The Lion Guard - AU

Chapter 3

"Do we have to run anymore?" Bunga complained. "I'm getting tired."

"We're almost there, thanks to Azaad." Kion responded. "I can see the Pride Lands from here."

"But it's so far!" Bunga complained.

"Just climb on me for a little." Kion lowered himself so Bunga could climb on. "Just don't grab my mane. It hurts."

"Fine." Bunga put his hands onto Kion's shoulders, under his mane.

As Kion and the others neared the Pride Lands, they saw Vitani and other lionesses standing guard, once they saw Kion and the others, they started running towards them, Vitani in the lead. "'Till the Pride Lands end,"

"Lion Guard defend!" The rest of the lionesses chanted.

"Lion Guard?" Kion's confusion made him the perfect target for Vitani, who jumped on him before tumbling and tussling. After a minute of fighting or so, he decided he was finished. "I'm not taking this anymore." He turned his head to the others.

Vitani turned her head to her Lion Guard, and spoke at the same time as Kion. "Lion Guard, behind me!" Both Lion Guards complied before the air was filled with the sound of two Roars. The wind from the Roars met each other and reflected, sending each user backwards.

Kiara came running up to Kion and Vitani. "Kion, Vitani, stop!" Kovu came stumbling down after her.

"Kovu!" Kion snarled. "Kiara, move away!"

"Kion, you don't understand." Kiara explained. "Kovu has joined our pride. Along with the rest of Zira's pride. But we can't think about that right now. Daddy's sick. I'm surprised he even requested Bunga."

"Not Fuli?" Kion asked, surprised.

"I'm surprised no one's told you two or you haven't figured it out." Kiara turned towards Pride Rock. "We'll tell you later. We need to go to Pride Rock."

"Told us what?" Fuli asked, running beside Kion towards Pride Rock, Bunga behind them.

As Kion and the others approached Simba, who looked like he was on the brink of death, Nala came up to them. "Kion, Fuli, you're back." She looked at Bunga. "And Bunga too. Where's the rest of the Guard?"

"Ono's eyes weren't healed yet, so they stayed at the Tree." Fuli explained.

"Kion, Fuli, Bunga, Kiara, Kovu," Simba started weakly, "can you come here?" After the five of them obliged, moving closer to Simba, he spoke again.  As he addressed the members of the Guard, he put his paw on their right shoulders, but did nothing for Kovu and Kiara.  "Kion, my son, you will lead the Guard well.  You have the strength to do it.  And Fuli, I know you will be a perfect mate for Kion as the second-in-command and fastest of the Guard, as well as one of the cu - keenest of sight.  You also have the Roar of the Elders."  Simba chuckled before he addressed Bunga.  "Bunga, my brother.  You are Kion's best friend and as much as I hate to admit it,  a very valuable member of the Guard.  You can be intelligent at times and are the bravest of the Guard.  Kiara, my daughter, you are next in line for the throne.  You didn't want to embrace it when you were younger, but now you see that it's important for you to do it.  And you will do it well.  Finally, Kovu, as Scar's chosen successor, I originally wasn't willing to let you into the pride, but you've proven me wrong.  I shouldn't judge you for crimes you didn't commit.  You will be a great king of the Pride Lands."  After Simba spoke, he closed his eyes and died.  Kion started crying, and Fuli moved to comfort him, putting her head over Kion's.  Nala started to walk towards them, but her suddenly glazed over before she collapsed on the ground,  shocking the tears out of Kion's eyes.   "Mom!" He ran over to his mother, but she was already gone. Fuli came even closer to her mate to comfort him, pressing her pelt against his. "I can feel you, Kion. It's like I lost my own parents, but I can't even remember them."