest honor, Scar.” Kinyonga returned looking on showing no signs of fear as she faces what seems to be the end for her.

Wasting no time, Scar worked his magic and then sent the chameleon down into the fiery pit below.

But fortunately as luck would have it for her, Twilight came to rescue by using her magic to cease her falling before she could hit the lava while flying at top speed with her body just dangerously close and above from touching it. She then was able to safely pull her within her hooves before flying around the pit before sprinting out of the volcano before anybody could do anything about it.

From above, Starlight watched from above all while working her magic in keeping up an opening for her friend to get in and out with the very short time she had to get in and make the flying save and escape. And before any of the Outsiders could do anything once they spotted her, she released a powerful spell that created cold air, snow, and ice to bury them.

But while successful, it was only temporary as Scar managed reheat the area around them right back up with a murderous look on his face as he managed to spot Starlight ducking out of his sight from inside the caldera. He then emerged in his lion / alicorn form before flying on up towards the top where he managed to spot Starlight making her way down the volcano.

“There you are.” He spotted the unicorn now looking a bit exhausted and tired as she struggles to make her escape. Evidently all of the energy mustered in using those spells to save Twilight and Kinyonga. But before setting out he ushered this command to the fastest Pegasus under his command. “Lightning Dust! Wind Rider! Go! After her along with her little informant! Skinks! With her!”

“On it!” Lightning flew off after her with Wind Rider carrying the skinks and Ushari along for the ride.

“Stop the intruders!” Ushari commanded of them.

“Skinks with me!” Shupavu said to the other skinks as they ride along the Pegasus fliers in pursuit of the Princess of Friendship.

Seeing an opportunity Scar flew on over there ready to make an example out of her. After all, he hadn’t forgotten about how she managed to help Twilight escape him after the very last possible second along with deciding now of all times to have a change of heart which allowed Twilight to foil his plan to kill off half of the Royal Family and the entire Guard in one fellow swoop.

Starlight when looking back to see if anyone had spotted her ended up seeing Scar coming right at her. But unfortunately had no time to defend herself before being blasted, backhanded, and sent tumbling down the hill with each and every hit she endured more painful than the last. By the time it all stopped was when she finally reached the bottom of the hill along with a dead end.

Starlight could barely pick herself up before finding herself face to face with another attempted head on charge by Scar. This time she was able to muster up some magic to fend herself off from that attack but it was not enough to force herself backwards and had to duck, dodge, and go for the slide underneath Scar when he flew by who instead hit the wall to the punch he punched a hole through the wall.

With the best of her ability she was able use her magic to defend herself for quite a bit but still wasn’t able to stop Scar from going on the offense against her since he kept pouring his firepower on her. He still kept managing to lay a paw on her along with firing blast after blast on her up until she couldn’t defend herself anymore before finally taken down to a magic-fueled punch to the gut.

Starlight groaned as she looked up to her former boss with nothing but defiance yet fear of death surfacing up as he prepares to finish her off. “Aren’t you at least going to make some stupid crack about the Lion and Pony Guard and how you’re going to prevail on top like before?”

“No, Starlight Glimmer. Funny joke around Scar isn’t here today. Especially when dealing with traitors like you.”

Starlight growled as she prepared herself for one final stand. “Big talk for someone who’s also fighting on the wrong side of the war. Hard to believe it took me this long for me to realize it because of you.”

“Well if it’s any consolation, you’re about to be reunited with your loved ones whoever they are.” Scar then proceeded to whip up one of his most powerful red hot blasts of magic before sending right at the defeated unicorn who was able to resist the blast for a few seconds before succumbing to it’s power and being obliterated leaving nothing but black smoke and ashes from where she stood.

Scar then looked down and scooped up the ashes and gave it a good sniff while examining it up close. He then frowned in anger when he realized something just from analyzing this. “You’re not the real Starlight! You are a duplicate!” He then looked around after grinding up the ashes with his bare paws. “Somewhere…” He then had a moment of realization and then growled upon figuring out and realizing the trick.

Sure enough, the real Starlight has joined up with Twilight as they both make their way through the Outlands. With the way things are looking they seemed to both be home free but they weren’t out of harm’s way yet. Especially when knowing by now that Scar and Lightning Dust are hot on their tails, literally.

With another blast of furious red hot magic, Scar was able to connect and blast the two ponies apart. Both Twilight and Starlight were able to quickly recover but had to take cover under the pillars since they weren’t ready to use their magic to counter attack the ongoing rage Scar has going on. And from the look from his eyes, he was very determined not to let them ruin his latest plan.

With Kinyonga separated from Twilight and Starlight, the skinks were dropped off so they can pursue her themselves. While she was able to camouflage herself to avoid being suddenly spotted they all know where she’s going to avoid them.

“That chameleon couldn't have gotten far. Spread out and search.” Shupavu instructed the chameleons who all spread to find her while Lightning Dust flies from above to serve as their eyes in case she tries to climb the pillars and rocks.

Njano along with another yellow skink just happened to look over where Kinyonga actually is before she quickly sent dirt and rocks their way to disorient them. 

“Coming through.” She told them before taking cover in the nearby patch of grass.

“Waza! You see where she went?” Shupavu asked of her.

“Uh-uh.” She replied with a shake of her head much to her dismay.

“Well, she's got to be around here someplace. Find her.”

Just after the skinks set out ahead of her hiding place, the sounds of the grass rustling drew their attention back to her as she on and off color changing alerted them of her current whereabouts. Kinyonga gasped upon seeing the skinks are now going to corner her now that she exposed herself once more.

“Over there!”

“Hiding in the grass!”

Both Lightning and Ushari called out to the skinks who just spotted her.

Back in the skies, Scar is looking around from the skies in search of the two ponies that once served him. So far, because they are now invisible he saw nothing until he managed to make out the pony shapes with his sharply focused eyes. He then charged his body up to create two powerful and electric fueled balls of fire right at the ponies trying to hide from them.

ZAP!

“Ow!”

“Hey!”

“Found ya both!”

The two had to quickly teleport away to avoid more blasts from the half alicorn before moving to counter attack them while engaging in battle against him.

Twilight moved to fire off her fiery magic of her own right at him to which he swiftly neutralized with his magic which created smoke with each and every blast that came his way. He then counter attacked by throw a set of magic blasts right back at her to which she was able to neutralize and dodge each and every one of them but not without having to land on one of the pillars after nearly getting hit by the last one.

Seeing her friend struggle prompted the unicorn in action by firing a blast right at Scar who promptly was forced by the attack after shielding himself just in time. He then retaliated by swiftly launching a super speed fueled charged blast right at which knocked her off of the pillar she was standing on.

He then quickly sent another fiery blast of magic right at Twilight who was not only able to fly and somersault herself out of the way. But was also able to charge her horn up for a very powerful magic blast right back at him using the energy Scar used on his last attack. 

The very finishing attack that Twilight never got to utilize during their last battle of magic which sent Scar flying backwards across pillar after pillar up until his body was slammed against the Outlands Volcano. Scar was able to recover from the attack but the time from when he was forced backwards was enough for Twilight and Starlight to make their escape from the Outlands. And knowing what they’re going to do now that they know his next plan has him teleport away so he can thwart them.

Elsewhere, the skinks have moved to prepare to capture the chameleon from where they spotted her.

“We've got her surrounded.” Shupavu stated to the others. “She's in there somewhere. Don't let her get away this time.”

The other yellow skink moved to check on the above tree root only to just so place his front legs right on top of her.

“Ow!” She promptly kicked him off before taking off. “Gotta run.” She managed to get some distance on then.

“Nyeusi! Nyata! Use your speed. Stop her!” Their leader commanded of them who promptly raced after her.

With their quick speed both the purple and black skinks were able to intercept and cut her off. But Kinyonga was prepared for that as she used her tongue to lasso up the black skink’s legs and tossed him right into the purple one. She then continued her way forward even using her tail to create a rock slide to knock the green and blue skinks off of her tail.

“I appreciate the escort, but I can find my own way out.” She told both Shupavu and Njano who are the only ones close behind.

“Very funny. Ready, Njano? Now!” Acting on cue, Njano leaped from up high to jump attack her only to accidentally crash into Shupavu.

With that she then raced ahead down the path she’s currently on, only to find herself hitting a dead end. “Uh-oh.”

Seeing that sparked delight in Shupavu as Lightning quickly seized her once more. “Now we've gotcha! You're trapped.”

Kinyonga laughed nervously while changing colors yet still unable to break free from the Pegasus’s grasp. “I'm sorry. Were you looking for me?”

“Yes we were! Since you were clearly caught trying to help the Lion and Pony Guard gain the advantage on us.” Lightning firmly stated.

“Doesn't matter what color you turn, you won't get past us again and it won’t be enough to escape your fate.” Shupavu added as Wind Rider flew down to allow Ushari to get off and do the honors of finishing her off.

“Say goodbye, Kinyonga!”

“Think again, Ushari!” Fluttershy’s voice said to him appearing right in front of her as a big pile of mud.

“What?! Fluttershy?!” The cobra was now taken by surprise as he had to turn away from the Pegasus unleashing her Stare against him.

“Because you won't get past us.” Bunga’s voice then stated while making his appearance known with his camoflauge outfit.

“Who said that? Who's "us"?” Lightning Dust demanded in confusion while looking around before being finding the chameleon slipping right out of her hooves courtesy of Pinkie Pie who returned a happy smile right back at her. “You!”

“Yep! Her!” Applejack’s voice stated to her before bucking her right in the face and knocked her out cold.

“And not just her! Us!” Rarity’s voice stated to Wind Rider who had no time to prepare for a karate kick then knocked him out cold too. She wore a camoflauge outfit designed purely from fabric that allows her to blend in with the enviroment. Not to mention it helps keep her sparkling white coat and purple curly mane clean.

The rest of the Lion and Pony Guard made their appearances well known as they appeared before them much to the skinks and Ushari’s shock. 

“Leave the chameleon alone, skinks.” Kion ordered of them.

“You heard the tree. Beat it!” Pinkie firmly stated.

“The Lion and Pony Guard!” Shupavu exclaimed in fear.

“Everyone retreat! Now!” Ushari commanded before leading the way.

Once they left, Kion and Kyoga huddled everyone around them together so they can teleport on out of here and back right outside the border on the Pride Lands side.

“Perfect timing!” Kyoga remarked in relief.

“And look at you.” Kinyonga complimented the Guard on their camouflage disguises. “And I thought I was good at blending in.”

“Well it helps that some of use have magic at our disposal.” Kyoga replied.

“And we took some tips from the master.” Fuli added. “Along with having good practice at mastering the art itself.”

Fluttershy was quick to scoop the chamleon with a great big motherly hug. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“Yes and no.” She quickly replied to assure her of that. “But the Pride Lands might not be. Scar ordered Janja and his clan to block the river above Hakuna Matata Falls.”

“Then we've got no time to lose. Let's go.” With that Kion moved to lead everyone on over there.





Sometime later after the sun set at Hakuna Matata Falls, the cover of darkness came. And that was when Janja and his hyenas moved to enact Scar’s plan to block the water in order to cut off the Pride Land’s major water supply in the middle of the dry season.

“Okay. Here we are.” 	Janja told his clan.

“Here we are where?” Chungu asked needlessly like always earning slight irritation from his leader for that stupid question.

“Doesn't matter. Just break up into teams and start pushing rocks into the river. And nobody stops 'till the water does.”

Both Nne and Tano both got started by pushing in the nearby rocks they could find leaving the other two hyenas to do the same.

“Cheezi! Chungu!” Their leader called.

“Yeah, Janja?” Cheezi asked as he and Chungu were all ears for what he asked of them.

“You guys push this rock.” He said while directing their attention to rock that is indeed large and is as big as Beshte.

“But that's the biggest one.” Chungu pointed out. “Why us?”

“'Cause you're the biggest furbrains.”

“Aw, thanks, Janja.” Cheezi returned taking that as a compliment.

Upon seeing that things are going along smoothly, Janja chuckled in delight. “This is the easiest plan Scar's ever given us.”

While attempting to push the camouflaged hippo into the river, they couldn’t help but notice something odd and familiar about it while struggling to make it budge.

“Hey! This rock feels kinda funny.”

“Yeah. It's all... Squishy.”

“Who are you calling squishy?” Beshte’s voice said to them while revealing himself to them by standing up.

“And it's got a face.” Chungu remarked now frightened upon recognizing him.

“And he’s not the only one who has a face, silly furbrains!” Pinkie’s voice stated to them while appearing right behind them. “Hi!”

“AAH!” Cheezi and Chungu screamed before being blasted by the pony’s party cannon.

“What's goin' on over there? And who said my line again?” Janja demanded upon hearing the commotion while doing his part in pushing the rocks in the river.

“They just met a talking rock.” Kion’s voice told them much to his startled confusion.

“Huh? Who said that?”

“A voice who knows you all too well, Janja.” Applejack’s voice said to him while hiding in the nearby mud.

“Huh?”

Nne and Tano who were pushing rocks towards the river just happened to come across Bunga appearing before them as a patch of grass over their heads with Fuli appearing from the mud behind them.

“I think you guys are done for the night.”

“Ever seen a rock with claws?” Fuli growled and bared her claws in order to intimidate the hyenas to stop what their doing and running.

“Or hooves, darlings!” Rarity’s voice added while revealing herself to the two ponies before unleashing a few more of her karate moves to send the two packing and running.

“You should be more careful who you push around.” Beshte told Cheezi and Chungu just when Kyoga makes her appearance known too by dropping her invisibility spell right in front of them.

“Especially when said someones are capable of kicking your tail all the way to the Outlands.” She then proceeded to along with Beshte knocked the two aside towards the nearby grass patch which turned out to be Ono in disguise.

“That's right. Keep moving.” He ordered while pecking at them to make sure they do so.

“Chungu. Cheezi. Get back here.” Janja tried to insist of the two running away as they went by him before turning back to the log uttering a voice he recognizes. “And you... Stay away!” Hearing the voice laugh left him even more confused than before. “What... Who are you?”

“Can't you see? I'm the one who's about to kick your tail.”

“Wait a minute. I know that voice.” And sure enough that’s when Kion revealed himself to the hyena leader himself. “The Lion Guard. I knew that was Kion's voice.” He stated before running away and catching him to both Cheezi and Chungu.

“Where'd they come from? 

“How'd they just appear like that?”

They both asked fearfully before finding themselves face to face with Kinyonga appearing before them from upside down.

“They learned it from me.”

Seeing her suddenly really left the hyenas startled beyond belief. 

“Whoa!”

In a panic they ended up jumping into the nearby stream of water.

Then that happy and satisfying moment turned into one of sudden shock when she saw something appear before her. “Uh-oh.”

She was suddenly snatched from her branch by Lightning Dust who saw the nearby water as a means to get rid of her for good. “This time I’m going to make sure go down and stay down.” With a powerful speedy charge and throw she tossed the chameleon down the huge waterfall and what should be a fatal fall as she screamed for her life.

Lightning looked down very proud of herself for what she just did before that grin of hers was instantly wiped away when she saw Rainbow Dash herself appear before her with crossed arms along with Fluttershy holding Kinyonga in her hooves after saving her.

“What the...Rainbow Dash?! But how...you’re supposed to be recovering from your injuries?!”

“Well, I just recovered enough to be able to help out stop whatever you and your new friends are trying to do here. And now it is time for you to get on out of here before we get rough on you.”

“Oh, really.” Lightning Dust tried to call her bluff while turning to the angered Pegasus holding the chameleon she tried to toss and kill. “And what you going to do about?”

Fluttershy quickly employed her Stare in response. “This!”

“Hey, what the…?” Lightning grunted as she tried to resist her killer expression. “...how is this possible?!”

“Simple. Because nobody can resist that look of hers.” Rainbow smugly returned to her cowering enemy with crossed arms. “And judging from how you’re handling it, you’re not one of those lucky ponies who are immune to it. So there’s that.”

Lightning growled before conceding defeat. “All right, all right. I’ll go. Just stop! She quickly flew away and fast. “This isn’t over, Rainbow Crash!”

“Better believe it, because for now it is!” Rainbow stated before whipping up a cloud with lightning bolts right after her.

“Ow! Hey! That smarts! Not the wings!”

While the hyenas were floating in the river, their leader couldn’t help but hear something. 

“What was that?”

“Uh... I think it was my lunch.” Cheezi replied more focused on the chameleon he and Chungu saw earlier in the Outlands.

“But I thought you ate it.” Chungu brought up.

“Furbrains, shh.” Janja hushed with his mind more focused on the sound that seems to be getting louder and louder.  “You hear something?”

Sure enough, said sound turns out because they’re all heading start down a huge waterfall where they had no time to prepare themselves before the inevitable happened.

Luckily for them given that they’ve suffered worse falls from before, they all emerged alive and unharmed other being being weary soaked to the bone before swimming to the nearby shore.

“Scar's gonna be mad the Lion and Pony Guard beat us again.” Cheezi commented.

“So I won't tell him.” Janja said with a resolve. “I'll say we were beat by a bush, a tree, some rocks, and a clump of grass.”

Chungu smiled liking the idea already. “It's that kinda thinking that makes you Janja, Janja.”

“So very true…” Scar’s voice himself commented before appearing right in behind him. “...yet coming from hyenas who are such terrible liars.”

The hyenas looked on in sudden fright upon seeing their leader here before them, not to mention he is not looking very happy with them right now. But luckily for them, dealing with them is not the most important thing on his mind. Dealing with the Lion and Pony Guard is and he is quick to face them with a magically conjured pistol directed at them just when they were preparing to tell the hyenas to get going along with an illuminated horn and charged magic in his other free paw.

“And as for the rest of you now that you’ve already had your fun tonight, it is now time for you all leave, or else.”

“Or else what?!” Rainbow dared to say before finding herself disappearing than reappearing as a small as a pony doll in the half alicorn’s paw with his gun pointed right at her. “Oh, okay. Of course. There is that.” She meekly replied with an equally nervous and fearful grin.

The others growled and looked on in defiance before making their way away out of Hakuna Matata Falls with the last thing they see is the place being secured by another magical dome of Scar’s surrounding the entire area. And once that was done, Scar magically made Rainbow reappear in her normal size and then disappear outside of the falls and right beside her friends before disappearing himself along with the hyenas.

“Well that just happened.” Fuli remarked in frustration. “And it took Scar himself showing up to turn everything around in his favor.”

“Yep.” Kion grunted equally frustrated. “I just hope the Pride Landers have enough water to get through the dry season again.”

“They will.” Twilight assured as she and Starlight appeared before them. “We’ll make sure of it.”

“Really? But how?” Kion asked still confused and trying to understand why both Twilight and Starlight look happy with how things went down.

“Because Hakuna Matata Falls was just the distraction or at least what we initially thought it was.” Twilight explained as she recalled spying on Scar from outside the volcano. “It wasn’t until he vaguely said to Janja that Ponyville is something that he’ll deal with himself did we figure out what he was really trying to do aside from cut off the Pride Land’s water supply.”

“He knew that they would come to Equestria for another source of water and wanted to personally ensure that would be cut off too. And had we not figured that out ourselves then he sure would have succeeded.” Starlight added. “And that we owe it to our time spent working alongside Scar himself to understand how he rolls with his plans.”

“Thanks to us creating a magical domes of our own to protect Ponyville’s major water supply which will be routinely guarded by Celestia and Luna later on, we were able to foil Scar’s real objective and force him to settle for what he could only obtain.” Twilight proudly added. “Yes I know, it’s not a complete victory on our part but at least they have plenty of water to endure the ongoing dry season again so it wasn’t a complete loss either.”

“I guess that’s true.” Kion agreed before turning to the one who helped ensure that things didn’t get as bad as it could have been. “That said, thanks, Kinyonga. Without your help, we might not have…” But by then it turns out while everyone else was busy talking Kinyonga herself suddenly disappeared. “Kinyonga? Huh! I wonder where she went?”

“How do we know she's really gone?” Bunga asked.

“Because she used her camouflage abilities to make herself turn invisible. That’s why.” Kyoga replied. “In case you haven’t noticed yet.”

“Oh!”

Twilight looking on at where Kinyonga had went could tell why she disappeared when she did and could tell she needs some encouragement to make herself feel better before flying off after her. It didn’t take long for her to spot out the chameleon retreating back to the herds where they first met.





“Kinyonga.” Twilight’s voice called out to her just when her colors revealed herself when she was sure she was alone.

“Ah! Twilight!” She screamed before finding herself in another magic bubble which quickly dispersed when she saw that she happens to be nearby the sleeping herds. “What are you doing here?”

“Wondering why you ran off like that.” She replied while leading her somewhere more private so they can talk without whispering. “We were just about to thank you for all the help you gave us tonight.”

“Really? Even after getting caught and requiring you to risk your life to save me?”

“Yes. Without you we wouldn’t have been able to figure out and stop Scar’s plan until it was already accomplished.”

“Yes, that’s true I guess…”

“What is it?” Twilight asked when she turned away feeling ashamed and troubled with herself.

“Nothing. It’s just when I volunteered to spy on Scar I felt sure I could sneak in and out like dealing with the other Outsiders outside the volcano. Only when I did it ended up being a lot harder than I thought. And thanks to my shadow and my uncontrollable colors flashing because of my emotions which allowed myself to be quickly captured. And I only managed to escape dying because of you risking your life to save me. I mean it’s not that I’m not grateful it’s just I just wish it didn’t come down to this and because of what happened, Hakuna Matata Falls was still lost to Scar.”

“It’s okay, Kinyonga.”

“But how? How is that still a good thing?”

“Because that was just a distraction for his real objective.” Twilight replied. “He wanted to cut off Ponyville’s water supply in order to ensure that his plan to force the Pride Landers to surrender goes off without a hitch. Without both the water from Ponyville he would forced them to give in to his rule by either dying of dehydration or forcing them to go somewhere else. I mean yes, we still lost Hakuna Matata Falls but we still have many sources of protected water in Equestria along with the Backlands to help ensure that it’s not a total loss like Scar had planned.”

“But how?!” Kinyonga countered still feeling upset with herself. “Even trying to spy on Scar wasn’t enough to stop it. We still lost. I only managed to survive because of you which wouldn’t have happened had I listened to you more. After all, you did warn me against trying to go inside that volcano and how dangerous it is inside there and I still talked you into letting me do it. I still let you and the Lion and Pony Guard down. I’m really sorry, Princess Twilight.” She apologized still feeling down for what happened.

“Kinyonga…” Twilight spoke up not about to let her feel that way. “...it’s okay.” Seeing that Kinyonga isn’t cheered up by it she moved to try to help her out of her funk a different way. “Remember the day we first met?”

“Yes. I remember you quickly spotted me when I ended up scaring the zebras...again.”

“Yes…” She stiffed a giggle when she recalled that memory. “...but I also remember you being able to blend in with the environment very well to the point you can listen to conversations without being noticed. All with a good heart too to the point when I asked a favor of you upon seeing your talent to help keep watch of ongoing actions in the Outlands and you willingly agreed to help me with nothing in return.”

“Well I mean, you did ask nicely and who am I to refuse a friend’s request especially from a princess and member of the Pony Guard like yourself who is also a top spy for an organization that you and I only know.”

“Point being, you were willing to be brave in risking your life by going into enemy territory just to help keep tabs on them. And by doing so we managed to save Jasiri and her clan. And the fact that you were willing to do the same by sneaking inside the volcano is even braver too. Even when captured you didn’t show fear or beg for mercy. Without you Jasiri and her clan wouldn’t be around and the Pride Lands and Equestria would have suffered another heavy blow.”

“Yes, that is true.”

“With all things considered, you did a great job today, and none of us not even me could have asked for any better, Kinyonga.”

“Oh…” Kinyonga felt touched and feeling better already before leaping up to hug around her neck to which the alicorn returned with a hoof placed on her back as the chameleon turned into a shade of lavender to match her coat.

And it just so happened that the rest of the Lion and Pony Guard were all nearby and close enough to see and hear what the two were discussing all reacting accordingly to what they heard.

Wanting to be able to talk to her, Kion moved forward like he had just arrived. “Kinyonga!”

“Oh, hi, everybody.” Kinyonga greeted while appearing in her normal color upon seeing them along with Twilight.

“Where'd you go last night?” Fluttershy asked while cuddling the chameleon like a precious baby. “We were really starting to really worry about you.”

“I thought you might be mad at me.” She replied while keeping that classified bit under wraps.

“Why would we be mad?” Ono asked.

“You helped us out big time, darling.” Rarity added.

“Yeah! What you did was awesome back there!” Rainbow added with great enthusiasm.

“I scared those hyenas and they fell in the river. I broke my promise not to scare anyone.”

“If it's Janja and his hyenas, scare away.” Bunga assured it’s no big deal.

“Yeah! When it comes to him and all of the other baddies the gloves are off.” Pinkie added while realizing she actually has gloves on. “Well, technically they’re on but you get the point.”

“And since you helped us out big time, I tip my hat to you.” Applejack said as she did just that. “One brave hero to another.”

Kinyonga felt even more relieved now. “Phew! I'm glad to hear that! But I won't scare anybody else!”

Unfortunately it just so happened that Thurston and one of the zebras came walking by. “Excuse me! Do you mind? I was chatting with my friend, the talking…” He then suddenly sees Kinyonga again. “Lizard?” He then screamed and ran off with the other zebras who all woke up alarmed and startled before following after their leader. “Panic and run! Panic and run!”

“Oh, no. I'm sorry.”

“Not your fault.” Kion assured before leading everyone after them. “Lion and Pony Guard, let's round 'em up. Again.”

“So much for a long night of rest.” Rainbow commented under her breath with a shake of her head at the zebra’s ongoing stupidity.

"You can say that again." Starlight herself couldn't agree more as she commented.

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

“Lion and Pony Guard defend!”

The Lion and Pony Guard proceeded to go after the zebras while Kinyonga goes off her own way but not without the Pony Guard leader swinging by for one last word.

“You still up for helping us out by continuing to spy on the Outsiders going forward, are you?”

“Of course. Anything for you. One friend to another.”

Twilight smiled to see that whatever hard feelings and doubts are all cast aside seeing that their friendship and secret is still in good standing before they both went their separate ways, for now.