Chapter 12: Pride of the Beach
#13 of An Unforgettable Vacation
5 Days Until Scar's Deadline
The next morning after the Popo Bawa encounter, a female white tiger was taking a shower inside of one of the Lion Heart Resort's Suites. The water rinsing the suds off her naked body reveals her white fur perfectly contrasted by black stripes. After the tigress turns off the shower, she takes a towel from the rack and dries herself off while not bothering to cover up her D-Cup breasts. After her fur is completely dried off, she discards her towel and inspects a wardrobe that contains an officer's uniform belonging to a Private Military Contractor known as the Black-Herd Battalion due to its jet-black hue and crimson linings. While the tigress was putting on a training bra and undergarments, a sound is heard coming from the television screen. Knowing that her commanding officer is calling her, the tigress puts on her uniform and turns on the television screen.
In clear view within the screen was a middle-aged big-horn sheep with evenly sheared, black wool and brown eyes. The sheep is streaming a video conference from what appears to be a military compound as the tigress goes into an attention position before giving the sheep a salute. "Lieutenant Trisha reporting sir," the tigress addresses the sheep she's communicating with. "At ease Lieutenant," the sheep commands Trisha as she returns to a relaxed position. "What is your report on the situation in Pride City?" "The son of the lion criminal ringleader known as Scar has started to take steps in investigating his father's actions sir," Trisha reported to the sheep. "He's confirmed to be working alongside the Sublime Beastar in his investigation." "Yahya," her commanding officer said under his breath. "What was in the files this Bingwa presented to him?" "The documentation included contact information between him and several high position animals in connection to him and records of his crimes sir," Trisha nervously reported to her general. "Permission to speak freely sir?" "Permission granted Lieutenant," the sheep granted Trisha the opportunity to speak. "Do you think that some of the records have been falsified?" Trisha asked her commanding officer. "There are some reports of Scar's crimes that seem to be nonsensical. Like someone tampered with them before Bingwa discovered them."
"It's hard to tell," the sheep replied. "This requires even further investigation before we can zero in on the lion. If there is someone manipulating him in the shadows, he or she's an even great threat to us than Scar. Continue your investigation undercover. If any new information or incidents pop-up, return to base with your report ASAP. We cannot afford to broadcast highly classified intel through civilian airways. Mikado out." Trisha gives her commanding officer a salute as he ends his call to her.
As Trisha changes from her military uniform to a casual outfit, Louis and Jack are walking down a bustling street event where the locals are presenting new technologies to tourists and other locals that could improve the lives of everyone in the future and invite them to try out their new inventions and innovations. "I don't understand the meaning for all of this," Louis puzzlingly tells the Labrador why they are in a technology fair. "Well your father wanted us to check out any new technologies that could help you two remain hidden from Scar and his thugs for a while," Jack explains to the deer who was clearly not showing any interest in the fair. "Heya boys," a tomboyish Bobcat waves down Jack. "I got somethin' that'll remove any ugly brands and tattoos you have on yo' body." "Louis wait," Jack tries to keep the deer from leaving the fair when he hears the bobcat's proposition, "This is the perfect opportunity for you to get rid of that ugly number you have on your right foot." "How did this dog find out about my secret?" the deer thought to himself as Jack drags him back to the bobcat. "Excuse us, ma'am," he says as he approaches the bobcat with Louis in hand "We may be interested in seeing what you have in mind." "There's no way a piece of junk like that could ever remove my curse." Louis thought to himself as the bobcat began to explain how her invention's purpose and how it works. "This number is the Hell I have to overcome day in and day out. It's the reminder that my body is always meant to be prey." "So, you wanna try it out?" the bobcat asks Jack. "Well not me," Jack answered "But my friend here is willing to give it a shot. He has several burn marks on his right foot that he constantly has to cover up with a sock and closed-toe shoes."
"Fine," Louis thought to himself. "I'll try out this piece of garbage since this dog so persistent." "I wouldn't mind trying out a sample," Louis told the bobcat "what do I have to do?" "All you gotta do is put your bare right foot in the scanner, wait for it to locate that ugly blemish, and watch it disappear in just a matter of seconds." Louis takes off his right shoe and places it on the floor in front of Jack "He's actually going to give it a try," Jack thought to himself as he watches Louis take off his sock and inserts his right foot into what looks like a robot's foot. After a few seconds of scanning, the machine takes a small sample of Louis's fur, duplicates the sample, and distributes the duplicated samples throughout the number four on the underside of his right foot. The process induces a small amount of pain upon Louis for the first second, after simply clenching his teeth to nullify the pain he witnesses the number on his foot completely vanish under his new coat of fur. After the machine emits a green light where his foot is located, Louis simply takes it out of the slot and examines it to see if the number is still branded on him. Upon taking a glance at the results firsthand, he thinks to himself as he puts his right sock back on, "Perhaps I was wrong calling that machine a piece of junk." "It seems like your invention works at an exceptional quality," he tells the bobcat as he lets Jack put his shoe back on his right foot. "Before we take our leave," Louis ties the laces on his shoes and pulls out a checkbook and a pen that he promptly uses to write a check for ten million yen. "I would like to make an investment to your product as a gift from the Horns Conglomerate." After signing the back of the check, he places the check on the counter in front of the bobcat. "There's no need to thank me," Louis tells her as he walks out of the fair with Jack following suit. Before Jack heads out the door he notices a pair of glasses being presented and takes a pair of them before catching up with Louis.
Meanwhile, in the suite's kitchen, Legoshi takes a white box out of the refrigerator and opens it. The contents are filled with a folded white piece of paper that the wolf takes out exposing the eight plastic-wrapped egg salad sandwiches underneath. He then unfolds the paper that reveals a letter written to him which states: "Dear Sad Brows, I just so happened to discover that you've decided to take a vacation to Pride City this summer. So to celebrate, I prepared a month's supply of my egg sandwiches for you to warm up and snack on each Wednesday. Have a great time! Sincerely, Legom." After reading the letter, Legoshi places it on the counter, takes the wrapped sandwiches out of the box, and places them on a plate. He makes sure he evenly sets them up in a rectangular shape before he puts them in the microwave and sets the cook timer for one minute. "You're up early today," Simba told Legoshi as he finishes drying of his mane. "That being we stayed up late at the Popo Bawa last night."
"Yahya just left after he said that he was going to investigate my uncle's ties with the Shishigumi. As for Bill," Simba looks towards the bedroom where he would see and hear Bill snoring. "He's still sleeping like a kitten after that threesome he had with Yahya and that white tiger girl." "Your meal is ready," the microwave's voice says as the light inside turns off. "Your appliances has Artificial Intelligence built into them?" Legoshi asks Simba about the voice he heard. "They were introduced in last year's Technology Fair," the lion responded. "The innovator responsible won a huge investment from an appliance company for it." "Yesterday during dinner," Legoshi began to explain as he opens the microwave door. "Jack told us he wanted to take Louis to the Technology Fair today." "I'm sure Louis preferred to go somewhere else," Simba said as Legoshi takes the egg sandwiches out of the microwave. "He'd rather go see a professional version of Adler over roaming though a venue filled with science and technology."
Legoshi unwraps the first sandwich and sniffs the aroma emerging from them before picking one of them up and taking a bite. "You seem to be in love with those egg sandwiches," Simba notices the smile on Legoshi's face after taking the first bite of a freshly warmed egg salad sandwich. "These are best on Wednesdays," Legoshi comments on the sandwiches he warmed up as the aroma accidentally wakes up Bill as the tiger stretches his arms before getting out of bed. "I always knew you liked those egg salad sandwiches from school," Bill said to Legoshi. "Well Bill's awake now," Legoshi said to Simba. "You want one before Bill comes over to the kitchen?" "Yeah," Simba replied as he takes a sandwich off the plate. "I always wanted to try one of these." Simba felt like he went to heaven upon taking the first bite of the sandwiches Legom made for Legoshi. "This is a thousand times better than the bugs I ate with Timon and Pumbaa when I was a kid." Legoshi covers his mouth to keep himself from gagging at the lion's complement towards the egg salad sandwiches. "Sorry Legoshi, I shouldn't have brought that up." The wolf responded by taking the rest of his sandwich and chewing it with his mouth closed to get the terrifying picture of Simba eating bugs out of his head. "I hope you still have some sandwiches left over," Bill said as he walks towards the kitchen. "Because my new girlfriend's coming over for a beach date and she wants Nala and you two to join us." Legoshi blushes at the thought of a beach date. "Well Bill," Legoshi thinks about what to say, "I didn't pack any swimwear before we left the academy."
A blue feathered peafowl pokes his head into the suite when he heard a certain word. "Did somebody say swimwear?" Dom asks the group. "I need to start closing the door when I head out alone." Simba thought to himself as he finishes his egg sandwich. "Pina told me that his girlfriend Sabrina used to design men's and women's swimwear and they're waiting for you at a specialized boutique in the Diamond District." "Um excuse me," a white female tiger clad in a black halter top, black pants, and black high heels said to Dom. "is Billy staying in this hotel room?" "Sounds like your girlfriend's here," Simba tells Bill who notices that he's missing a shirt and runs back into the bedroom to grab his suitcase. "Yes he is but," Dom tells the girl. "he's not quite ready to go yet. What's your name?" "My name is Trisha," the tiger girl introduces herself. "I'm Dom," the peafowl introduces himself to the tigress. "I'm from the Cherryton Academy Drama Club along with Bill and Legoshi. I just heard that our Actor's Team Lead moved him to this suite last night." Bill manages to grab the first button-up shirt he could find before he puts it on.
"Come on in you two," Legoshi tells Dom and Trisha who then walk inside to find two egg salad sandwiches left on the plate and Simba finishing up his sandwich. "I thought that you would be older than Bill, Simba," Trisha said to the lion. "No," Simba responded to the tiger while Legoshi drinks a small glass of water in one gulp. "despite my fully grown mane, I'm actually the same age as Legoshi." "There's an egg salad sandwich on the table," Legoshi nervously said while he refills his glass and Bill takes one from the plate. "Just in case you're hungry." "I've already eaten," Trisha politely declines Legoshi's offer while Bill eats the sandwich his clubmate offered him. "But thanks for asking." "Guess we'll leave the last one for my father," Simba comments on the last sandwich as he returns it to the white box before putting it back into the refrigerator.
As Legoshi's group takes a short drive downtown in Simba's car, a Dall sheep couple walk towards the entrance of what appears to be a high-end swimsuit store. "I didn't know you started your fashion career designing swimsuits Sabrina." Pina complements his girlfriend as he examines the swimsuits on display at the store. "I wanted to start off simple when I was first introduced into fashion," Sabrina responded to her boyfriend. "So I figured that swimsuits would be the perfect starting point for me." "You told me that you would often donate your best-designed clothes to family-owned clothing stores to help small businesses in town attract more customers." Pina reminiscences what Sabrina told him the day after his Drama Club arrived in Pride City. "And yet I didn't expect for this once small swimsuit and beachwear store to become what it is today," Sabrina commented on the current state of the boutique she and her boyfriend.
"The owner can be a bit of an exhibitionist peeping tom when he's not running the place," she mentions the habits of the emperor penguin who runs the boutique, "but, he's a good guy at heart and his customers love him for it." "You two are not just going to browse through the windows, are you?" Mufasa asked the two sheep who were spooked when they saw his and Oguma's reflection through the window. "Oh, I'm sorry Mufasa," Sabrina apologizes to the lion standing behind her. "I didn't see you." "We were just waiting for our friends to pull up," Pina told the lion and deer that stood behind him. "That's all." "That's curious coming from you Pina," Oguma calls out the sheep. "You see, we were waiting for a son of mine and his friend to come here as well."
"For the last time Jack, I'm ordering you to get this thing off of me!" Louis yells as he is clearly irritated by what the Labrador next to him put over his face. Mufasa shakes his head in shame as he sees both Louis and Jack cross the street to the boutique. "C'mon," Jack responded as he is holding a user's manual of the headset Louis is wearing. "You gave an investment to the bobcat that fixed up your right foot, did you? Then how about we try out something we can use in case we get caught outside during a blackout." Louis groans in disgust. "I'm going to kill Legoshi the next time I run into him," the disgruntled deer thinks to himself as looks for a shutdown command on the device he's wearing. "What is the meaning of this son?" Oguma asks his son who finally manages to input the command to get the straps around the device to retract into a form of sports sunglasses before he takes them off. "Legoshi's roommate insisted that I try out these strange devices at today's Technology Fair," Louis told his father as he hands the glasses over to Jack who places them inside of a box. "It sounds to me like your friend said that you made an investment at the fair today," Oguma mentions what he heard Jack tell him as they crossed the street. "The device she made only removed a few blemishes on my foot," Louis explained to his father as a red sports car with Legoshi hanging off the rear window parks in the parking lot next to the boutique. "Nothing more." "Everybody out," Simba tells the group as he folds the driver's seat to let Trisha, Bill, and Legoshi out of the car while Dom gets out on the passenger's side.
Upon sighting both Jack and a disgruntled Louis, Legoshi makes a sigh and asked his best friend. "What did you do now Jack?" "I just took Louis for a stroll at the technology fair to try out the newest tech the locals could think of," Jack answered his best friend. "But he instantly got sick of the place until we ran into a bobcat with a distinct accent." "You mean Heather?" Simba asked the Labrador. "Yeah." "Your roommate insisted that I test out an invention of hers," Louis began to explain Jack's actions at the fair. "I upon the end of the trial I discovered that her invention was worth an investment because it would help animals start their lives over with a clean slate." "Well if that thing removes stripes," Bill said as he closes the door of Simba's Car. "Then count me out." "I'm pretty sure Cid's invention only intended to remove burns, scars, brands, and tattoos," Simba told Bill as he opens the door into the boutique. "They're not going to remove stripes."
Upon their entry into the boutique, the penguin notices Sabrina walk inside with her friends and the family of her friends. "Hey, Sabrina!" The penguin greets the female sheep who was the first to enter. "It's been ages since you've stopped by. You look as beautiful as you were when you first sold your designs here. And you've brought some friends along too." "Most of them are from my boyfriend's Drama Club," Sabrina responded to the penguin. "Boyfriend huh?" the penguin asked. "Is that the handsome red deer standing next to you?" "His name's Pina actually," Sabrina corrects the penguin's assumption that Louis is her boyfriend. "But I'm the most honored that you brought Pride City's Beastar and his son over," Carlito responds as he points out both Simba and Mufasa's presence. "The honor is ours Carlito," Mufasa greeted the penguin that runs the boutique.
"Well, where are my manners?" Carlito said while noticing the rest of the group. "I'm Carlito, the owner of this summer-wear boutique. Is there anything I can help you, boys, with?" "Well," Legoshi responded. "Do you happen to have any swimsuits for sale?" "Then you came to the right place," Carlito told Legoshi as he shows him to the fitting room. "Why don't you step inside this fitting room so I can find the perfect size for you. "O-Okay..." Legoshi nervously said as he cautiously followed the penguin into the fitting room. "Shall we do some browsing while we wait for Legoshi?" Oguma asked Sabrina as the penguin and grey wolf leave them behind. "You're welcome to do so Mr. Oguma," Sabrina responded. "This is where I first sold my designs after all."
As the others begin browsing through the merchandise picking out the swimwear and clothes that interest them, Legoshi enters one of the fittings with Carlito grabbing a pair of the same type of glasses Jack makes Louis put on before entering and closing the door behind them. "Now let's find out your measurements," Carlito tells Legoshi as he scans his body using the glasses. "Don't worry. I won't use these to look at what's under your clothes. I'm just trying to find out the perfect fit for a large carnivore like yourself." "Just having him scan my body like this is a bit nerve-racking," Legoshi thought to himself as Carlito's glasses measure his bust, waist, and hips to determine the perfect size for him. The young wolf displays an expression of nervousness in response to the penguin's measuring of his body. "Looks like a Medium seems to be a perfect fit for you," Carlito told Legoshi as he takes off his glasses. "Get undressed and I'll bring you some swim pants for you to try out." The penguin then leaves the fitting room leaving Legoshi even more flustered than he was before.
"What's wrong son?" Miyagi asked him in a very concerned tone as he looks towards his son while standing on the bench in his fitting booth. "Did that penguin do anything to you?" "Uh..." Legoshi tries to come up with an explanation for his father. "I don't think so, he's just trying to help. But, thanks for being there to help me, dad." "I was a lot like you when I was your age," Miyagi told Legoshi as his son dresses down to his boxers. "I was always nervous when I had to undress around a stranger. Somedays I was shy and didn't want to be around other animals where we had to change into our swimwear. But I began to embrace the kind of wolf I am, thanks to a coach who was scouting me for modeling gigs. If Carlito does something that makes you uncomfortable, just raise your voice and I'll put a stop to it."
Miyagi returns to his booth while Carlito opens the door to Legoshi's fitting booth. "Okay Legoshi," the penguin said as he was carrying several hangers holding a variety of boardshorts, swim briefs, and some swim thongs. The more revealing swimwear causes Legoshi to sweat as he walks backwards towards the wall behind him while Carlito hangs the rest of the medium-sized swim bottoms. "Let's start off with a simple pair of board shorts," he said as he hands the hanger holding a pair of blue flame-motif board shorts to Legoshi. "You don't have to take off your underwear when trying these on." The young wolf gives off a sigh of relief as he takes the shorts and puts on over his boxers.
Meanwhile, Louis picks out a pair of green board shorts while the others continue to browse the store for a style that interests them. "I wouldn't stick with just one type of swimsuit," Simba told Louis who was annoyed when the lion made his suggestion. "What do you mean?" Louis asked the lion. "I mean you should also pick out a backup just in case those shorts end up getting caught in the ocean's waves," Simba replied before he begins blushing as he remembers an embarrassing moment in his childhood. "Ah..." Dom said as he notices Simba's cheeks turning red. "Did something happen that made you come up with that idea?" "My son had to cover up his nether-regions trying to search for his swim trunks when he was a young cub," Mufasa explained to the group. "Dad!" Simba said in response to his father's embarrassing revelation.
"Uh," Legoshi said as he nervously leaves the fitting room and walks towards the group with the blue flame board shorts on. "H-how do I look?" Simba and the others give positive feedback on the board shorts he as one while Louis critically analyzes the attire Carlito has the wolf try on. "The shorts happen to be the most comfortable choice, but the flames don't suit you," the deer critiques Legoshi's swimwear in comparison to the wolf's personality. "Perhaps a calm ocean motif is a better fit for you." Louis gives Legoshi a pair of black board shorts with a blue ocean wave design. "You should try those on and come back to us." "Okay," Legoshi calmly replied before he returns to the fitting room with the shorts Louis gave him.
Upon returning to his fitting booth, he is relieved that Carlito is helping other customers and changes into the ocean-motif board shorts before hanging the blue flame ones back on the hanger. Upon opening the door to his booth, Carlito notices the shorts Legoshi is wearing and tells the wolf, "Seems like your friend has a sharper eye for fashion than I do. Go ahead and show your friends, I'll replace the other swimwear with ones with that motif while you're gone." "Thanks, Carlito," Legoshi said. "But I think this is the best swimwear for me." "You do need a backup just in case those end up washing away into the sea," Carlito told Legoshi, causing his eyes open wide. "I'll get someone ready for you when you get back."
Legoshi takes a deep breath before going back to Louis's group. "Oh, ho!" Bill said as he takes a glance at Legoshi in his new board shorts. "Looks like you managed to ring a few bells in your ex-virgin friend Louis." "Stop bringing that up Bill," Legoshi, Jack, Simba, and Louis told the tiger who was fascinated by his swimwear. "You should definitely wear that to the beach Legoshi," Jack told his best friend as Miyagi walks towards his son wearing a pair of swim briefs. "I never knew personality was a factor in choosing swimwear," Miyagi told his son. "But your friend has definitely proven that wrong." Legoshi gives his father a very warm smile before telling Carlito, "I want to these shorts." "That's good," Carlito told the grey wolf. "I'll go get a pair of briefs with the same theme while I ring those up. Go ahead get dressed." Legoshi happily complies and walks back into the fitting room.
After Legoshi changes back into his clothes and the final purchases we made. Legoshi walks out of the boutique with a bag containing his new swimwear in his right hand. "Simba,' the wolf called the lion who recently walked out of the boutique. "Did anyone replace your car with a limousine?" "I had Zazu drive Simba's car back to the resort," Oguma told Legoshi as the sheep chauffeur leaves the limo and opens the door for the group. "Even though it has decent speed to respond to emergencies, his supercar does not have the capacity needed to seat our current entourage." "You weren't kidding about being Cherryton's Rich Kid," Bill told Louis as the rest of the group leaves the boutique and begins entering the limo one-by-one.
During the ride back to the Resort District, Bill lounges in his seat with his arm behind Trisha. "So what do you do for a living Trisha?" Legoshi asks the white tiger sitting next to Bill. "I can't blow my cover," Trisha thought to herself as she ponders what to tell the grey wolf. "I'm a journalist for a travel magazine that specializes in resort cities like Pride City," she answers Legoshi's question in a calm tone. "I commonly write reviews and previews on new and upcoming resorts, restaurants, events, museums, and nightclubs." "Do one of these nightclubs include the Popo Bawa?" Louis asked the white tigress. "They do," she answered Louis question. "But that was the first nightclub I attended that allows its patrons to openly have sex within its walls and where I first met Bill."
"We will be arriving at the Lion Heart Resort momentarily," the driver reminded the group. "I recommend that we get changed in Miyagi's Suite while the girls get changed in Trisha's suite," Oguma told the group as the limo pulls up to the Lion Heart Resort and parks it in front of the main entrance. "I am certain that Trisha and Sabrina do not wish to be ogled while they get changed." "You do have the key to your dad's suite, right Legoshi?" Jack asked his friend as he follows Pina out of the limo. "Yeah," Legoshi responded. "I've always held on to it ever since I introduced you to him night after Mr. Oguma arrived." "I'm sure the others are already at the beach by now."
After Oguma's group leaves the limo they immediately take the elevator up to the suite floor and change into their swimsuits. As Sabrina and Trisha strip from their clothes, the female sheep notices a military dress uniform next to a set of fatigues and military-grade firearms. "Trisha," she asked the tigress. "If you're a travel journalist, how come you have army uniforms and firearms in your wardrobe?" Trisha sighs as Sabrina asks about the contents of her wardrobe. "There's no point in hiding it from her," Trisha thought to herself. "I'm sure General Mikado doesn't mind if I give her a non-classified explanation about my true occupation." "Okay," Trisha said to the inquisitive Dall sheep. "I'm actually a lieutenant of a Private Security Firm." "Ah private security," Sabrina said in response to Trisha's short explanation while the tiger puts on a bondage-style bikini and she puts on a micro-bikini. "I won't pry into anything else or tell the boys. The last thing I want is for you to get in trouble with your superiors."
"This is a bit too revealing for civilian swimwear," Trisha thought to herself as she blushes while looking at herself in the mirror. "But I have to maintain my cover. A good soldier knows loud and clear that anything could happen if his or her identity is compromised." After the tigress regains her composure, she puts on a pareo and waits for Sabrina to take a final glance at the mirror. "It's almost time for us to go to the beach," Sabrina said as she walked out of the bathroom after she put on a pareo of her own. "You ready to pick up the boys?" "Sure," Trisha said after she closes her wardrobe. "Although I am a bit nervous exposing this swimsuit to Bill. I feel like certain parts of my breasts are going to be exposed to everyone at the beach." Sabrina giggles upon hearing Trisha's insecurities about her swimsuit. "I felt the same way too the first time I wore a two-piece swimsuit," the sheep told the white tigress. "But I've managed to embrace it and kept my body in perfect shape so that I can be able to fit into my own clothing designs."
Meanwhile in the suite two rooms away from Trisha's, "You've gotten naked around almost all of us before," Bill told the flustered Legoshi as he takes off his clothes and tosses them into the laundry basket next to Miyagi's wardrobe. "So you don't need to worry about losing the boxers now. Go ahead and try the briefs on." "Well," Legoshi said as he examines the shape of the briefs. "I'm not used to going out in revealing swimwear like this." "That's why it's called a backup," Simba told Legoshi as he changes into a pair of swim briefs before he puts on a pair of board shorts. "That way you don't have to worry about being exposed." "Don't worry so much," Miyagi told his son after the older wolf puts on his swim briefs. "The whole purpose of going to the beach is to help you relax. You don't have to worry about feeling exposed because most animals will be clad in swimwear like us." Legoshi calms down and smiles in response to his father's explanation as he tosses his clothes into the laundry basket and puts on his swim briefs followed by his board shorts.
After Legoshi puts on his swimwear a knock can be heard from Miyagi's door. "Hey boys," Sabrina told the group inside of Miyagi's suite. "We're ready to go." "Just a minute!" Pina responded as he finishes putting on his bikini bottom while Dom puts on a swim thong. "Are you seriously going out in a bikini Pina?" Jack asked the male sheep. "Of course," Pina told the confused Labrador. "Sabrina loves this kind of swimwear." As Jack groans with his mouth closed, Pina wraps a sarong around his waist while everyone else finishes putting on their respective swimwear. The moment Pina opens the door in response to Sabrina's knocking, his girlfriend is in awe as she glances at his slender physique. She kisses her boyfriend tells him, "You look great." Before the rest of the males gather around them as they walk out of the suite.
Upon crossing the street to the beach outside of the resort, Legoshi notices several animals sun-bathing, playing volleyball, and participating in other beach-related activities. "Hey!" Kai shouted at the group that causes Legoshi to divert his attention to the swim trunks-clad Kai who was waving at his group. "Why are you all standing around for!? Come join us!" "Chill out Kai," The swim shorts-clad Riz told the mongoose while placing his hand on his head. "Go ahead and have fun," Miyagi told his son as the others except for Oguma run towards Kai, Riz, Tem, Tao, and Aoba as they prepare for a game of beach volleyball. "It's such a joy to watch such youthful enthusiasm," the swim-thong clad Hodari said to Miyagi and Oguma as they watch the young animals play a set of volleyball. "Et tu dad," a bikini-clad Kifahari told his father as he picks up a surfing board from the rental booth. "What's wrong with admiring youth?" Hodari asks his son as he lounges under the parasol. "Mufasa and I were as young as them once. He and I were well-matched rivals during the Leone Beach Games. But now they call them the Lion Heart Games after the resort rebranded itself."
"It's nice to see all of our sons getting along with each other," The swim brief-clad Mufasa said to the other fathers lounging under the parasol. "But the grey wolf with the fur color, mane, and tail of my brother is a rather curious sight." "Is that hybrid his child?" Mufasa thought to himself as he witnesses the swim thong-clad Bingwa catch a volleyball flying towards his direction. Upon gently holding the ball for Legoshi who runs towards his direction, Bingwa raises his sunglasses as tells the wolf, "Good to see you again Legoshi." "Sorry about that Bingwa," Legoshi apologizes to the liolf as he gives the ball back to the young wolf. "That's okay," "Bill's a lot more athletic than you guys give him credit for."
"You must be hybrid Legoshi met in the Popo Bawa," Louis said as he, Pina, Sabrina, Dom, Riz, and Tem approaches Legoshi. "Right?" "Well," Legoshi tries to come up with an explanation when Simba, Bill, Trisha, Kai, Tao, and Aoba join the group. "We met each other by accident so this is actually my second time meeting him." "He still helped me open up to him and the other carnivores that were present last night," Bingwa told Louis and the Drama Club. "Even though the method was extremely unorthodox at best." "That's rather humorous coming from a hybrid carnivore like yourself," Louis said in response to Bingwa's explanation. "Because those same methods managed to solidify the bond Legoshi had with me and his peers that were present in that club last night. Especially when it came to our fathers the night before."
"I guess we're all connected in irregular ways," Bingwa said as he walks towards the other parasol and lies on the towel to the right of it. "Life has an insane way of bringing us all together, even when activities that were meant to be partaken in by lovers are involved. Oh, didn't I see Bill sign Cherryton Academy up for the Lion Heart Games?" "Goddamn it, you dumb cat!" Louis angrily thought to himself as Bingwa reminds the group of what Bill did behind his back. "Wait!" Legoshi exclaimed, "What are the Lion Heart Games again?" Bingwa gives a confused sigh.
The Lion Heart Games Explanation (Bingwa's Perspective)
The Lion Heart Games are a series of events sponsored by mostly local companies such as the Amor Corporation and the Lion Heart Resort itself. But foreign entities like the Horns Conglomerate may also sponsor the Games as well. The event itself takes place in the Lion Heart Beach for only one day a year when six teams of four animals representing a specific school are chosen to compete in a total of four games where the winning team will earn a grand prize for their school. The games in question are the Decameter Dash, the Sand Dune Flag Race, the Seaside Skirmish, and the Pride Rock Relay.
The Decameter Dash is a simple game where the only goal is to reach the finish line as fast as possible while staying in an assigned lane within the ten-meter range from the starting line to the goal. The first three teams to reach the finish line will earn a prize depending on their placing at the end of the race while the last team to finish will be eliminated from the competition. The Sand Dune Flag Race on the other hand is moderately more complicated as there are only four flags at the goal. That means only four teams will move on while the first team to capture a flag will receive a special award for their first-place finish.
The penultimate game is called the Seaside Skirmish, all members of the surviving four teams will partake in a capture the flag-style skirmish using only water-powered armaments. The four teams will be merged into two to determine the participants for the final game. Canine competitors would have an unfair advantage due to the stench they give off when soaked, so all participants will have to wear a device that immediately deodorizes them when drenched. The device also acts as a quick dryer so that a teammate can bring the soaked player into the fray. The objective is to grab the water tank at the center of the base, install it in the fountain of in their respective home base, and activate the team fountain.
The final game of the event is the Pride Rock Relay. The winning two teams of the Skirmish will face head-to-head in a four-leg relay to get to the peak of Pride Rock. The first leg of the relay is a sprint across the shore, followed by a jet ski race over the ocean's surface leading to the base of Pride Rock. The third leg involves the stone maze that is finished by a final dash to Pride Rock's Peak. The first team to install the battery into the flagpole and light Pride Rock will be declared the winner of the Lion Heart Games.
5 Days Until Scar's Deadline
"Of course, you still have to determine which members of the Drama Club will be participating in the Games Bill," Bingwa told the Drama Club. "This is a team event after all." "Well," Bill said while thinking about which of his peers will represent Cherryton Academy at the Lion Heart Games. "How about I team up with Aoba, Louis, and Legoshi? I'd nominate Louis to be the team captain since he is our Actor's Team Lead." "Sounds like you've already had your ideal team in mind," Bingwa told Bill after the tiger decided on who will join him in the Lion Heart Games. "But know that Simba will also be participating in the games as well. My cousin is a Beastar-in-training, so expect some extremely tough competition. Especially from his teammates Malka, Tojo, and Chumvi." "Alright," Louis said as he turns his attention to the Drama Club "Legoshi, Bill, Aoba. Come with me. We need to discuss our plan for the games."
"Bingwa," Sabrina calls out the hybrid. "If you don't mind, I want to take your uncle and cousin to a photoshoot for a new line of clothing I'm debuting in two days." "That's to coincide the professional production of 'Adler' right?" Bingwa asked the female sheep. "Of course," Sabrina happily replied. "I would be the most honored if Louis could participate in the shoot." "Maybe you should ask them in person," Bingwa advised Sabrina's next action. "They'll want to see your designs firsthand as well." Sabrina then talks to Mufasa and Simba about the photoshoot while they talk to three different lions who are the same age as him and wearing different types of swimwear.
When Bingwa puts his sunglasses back on a voice tells him, "You never leave your home prior to the Popo Bawa's grand opening." Recognizing the voice, he sits up and notices a swim brief-clad Yahya wearing a pair of sunglasses. "Did Gosha's grandson awaken something within you last night?" Yahya asked as he began lounging on the towel to the left of the parasol where Bingwa was sunbathing under. "I suppose he did," Bingwa responded before giving off a doubtful frown. "When I was getting ready to come here, I felt like something was off about the documents I presented to you last night." "Like the documents were falsified by another animal to frame your father?" Yahya said as he rested his head on the towel. "Yeah," Bingwa responded. "It's like he wasn't the kind of animal that the files depicted him to be. I think someone far more sinister is working behind the scenes of this situation." "Don't worry about that too much," Yahya told the concerned Bingwa. "We'll discover the truth soon enough."
"I forgot to tell you this," Bingwa changes the subject of his conversation with the stallion. "But you look handsome with those sunglasses. Knowing how far more effective they are at suppressing your natural three-fifty-degree vision, you should really wear those more often." While listening to Bingwa's compliments, Yahya smiles in response. The stallion then tells him, "That wolf has changed you far more than I thought." The liolf happily laughs upon hearing the Sublime Beastar's comments about him. "I guess he has."
"You're going to do great Tojo," a female bluebird told the lion with a brown mane, blue eyes, and golden brown with tan-colored accents as he performs his pre-Games stretches. "I'll be rooting for you and your team all the way," a male bluebird gives the lion more words of encouragement as Simba walks towards him. "I'm glad that you've stuck to improving your endurance Tojo," Simba complements his teammate's physical fitness. "The birds and Gouhin's therapy definitely helped," Tojo told his captain. "Even though he tends to be a bit rough around the edges." "You're not going to let your fiancé down this year are you?" A brown-furred lion with red-orange eyes, brown limbs, dark brown mane, and tan accents asked Simba as he approaches the duo while taking off his tank top. "It's only natural that our future Beastar maintains our team's title of Lion Heart Games champion for another consecutive year." "Careful Chumvi," Simba told the prideful lion who was caught bragging about their previous achievement. "One of the newcomers just might take that away from us this year." "Which means we gotta step up our game Chumvi," a lion with a black mane with brown highlights, black fur with tan accents, and ebony eyes said as he finishes warming up for the first event. "Malka's right," Simba told Chumvi. "We can't underestimate the other teams. We may be working together in the Skirmish round after all."
Legoshi groans as he thinks about how he'll be able to compete in the Lion Heart Games. "Is that grey wolf a new friend of yours?" Malka asked his captain. "He definitely is," Simba told his teammate as he approached the conflicted grey wolf. "Are you okay Legoshi?" "I've never competed in an event like this before," Legoshi responded to Simba's concerns as Bill walks towards them. "I'm really not the best athlete in my club." Bill rests his right arm on Legoshi's shoulder to cheer him up. "You'll be fine," Bill reassures the wolf. "Even if you mess up Aoba, Louis, and I will always be around to help you back on your feet. This is a team competition after all." "Then why is only one from each team competing in the first two games?" Legoshi asked Bill. "Legoshi," Bill said as he gently shook his grey wolf teammate.
"Hey Kai," a swim brief-clad Jean called his brown mongoose friend who was standing next to Jack. "Are you going to cheer me and your friends on during the games?" "Of course," Kai replied as Jean runs towards his team which is comprised of a female falcon, a male iguana, and a female red wolf. "I want to see you in action during the Pride Rock Relay!" "Simba's team is not going to go easy on him," Zazu told the mongoose after gives a sigh as he lounges on the railing in front of him. "Or anyone despite their sportsmanship." "Don't be such a downer Zazu," Kai annoyingly told the hornbill who was pessimistic about Jean's chances in the Lion Heart Games.
"Hold up," a male cheetah points out the mongoose standing with the rest of the audience. "Is that him?" "Hell yeah," a male snow leopard responded as he took a glance at Kai. "That's the mongoose twat who got the skunks to spray us down in the club last night." "I don't know what you talkin-" a male pitbull said while his teammates are looking at Kai with malicious intentions. "Ain't no skunk sprayed my dick last night. What y'all talkin' bout?" "Chill out boys," a female sun bear with DD-cup breasts and clad in a sports bikini told her teammates as she finishes her pre-game stretches. "Just focus on beating the team led by that red deer rich boy in the Games."
After Aoba, Bill, Louis, and Legoshi change into their swimming uniforms for Cherryton Academy in the beach's changing room, Legoshi notices Simba and his teammates walk out of the men's changing room wearing red-colored swim briefs with a lion's paw print as his school's insignia. "I've never seen that symbol before," Legoshi thought to himself as he walks alongside Aoba, Louis, and Bill towards the gate. "Is that the school Simba's attending?"
"Ladies and Gentlemen," An announcer howler monkey greets the audience as both Simba and Legoshi's team approaches the gate. "Herbivores and Carnivores of all ages! Today marks the opening of the 2017 Lion Heart Games! This year's competition is going to be intense as five newcomer teams come to claim the title of Lion Heart Games champion at the peak of the legendary Pride Rock! And without further ado, let's meet this year's competitors! Representing the freedom treasuring USA: The finest specimens of carnivores led by the lovely, but fierce Serena the Sun Bear. Give it up for the carnivores of San Manada Academy!" The gates open to allow the team of carnivores clad in violet board shorts led by Serena who is wearing a violet crop-top bikini to enter the field where they wave to the cheering audience as they run towards the stage where the announcer is standing. "Coming in next from the elegance of France, with Jean the Golden Mongoose taking the lead. Make some noise for the athletes of Gentiana Academy!" The next gate opens allowing Jean's team to take the stage next to Serena's team after the audience gives them a standing ovation as they approach the stage.
"I'm honestly rather conflicted about this year's games," Kai told Dom as the announcer continues to introduce the teams that are participating in the event. "I don't whether to root for my new friend or my clubmates." "It's perfectly okay cheer both of them on," Tem told the mongoose who knows Jean's team will have to compete against a team comprised of his Drama Club peers. "The main purpose of this event is to unify multiple academies from around the globe into one stage. Well, that's what the brochures Dom gave us said anyway." Dom shushes both Kai and Tem before the announcer said, "And now for our final team of newcomers, led by the Horns Conglomerate Playboy Louis the Red Deer." The females in the audience begin to squeal with joy as they heard the announcer say Louis's name." "From the Land of the Rising Sun. Get out of your seats and make some noise for Aoba, Bill, and Legoshi from Cherryton Academy!" The gate in front of Legoshi opens as he opens his mouth wide with wonder upon the massive reaction the crowd gave to him and his team as he followed Louis to the stage with Bill and Aoba next to him.
"And now the introduction you've all been waiting for!" The announcer declares to the audience. "For the thousands of animals in attendance at Lion Heart Beach, and the billions watching the games around the globe! Everyone get up out of your seats for the Huru Academy hometown boys of Pride City, Morocco! Turn your TVs up for your landlords and neighbors to hear and see. And make some noise for Malka!" The gate opens before Malka runs off to the stage while showing off to the crowd who openly cheers him on. "Chumvi!" Chumvi runs toward the stage giving the audience a proud smile while waving to them as they cheer for him. "Tojo!" Tojo happily walks to the stage and gives the audience a bow on the way as they give him a very warm reception. "And their team captain, the son of Pride City's very own Beastar, give it up for Simba!" The crowd gives Simba the loudest reception as he walks towards the stage while humbly waving towards the crowd.
"As I watched Simba approach the stage during the opening ceremony of the Lion Heart Games," Legoshi thought to himself as he watches Simba's humble entrance. "I noticed that he has a very humble heart through the way he reacts to the crowd as they cheer for him. Like he truly was grateful to appear before to them in public. In response, they cherish him as he does the same for them." After Simba joins his team, Mufasa walks behind the stage as the announcer finishes the final introductions.
For a moment, the national anthems of each country and the anthems of the participating schools are sung within a sequence as an elderly mandrill walks backstage to greet Mufasa with a friendly hug. "It seems that life in the city is going well Mufasa," the mandrill told his friend. "I can anticipate this year's Games will proceed as scheduled." "Rafiki," Mufasa called the mandrill by name. "There's something distressing my nephew." "I know the dilemma Bingwa's currently going through," Rafiki told Mufasa. "It will be one that will ultimately break his heart like Yahya's thirty-five years ago. And a broken heart filled with hate can only be healed with love after the resentment is vented out." Rafiki places his left hand on Mufasa's right shoulder. "I'm sure Scar has been suffering ever since he lost his fiancé and his lover was violated. His suffering has turned into hate for the past seventeen years I'm afraid." "But he doesn't know exactly where to vent that hatred towards yet," Mufasa told his friend. "We'll discuss this matter with Bingwa and Yahya at a later time. We should focus on closing out the opening ceremony."
After the anthems conclude their performance the announcer says, "We will now hear the opening words of the games from our city's Beastar and his Mjuzi." Before Mufasa and Rafiki walk on the stage as the audience gives them a round of applause. "Competitors step forward and take a knee," Rafiki told the teams that will compete in the Lion Heart Games. The teams comply with the Mjuzi's request as he opens the gourds and smear the color of the respective teams on each competitor's foreheads and place a small pendant symbolizing the academies represented by each team on the necks of Serena, Jean, Louis, Simba, and two other animals before he walks towards Mufasa who stands on the pentacle of the stage.
"For two-hundred years, Pride City has been a symbol for freedom, prosperity, and discovery of new technologies that improve the lives of all animals throughout the globe," Mufasa spoke to the audience watching the final minutes of the opening ceremony. "The Lion Heart Games were originally founded as the Pride Rock Games by the city's first Beastar to train the next generation of animals and every heir to Pride City's Beastar title. Today we will continue this two-hundred-year tradition as our next generation will undergo similar trials that every Beastar prior to them has partaken in to strengthen the bonds with not only their teammates but with their fellow competitors. These games are not a competition to determine not the best abilities of a single animal, but how much the bonds that unite each team has grown. To each competitor anointed by my Mjuzi: place your trust in each other and guide your teammates to achieve the goal of each game of this contest. The teamwork you display today will be a beacon to all animals in our society. And now let the Two-Hundredth Lion Heart Games begin!" The audience gives Mufasa and the competitors the last standing ovation of the opening ceremony.
After the ceremony ends, Mufasa joins Yahya, Bingwa, and Sarabi in the spectator's box. Meanwhile, Aoba positions himself at the starting line next to Chumvi, a male cheetah, a female red wolf, a male peregrine falcon, and a male gazelle. The others walk into a booth at the other end of what appears to be a sprinting course. "Just relax Aoba," Bill told Aoba as the eagle performs his pre-event warmups. "You got this event in the bag." "I was actually the last animal to know about these Lion Heart Games," Aoba thought to himself as he warmed up for the first game of the summer event. "Normally Bill would end up in disputes with Legoshi over a variety of things. I guess he surprised Legoshi when he snuck him and Simba out to the Popo Bawa last night, just like he surprised me and Louis today." As he walks towards the starting line of the first event, Aoba begins to recall the plan Louis set up for the starting two games of the event in his head.
1 Hour Ago
"As Bingwa recently explained to us," Louis said as Legoshi was changing from his swimsuit to his academy swimming uniform. "The Lion Heart Games are comprised of two singles events followed by two team events. The Decameter Dash and the Sand Dune Flag Race are the singles competitions that will start off the Games. That means only one member of each team will be allowed to compete simultaneously." "And who's going to be participating in the solo events?" Aoba asked his team lead. "You'll be participating in the Decameter Dash Aoba," Louis responded. "Since eagles are the fastest species we have, you should have no problems qualifying us for the next event."
5 Days Until Scar's Deadline
"Eagles are the fastest species in our team, right Louis?" Aoba thought to himself as he warms up for the first event. "Let's see if your plan works out." After every animal finishes their warm-ups, each of them takes up the starting positions in their respective lanes. "Competitors, are you ready!?" The announcer asks Aoba, Chumvi, and the other competitors. "Yes!" They all respond to the announcer's question. "Crowd, are you ready!?" the announcer asks the audience and they respond with loud cheers. "3..." An AI begins counting down to the beginning of the event. "2..." "Aoba," Louis thought to himself as he sees Aoba prepare to begin. "we're counting on you." "1..." After the AI finishes the countdown, the announcer and the crowd shout, "GO!" at the same time, signaling the six competitors to begin their ten-meter sprint to the goal.
Upon beginning the dash, Aoba seems to be taking the lead with the falcon neck-and-neck with him as the crowd and their teammates cheer each competitor on. "That eagle's faster than I expected," the cheetah thought about Aoba's speed to himself as he is trailing behind the rest of the competitors. "Looks like it's time to bring out my Triple A-Game." The cheetah then uses his instinctual speed to sprint past the other competitors as he takes the lead before he finishes the dash in First Place. "Amazing!" The announcer yelled out. "Looks like San Manada Academy just set a brand-new game record with that first-place finish!" After the announcement, Chumvi and Aoba finished the dash at nearly the same time which caused the announcer to say. "Followed up by an impressive showing from Cherryton Academy and our reigning champions," The red wolf and peregrine falcon finish at fourth and fifth place followed by the gazelle who is clearly out of breath. "And a solid effort from Gentiana and Feuille Academy. But despite the valiant effort they presented in the dash, their last-place finish signals the end of the line for Blackrose Academy."
"We will soon begin preparations for the Sand Dune Flag Race," The AI announces to everyone present. "All Blackrose Academy competitors, please report to the PR cabin for your closing interview." "You three did good during the dash," the gazelle complements the performance of Aoba, Chumvi, and the male cheetah as he regains his breath. "I guess I slacked off in my training, but don't expect my team to lose to this event again." "I'll be looking forward to seeing how you'll perform next year," the cheetah told the gazelle as he walks back towards the PR Cabin with the rest of his team.
"You two gave me a hell of a race," the cheetah turns his attention to both Chumvi and Aoba as he grabs a sports bottle and takes a sip of the water contained inside. "The name's Clein by the way and if I wasn't paying attention, you two must be Aoba and Chumvi. Right?" "Yeah," Aoba said as he stretches his arms after an intense run. "My team's actually from our Academy's Drama Club, so having athleticism happens to be part of our acting routines." "Woah," Clein said as he dries himself off. "So you really are the ones who came to Pride City with Kifahari as your chaperone. You may have to forgive me for being a bit blunt, but two of my teammates have a bit of a beef with the mongoose in the audience." "You mean Kai?" Aoba asked the cheetah. "Yep," Clein answered. "They're jealous because he was the last one standing when they played a game with the skunks last night."
"I'm sure Kai had some frustrations he had to take care of after two of his most notable blunders as an actor," Louis told Clein as he approaches Aoba and the cheetah's captain walks towards him. "So you're the deer who the announcer called the Horns Conglomerate Playboy," Serena told the deer who mentioned Kai's activities the prior night. "Since I haven't seen you in action yet, I'm not impressed." "Exposing your fangs in public is considered to be bad sportsmanship," Louis retorted to Serena's critique of Louis inactivity. "Well, I won't hide my fangs from competitors who haven't proven themselves against me," Serena told Louis as she and Clein return to their teammates. "I did notice that you were shooting in a firing range three days ago. So you really want me to conceal my fangs, then demonstrate your skills with a firearm in the Seaside Skirmish. If you or whoever you chose can grab a flag in the next game that is."
"That bear's definitely gonna be a handful if we have to go up against her team," Bill told his captain. "I wouldn't worry too much about her yet," Louis said to the concerned tiger. "Legoshi," the deer called the nervous wolf who was warming up with Aoba. "You'll be participating in the next event. I'm trusting you to qualify us for the Seaside Skirmish." "I've never been considered to be the best athlete of the Drama Club, even though I've been part of it for a while now," Legoshi thought to himself while Bill joins Aoba in helping him to warm up. "This is going to be my first time competing in a sports event." "The Sand Dune Flag Race will commence momentarily," the AI announced to the surviving five teams. "All chosen participants report to the starting lanes and begin your final warmups."
After Legoshi is joined at the starting line by Tojo, the male snow leopard, the male iguana, and a male porcupine as they lay prone with their feet facing the goal. "I was nervous when I first participated in this race too," Tojo whispers in Legoshi's ear. "Just dash towards one of the four flags as fast as you can and if you see an opponent get too close to a flag, just dive towards it and grab it. Don't think about anything or anyone else okay?"
"Welcome to the Sand Dune Flag Race!" the announcer declares before the audience gives him and the competitors a standing ovation showing off their excitement for the second event of the games. "This game will be the final qualifier game for the Seaside Skirmish, these five competitors will race to retrieve four flags at the end of this course. The four teams to retrieve the flags will advance to the Skirmish. Now! Competitors, are you ready!?" "Yes!" Legoshi and his opponents responded. "Is everybody else ready!?" the audience cheers in response. "3..." An AI begins counting down to the beginning of the event. "2..." "C'mon Legoshi!" Jack yelled out to his best friend. "1..." "Make me proud son!" Miyagi yelled out to his son. After the AI finishes the countdown, the announcer and the crowd shout, "GO!" at the same time, signaling the competitors to rise up from their prone positions and dash towards the four flags at the goal. "The moment I heard the crowd and the announcer telling me to go," Legoshi thought to himself as he ran towards the flags. "I felt my legs telling me to dash ahead. Demanding me to achieve the goal Louis set out for me." Upon noticing that his opponents were too close to the flags, Legoshi dives towards one of the flags. "But as I attempted to snag the first flag. I felt the spine of a porcupine stab my hand." After Legoshi notices that one flag is missing, he notices a porcupine's quill had pierced the hands of himself and his competitors. Appalled by the outcome Jack begins booing at the porcupine that injured his friend as Kai stormed off towards one of the cabins as the crowd joined the Labrador in booing and jeering at the result.
"Look at that," a panther clad in a Hawaiian shirt and board shorts pointed at one of the cameras recording the outcome of the dash in what appears to be the commissioner of the Lion Heart Game's cabin. "Can you believe this?" "That's odd," Mufasa commented on the incident. Before the commissioner could leave his seat, and enraged Kai barges into the cabin, slamming the door behind him. "Commissioner!" Kai calls out the elephant commissioner. "Legoshi and the other contestants don't deserve to be eliminated in such a disgraceful manner." Kai stomps towards the commissioner. "That porcupine used his quills to deliberately hinder his opponents' attempts to capture the other flags." "Kai," Mufasa called to the agitated mongoose. "Are you sure the porcupine violated the rules of the competition in this manner?" "This is a very serious accusation you've just presented to me," The commissioner told Kai as the mongoose stares him down. "Are you certain the porcupine from Feuille Academy is in violation of the game's rules?" "I'm sure," Kai answered to both the commissioner and Mufasa. "Roll the footage and you'll see that my allegation is true."
The panther replays the footage to the point Legoshi attempts to capture one of the flags when the porcupine launches one of his quills at the wolf's right hand before injuring the hands of Tojo and his other opponents. "Commissioner," Mufasa turns towards the commissioner. "Kai is telling the truth about this situation. What is your judgment on this incident?" "I'll have the AI broadcast my decision in this matter," the commissioner answered Mufasa. "Kai was it?" he redirects his attention to the agitated mongoose. "You should rejoin your friends for the time being. And thank you for bringing this to my attention."
As the commissioner contemplates on the verdict of the case being presented by Kai, Legoshi pulls the quill out of his hand using his mouth before doing the same with Tojo. "I can't believe we got cheated out of the games like this!" Bill shouted in rage. "Hey," a male porcupine taunts Bill as the audience expresses their anger towards him via serval boos and jeers. "Maybe if your little puppy was a bit more perceptive, he could have had a chance. But then carnivores are too dimwitted to notice that little surprise." "Are you blaming us for what you did?" Bill asked the porcupine. "What are you going to do about it, pussy cat?" the porcupine continues taunting the Bengal tiger. "You gonna devour me in retaliation? That's basically all your kind is good for anyway." "You know what, you've got a lot of nerve for a sharp-spined rat!" Bill yelled at the porcupine. "It's cheaters like you that makes me despise herbivores!" "You want some of my quills too?!" The porcupine yelled back at the enraged tiger as he prepares to launch his quills at him. "I've got more than plenty for you and your boyfriends!"
"Attention," the AI announces to everyone outside of the commissioner's cabin to keep Bill from fighting the porcupine as Kai returns to his seat next to Zazu and the audience quiets down so they can pay attention to the broadcast. "Upon reviewing footage of the recent incident, Commissioner Armstrong has declared that Feuille Academy has been officially disqualified from the Lion Heart Games." "Are you fucking serious!?" the porcupine shouted in rage and throws the flags on the ground as the audience applauds the commissioner's decision. "All Feuille Academy participants, please return to the Resort and remain inside until the games have been concluded." Enraged by his team's disqualification, the porcupine tells Louis, "Is isn't the last you and your friends have seen of me!" Before he stomps off the beach following his teammates who hang their heads in shame.
"I didn't expect the same mongoose that got my boys salty last night to stand up for everyone just now," Serena complements Kai for standing up for her teammate when he was cheated out of the race. "Thanks for the impromptu backup Kai." Kai happily laughs off the incident in response to Serena's compliment before he responds, "It's nothing, Serena. I just can't stand it when great competitors like all of you get cheated out of an event like that." "But still," the snow leopard said to the brown mongoose. "You took a stand the moment you saw us get screwed over by that rat. The name's Stanley and that pitbull is who I like to call Moron at times." "Very funny Stan," the pitbull retorted Stan. "The name's Maurice." "Everyone who attends San Manada calls him Mo'," Clein told the mongoose that exposed the porcupine's scheme. "I'm sure my team's grateful for what you've done for us as well," Jean said as he and his teammates walk towards Kai.
"I still feel bad Legoshi got cheated out of that race," Jack said as Kai places his hand on the Labrador's shoulder. "Don't feel too bad," Kai told Jack in a way to cheer him up. "The commissioner made the right call disqualifying the porcupine responsible for that." "I'm sure there's going to be a rematch to make up for that horrible finish Jack," Zazu comforts Jack. "But this time without that prickly rodent sabotaging the competition for selfish gains." "Zazu." The Drama Club reprimandingly calls out the hornbill. "Not cool," Sabrina told Zazu before Dom tells him. "If you were trying to cheer Jack back up, that was a horrible way to do so." While Pina gently pats Jack's head a rat climbs up to Oguma's shoulder. "That porcupine sounds extremely malicious by his behavior upon hearing his team's disqualification," the deer told the rat. "Watch him." The rat gives a silent nod as he climbs off Oguma and joins the other four hundred and ninety-nine rats in following the porcupine's footsteps.
"Attention all attendees and competitors," the AI announces to everyone still on the beach. "Due to the inconvenient finish of the previous event, new competitors will be required to participate in the rematch of the Sand Dune Flag Race. Simba, Serena, Louis, and Jean report to the starting line ASAP and prepare for the event." "Sounds like you're gonna be the one participating in the rematch instead of Legoshi," Bill told the unsuspecting Louis. "Make us proud Captain." "I never predicted this change of events would be caused by an over-obsessed porcupine breaking the rules of the games," Louis thought to himself as he walks towards the starting lane of the race.
"But still, failure is still not an option." He thinks to himself as he begins warming up alongside the other captains upon arriving at their specific lane. "Just like on stage, failing to win this event is nearly the equivalent of death." "Just relax Louis," Simba told his godbrother currently turned rival. "Don't let what that cheater did get to you." "This lion's telling me to relax," Louis thought to himself as he ignores the first line of advice while he continues to warm up. "But I've grown used to this kind of pressure. For in this event, there's only one animal that I can trust to finish ahead of the competition... And that's me." After Louis warms up, he lies prone on the sand with his feet facing the flags. "Legoshi's handing of the prior attempt was laughable... Solidarity only has meaning in the upcoming events. For now, I'm here and that's all that matters." "We're counting on you Louis!" the carnivores of his team cheer Louis on as he takes deep breaths before the announcer yells out, "Captains, are you ready!?" "Yes!" Louis and the other captains respond. "Crowd, are you ready!?" the announcer shouts to the audience as they respond by cheering on the four remaining teams. "That's right," Louis thought to himself. "Devote your spirits to me." "3..." The AI counts down to the beginning of the race. "There's no one here to get in my way." Louis thought while the AI continues its countdown. "2..." "This dash is now my battle in this contest." "1..." "Now, I'll show the world something far better than that blunder. All eyes on me!" "GO!" the announcer and the crowd shout at the same time, which signals Louis to start his dash before his opponents.
"Seeing my son compete against intense competition," Oguma thought to himself as he cheers on his son with the audience. "Reminds me of the legendary Adler fighting off his pursuers." Louis is nearly neck and neck between Simba and Serena as they race towards the flags at the finish line. "Each step Louis takes is like the grim reaper cutting through a demon to protect his love." Noticing how close his competition is to the goal, Louis takes a leap and grabs the first flag while sliding on the sand in front of him. "A beautiful photo finish with the Cherryton Playboy coming out within first-place!" the announcer yells to the crowd who wildly cheers the young deer for his achievement only a very brief moment before Simba, Serena, and Jean claim their flags. "But our reigning champion Simba and the San Manada sun goddess Serena has given their all in the closest finish to date with Jean following suit!" "This young buck has grown from the frail fawn I adopted." Oguma thought to himself as he whistles for his son. "The event is over," Louis thought to himself as he stands over the dune his flag once stood. "I gave the audience my best performance yet. I've done it! Did everyone witness that! I've made it! I've beaten the champion in this event!"
"You gave the crowd a hell of a show Louis," Bill complements the deer as he and the others walk towards their respective team captains. "First place against Simba himself?" Aoba asked his team lead regarding his performance. "The media's not going to shut up about this for months." "Thanks for winning that event for us Louis," Legoshi gratefully told his superior. "I'm sorry I messed up last time." "Don't blame yourself for what happened," Louis humbly told the wolf. "Let's just focus on preparing for the Seaside Skirmish." "I guess my first impressions were wrong about you Louis," Serena told the humbled deer. "You've shown that carnivores and herbivores can compete at the same level. Maybe I should consider asking my coach to recruit more herbivore athletes for our sports teams." "That was an intense performance we gave out just now," Jean complimented his fellow captains. "I just hope we can repeat that in the Seaside Skirmish. The crowd deserves a great follow up to this neck-and-neck race."
"That was an amazing Sand Dune Flag race coming from our captains!" The announcer yells out to the crowd. "Make some noise for the competitors for their awesome finish!" The audience loudly cheers on the captains who gave out a performance worthy of the history books of the Lion Heart Games. "But we still need to determine which team will cooperate with which for the upcoming Seaside Skirmish. So, captains, flip the switch on your flags." The captains abide by the announcer's command by turning on the switch and the back of the flagpole. Louis and Simba's flag glows blue while Serena and Jean's give off a bright crimson glow. "And here are the teams that will comprise of the Seaside Skirmish!" The announcer yells out. "Huru and Cherryton Academies will represent the Blue Team while San Manada and Gentiana Academies will make up the Red Team. Remember, the two teams that win the Skirmish will be competing against each other in the Pride Rock Relay."
"We will begin to set up the next event," The AI announces to everyone involved "Please stand by." "Pardon me for not introducing myself after the race," Jean told Louis. "My name is Jean. Kai and I met when we were eating our in-flight meal during our flight four days ago." "So he was the golden mongoose Kai met during our flight to Pride City," Louis thought to himself as Jean's teammates catch up to Louis as they walk towards the changing rooms. "This is the lovely Ember," "Nice to meet you all," the red wolf greets her competitors. "I was fascinated with your performance in the dash Aoba." "Thanks," Aoba responded to Ember's praise. "Madelyn," Jean introduces the falcon to Legoshi's team. "A pleasure," the falcon greeted the group. "and Renard," Jean introduces the iguana to the other teams. "It's an honor to compete with you all," the iguana formally greets the other competitors. "Oh, and sorry you, Tojo, and Maurice had to get pricked by that bastard Legoshi." "Well, I'm over that now," Legoshi said as Serena, Madelyn, and Ember split off from the group as they enter the changing rooms respective of their sexes.
After the groups close their doors, Legoshi told the males as he removes his swim uniform, "I don't understand why we have to change for the next event," while he exposes his penis to the others as he stands around the others naked. "Uh Simba," Malka whispers in his captain's ear. "Are the genitals of male wolves supposed to be that big?" "You're joking right?" Simba whispered back as he also removes his swim uniform. "I don't think that this is the time to answer that question." "Okay," Malka whispered as he strips from his uniform, exposing his ten-inch penis to the other males. "But you should answer that the next time we meet him."
"What are those lions whispering about Legoshi?" Bill asked the wolf as he undresses from his uniform while Legoshi puts on a blue pair of swim briefs, representing his team color in the next event. "I don't even want to know right now," Legoshi answered the tiger as Louis finishes changing swim uniforms. "Now is not time to gossip about our anatomies," the deer told his teammates as he presses a button on the wall in front of him that reveals a set of blue military grade-like firearms and harnesses. "Don't be fooled by the appearance of these weapons, they may look military-grade, but they use water as a source of ammunition." "The water rounds these guns fire won't harm you," Chumvi told the group. "But they will soak around the areas they hit. I still wouldn't get hit by too many of them, because the exoskeletons under your swimsuit will prevent you from taking any offensive actions if your body gets too wet. If you end up taking a hit from a sniper rifle to the head, a shotgun or water sword at close range, or water knife at point-blank range, you're going to be drenched in a heartbeat." "So how do we dry off if we do end up drenched?" Legoshi asked Chumvi. "Your teammate will have to turn on the exoskeleton's built-in dryer to get you back into the game. To ensure a fair opportunity for both teams to win, all exoskeletons will constantly deodorize the wearer until it's removed after the event."
"But who's going to take what role in the Skirmish?" Tojo asked his teammates. "Simple," Louis told the others. "We'll have Legoshi and Malka be our frontline Assault players while Simba, Chumvi will be the Assault reserves so Bill can focus on Heavy Weapons." "That could work," Tojo comments on Louis's strategy. "But our opponents have a variety of animals while half of our team are lions." "Which is why the two of us will be on Support and Aoba's going to be our Sniper." "What's with these uniforms?" Legoshi asked as a thin exoskeleton emerges from the groin of his briefs. "These uniforms extend the exoskeleton to the back of your neck, your hands, and your feet once it has the wearer's biometric data," Malka told the startled wolf. "Aside from that, the exoskeleton also plays the role as a holster for your weapons" "My team wore this for last year's Seaside Skirmish," Simba told Legoshi "I was just as nervous and shocked as you are when I wore it for the first time. The skeleton should retract after the Skirmish is over. Just relax for a while. You'll get used to it in no time."
"Alright," Louis told his teammates as he grabs what appears to be a blue M16 assault rifle and holsters it behind his waist. "We should pick out our weapons according to the roles I've assigned to us." The moment Louis grabs what appears to be water-filled grenades, the others begin to pick up their weapons according to Louis's assigned roles. Bill picks up a machinegun that bears a resemblance to a blue M249 and two blue Desert Eagles after he holsters the machinegun behind his waist. "Are you seriously thinking about dual-wielding those high-caliber pistols Bill?" Tojo asked Bill as the tiger holsters the pistols next to his hips. "If I'm the heavy weapons guy," Bill responded while he holsters a grenade launcher with the resemblance of an MGL behind his back. "I have to put on a show while covering for you guys."
"Cool your jets Bill," Aoba told the tiger as he holsters a sniper rifle that looks like a blue M82 behind his back. "We're not on set for an over-the-top action flick." "But he does have a point taking two pistols with him," Simba told the eagle as he grabs two M16-like rifles and holsters them behind his back after attaching what appears to be an M26 shotgun to the under barrel of each rifle. "We might have one of our weapons shot from our hands by one of our opponents." Aoba sighs as he grabs two personal defense weapons that appear to be blue MP7A1s and holsters them next to his hips. "Bill's bold idea better help us win the Skirmish," he told Simba as he holsters two submachine guns that look like Blue APC9 Pro-Ks behind his waist. While Simba holsters a sheathed longsword and shortsword with water blades behind his waist and two pistols resembling blue P320 pistols next to his hips before handing another longsword to Louis.
As Malka picks up a pair of shotguns that appear to be blue HK CAWSs, he notices Legoshi pondering about which weapon he should take with him before he holsters them behind his back. "What are you moping about?" Malka asks the wolf in a concerned tone. "Well," Legoshi responded. "I never actually fired a gun before." "We were all nervous while prepping for our first Skirmish," Malka told Legoshi. "Unlike Simba who was trained by our current Beastar, neither of us knew how to use a gun before then. Since we won last year's Games, we've all decided to practice using the shooting range after school to prepare for this year's Games."
Upon hearing Malka's experiences with the Seaside Skirmish, Legoshi builds up the courage to grab a shotgun and an assault rifle. He decides to holster both of them before also holstering a water-bladed knife and a pistol. After the team holsters their weapons, they each grab a set of water grenades while Tojo gathers some water anti-personnel mines and a remote to activate the dryers linked to every exoskeleton worn by his team. The lion then hands the second remote to Louis while Bill fills a pistol's magazine with water before loading one of his pistols as the water inside transforms into seven liquified fifty-caliber rounds. Bill then turns the safety off of the loaded pistol, cocks it, and aims at the mirror before firing a single shot at it. The impact of the projectile causes a huge splash of water to soak the mirror as his teammates turn towards the tiger trying out the water-powered firearm.
"Can that wait until after the Skirmish begins Bill?" Louis angrily questioned his curious tiger teammate. "What?" Bill responded, "I was just wondering if what Simba told us about these weapons were true." Louis shakes his head as Bill turns the safety of one of the pistols back on. "Besides, these rounds don't even make a dent on anything." "Bill's right," Simba told Louis. "There's no way the commissioner would allow weapons that use live munitions and blades to be used in the Games." "Regardless of Bill's antics," Louis said to Simba. "I need all of you to follow my strategy just like we're rehearsing a play. So if you truly desire for us to face off in the Pride Rock Relay, you all need to act accordingly. Do you understand?" "Yes," the others responded before the AI tells Louis's team, "The Seaside Skirmish will soon begin. Blue Team, board the transport in front of your changing room when ready."
When Louis opens the door outside, he notices a blue vehicle parked outside of his team's changing room before the hatch opens to reveal several seats inside. "Hey! Cherryton and Huru boys!" A male howler monkey calls to Louis's team which causes Legoshi and the others to join Louis outside. "Hop on in and I'll take you over to the Skirmish Arena!" Legoshi takes a deep breath before he and his teammates follow Louis as their captain boards the transport. After everyone is on board, that hatch closes before the driver transports the team to a large arena floating over the ocean's surface.
"Can you tell us what to expect of this Seaside Skirmish when we arrive at the arena?" Legoshi asked Simba. "One thing you can expect is that the floors and walls will not cause you to slide around," Simba explained to the confused wolf. "The commissioner persisted that the surfaces of the floors, walls, and ceilings will not cause the competitors to slip when they try to maneuver around the map. Despite the water flowing constantly throughout the arena, he also wanted several points where competitors can safely take cover without getting drenched by the environment and crossfire between two teams."
"He also hates skirmishes that take place on shallow and stagnant maps," Chumvi told the others. "That's why he insisted on creating trenches, sniper perches, power weapons, and dissolvable cover that's vulnerable to blasts from hydro grenades and RPGs." "Regardless of how the arena's laid out," Louis told his teammates. "Our main objective is bringing the water tank at the center of the arena back to our base. The opposing team may be more diverse when it comes to species, but they're mostly carnivores like you guys. So don't hold back, even if you're facing off against a female competitor."
After Simba and his teammates give a confident nod to Louis, the transport stops within a tunnel. "Alright, Blue Team," the driver told his passengers as the transport's rear hatch opens for them to disembark. "Be sure you load up your magazines, check your comms, and ready your weapons before you step through the gate." "Give the Red Team hell boys." After Louis's team leaves the vehicle they fill their magazines with water that morphs into ammunition for their respective firearms. Once the magazines are full and loaded into their weapons, they ready them and walk towards the end of the corridor where the cheers of a crowd can be heard in a muffled capacity.
"As I march with my teammates towards the opening gates," Legoshi thought to himself while he and his team walk towards two large gates that open outward towards the arena and clearing up the sounds of the cheering crowd. "I can hear our friends and our fathers cheering for us along with the audience as we walked into the arena. But as I took my steps towards the gate, I could hear Louis question inside of my head." "Why don't you take responsibility for your own strength?" Louis's voice was heard within Legoshi's mind. "I won't be afraid of who I am nor my inexperience." Legoshi thought to himself as he follows his teammates through the open gateway. "Ladies and Gentlemen," the announcer declares to the crowd. "Give a big welcome to the four teams that have advanced to the Seaside Skirmish round of the 2017 Lion Heart Games!"
After Legoshi's team passes through the sapphire gates, the cheers can now be heard from the sold-out audience as they see both teams walking towards their starting positions with their weapons holstered. "On the Red Team, we have Mo'Reese, Stan, Clein, and Serena from San Manada co-oping with Ember, Madelyn, Reynard, and Jean from Gentiana! Let the Red Team know you love 'em!" The crowd responds by giving the red team a loud and noisy round of applause. "And on the Blue Team, co-led by the Lion Heart Games Reigning champion and Beastar heir Simba and Horns Conglomerate playboy Louis! Give it up for the union of Malka, Chumvi, Tojo, Aoba, Bill, and Legoshi of Huru and Cherryton Academy!" Upon hearing the loud round of cheers and applause coming from the crowd surrounding them Legoshi thought to himself, "I've been drawn into an event that happens to be way over my head. This is going to be my first-time using firearms and competing on stage."
"And now allow me to introduce you to the map of this year's Seaside Skirmish!" the announcer shouted. "Castrum Oceanica is a castle-based map where the fountain is located within the center of the map, but contestants should exercise caution because the fountain's position will leave them vulnerable to sniper fire while they attempt to release the locks. Other than that, the exterior walls of the central castle will provide full cover from standard munitions, but they can be dissolved by grenades and rockets. The moat surrounding the castle provides an underground entrance and entrenched positions for our teams to battle it out and approach the fountain out of view of the snipers. The towers and the exterior walls will provide snipers with great sniping and scouting positions, but they should beware of fire from any power weapons the enemy team picks up. Above the trenches, there is still plenty of cover that our contestants can use to protect themselves from enemy fire, but the objective remains the same: the first team to take the fountain back to their home base and activate it will be the two finalists of the Lion Heart games. And now competitors, ready your weapons." Both teams comply with the announcer and take the safeties off their main weapons.
"Red Team are you ready!?" the announcer shouts towards the team comprised of Gentiana and San Manada Academy competitors who respond with various war cries. "Blue Team are you ready!?" Bill and the lions roar in response as Aoba gives a determined smirk and tells the opposing team, "We're coming boys and girls." "3..." An AI begins counting down to the beginning of the event. "2... 1..." After the AI finishes the countdown, the announcer and the crowd shout, "GO!" at the same time, signaling the two teams to take a waterslide to their respective positions on their respective sides of the map.
"Aoba," Louis said through his team's coms. "Take up a sniping position at the Blue Northern External Turret. Keep an eye open for potential entrances and enemy contacts." "Got it," Aoba responded as he sprints towards the northern tower of the blue side of the map. "Legoshi, Bill," Louis turns his attention to the wolf and tiger in his team. "Work with Simba's team and cover our flanks while I look for a secret entrance." "You're not doing that alone Louis," Simba retorted. "I'll rendezvous to your location to back you up." "Malka and I will cover Bill and Legoshi in the Blue Outer Bailey," Tojo reported to the team. "There we can split up to cover the North and South Outer Baileys." "You want to rethink that call, Tojo," Chumvi responded. "I spotted a bogey coming in from the Red Outer Bailey. I think the Red Team's trying to flank Simba and Louis." "He's moving so fast, I can't get a clear shot at him," Aoba called through the comms.
"Looks like the Red Team's starting off with a down and dirty flanking maneuver," the announcer commented on the action as Clein rushes towards the Blue side of the map. "Will Clein pull off the early quick strike and throw the Blue Team off-guard?" "Don't worry about him Aoba," Simba told the eagle through his team's comms. "I know a way to deal with him." As the lion holsters his rifle and grasps the hilt of his shortsword, both of them take cover near the walls of the entrance. "But it looks like Simba and Louis have a trick up their sleeve," the announcer commented on the tactics the duo is using to counter the flanking maneuver their opponent is planning. The moment Clein charges past a tunnel's entrance, Simba drenches the cheetah with a slash from his water blade. The impact causes the harness to lock Clein in place as his body is soaked from head to toe.
"A clever counter by the Beastar heir!" The announcer shouts as the audience cheers in response to Simba making the first takedown of the event. "The Red Team's got us pinned down at the Blue North Outer Bailey!" Legoshi yelled through the comms as several of his opponents utilizes suppressing fire on him and Tojo. "Hold on Legoshi," Bill responded. "Malka and I are on our way." "You may want to go there using the trenches," Chumvi said through the comms as he traverses towards the red side of the trenches. "Moving around top side will get you exposed to sniper fire. As the old vets loved to say: 'The top side is the hot side. Stay on the low ground.'" "Got it," Bill responded as he and Malka began to move in the trenches.
"Having the reigning champions on your team has definitely given you the tactical advantage," Serena thought to herself as she maintained her suppressive fire on Tojo and Legoshi. "Well, I've got an answer to that." Serena activates her comms and says "Jean, take Mo' and intercept the tiger-lion trio at the Red Trenches." "You got it, Serena," Maurice replied "Understood," Jean responded as the duo moves towards the red side of the trenches. "Ember," Serena redirects her attention towards Ember. "Go dry Clein off and get him back in the game." "Copy," Ember responded before heading towards the secret entrance on the red side of the map. "Moving to revive." "If the wolf or that bird-loving lion pokes their heads out," Serena spoke to the sniper in the Red North Outer Turret. "Take the shot, Madelyn." "Got them in my little kill zone." The falcon responded as she aims at the Bleu Northern Bailey where Tojo and Legoshi are being suppressed.
As Chumvi, Malka, and Bill are moving in the red trenches, Maurice and Jean open fire on them, forcing the trio to take cover and return fire. "Aoba," Bill called for the eagle through the comms. "The trenches just got hot. Could you get Tojo and Legoshi some breathing room?" "Already on it," Aoba responded as he took a deep breath. "Okay Legoshi," Tojo quietly told the wolf. "On my cue, run out of cover and open fire on whoever's left on the red team. Don't worry about their sniper yet, just focus on the suppressors, and then we'll lower the drawbridge on our side of the map. Got it?" Legoshi nods as Aoba fires a shot at Serena. "BOOM!" the announcer shouted as the audience cheered in response to the hit the sun bear took to her head that knocked her to the ground, completely drenched. "That headshot just gave the blue team a reprieve! Will they use this opportunity to press the advantage before the Power Weapons come online!?"
"Power Weapons will become active in thirty seconds." The AI announced to the arena. "Now Legoshi!" Tojo yelled as he and Legoshi emerge from cover and opens fire on the distracted Stan and Renard. As their teammates are getting gunned down, Maurice pulls the pin on one of his grenades and tells the trio of Chumvi, Malka, and Bill, "You cats ain't the only ones who know some shit," before he tosses it at them. Noticing a grenade being thrown in their direction, Bill could only shout, "Grenade!" Before it explodes drenching him, and the lions while Maurice laughs at the carnage.
"Looks like Mo'Reese just performed a triple takedown with that cooked grenade!" The announcer shouted, causing Simba to become extremely concerned about Bill and the others. "Louis," Simba told the deer through the comms. "Bill, Malka, and Chumvi just got soaked by a grenade. They need your help; I'll try to lower the Blue Drawbridge." "No," Louis responded, "You'll take too long if you try to lower that drawbridge alone." "I'll be fine," Simba told the deer. "Our drenched teammates need you even more right now." "Very well," Louis hesitantly acknowledged the current situation before he leaves Simba behind. "I'll help them out of Red Trenches." "Aoba," Simba called the eagle sniping in the Blue Outer North Turret through the comms. "You think you can keep me covered with sniper fire?" "I know I can," Aoba responded as he reloads his rifle. "You're trying to lower the Blue Drawbridge, aren't you?" "I have to if we're going to win this event," Simba responded to Aoba's question. "Then I've got your back," the eagle said. "We're coming to help you out Simba," Legoshi told the lion through the comms. "The North Outer Bailey's clear for now," Tojo reported.
"Yeah right," Ember said under her breath as she activates the dryer on Clein's harness after she finds him drenched and lying on the ground. "You okay?" she asks the cheetah as she offers her right hand to him. The moment Clein grabs her hand, the wolf lifts him back on his feet. "Simba's not playing around," Clein replied. "But I'm fine." "Power Weapons now online," the AI announced to the arena as several platforms began to light up throughout the arena. "Although his teammates won't be soon enough." As Clein takes a look at what appears to be an M9 flamethrower. "I think a power weapon like that would slow a cheetah-like you down," Ember told Clein as he walks towards the power weapon platform. "I owe that lion for cutting me down when I tried to flank his team," the cheetah responded as he grabbed the power weapon from the platform. "I think I can move a bit slower to get back at him."
As Clein and Ember run towards the Blue Drawbridge Tower, Louis finds a drenched Bill, Malka, and Chumvi lying on the Red Trenches. Upon finding them bound and soaked, the buck sighs in disbelief and says, "You dumb cats. You should have run for it when you saw that grenade coming." "Sorry Louis," Malka apologized to the deer as he remotely activated their dryers. "But he hurled it towards us out of nowhere." "That's no excuse for felines like you," Louis responded as he helped the trio back on their feet. "You each already lost one life, and I don't end for you to lose the other eight. C'mon, we'll regroup with Tojo and Legoshi." "Who knew Louis would grow up to be a proactive leader?" Bill thought to himself as he, Malka, and Chumvi follow Louis out of the trenches.
However, the moment Louis's antler pokes out of the Red Trenches, he notices a laser sight being pointed at one of them. "Hold it," the buck whispers to felines to stop. In response, the trio takes cover within the trenches. "That's the Red Team's sniper." "That means we're on their turf now," Bill whispers the moment Louis spots a sniper on one of the towers. "It's probably a better idea if we split up," Malka whispered to the group. "Alright," Louis acknowledged Malka's suggestion. "Bill," he focuses his attention on Bill. "Take Chumvi and Malka, and regroup with Simba. I'll back up Tojo and Legoshi." "Are you serious Louis?" Bill questions his leader's order. "Two other members of the red team are still up and about."
Louis then pulls out a different type of grenade and presents it to Bill. "I'll deal with them when I run into them," Louis reassured Bill. "Their leader will change the team's tactics when they find out that Simba's lowering the drawbridge connecting Blue Outer Castle to the Blue Inner Castle. That's why I need you to back him up just in case they target him." After taking a few seconds to think about what Louis said, "Alright," Bill responded after he hesitated in complying with his leader's order. "We'll back Simba up." Bill then ran towards the secret entrance to the Red Drawbridge tower with Malka and Chumvi following suit. "The mist from this grenade should provide cover from the sniper," Louis thought to himself before he pulls the pin and tosses the grenade outside of the trenches and into the Red Outer North Bailey.
The moment the mist erupts from the grenade, Louis uses the opportunity to run towards Tojo and Legoshi. "Tojo, Legoshi we need to move," Louis told the duo after he emerges from the mist. "The mist won't be around for long." The two nod as they follow Louis through the mist and into the trenches. As Madelyn notices that Legoshi and Tojo have moved through the mist, "Ember," she told the she-wolf through the comms, "I lost the lion and wolf to the mist." "Shit," Ember curses under her breath. "I'm going to dry off the others. Jean, can you and Maurice regroup with Clein?" She turns her attention to her team's captain through her comms. "I think that lion and wolf are going with Louis to intercept him." "Don't worry about them," Serena interrupts Ember's communication with her teammates. "Jean and Mo' should be trying to lower the Red Drawbridge while you help us up. We'll engage the blue team in the Inner Castle. The more teammates operating the bridge, the faster it'll go down." "Alright," Ember hesitantly responded.
As Ember regroups with the downed members of her team, and Jean and Maurice sprint towards the Red Drawbridge tower, Simba is still lowering the drawbridge when Bill catches up and helps him out. "You didn't think Louis would let you lower this bridge alone did you?" With the additional aid of Malka and Chumvi, Simba successfully lowers the drawbridge.
"Looks like the Blue Drawbridge is lowered and connected to the Blue Fountain with the aid of four members of the Blue Team," the announcer called the actions made by Simba's team as the audience looks in awe. "Wait a second, what's Madelyn doin'?" The moment he questions Madelyn's intentions with a rocket launcher and before Simba, Bill, Malka, and Chumvi could regroup with the others, a rocket was launched from the Red Outer Turret. "RPG!" Simba yelled to his team. "Spread out and get to cover!" he and his teammates scattered across the Blue Inner Bailey, away from the blast radius near the Blue Drawbridge. A splash of water emerged from the blast leaving only a wave of water within the blast area. Noticing where the rocket launched from, Aoba aimed his sniper rifle at Madelyn and shot her in the head, causing her body to become drenched as she lies on the turret floor.
"To hell what Serena said," Maurice yelled as he began lowering the Red Drawbridge. "Somebody flank that son of a bitch!" Upon hearing Maurice's yells and noticing that Clein and Jean are moving towards Aoba, Louis told him through the comms. "Aoba, your current position's compromised. "What?" the eagle responded in a confused tone. "Taking out their sniper has gotten them pulling desperate maneuvers trying to take you out," Simba explained to him. "You need to find a new position before they flank you." "Got it," Aoba responds as he holsters his rifle and runs out of his current position. "Moving out."
"Ember what the fuck's going on?" Serena angrily asked the she-wolf as she turns on the drier to dry the bear and her teammates off. "The blue team's sniper just took out Madelyn after his teammates lowered their drawbridge," Ember answered the angered sun bear. "We need to stop them before they're declared the finalists of the Lion Heart Games." "Then that means they're in the inner castle already," Serena said to herself as she is helped up by Ember. "You two," she turns her attention to Stan and Renard. "Intercept the blue team before they open the gate to the fountain. Mo' will assist you." "Got it," the snow leopard and iguana acknowledged the command before they take the secret entrance into the inner castle. "Ember," the bear turns her attention back on Ember. "Help Madelyn back up and take the rocket launcher before that eagle gets his hands on it." "Understood," the she-wolf responded as she ran towards the Red Outer Turrets. "I'm breaking the chains that hold our drawbridge after I grab an equalizer," the sun bear says under her breath as she runs towards a platform where a minigun is being displayed.
"We have to counter flank them," Louis said to himself. "Simba, Legoshi," he turns his attention to Simba and Legoshi, I need you to open the gate and bring the fountain to our base. "The rest of us will cover you." "Right," Simba responds and he and Legoshi work together to get the Blue Gate open while the others reposition themselves in the Blue Inner Turrets. "We're counting on you guys," Legoshi said as he watches his teammates take over in the turrets while waiting for the Red team to ambush them. "Hey, self-resentment pup!" Maurice yelled as he fired a burst at Legoshi causing him to dodge the shots aimed towards him as the other members of the Red Team gather around them. "Now!" Bill yelled as he and his teammates shoot down their would-be ambushers causing the audience to cheer as their strategy was successful in halting the Red Team's ambush attempt. "A handsome counter to the Red Team's ambush by Bill and the Blue Team!" The announcer yelled out as the Blue gate opens. "And right when victory becomes within arm's reach for the Blue Team!" "Yeah right," Serena said as she breaks the chains holding up the red drawbridge using her natural strength. "What's this!?" The announcer calls the actions of Serena. "Looks like Serena's using her instincts to open up the Red Drawbridge! Looks like this has just become anyone's game now! Will the Blue Team get the fountain back to their base before Serena opens up the Red Gate!?"
As Simba and Legoshi pull the fountain out of the Castle Heart and pulls it towards the Blue Base with the help of their teammates, Aoba attempts to run downstairs when a burst of water from Clein's flamethrower-like power weapon. The sudden burst causes Aoba to dodge the burst before he is forced to turn back and take cover behind the stairwell's railing before readying an explosive water knife and tossing it at Clein's back the moment he reaches the turret. "So much for that Power Weapon," Aoba said as the cheetah's power weapon explodes causing him to become drenched once more. Noticing that the path is clear Aoba runs down the stairwell and into the Blue Outer Bailey. However, Jean shoots several rounds towards Aoba before one of them hits the eagle in his right shoulder. "Sorry Aoba," Jean told the wet eagle as he aims his submachine gun at his opponent's head. "But I can't disappoint Kai by getting eliminated before the Relay." "No," Aoba said as he hits Jean several times by firing a pistol from his left hip. "You've already impressed him by reaching this far. Don't let a single loss upset you."
The moment Aoba stands up, he is suddenly taken down by a flurry of minigun fire. "No one is taking me the 'L'," Serena said as she then takes out, Bill, Malka, Chumvi, Tojo, and Louis using her minigun the moment the fountain crosses the Blue Drawbridge. "Louis!" Legoshi yells out as the deer's body goes into stasis. "Looks like Serena, just pulled a desperado stunt by wiping out six members of the blue team in a short span of time!" The announcer shouted as he and the audience witnesses the sun bear's feat. "We'll be fine," Louis reassured the concerned wolf. "The fountain is so close to our base. We can win this skirmish if you trust in Simba as you placed your trust in me. He's the star of these games, protect him as you've always done me."
"I will Louis," Legoshi responded as he drew both of his pistols out of the holsters. "Simba," the wolf turned his attention to Simba as he begins installing the fountain in the Blue Base. "Don't worry about what happens to me." "Legoshi what you doing?" Simba asked the grey wolf as he halted the installation. "Treat you like the star of a production," Legoshi responded as he gives him a reassuring smile. "Protecting the star is the role of the stagehands." "What's Legoshi doing?" Jack asked while watching his friend from the audience. "I'm tired of running." Legoshi thought to himself as he opened fire on Serena while evading fire from her minigun. "I can't worry about him right now," Simba thought to himself as he resumed installing the fountain. Every hit Legoshi lands on Serena brings Simba a step closer to finishing the installation of the winning fountain.
"Don't think I'll go down as easily as I did earlier you stubborn mutt!" Serena shouted as she returns fire on Legoshi while she kneels on the arena floor. Before Simba turns on the fountain Legoshi lands a shot on Serena's head before he takes a hit from her minigun. In response to the final play made by both Serena and Legoshi, the crowd responds with roaring applause as the announcer yells, "The Blue Team wins! The Blue Team wins! Ladies and Gentlemen both Cherryton Academy and our reigning champions are your finalists of the Lion Heart Games!" "Not a play Legoshi," Serena told the stunned Legoshi as they noticed that the stasis system of the harnesses shut down the moment Simba activated the fountain.
"They did it," Bill happily said as he and Louis stand back up along with Tojo, Chumvi, and Malka. "But the games are not over," Louis told Bill as he turns towards the three lions. "Sounds like our academies friendly rivals from this moment forward." "Looks like this is the end of the line for us," Ember said as she and Madelyn watch their teammates get back on their feet. "We still gave the games our all," Madelyn responded as she picks up her power weapon. "That's the best anyone can hope for." "Yo' Legoshi," Maurice called out the wolf who was looking towards the audience awestruck and humbled. "That last play you made, proved the point I made when I 'naded Bill." "Let me guess," Bill responded. "Cats aren't the ones who know some shit. Right?" "All contestants," the AI announced to the group. "Please return your weapons and exit the arena."
"We'll be sitting back while you boys compete in the relay," Serena told the blue team as she and her teammates walk towards the red exit. "Have fun in the finals." After the contestants vacated the map. Legoshi and the others return their weapons in the rack before walking towards the transport where the driver was waiting for them. "That was a hell of a performance you boys made out there!" The driver told Louis, Simba, and the others. "The Red Team sure didn't make it easy for you. Let's take you back to the beach."
After both Simba and Legoshi's teams proudly board the vehicle that returns them to the beach, Legoshi steps out of the transport. Upon setting foot on the beach, Jack yells out, "Hey Legoshi, think fast!" Legoshi was shocked as he spots what appears to be a cooler being flung his way and grabs it from the bottom while the others step out of the vehicle. "There's about twenty-four cones of what the locals called Tikiti ice cream inside," Jack explained the magenta-colored ice cream inside of the cooler as Legoshi opened it. "But Pina and the others already took one. So, there's only eight left inside." "It's a reward for your game-winning performance," Oguma told the two teams as each member took a cone out of the cooler and began licking the ice cream inside. "I'm so proud that you made it this far in a competition you knew nothing about," Miyagi complimented Legoshi's performance. "You're just one step away from being a part of Pride City's history, my son."
"But don't expect this to be a walk in the park," Bingwa told the two surviving teams. "You guys still need to decide which one of you will take on which leg of the relay. Unlike the other three games, the Pride Rock Relay takes place at night." "That means we have plenty of time to decide on a strategy for each leg," Louis said in response to Bingwa's information regarding the Pride Rock Relay. "Still," Bingwa responded. "You should never underestimate my cousin. He is the reigning champion of the Lion Heart Games after all." "But you boys don't need to worry about that right now," Marino said as he and his waiters bring their dinner to the table closest to Lion Heart Beach. "Why don't you all come over and gather the energy you need first. There's going to be a tough competition waiting for you all tonight."
As Legoshi and Simba's teams gather around the table with their friends, the porcupine that got his team disqualified from the Lion Heart Games is sitting on the bed of his room. "That fucking mongoose," he angrily thought to himself. "If he didn't rat me out to the commissioner, the games would have been ours." As the porcupine continues his recollection of the events that got his team disqualified, an athletic mature male zebra opens the door and walks inside. "Bradley," the zebra called the porcupine by his name. "The headmaster just called about games." "What did he say, coach?" Bradley asked his coach. "She said that she was appalled by how you behaved during the Sand Dune Flag Race," the coach answered. "And because of your horrible sportsmanship, she has expelled you from Feuille Academy." "Wha..." Bradley was shocked to discover that he got expelled from his school. "Along with your expulsion," the coach continued. "All waivers to your travel and lodging expenses have been revoked, and you are not allowed to take a flight back to Canada. I would recommend applying for a worker's Visa and a job here in Pride City to pay off the debt you have incurred."
"After years of participating in sporting events ever since my freshman year," Bradley thought to himself as he grabs, with his right hand, a hidden object under a pillow on his bed. "I lost my ability to get an athletic scholarship and got expelled over some stupid mongoose? Then the animal who I used to call coach, is now an obstacle." Bradley then pulls out a knife and slits the throat of his coach. As the zebra was trying to cover up his wound, Bradley slams him on the bed and repeatedly stabs him with his mouth covered with the pillow he used to hide the knife. "Ah, shit." Bradley thought to himself as he examines the bloodstains all over his body and the now-deceased zebra lying on his bed. "That bastard got blood all over my swimsuit." "That porcupine just murdered his own coach in cold blood," the rat thought to himself while observing the crime that was recently committed as Bradley walked into the bathroom. "I better call Yahya."
The moment the rat picked up his cell-phone, Yahya was enjoying dinner with Legoshi, Simba, and their family and friends. The stallion was laughing as the conversation he was having with them amused him. "How did you come up with that dual weapon scheme in the first place Bill?" he asked the tiger. "Well," Bill responded. "While I was thinking about which weapons I should bring with me to the Seaside Skirmish, I thought" 'Why waste time reloading one weapon when you can use a backup weapon while you're under fire?' But I had no idea that Legoshi would pull that akimbo stunt to cover for Simba." "I thought Bill's plan for the Skirmish was illogical," Louis told the group as Yahya's phone began to vibrate. "But it turns out, even unreasonable plans are effective in a situation like the one that made us finalists of the Games. Perhaps I should be the one thanking you for coming up with that plan, Bill."
"Sorry," the stallion said as he grabbed his phone. "I need to take this call." Yahya answers the incoming call and says, "What is it?" "The porcupine that Mr. Oguma told us to watch has just murdered his coach in his hotel room," the rat answered his master's question. "The police have already been notified and are moving to room 209 to make the arrest." "Don't let the officers near that room," Yahya said as he stood up from the table and turns towards the Lion Heart Resort. "I'm going to apprehend him before he escapes." "Yahya, what's going on?" Mufasa asked the stallion. "Don't worry about me right now," He responded to the lion's question. "Just focus on hyping up our finalists."
The moment Yahya begins sprinting towards the resort, Bradley walks out of the shower drying off his fur and quills. The moment the porcupine opens the door, however, Yahya points a gun towards his head with a laser beam pointing at his forehead. "Don't move," the stallion told the porcupine. "Launch a single quill and I'll shoot." Bradley sighs knowing that the stallion holding him at gunpoint has discovered his crime. "You're rather indecent for a vigilante," he commented on Yahya's current attire. "Yet, I'm completely in the nude. Surely an ethical cop wouldn't dare attempt to arrest a naked animal like myself." "When it comes to murderers like you," Yahya responded as two police officers unlock the door to the hotel room and charge inside. "Ethical arrests are off the table." "Police!" The panther officer yelled at Bradley. "Relax your quills and get your hands behind your back!" The lynx officer yelled as the porcupine complies with the officer's orders.
"Looks like I'm going to the big house after all," Bradley told Yahya as the panther cuff's his hands. "But those rookies have no idea what they're going to be in for." "Thanks for keeping him in place Yahya," the lynx expressed his gratitude to the Sublime Beastar. "Now we can get a coroner and a forensics team to gather the evidence we need to put him on trial. You can join our Beastar in enjoying the finale of Lion Heart Games now." "As for you," the lynx turns his attention back towards Bradley as they walk him out of the hotel room while Yahya rappels out of the window. "You have the right to remain silent. If you decide not to utilize that right, anything and everything you say can and will be used against you in a Pride City court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you at no cost."
While a coroner's vehicle pulls up to the Lion Heart Resort after Yahya crosses the street and returns to the beach while the police walk Bradley towards the police car in front of the entrance, Sabrina asks Pina, "What's going on that resort?" "Crazy things have been happening these past three days," Her boyfriend responded before he takes a sip of water while he watches Bradley and one of the police officers get inside of the police car before they drive off. "But that's a conversation for another time." "Something crazy's definitely about to go down in this city," Serena said as the red team approaches Louis's table. "Still, I wouldn't be planning for the Pride Rock Relay in the hotel anytime soon. How about we get changed and play some games to keep you boys warmed up after you're done with dinner?" "Ah..." Legoshi thinks about how to reply to Serena's invitation while his tail slightly wags. "Sure," the young wolf responded. "That sounds like fun." "Now you boys only have three hours and a half before the Relay begins," Miyagi told his son and his friends after examining his watch which displayed seventeen thirty. "So be sure you hold a meeting an hour ahead of time."
After enjoying a meal with his family and friends and playing a few beach games as the sun begins to set, Legoshi and Simba's teams enter two separate locker rooms to change back into their school's swim uniforms and layout the course map for the Pride Rock Relay. "According to this map," Louis addresses his teammates. "There are four legs of the Pride Rock Relay. Aoba, since you're the fastest animal in our team you'll start off the relay." "Got it," Aoba told his captain. "Since you have the instincts of a wolf," the deer focuses his attention on Legoshi. "It should be easy for you to navigate through the third leg Legoshi. Then all you need to do once you've conquered the maze is leave the final dash to me." "No way Louis," Bill objected to Louis's initial plan. "Pride Rock's interior is going to be dark at night. So, I nominate Legoshi to finish the relay for us while you drive the jet ski to me and I'll navigate through the maze." "What are you getting at Bill?" Louis questions Bill's alternative plan. "What I'm trying to say is," Bill explained his alternate plan. "You're going to be at a disadvantage against lions when you're in a dark area. I think you're better off driving a jet ski in the second leg of the relay." "Bill has a point," Aoba acknowledge Bill's logic regarding the relay. "If you get lost looking for a way to the peak of Pride Rock from the inside, we're going to lose the relay. The Jetski course is marked with lights so it's going to be easy for you to navigate through it." Louis takes a moment to contemplate which plan his team should go with for the Pride Rock Relay. He takes a deep breath as says, "Alright. We'll go with Bill's suggestion. Legoshi, I'll leave the final stretch to you."
"Alright Simba," Malka said as he stretches his arms. "You want to use the same strategy we used to win last year?" Simba shakes his head while telling Malka, "I don't think so. With Louis calling the shots for his team, we need to come up with a new strategy for the relay. Tojo, you'll start the relay against whoever Louis selects in the first leg." Tojo nods and tells Simba "You can count on me to start the Relay off strong." "Chumvi," Simba turns his attention to Chumvi. "You'll drive the jet ski to Malka and Tojo passes the baton to you." "And leaves Malka to navigate the Stone Maze before you make the final dash to the peak of Pride Rock," Chumvi said as he examines the course. "You caught on to that quick," Simba complements Chumvi's addition. "But like last year's games, anything could happen. We'll either come out of this defending our title, or we'll meet our match at Louis's hands." Simba places his right hand over the map while his teammates place their right hands on the back of his. "Let's finish these games as a team," Simba tells his teammates as they all return a loyal smile.
Later that night, "Ladies and Gentlemen," The howler monkey yelled to the crowd as they respond with loud cheers and applause. "This is the moment we've all been waiting for! Tonight, our two finalists will compete to determine which team will be the champions of the 2017 Lion Heart Games! Will Huru Academy defend their title or will Cherryton Academy become the new champions?" "Aoba and Tojo," the AI announced to the finalists as two pillars rise up from between Tojo and Aoba and reveal a green and a red baton, "Retrieve your batons." Tojo takes the red baton from the pillar while Aoba takes the green one before the two of them get into their starting positions.
"This first leg of the relay is the Shore Line Rush," the announcer explained to the crowd. "The first runners will sprint across the shore to their partner waiting on their jet skis. The batons act as a battery so the ski racers will not be able to operate their skis without them. Looks like starters are ready to go. So are you ready for the grand finale!?" The crowd cheers in response before the AI begins to count down, "3... 2... 1..." "Let's..." the announcer yells before he and the audience shout, "GO!" the unison shout signals both Tojo and Aoba to race across the shore line on foot. After a strong start at what looks to be a ten-meter run to the docks, Tojo begins to feel a sudden sprain on his right leg. Knowing that Aoba could pass him, the lion continued his run solely on adrenaline. "I know my body is prone to injury in spite of me being born a carnivore," Tojo thought to himself. "But I can't let my frail body and ill fortune stop me. Gouhin would tear me apart if I throw in the towel after helping my team get this far."
"Damn it Tojo," Chumvi thought to himself after witnessing Tojo flinch in response to the sprain on his leg. "I know you have a habit of injuring yourself, but how are you forcing yourself to keep evenly matched with Aoba like this?" "Chumvi's worried about his teammate," Louis thought to himself as he watches Chumvi's reaction to Tojo's behavior. "We all won the Seaside Skirmish together..." "Louis!" Aoba yells for his captain the moment Tojo caught up with him at the dock. "You've both done well," Louis complements both Tojo and Aoba's performance as they hand their batons over to and Chumvi. "You probably should get some rest Tojo," Chumvi told his teammate as he and his opponent insert the batons into the slot between the handlebars which activates their engines. "You and Aoba earned it."
As the jet skis speed off of the dock Tojo sits down on the dock and examines his sprained leg. "Hey," Aoba said as he comes to his opponent's aid. "Is your leg doing okay?" "I never sprinted that before," Tojo responded. "But it'll be fine later." "C'mon," Aoba offers his shoulder to the injured lion. "Let me at least help you up." While Tojo places his right arm on Aoba's shoulder before the eagle helps him up, "After a triumphant finish from the starters in spite of Tojo's injury," the announcer called the passing of the batons as both Chumvi and Louis race towards the base of Pride Rock within the neon-marked course. "Both Chumvi and the Cherryton Playboy must dominate the waves in order to reach the beginning of the maze at the base of Pride Rock where the maze-runners are waiting for them to hand over the baton. Will Chumvi adapt to Malka's position, or will Louis utilize his opponent's change of tactics to his advantage?"
"That's right," Louis thought to himself as he drifts within the lit course. "All eyes on me." However, noticing Chumvi performing a jump using the oceans wave startles him as the lion takes the lead over him. "And the daredevil uses the high wave to gain the upper hand!" The announcer shouts as Chumvi's jump brings him closer to Pride Rock. "Don't think you can out dare the deer who embodies the soul of the Grim Reaper," Louis thought as he engages the ski's overboost function to catch up with Chumvi. "Looks like the Cherryton Playboy's got some tricks on his sleeve after all!" the announcer called as Louis performs a slight drift causing water to splash away from Bill. Louis then anchors the ski after it completely stops and ejects the baton before Chumvi arrives at the base. "The maze is yours Bill," Louis said as he hands the baton to his tiger teammate. Bill takes the baton before he gives his captain a confident smile and enters Pride Rock with Malka following suit.
"Upon that dare-devilish display from Chumvi and Louis," the announcer called as Bill and Malka enter a dark maze within Pride Rock. "Bill and Malka must navigate the Maze of the Great Kings to reach their final teammate. Their batons will act as a navigator that will guide the competitors through the dark labyrinth. But they will not encounter each other within so they'll have only the markings that glow when their baton shines a light on them and the spirits of the Great Kings to guide them." The moment the stone door behind them closes, Bill and Malka's baton begin to glow their team colors. "Woah," Bill thought to himself as he is amazed at how the baton's light brings a painting to his left to life while he navigates the maze. "I never thought these paintings would come to life like that." "These paintings must be pointing out where the Great Kings wants me to go," Malka thought to himself as he followed the animated paintings as they glowed on the walls. "But if either competitor gets lost within the maze," the announcer called as Malka and Bill continue using the painting as their guide to the exit. "The partners waiting in the final stretch of the relay can turn back and help them out."
As he continues to find the exit, Bill ends up becoming confused by the meaning of the paintings. His confusion causes him to struggle as the thinks to himself, "What the hell does all this mean?" "A wolf, deer and rabbit? A pack of hyenas? And some kind of demon? How is any of this going to lead me to the exit!?" "Hey Bill," a whispering voice echoes around maze and startles Bill who looks around waving his baton like a bludgeon. When the panicked tiger turns around, he sees Legoshi place his right hand on Bill's left shoulder to calm him down. "You okay?" the wolf asked his partner. "I never wanted that wolf to see like this," Bill thought to himself as he began to calm down. "But I'm glad he's here." "I think I'm fine now," Bill responded.
While Legoshi and Bill navigate the maze together, Malka began to hallucinate when his fears of being alone began to hinder his confidence as he began to get lost within the maze. Visions of his childhood when he was alone were beginning to overwhelm his thoughts, but before he could panic, "Are you okay Malka?" Simba's voice began to echo around the maze as the lion began to calm down. "Simba?" Malka asked as he looked around and noticed Simba standing behind him. He takes a deep breath in relief before he tells the team captain. "I was frighted for a bit. But I'm okay now."
The moment Simba and Malka continued on to the exit of the maze, they along with Bill and Legoshi are halted by a spirit that resembled a lion clad in a roman cesar's attire. "You have made the right decision in helping a teammate in need," the spirit told the four. "But Pride City will become the heart of an incoming crisis that will enslave both herbivores and carnivores alike. Simba, Legoshi, bring the red deer you call Louis, and the son of Scar to the peak of Pride Rock after your game's closing ceremony. We will continue our discussion there. Until then, you all have my blessing to finish this race." The moment the spirit vanishes Bill turns towards Legoshi and asks, "Who the hell was that Legoshi?" "I don't know," the wolf replied as the path towards the exit was highlighted for them. "But we still need to finish the relay." "I'm not giving you the baton until we're outta here," Bill told Legoshi as he began following the highlighted path. "C'mon, you still have a peak to reach." As Bill began running towards the exit, Legoshi followed him while Simba and Malka continue towards the end of the maze unfazed by change in their environment.
Once Bill walks out of the exit, he tells Legoshi, "The peak of Pride Rock is just a long dash away now," before he hands the wolf the baton. "Go dethrone the champs for me." Legoshi gives Bill a reassured smile before he makes his dash towards the peak of Pride Rock, but when Malka and Simba notice Legoshi running towards the peak, Malka hands the baton to Simba and tells him. "You're not going to let a grey wolf dethrone you as the Lion Heart Games Champion, are you?" Simba happily shakes his head as he grabs the baton and races Legoshi towards the peak of Pride Rock. "Looks like the final run has begun!" The announcer yells as Simba and Legoshi race on Pride Rock. "The runners are currently neck and neck, and neither one is letting up! But the first competitor to light up Pride Rock will have their team be declared champions of the Lion Heart Games."
"I'm getting goose bumps," Jack thought to himself as he watches Simba and Legoshi race towards a pillar near the peak of Pride Rock. "Could this neck-and-neck situation cause a first in Lion Heart Games history?" the announcer asked as he, the crowd and their teammates witness neither Legoshi or Simba allowing their opponent to gain the lead over each other. The moment the two of them arrive at a pole at the peak of Pride Rock, they insert the baton inside of the slot after opening the two hatches. The moment both of them close the hatch, the outlines of Pride Rock the announcer said as he and the audience watch with anticipation as both red and green lights are drawing within the outlines of the landmark, "Is it...". After a burst of both red and green light is unleashed upon the audience, the announcer yells, "I can't believe my eyes!" the audience loudly cheers on Simba and Legoshi's recent achievement. "Huru and Cherryton Academies won the Relay at the same time!" the announcer yells. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Lion Heart Games have crowned Co-champions for the first time in event history!"
"Your sons have both earned a well-deserved victory tonight," the commissioner said as he walked towards both Simba and Miyagi. "They faced plenty of obstacles and trials to reach this point." "I couldn't honestly be prouder of my son," Miyagi responded as he watches Simba and Legoshi shake hands before hugging each other. "Even though we met two days ago." "We did it Legoshi," Simba told Legoshi as they look towards at the standing ovation that the crowd gave them as their teammates approach them while Aoba is helping Tojo walk towards Simba and Legoshi. "You two never let up until the end," Aoba told the two of them. "I think this crazy idea of Bill's managed to pay off." "I never expected to stand side by side with another team as co-champions of the Lion Heart Games," Malka said. "I never expected for Legoshi and Simba to finish the way they did either," Bill told Malka as he stretches his arms and watches Simba and Legoshi break up their hug and approaches their respective teams. "You've made Pride City History today Legoshi," Louis happily told the wolf standing before him. "Out of all the crazy ideas Bill came up with, this is one that didn't involve any trouble on his part."
"The closing ceremony is currently being prepared," the AI announced as the crowd continued to cheer on the champion teams. "Co-champions, please exit Pride Rock and report to the stage for the Award Presentations." "Looks like it's almost time for the closing ceremony," Chumvi said after the AI made the announcement. "C'mon guys, Jack's waiting for us on the boat with your dads." Upon hearing Jack's name being mentioned, the two teams begin their walk back to the base of Pride Rock.