Finding Purpose
Weeks before Kion’s return...
Ever since the integration into the Pridelands, Vitani had trouble sitting still. Numerous lionesses she didn't know would try to dote on her and overstep her boundaries at times. Simba and Nala trusted her and the pride, but their relationship was awkward and came off cold at times, understandable as they'd been the target as well as part of the cause for her mother's wrath and conspiracies. Several animals Vitani had never seen before in her life had an even worse judgmental air about them, cowering before her and her pridesisters more than they would with the royal family members, a cruel double-standard that she could know wrap her head around. Speaking of her pridesisters, some even debated on staying and healing for a while before ultimately leaving to find themselves, as they felt very lost without a leader they blindly followed until her gruesome end. These lionesses even included four very close friends Vitani had made growing up, who were often seen sitting, staring off, and murmuring to each other with discontent in their surroundings and changes.
Lost in her thoughts, Vitani's recent habit of wandering aimlessly takes her to the entrance of a part of Pride Rock she had never seen before. Nearly every inch of the cavern was covered in a thin layer of soot and ash, as if a fire had broken out within it. Underneath the wreck of soot and burnt vines, however, Vitani could make out what seemed to be paintings. They appeared to be telling a story, with rather familiar figures.
Kiara eventually enters the cave upon noticing Vitani's inquisitive, observant stare at the paintings. Wiping the soot from the walls, Kiara explained the legends behind the paintings Vitani seemed the most perplexed about, similarly to what her father once did with Kion when the two entered the lair for the very first time.
Kiara explained away at Scar's origins as leader of something called the Lion Guard. Vitani told Kiara she'd heard of the Lion Guard and of Scar's very own Guard once through her mother, who seemed to know a lot about his tenure as leader. Kiara quickly showed that Zira certainly didn't know everything about it as she continued to tell Vitani parts of the story she never knew. Hearing the whole story of Scar's treachery as leader of the Guard and tyranny as king, Vitani's relationship towards Scar, and ultimately her trust in her mother's word, were greatly eviscerated. Great, more unwelcome changes to put in the backburner of Vitani's mind...
The subject changed as Kiara began talking about the continuation of Scar's legacy through Kion's adventures with his very own Lion Guard. The mention of Kion leading to Kiara lamenting to Vitani that she'd missed her brother every day. He'd been on a long journey far away to a place called the Tree of Life, where he was to be cured of the venom obtained from receiving something called the Mark of Evil, a bite from a cobra that would affect one's mind and bring out their most aggressive and feral traits.
Vitani had heard that Kion and his Guard left, but she never knew why. Her mother had taken full advantage of the lack of protection in the Pridelands despite the fact. The absence of Kion, and ultimately the all-powerful Roar, allowed Vitani and Nuka to be sent out to start a wildfire for Kovu’s feigned rescue mission, one that the Prideland's herds promptly put out since Kion taught them how.
Kiara reminisced in what she'd missed about her brother, such as things like his seriousness, his sass, and when he used to say "Hevi kabisa". But none compared to his wisdom and legacy that no Pridelander has ever forgotten.
Vitani gave a comforting chuckle as she stared at the paintings beside Kiara, thinking about how much of a dork Kion really was outside the one time she'd met him. She took a liking to his catchphrase, though.
Kiara looked at Vitani and smiled supportively, suggesting the idea that maybe these paintings could inspire Vitani to find a purpose, no matter what Kion's status was. Vitani pondered a long time until Kiara noticed her face and body language change gradually from deep thought to intense haste.
Vitani's jaw dropped as an idea entered her mind. She quickly raced out of the lair as more ideas came flooding her brain.
She knew what her place in the Circle of Life was going to be.
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Introducing the origin story of how Vitani first got the idea to form her Lion Guard and the ultimate way for her to earn the trust from the Pridelanders!
(On a side note, Vitani looks closer to her movie model here because this takes place shortly after the ending of TLK 2, just before she could show signs of improving health.)