Lion Guard United

The Coronation

"Kion! Kion! Come on, wake up!"

The lion was roused from his sleep, opening his eyes to see the honey badger smiling in excitement.

"The coronation is today! Come on! We gotta get there!" Bunga said, pressing himself against the lion's side.

"R-right, the coronation," Kion said, getting up. He gave a nod and stretch while Bunga rushed off to get ready for the event.

Kion took a moment to actually wake himself up. His legs still felt a bit stiff. Another yawn parted his maw. Feeling a bit better, the lion went off to find where the honey badger went off to. He pushed through some bushes to find the badger crunching on some beetles beside Pumbaa.

"There he is," Pumbaa greeted upon seeing the lion approaching.

"The day's finally here, huh?" Kion said.

"You gotta eat something if we're gonna go to Pride Rock," Bunga suggested to his mate.

"Alright, alright," the lion grinned. "But you two have to take a bath."

"But, Kion!" Bunga huffed.

"No buts, Bunga. This is a coronation," Kion chuckled. "We all gotta look our best and that means smelling our best too."

Bunga looked like he was about to say something in protest but Pumbaa spoke up first.

"Kion's got a point, Bunga. After all it'll only be for one day," the warthog argued.

"Alright, alright. But just for the coronation," Bunga huffed, digging into another bug.

Kion grinned at his mate and ventured deeper into the jungle in an attempt to find something to eat, leaving Bunga and Pumbaa to get their fill. It wasn't long until he found a few ground squirrels. He too soon got his own fill and came back to see that Bunga and Pumbaa were indeed bathing in one of the pools.

"Having fun?" Kion chuckled, approaching his mate. Bunga was clearly uncomfortable from being wet and having to wash his scent away, something he was very proud of.

"Tons..." Bunga groaned, feeling the water lapping at his chest.

Kion said nothing but there was a smug grin on his muzzle as he climbed into the water with the badger and warthog. "See, it's not so bad."

"How do you think the coronation will go?" Pumbaa asked, wanting to make conversation.

"I think everything will go fine. Knowing my dad and Zazu were the ones who set it all up, everything's gonna be great," Kion said.

The three of them soon got out of the pool and shook themselves off. It was still early in the day but it was Pumbaa who suggested they make their way to Pride Rock early. Kion agreed with him, and they all set out of the Falls towards Pride Rock.

On top of Pride Rock Simba and Nala were going through the last few details of the event with Ono and Zazu. Along with them were Kovu, Kiara, Vitani and Kopa. Together they were all getting ready for the coronation and the excitement could be felt through all of them.

"Don't worry about anything, sire," Zazu assured the king.

"We'll make sure everything goes to plan," Ono added. Together the hornbill and the egret took to the skies.

"I hope they know what they're doing," Nala groaned to herself, watching the avians take off.

"So do I," Simba chuckled.

"So how are we gonna do this?" Vitani asked.

"It's actually pretty simple," Simba explained. "As the former king of the Pride Lands, I'll make the announcement of the transfer of power. Alongside that, I'll also announce the new kingdom in the Outlands."

"Sounds good to me," Kovu commented.

"Are we too late?" the voice of Kion caught the other's attention. They were all surprised to see him but happy that he could make it. Bunga and Pumbaa behind him was also a welcome sight.

"You're right on time," Kopa smiled.

A small smile was on Kion's muzzle as he joined his many sibling's side. He took a deep breath and agreed with himself to push all the thoughts about his own future to the back of his head. Today was about his sisters and brothers, not him. As their brother, prince of the Pride Lands and the Lion Guard leader, he was determined to be there for each of them.

"The coronation is about to begin! Everyone take your places. King and Queen in front!" Zazu commanded. "Kovu and Kiara, you stand to the right. Kopa and Vitani, you will stand to the left. Kion and Bunga you will stand beside the king and queen! Places everyone!"

All the lions, lioness and the honey badger scrambled into place. They were assisted by Ono, ushering them into their proper place. They got it together just in time to be presentable in front of the many animals coming from the Pride Lands, Outlands and even the Backlands to see the new crowning of Kings and Queens.

Beside him, Kion could hear his father breathing heavily. He looked over to see the older lion's chest rising and fall steadily. He placed his paw over the king's and gave him a smile.

"Nervous?" Kion asked.

"I didn't think I would be," Simba admitted. "But today is the day."

"Don't worry. They're all gonna be fine. This is Kiara and Kopa were talking about."

"And I have you that made it all possible," Simba added, giving his son a grateful nod. "The other day at the hot springs, the boys were right, you know? None of this could have been possible without you."

The King of the Pride Lands cleared his throat to address the animals below. "Before we crown the new king and queen I want to thank you all for attending!"

"Nala and I both want to thank you all for all the years we were able to rule over these lands. We've been through a lot. We braved through the rise of Scar and we even lost our dear son, Kopa. But we've also achieved through it all! We stopped Scar's reign and Kopa has returned to us all. Thanks to the Leader of the Lion Guard, my son. We have attained peace throughout the lands!"

Below the royal figures the many animals raised their voices in a chorus of cheers for the King, for Kopa, for Kion and all of those who played a role in achieving that peace. Both Kopa and Kovu were surprised to hear cheering for them and were grateful to have it.

Given a new cue by both Zazu and Ono; Simba, Nala, Kion and Bunga stepped to the side, allowing Kiara and Kovu to step forward and be seen, front and center, by all the animals before them.

"As many of you have heard, Kiara and Kovu will take our place as the new rulers of the Pride Lands. And that is not all..."

Another signal came from Ono, prompting Kopa and Vitani to step forward.

"I'm sure you've all heard the rumors of a new kingdom being established. Well today those rumors become true. In order to maintain a peace between the lands Kopa and Vitani will be crowned king and queen of the Outlands. Together with Kiara and Kovu, they will all work hard to support one another and ensure the peace we all fought so hard for will be maintained!"

There were many cheers as Rafiki and Makini came to crown the new kings and queens of both Pride Land and Outlands. As per tradition, upon being crowned the two lions and two lioness all roared into the sky, solidifying their place as rulers. Beside them stood Kion and Bunga. Even further stood Timon and Pumbaa with Ma and Uncle Max watching the whole event in awe.

"That was amazing! The most incredible thing I've ever seen in my life!" Ma gushed to her son.

While Ma, Bunga and Timon were talking, Kion approached the newly crowned royals and congratulated them all and wished them luck ruling over their respective kingdoms. In return they all thanked him for fighting so hard for peace in the first place. Hearing that praise finally put Kion's mind at ease. He knew that they were all going to do great and that would allow him to find something new for him to do. With a grin on his muzzle, he returned to Bunga's side, listening to Ma go on about the event.