AN: So I have story ideas/prompts on my profile that I thought up and didn't want to write myself...
...Turns out I wanted to write this one so I did. Its a series of connected one shots that will come together at the end.
If anyone wants to expand upon this idea, adopt it when this story is finished.
I currently have two other chapters besides this one written and I plan to have a total of 5 chapters. One for each member of the guard besides Kion. I have Bunga's chapter written (obviously) Beshte's, and Fuli's. I still have to come up with and write what I'm doing for Ono. Suggestions?
The prompt I wrote for this originally will be at the bottom. Check out my profile for other prompts, you may even adopt one! (Shameless self-promo XD)
Disclaimer: I Own nothing and make no claim of ownership to anything recognizable. I make no money off of this. I do not own anything! T-T
Bunga
Prince. Oh how Kion hated that word. He was just so fed up with everyone bowing and asking if he needed anything. He was fed up with the expectations piled on top of him. The animals of the pride lands still remembered the tyranny of Scar's rule. Simba had long been their ruler, and they expected him to continue his father's legacy and many would protect him if the need came. In their minds, his death meant the rise of another Scar; Another evil ruler.
Kion sighed as he walked through the lush grasses of his father's land. He just wanted to be alone. He didn't want to deal with the other animals right now. His father encourages him to explore the pride lands and play with his friends. But what friends? The other lions his own age get nervous when he approaches them, or try to kiss up to him for what they think will grant them power in the future. He saw right through all of them.
His father meant well, and Kion could see that. But he didn't understand. Simba wasn't even raised by lions his entire life. Only when he was young, was he was raised by lions. Simba stayed mainly by his father's side as a cub. He had been taught by Simba all the lessons from his father he could remember, along with the often hilarious memories Simba had to tell about them.
He smiled grimly to himself at the memory. Padding silently through the grass, the quiet serenity of the moment was broken when a furry object crashed into Kion's side. He rolled with the momentum until he came to a stop, quickly rising back onto his paws. Hevi kabisa, what was that? "Oh, hey! Who are you? My name's Bunga. Want to play baobab ball with me?" Kion's head was spinning. It was obvious that the honey badger didn't recognize him. But how long would that last? How long until he figures it out because another animal calls him prince?
But the little honey badger was staring at him with eyes full of so much hope that he couldn't resist. He hasn't had anyone threat him like just another child in so long… "I don't know how to play baobab ball, though." The honey badger perked up, taking his statement has his acceptance to play. "Oh, it's easy! All you have to do is try to take the baobab fruit from the person who as it and keep it away from them as long as possible! Catch!"
Kion laughed as the hard fruit was tossed at his head. He jumped up and tossed it through the air by hitting his head against it. Bunga jumped up, yelling, "Zuka Zama!" This is amazing! Kion played with Bunga, tumbling and running through the grass. Bunga stole the fruit and took off running, laughing and giggling as he yelled, "Can't catch me!" Kion ran after him, relaxing and finally beginning to immerse himself in the experience of playing such a simple, childish game.
For once, expectations didn't way him down. Right now, he is just a young lion cub playing. Kion ran off after him, pinning him to the ground and barking out, "Caught you!" For a millisecond, Kion feared he had hurt the smaller honey badger. But then Bunga laughed and tried to push him off him. Kion rolled him, and they lay there panting. Then, Kion blinked in surprise as the baobab fruit was thrown up into the air again.
Their game continued in full force. A while later, when both of them were exhausted, Kion caught sight of a flash of blue and orange. He sighed, Zazu. "Bye, Bunga! I have to go home, it's getting late." With those parting words, he ran off. Bunga was left staring behind him, just now realizing that he had never gotten the lion's name throughout the entire game. Kion was smiling as he ran home. He had run off to avoid Bunga asking his name and finding out who he is.
He arrived home, his mother and father smiling fondly down at him as Zazu started to lecture him about the importance of not ditching him. Night fell over the pride lands and Kion—along with his family—took their rightful place in the center of the pride. Kion slept peacefully that night, dreaming of playing baobab ball in a world where he wasn't the crown prince of the pride lands.
AN: So sorry if this is terrible, I am new to writing in 3rd person privileged and character introspective. That is kinda what this is, actually, a character study. Hmm. I've really been able to test out different writing styles while writing this one, so I'm having a lot of fun with it. XD
So here is that prompt I wrote up when I posted this as a prompt on my profile- I don't think there are any spoilers.. Wait I just read it, there are. Taking those out now... (The full one is still on my profile though. I got rid of one sentence on this one to avoid immediate spoilage.
The Lion Guard: Kion thrives on social interaction. In a world where Kiara was never born, and Kion is next in line for the throne. He doesn't have the Roar. He doesn't really have any friends, due to everyone treating him, even kids his own age, like a Prince instead of a child. He just wants friends. Ones that don't call him "Prince Kion" or "Your Majesty." He meets his friends (from the show) one by one. None of them know he is the prince, assuming he is just a normal lion. They meet, some times briefly, sometimes a quick game ensues. Those are the happy times for Kion. Other times, he is training to be a king and Simba does't notice that he is alone with no friends, assuming that he goes and has fun when he roams the Pridelands in his spare time. Kion would be less happy and exuberant, more... Distant? Cold? Princely, than happy child. They later find out he is a prince, and of course trip over themselves to apologize for not treating him like a prince. Kion is sad about that, something happens that brings them together, esc.