Kion's Legacy

Chapter Eight: Lion Guard, Assemble!

The conversation that reached my ears was not what I had expected.

"So Rafiki, Koda is for sure the next Lion Guard leader?" King Kovu asked.

Koda and I turned our heads and met eyes, his eyes wide and my mouth gaping. I could see the utter surprise in his chocolate brown eyes.

"Indeed." Rafiki replied.

"Well, Kion, I really appreciate that you are taking time to train him. He'll need it and we know he will be safer with your advice and training in his mind." Kovu said.

"I'm glad to help," My father replied.

"When should we tell him?" Kiara joined in.

"Actually, you already have." My dad said, smiling.

I frowned and Koda tilted his head. What was he saying?

Then my dad turned his head and his amber eyes landed directly on us. I thought we'd hidden well, but I forgot to cover our scent.

He lifted his paws and stepped over to our hiding place with a smirk.

Aunt Kiara and Uncle Kovu let their eyes go wide and a frown form on their faces.

I knew we were in big trouble. I stood up, Koda following my example, and we lowered our ears and eyes and stepped forward to face our parents.

I could see most of the adults lazing around or making conversation around Hakuna Matata falls. My father and the King and Queen were the only ones discussing the future of the Lion Guard, along with Rafiki of course.

"Hey dad," I said sheepishly.

"I imagine you heard everything." King Kovu said, tilting his head slightly. He looked a little angry but also thoughtful. 

I nodded.

"So are you excited?" Kiara asked, stepping over to Koda with a smile.

"Well, I'll admit, I didn't see it coming," Koda replied a little confused, nuzzling his mother's leg.

"We were about to discuss who you might pick, so we could find out and train them as well. So, Rafiki told us you could go ahead and assemble the Lion Guard today if you liked. Or you can wait and think." My dad explained.

"Can you guys help me decide? I don't know much about all this Lion Guard stuff." Koda said with a shrug.

"Of course," My father replied, a smile spreading across his face. The Lion Guard was his life. He lived, breathed, and ate with the Guard on his brain at all times. He continued, "You know it consists of the Fiercest, that's you, and the Bravest, Strongest, Keenest of Sight, and the Fastest. Do you have any idea who you'd like to choose? Preferably someone your age."

"Well, what about Mtoto the elephant? He always felt like the next Strongest Pridelander to me." I suggested, locating a nice resting spot for me to lie on while we have this conversation.

"Mtoto would be perfect!" Koda exclaimed eagerly. 

"He's older, but he has been training since childhood." My father added with a nod. 

"Great! And his friend, Kambuni the Ostrich is super fast! I think she's a good choice!" Koda stated.

"Excellent. What about the Bravest?" Kion asked.

"Well, I happen to know one lioness who is the Bravest creature since Bunga the Wise." Koda said, smirking.

"Who?" I asked, tilting my head.

"He's talking about you, Kito," My dad said, stepping over to the rock I laid down on and kissing me on the forehead.

"Me?" I gasped. "I get to be a part of the Lion Guard?"