Lion Guard: We are one

Chapter 3: Second Chance

(Author's note) Suggested soundtrack when you see (XXX), Owl-City, when can I see you again

Kopa grunted, blood trickling down his fur and staining the foliage around him. Nearing the end of his adolescence, the young lion's mane was almost halfway grown.

"You really want to keep this game going? Good, that makes it much more fun." A young adult lion grinned back at Kopa with terrible pleasure on his face. The lion spoke in a somewhat smooth voice but held an evident power behind it. It was a voice that should have sounded enchanting but only carried something else beneath.

His fur was a slightly darker shade of gold than Kopa's but wasn't brown like a Night Lion. His body was efficient in its muscle, very much like Kopa's. His mane extended long and was vibrant in ruby red mixed in with onyx black. Both fur and mane were meticulously groomed with a handsome face in the center.

The black-maned lion ruthlessly slashed but and mauled at Kopa, who did everything in his power to fight back. Unfortunately, the older lion's greater strength and size gave him a decisive advantage. Both fought with the same style, but the young adult proved more experienced. Kopa hoped that he'd grow dull to the pain after so many years, but every blow carried immense pain.

Even so, Kopa wouldn't give up. He hated the lion before him, the shadowy figure watching over them, and the tigers snickering each time Kopa endured a strike. Finally, the young adult lion slammed Kopa onto his back and readied himself to deliver a fatal blow.

"Enough. I may have use of him yet."

The dark voice still sent shivers down Kopa's back despite hearing it for years. His opponent bowed respectfully before the figure looming over them from a tree. A pair of fiery red eyes and black fangs reaching into Kopa's soul.

"Of course, master."

"The young Prince has learned well in his time here. After all these years, he's ready to take his place. However, I'm afraid your father's Kingdom is no longer an option."

"With your permission, master. Give me command of the army here, and I'll take back my birthright."

"No, I've waited too long as it is. I need your reign to begin now! The Kingdom in the North's Queen has died without an heir. You will go there and make yourself King."

Kopa and every other nearby animal without a dark shadow around them trembled when they saw the look of anticipation on the lion's face.

"You will have help. Kuzimu, Shetani, Timora." Kopa watched as a monstrous wolf, murderous tiger, and imposing ligress joined the lion, each bowing their heads.

Finally, the figure from the tree came down and stroked his blood-red claws across the lion's forehead. The lion shook for a moment, his body slowly glowing with a fiery aura that soon spread to the eyes.

"Grauuu!!!!" When he roared, the ground shook, splitting open entire sections of the jungle as fire and lava surged up, engulfing several innocent animals.

"Hail the Dark Roar!" Mshindi roared.

"Hail!" The other shadowy predators echoed.

Kopa's heart pounced like a racing cheetah when the figure now placed his claws upon the lion's head, almost burning him with their touch.

"I'm disappointed in you, Kopa. It seems that even after all this time, you still cling to the hope that you can leave without submitting to me."

Kopa growled back in defiance.

"I will never be like him! I will never feed your machinations, Jehanamu!"