The Royal Invitation's Call


The midday sun blazed down over the vast savannah, the sky clear and cloudless as far as the eye could see. Standing at the top of Pride Rock, Simba and Nala spoke in hushed tones with the royal messenger, a falcon from Birdstain, who had arrived with important news. Her sleek feathers shimmered in the sunlight as she bowed before the royal couple, waiting for her moment to speak. Simba’s gaze shifted toward the horizon, his mind already racing with the thoughts of the royal coronation in Birdstain, a distant but significant event that would soon involve their family.
“I trust your journey was smooth, Red Arrow?” Simba asked, his deep voice carrying the weight of both the conversation and the responsibility of kingship. His eyes met Nala’s for a brief moment before returning to the falcon.
Red Arrow, perched gracefully before them, nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty, the journey was without incident. It is an honor to bring you this message from King Zazu of Birdstain.” She unfurled her wings slightly, as if preparing to take flight again, but she remained calm, poised. “King Zazu has invited you and your family to the royal coronation ceremony of his children, Haki and Nzuri, which will take place in three days' time. He requests that you arrive two or three days prior to rest from the long journey.”
Simba and Nala exchanged a look, one that reflected both pride and responsibility. The invitation was not unexpected, but the timing certainly was. The royal coronation was a significant event for Birdstain, and as allies, their presence was expected. Simba nodded thoughtfully before speaking.
“We will make preparations immediately,” Simba said, his tone resolute. “But we have matters to attend to here first. There is no rest for the kingdom until we know all is in order.”
With that, Red Arrow bowed deeply and took off into the sky, her wings cutting through the air as she disappeared over the savannah, carrying her message back to Zazu. Simba turned to Nala, his expression a mix of concern and determination.
“We must be ready for this journey. The kingdom must continue running smoothly in our absence,” he said.
Nala placed a paw gently on his shoulder, her gaze steady. “Vitani’s patrols are prepared. Kiara and Kovu will handle the responsibilities here. We can trust the Pride Landers to manage things for a while.”
Simba sighed, grateful for his family’s strength and unity. “Yes, we can. But it’s not just about the ceremony; we need to ensure our ties with Birdstain remain strong. This is a chance for both kingdoms to reaffirm their relationship.”
Before they could continue their conversation, a sudden rustling in the grass below caught their attention. The Lion Guard, led by Kion, appeared with a handful of zebras and antelopes behind them, following the young lion’s leadership. Kion, wearing the Lion Guard’s emblem proudly on his shoulder, was moving with authority as he spoke calmly to the zebras and antelopes.
“It's alright, no need to worry. The fire is out now. Everything’s under control,” Kion reassured them, his voice calm and commanding as he helped the herds regain their composure after the brief panic earlier. The fire had started as a misunderstanding, a small flare-up that had been quickly extinguished. The zebras, startled by the unexpected arrival of the antelopes, had become agitated, causing a brief panic.
As Kion ensured the animals were safe and moving back toward their grazing grounds, he heard the familiar sound of wings beating against the wind. Looking up, he saw Ono, the ever-vigilant egret who had served as the eyes of the Lion Guard for years, speeding toward them. Kion raised his head, waiting for Ono’s arrival.
Landing gracefully beside him, Ono spoke with urgency. “Kion! Simba and Nala need you and the Lion Guard at Pride Rock immediately. There’s something important they need to discuss.”
Kion’s eyes widened slightly. “What’s going on, Ono? Is everything okay?”
Ono’s feathers ruffled slightly, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a hint of excitement. “It’s an urgent matter, Kion. They’ve received a royal invitation from Birdstain, and they need the Guard to be present for the discussion. It’s about the upcoming coronation ceremony.”
Kion nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. “Alright, everyone, let’s finish up here and head to Pride Rock. I’ll let the zebras and antelopes know that we’ve handled the fire situation. Stay close, and we’ll be on our way.”
As Kion spoke to the zebras and antelopes, ensuring that the plains were safe and the reunion for food gathering could continue without further interruptions, the Lion Guard gathered their gear and prepared to leave. Soon, they were heading toward Pride Rock, their paws and talons moving swiftly across the savannah.
Once they arrived at Pride Rock, they saw Simba and Nala waiting for them at the base of the rock, the royal falcon still perched nearby. Kion and the Lion Guard approached the royal family, standing with respect before Simba and Nala, waiting for what was to come.
Simba stepped forward and spoke, his voice strong and filled with authority. “Kion, the Lion Guard, I have summoned you here because we have received an invitation from King Zazu of Birdstain. He and his family have extended an invitation for us to attend the royal coronation ceremony of his children, Haki and Nzuri. This is an important event for their kingdom, and we, as allies, must show our support.”
Kion nodded, his heart swelling with pride and responsibility. “We’ll be ready, Your Majesty. But what do you need us to do?”
Simba’s eyes flicked toward the falcon. “Red Arrow here will be delivering similar invitations to the other kingdoms, including the Outlands, the Backlands, and beyond. We must ensure that all our allies receive their invitations in time. In addition, I have already prepared Vitani and her patrols to manage the Pride Lands while we are away. The Lion Guard will be responsible for overseeing the journey to Birdstain and ensuring the safety of everyone traveling with us.”
Kion’s expression hardened. “We’ll do whatever is needed to keep the journey safe, Simba. The Lion Guard is always ready.”
Simba smiled at his son’s commitment. “I know. That is why I trust you with this task.”
At this moment, a female falcon, who had been quiet until now, stepped forward and bowed low to the Lion Guard. Her wings fluttered gracefully as she stood tall before them. “I am honored to be of service to the royal family and the Lion Guard,” she said, her voice calm and respectful. “My name is Red Arrow, and I will be assisting you on this mission. I have already been entrusted with delivering invitations to the various kingdoms, and I will remain with you to ensure that no kingdom is left out.”
Kion gave her a respectful nod. “We welcome your help, Red Arrow. We’ll need all the assistance we can get.”
Simba, standing tall, looked at his family, his eyes filled with determination. “I will prepare the Pride Lands for our absence. Kiara and Kovu will remain to handle the responsibilities here, while you, Kion, and the Lion Guard will take care of the journey. I have faith in all of you.”
Nala stepped forward, her eyes filled with pride and affection for her family. “We’ll be ready. Just remember, the strength of our kingdom lies not just in our royal blood but in the bonds we share with our allies.”
With that, the Lion Guard and Simba’s family began their preparations. The path ahead would be long, and the journey would be filled with both challenges and triumphs. But for now, there was no question—Birdstain’s coronation would be an event like no other, and the Pridelands would be there to stand beside them.