Return of the Guard (EBA's Fanon)

Return of the Guard is the third episode in EBA's Fanon, a continuation of The Lion Guard.
==Synopsis==
When Vitani relinquishes her role, Kion forms a new Lion Guard.
==Transcript==
(December 30th, 2023 / 1-E3-R5) Return of the Guard: Revision 5
Section 1 of 5: Opening 	Section 1 of 5: Opening
 	♪ {Intro} ♪
 	The title card appears. The episode name appears on the card: ◄ RETURN OF THE GUARD ►
 	The scene opens at Ukuni Woods. Vitani is walking towards Kiara, who is giving the animals of the Tree of Life a tour.
Kiara 	This is Ukuni Woods.
Fox 1 	This place looks nice.
Kiara 	It is! It's a great place for you foxes.
Fox 2 	Well then, this is where we'll live. Thank you.
Kiara 	No problem. Alright everyone, if you follow me, I'll show you to-
Vitani 	Hey Kiara?
Kiara 	Hey Vitani!
Vitani 	Kiara...
Kiara 	Vitani? What's wrong?
Vitani 	I... I'm not sure I can keep doing this.
Kiara 	What do you mean?
Vitani 	I've tried being a good leader but, I need help.
Kiara 	Well, you could ask Kion for help.
Vitani 	I'm not going all the way to the Tree of Life to ask for help.
Kiara 	You didn't hear? The Tree of Life burnt down. Everyone moved here. As a matter of fact, these animals are from the Tree of Life.
Vitani 	So, you mean Kion's here in the Pride Lands?
Kiara 	Yes. I think he's in the den.
Vitani 	I need to talk to Kion. Thanks Kiara.
 	Vitani runs off.
 	
 	The scene cuts to the den. Kion is alone inside. Vitani enters.
Vitani 	Kion?
Kion 	Vitani?
Vitani 	Hey, Kion!
Kion 	How's it going?
Vitani 	I'm fine. Hey uh, Kion, could you come with me to the lair?
Kion 	Umm okay, sure.
Vitani 	Thanks Kion. I have to talk about something really important.
 	
 	The scene cuts to the Lair of the Lion Guard. Shabaha, Kasi, Imara, and Tazama are inside the lair. Kion and Vitani walk inside.
Shabaha 	Kion? Is that you?
Kion 	Hey Shabaha. Yes it's me.
Tazama 	Vitani, where did Kion come from?
Vitani 	The Tree of Life burnt down. Everyone moved to the Pride Lands, even Kion.
Kion 	So, what's up Vitani?
Vitani 	Kion, have you heard anything about my Lion Guard ever since you left?
Kion 	Well... Yeah, I have... Duma, a cheetah from the Back Lands, said that you guys don't know what you're doing.
Vitani 	*Exhales* Duma's right...
Kion 	Hey, if you need any help, you can always ask me.
Vitani 	Thanks Kion, and, I do want help... I want you to lead the Lion Guard again.
Kion 	Vitani?
Vitani 	Kion, you were always meant to lead the Lion Guard. I was not.
Kion 	I know, but-
Vitani 	Everyone thinks you were the best Lion Guard leader the Pride Lands has ever seen. And, everyone blamed me for you leaving. But, now that you're back, things can finally go back to normal.
Kion 	I guess, but Vitani, are you sure you want to do this?
Vitani 	Yes Kion, I want to do this.
Kion 	Does everyone else want to do this?
Imara 	Kion, I may be strong, but I could never best Beshte in a fair competition.
Kasi 	I may be fast, but Fuli is faster.
Shabaha 	I may be brave, but I've never seen anything like Bunga.
Tazama 	I may be keen of sight, but nothing beats being able to fly, like Anga.
Vitani 	And, I may be fierce, but I'm not a leader like you, Kion.
Kion 	So, everyone's willing to give up your position in the Guard?
Everyone Else 	Yep.
Vitani 	Kion, you ready?
Kion 	Yes.
Vitani 	Kion...
 	Vitani places her paw on Kion. The Mark of the Guard appears on Kion.
Vitani 	You are now the leader of the Lion Guard.
 	The Mark of the Guard disappears from Vitani, Shabaha, Kasi, Imara, and Tazama.
Kion 	Asante, thank you Vitani.
Vitani 	No, thank you.
Section 2 of 5 	Section 2 of 5
 	The scene cuts to Kion crossing the river into the Outlands. The scene then cuts to Jasiri's clan.
Madoa 	Who's there?
Kion 	Don't worry, it's just me.
Jasiri and Janja 	Kion?
Kion 	Hey Jasiri, Madoa, Janja.
Jasiri 	Wow, I haven't seen you in a LONG time. Your mane, I almost didn't recognize you.
Kion 	It has been a while.
Janja 	So uh, what brings you to the Outlands?
Kion 	Long story short, there was a fire at the Tree of Life.
Madoa 	Oh no!
Jasiri 	Is everyone okay?
Kion 	Everyone's okay. We tried everything we could to put the fire out, but the Tree couldn't be saved.
Madoa 	Well, at least everyone's okay.
Kion 	We all moved to the Pride Lands. And then, Vitani... she told me she was having trouble leading the Lion Guard. When I offered to help, she stepped down.
Janja 	Vitani? That doesn't sound like Vitani.
Kion 	I know, it surprised me too.
Janja 	Hmm, now that I think about it, it did look like Vitani was struggling. She seemed... lost. But you? You always knew what you were doing, even with me all those years ago.
Kion 	Thanks Janja. Well, I better get back to Pride Rock.
Jasiri 	Come back anytime Kion. Good luck!
Kion 	Thanks Jasiri.
 	
 	The scene cuts to Pride Rock, where Kiara and Kovu are. Kion is walking towards them.
Kiara 	Hey Kion!
Kion 	Hey Kiara, what's up?
Kiara 	Kion, I... I need to know... Was being king of the Tree of Life hard?
Kion 	Easier than I thought, but it still had its challenges.
Kiara 	I'm going to be honest with you Kion. I'm worried that I might not be a good queen.
Kion 	Rani told me the exact same thing when she became queen.
Kiara 	Really?
Kion 	Yes. Kiara, I know you're gonna be a great queen. And Kovu, I know you'll be a great king.
Kovu 	Thanks Kion.
Kion 	Where's Mom and Dad?
 	The camera moves to show Simba, Nala, and Kopa walking up Pride Rock.
Nala 	We're right here. What's up Kion?
Kion 	There's something I need to tell everyone.
Simba 	Okay. First though, Kion, Kiara, Kopa, we need to talk. Kion, you can tell us in the den.
Kion 	Okay.
 	
 	The scene cuts to the den. Simba, Nala, Kiara, Kion, and Kopa are inside.
Simba 	You two, I'm sure would like to know why you were never told about Kopa.
Kion 	*Annoyed* Yes, we would.
Simba 	Kopa, would you like to begin?
Kopa 	Absolutely. When I was really young, just a cub, I was attacked by a hyena named Shenzi.
Nala 	When Zazu informed us that Shenzi had Kopa in the Outlands, we rushed over there.
Simba 	When we got there, Kopa was nowhere to be found.
Kopa 	After I was attacked, I ran away. I ran, as far away from Shenzi as possible.
Nala 	We demanded answers from Shenzi. She refused to talk. We assumed she had killed Kopa.
Simba 	I was enraged at Shenzi. Believing she killed our son, I attacked. I made her suffer the same fate we believed Kopa had.
 	Kion and Kiara's jaw drops.
Nala 	While I didn't approve of your fathers actions, I understand why he did what he did.
Simba 	As I'm sure you know, I had a tough childhood. I wanted to give Kopa a better life, but was enraged when Shenzi took that from me.
Nala 	We decided we needed to start over. So, we had Kiara, soon followed by Kion.
Simba 	We didn't want you to know you had a brother who was killed by a hyena.
Nala 	We had Rafiki remove all signs of Kopa when Kiara was born.
Kion 	I understand.
Kiara 	Me too.
Simba 	Kopa, do you and Kion want to tell us what happened afterwards?
Kopa 	Of course. I spent the days wandering, hoping that one day, I would return home. One day, I was attacked by a bear, named Bhaaloo, just outside the Tree of Life.
Kion 	We brought Kopa in and Nirmala healed him.
Kopa 	Kion and Rani offered to help me find my home.
Kion 	When Kopa said his parent's names were Simba and Nala, I asked Mufasa if Kopa was my brother.
Kopa 	I stayed at the Tree of Life, Kion said he'll bring me on his next visit to the Pride Lands.
Kion 	But, the Tree of Life burnt down before that could happen.
Kopa 	So, here we are.
Simba 	It's good to have you back.
Nala 	We really missed you.
Simba 	So, Kiara...
Kiara 	This means I won't be queen, doesn't it?
Simba 	Not exactly. Since you and Kovu have spent years training, Kopa agreed to let you take the throne.
Kopa 	I'm just happy to be back home. Even though I won't be the king, I'm home, that's all I could ever want.
Kiara 	Thank you.
Simba 	Now Kion, what was it you were going to tell us?
Kion 	Right. Everyone, Vitani stepped down. I am now the leader of the Lion Guard.
Nala 	Congrats Kion, the Pride Landers will love to have you back as the leader of the Guard.
Kion 	Thanks, Mom.
Section 3 of 5: Return Of The Guard	Section 3 of 5: Return Of The Guard
 	The scene cuts to the base of Pride Rock, where Kion and the Night Pride are standing.
Kion 	Everyone, there's something I need to tell all of you.
Rani 	What's up Kion?
Kion 	Vitani stepped down, she made me the leader of the Lion Guard again.
Anga 	Really?!
Kion 	Yep. So, who's in?
Bunga 	Zuka zama! I'm in!
Beshte 	Poa, count me in too.
Fuli 	Of course!
Ono 	Affirmative.
Anga 	I'm in.
Rani 	Anything for you, Kion.
Surak 	I'm in.
Nirmala 	Yes, I'm in too.
Baliyo 	Of course, sounds exciting!
 	
Kion 	Alright, now, Bunga...
 	Kion places his paw on Bunga.
Kion 	You are the bravest.
 	Kion moves his paw. The Mark of the Guard appears on Bunga.
Kion 	Fuli...
 	Kion places his paw on Fuli.
Kion 	You are the fastest.
 	Kion moves his paw. The Mark of the Guard appears on Fuli.
Kion 	Anga...
 	Kion places his paw on Anga.
Kion 	You are the keenest of sight.
 	Kion moves his paw. The Mark of the Guard appears on Anga.
Kion 	Beshte...
 	Kion places his paw on Beshte.
Kion 	You are the strongest.
 	Kion moves his paw. The Mark of the Guard appears on Beshte.
Kion 	Ono...
 	Kion places his paw on Ono.
Kion 	You are the smartest.
 	Kion moves his paw. The Mark of the Guard appears on Ono.
Kion 	Nirmala...
 	Kion places his paw on Nirmala.
Kion 	You are the gentlest.
 	Kion moves his paw. The Mark of the Guard appears on Nirmala.
Kion 	Surak...
 	Kion places his paw on Surak.
Kion 	You are the wisest.
 	Kion moves his paw. The Mark of the Guard appears on Surak.
Kion 	Baliyo...
 	Kion places his paw on Baliyo.
Kion 	You are the hastiest.
 	Kion moves his paw. The Mark of the Guard appears on Baliyo.
Kion 	And, Rani...
 	Kion places his paw on Rani.
Kion 	You are my second-in-command.
 	Kion moves his paw. The Mark of the Guard appears on Rani.
 	
Kion 	As second-in-command, I give you the power of the Roar.
Rani 	Wait, you can do that?
Kion 	Well, I AM the leader of the Guard.
Rani 	That's true...
Kion 	Over there! See those empty plains? Just relax, focus, and roar.
Rani 	Alright, here goes nothing...
 	Clouds begin rolling in. Rani then uses the Roar of the Elders.
Beshte 	Poa!
 	Kion begins to use the Roar of the Elders alongside Rani.
 	Kion and Rani stop roaring at the same time.
Rani 	Okay, THAT was amazing!
 	The Mark of the Night Pride disappears from everyone.
 	Janna appears in the clouds.
Janna 	Rani...
Rani 	Grandmother!
Janna 	Rani, we need to talk.
Rani 	*Worried* Is... it about the fire?
Janna 	Yes Rani.
Rani 	*Worried* Grandmother, I'm sorry. I know I-
Janna 	Sorry? There's nothing to be sorry about.
Rani 	Huh?
Janna 	Rani, you did everything you could, that's what matters. No one was hurt, that's what matters.
Rani 	You're... not upset with me?
Janna 	Why would I be? What you did, I never would have been able to do.
Rani 	Thank you Grandmother.
Janna 	Oh, one more thing. Remember, the Roar of the Elders is very powerful. But, if you misuse it, it can lead to evil. Please be careful with the Roar, as I know you will be.
Rani 	Of course, I'm always careful. Baliyo on the other hand...
Janna 	*Laughs* I wouldn't ever trust Baliyo with the Roar.
Rani 	*Laughs* Me neither.
 	Janna disappears.
Baliyo 	Hey, I'm right here you know?
Section 4 of 5 	Section 4 of 5
 	The scene cuts to the peak of Pride Rock. Rani walks up to Vitani.
Vitani 	Rani! Hi.
Rani 	Hey Vitani, how's it going?
Vitani 	I'm alright. It's taking longer than I thought it would for me to get used to not being the leader of the Guard anymore.
Rani 	Yeah, it's taking a while for me to get used to not being the queen of the Tree of Life anymore.
Vitani 	It's for the best, I wasn't a good leader like I thought I would be.
Rani 	It's okay, you did everything you could, that's what matters. My Grandmother told me that...
Vitani 	I made a lot of mistakes.
Rani 	Kion's made mistakes too.
Vitani 	Really?
Rani 	Yeah. But, Kion doesn't let his mistakes hold him back and drag him down.
Vitani 	But look at him now... Rani, did you ever feel like you couldn't be a queen?
Rani 	All the time.
Vitani 	I always felt that I couldn't lead the Guard after Kion left. I just... I never told anyone. And with Kion leaving the Pride Lands... Everyone knew he was a great leader, and I... I'm nothing compared to Kion.
Rani 	You need to stop doubting yourself. Think about the things you have done. You convinced Kion that you were more capable than him. Convincing Kion isn't easy. Trust me, I've been living with him for a while now.
Vitani 	You really think I had potential?
Rani 	Of course.
Vitani 	Thanks Rani, that makes me feel a bit better.
Rani 	Glad I could help.
 	
 	Kiara approaches Rani. Vitani walks into the den.
Kiara 	Rani!
Rani 	Hey Kiara!
Kiara 	I know, we've never really met, but...
Rani 	You're Kion's sister, right?
Kiara 	Yes, and uh, I'm also the future queen of the Pride Lands.
Rani 	Oh wow!
Kiara 	And, Rani, I have to ask... did you ever feel like you couldn't be a good queen?
Rani 	At first, yes. But then Kion showed me that I could be a good queen, I just needed to believe in myself more.
Kiara 	I'm just worried that I might not be a good queen.
Rani 	You'll be fine, don't worry.
Kiara 	Thanks Rani.
 	
 	The scene cuts to Rafiki's tree. Kion, Nirmala, Rafiki, and Makini are talking.
Kion 	Wait, so Rafiki's tree has the same healing powers that the Tree of Life had?
Makini 	Yep! Isn't that exciting?
Kion 	Does that mean my scar could have been healed here?
Rafiki 	My tree did have the power to heal your scar. However, I am only a Royal Mjuzi. Only the healer of the Tree of Life knows how to use the tree's power. That is why I sent you to see Queen Janna, she knew how to use the tree's power. I do not.
Nirmala 	So, I should be able to use this tree the same as the Tree of Life?
Makini 	Yep! You can use this tree to heal anyone whenever you need to.
Nirmala 	Thank you, Makini.
Makini 	Any time.
Kion 	Alright, let's head back to the lair.
Section 5 of 5: Return Of Bhaaloo 	Section 5 of 5: Return Of Bhaaloo
 	The scene cuts to the entire Lion Guard inside of the Lair of the Lion Guard. Zazu enters the lair.
Zazu 	Lion Guard!
Kion 	Zazu? What's wrong?
Zazu 	Oh it's horrible. You see, there appears to be a bear in the Pride Lands.
Fuli 	A bear? Are you sure?
Zazu 	Yes, I know what I saw. The bear is in Chakula Plains.
Kion 	Everyone, let's go. Zazu, lead the way.
Zazu 	Of course.
Kion 	Till the-
Rani 	With strength... oh, right...
Kion 	You'll get used to it. Till the Pride Lands end...
Original Guard 	Lion Guard defend!
Rani 	Ah, so that's what you guys say.
 	The scene cuts to Chakula Plains. The Lion Guard runs towards the plains.
Zazu 	See? What did I tell you?
Kion 	Is that...?
Surak 	Bhaaloo...
Kion 	*Shouts* You!
Bhaaloo 	Ah, Bhaaloo sees some familiar faces. Now, where were we...?
Bunga 	Oh, we were at the part where the Lion Guard wins against you.
Bhaaloo 	Oh, I'm sorry but last time we met, you said you were The Night Pride, protectors of the Tree of Life. So, which is it? Lion Guard, or Night Pride?
Kion 	We-
Bhaaloo 	Oh right, I forgot, the Tree of Life burnt to the ground. Bye-bye home.
Rani 	What? How did you know that?
Bhaaloo 	Oh don't worry about that right now. All that matters now, is that I say bye-bye to you.
Kion 	Rani, ready to use the Roar again?
Rani 	Of course! Everyone, get behind me.
Kion 	Remember, relax, focus, and...
 	Rani uses the Roar of the Elders, sending Bhaaloo flying.
Kion 	Nice one Rani!
Rani 	Thanks Kion.
Kion 	Alright, everyone, back to the lair.
 	
 	The scene cuts to The Back Lands. There is a vulture. Bhaaloo flies in.
Tai 	Bhaaloo? Was that...
Bhaaloo 	The Roar of the Elders... how unfortunate.
Tai 	Well, we planned for this.
Bhaaloo 	Yes, we did.
Tai 	The plan's going well so far. First, we corner Kovu, by burning down the Tree of Life. Now, we figure out a way to make that Kovu pay.
Bhaaloo 	Yes, that Kovu, he must pay.
Tai 	So, when shall we launch our attack?
Bhaaloo 	Soon. But first, we need to learn a few things about The Lion Guard. They are powerful. We need to find their weaknesses and their strengths. They will do anything to protect the Pride Lands and especially the future king.
Tai 	Yes.
 	Roll the end credits.
Note: As with all episodes I create, there is a chance it will be updated in the future. If you feel something needs changing, let me know and maybe I'll make that change.
==Summary==
When Vitani admits her struggles to Kion, and after the rest of her guard agreed, she stepped down as the leader of the Lion Guard. Later, Kiara questions Kion about the difficulty of being a ruler. Kion assures her that she will do great. Later, Simba explains to Kion and Kiara that he and Nala thought Shenzi had killed Kopa when he was a cub, which is why Kion and Kiara were never told about him. 
Eventually, Kion reveals to the rest of the former Night Pride that he has become the leader of the Lion Guard. He then assigns a role on the guard to each of them. Kion grants Rani, the second-in-command, the power of the roar.
Later, Kiara, still worried about becoming the queen, asks Rani whether she ever thought she couldn't be a queen. Rani also assures her that she will do great. Later, it is discovered that Rafiki's tree possesses the same healing powers as the Tree of Life. The next day, the Lion Guard encounter Bhaaloo at Chakula Plains. Rani uses the Roar of the Elders against Bhaaloo. Bhaaloo then reveals during a conversation with his friend Tai that they burned down the Tree of Life in order to corner their target: Kovu.
==Characters==
Main Characters 	Secondary Characters 	Minor Characters
Bhaaloo (Original Character)	Anga 	Duma (Original Character / Mentioned)
Kiara 	Baliyo 	Imara
Kion 	Beshte 	Janja
Kopa 	Bunga 	Jasiri
Rani 	Fuli 	Kasi
 	Janna (Spirit) 	Kovu
 	Nala 	Madoa
 	Nirmala 	Makini
 	Ono 	Mufasa (Spirit)
 	Simba 	Rafiki
 	Surak 	Shabaha
 	Tai (Original Character)	Shenzi (Mentioned)
 	Vitani 	Tazama
 	Zazu 	
==Development==
View Tragedy of the Tree (EBA's Fanon)#Development
==Trivia==
* During major revisions that started on October 31st, 2023, this episode was split into 2. The first part of this episode became Tragedy of the Tree (EBA's Fanon).
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