New Angles

Return To The Pridelands pt. 12

~Episode twenty: Return To The Pridelands~

~Part twelve~

(AU; no Lion Guard competition; continued)

The heaviness of the atmosphere seemed to weigh harder than he had anticipated. And he dreaded over their response.. even though his sister's words rang in the back of his mind..

'I'm sure Mom and Dad would understand..'

I hope they do.. he thought desperately.

"I.. must say this is.. unexpected.." Simba began slowly. "But are you sure you want to do this?"

"I don't think there's any other way." Kion replied gravely.

Simba's gaze joined with Nala's and she nodded sadly.

"Alright.. gather the animals of the Pridelands herds together." Simba decided. "We'll announce it formally as a celebration tonight."

"Ok,.." Kion nodded as his gaze lowered sadly. "Thank you.."

And seeing the confliction upon his face allowed them to feel a little better.

"You must always do what you feel is right for yourself.." Simba told him, earning his son's gaze immediately. "No one can force you to live a life that doesn't work for you.. if you need to go.. we understand.. the Circle of Life will move on without you.."

"Not without me.." Kion replied, his gaze falling thoughtfully this time.. "I'll always defend the Circle of Life.. even if it's not here.. and I know exactly how to make sure everyone stays protected."

"Then go.." Simba said. "We will be waiting for you when you return."

xxxx

Pride Rock was hushed, even while mumbles and murmurs rippled through the hundreds of animals that had been gathered to witness whatever it was that they were about to behold.

"I wonder why Kion brought all these animals to Pride Rock." Fuli mentioned, as the Guard made their way up to the majestic castle of a rock formation.

"Maybe he's finally figured out what's been bothering him." Beshte guessed, leading the way with the cheetah up the stone steps.

"Yeah, but why would he need all of the Pridelands to know about it?" Fuli wondered, as they reached the top. Even weirder yet, was when they came up from their side of Pride Rock passing by the Lair, Vitani and her team came up from the opposite side.

"What are they doing here?" Fuli asked aloud.

"That's what we'd like to know." Vitani said, when the two groups met in the middle. "All we know is we were summoned to Pride Rock by the Royal Family."

"So were we.." Fuli confirmed, a mediocre expression maintained across her face. "As were they." And she turned to the crowd to confirm her meaning.

"Not to worry, everyone.." Simba announced, not directing this at anyone exclusively nor trying to broadcast it to everyone either. "As soon as Kion arrives, we will explain everything."

"Great." Fuli sighed, mostly relieved.

Then the two Guards looked around for a moment.

"But where is Kion?" the cheetah finished, speaking aloud the question that came to all their minds.

xxxx

"I feel like I'm about to do something crazy." Kion was saying, as he paced back and forth.