Author's note: I always wanted to write this story of a Vitani-centric fanfic and her time as the leader of the Lion Guard, takes place after the Season 3 of the show.
The Lion Guard and The Lion King does not belong to me, everything belongs to the Walt Disney Company except for the OC Characters
Now Let's Start!
Vitani
The name alone meaning war, raised by a psychopath named Zira her life just changed by joining her brother Kovu and with Kion picking her as the new leader of the Lion Guard.
Ever since then, everything had changed for the better. With both Zira and Scar gone, there were no longer any new threats roaming the Pridelands—or at least, that's what everyone believed.
As she stood alone in her space, thinking about her life, the weight of being the leader of the Lion Guard bore down on her. The question constantly circled her mind: Could she truly handle this immense responsibility? She had once been an outsider who fought with the enemy but now was committed to being a force for good after abandoning her mother.
"Hey there," Kovu greeted his sister.
"Hello Kovu," his sister responded.
Vitani's tumultuous thoughts weighed heavily on her as she gazed out over the vast savannah.
"You seem bothered," Kovu remarked, concern evident in his eyes.
"I'm fine, it's just..." Vitani hesitated before continuing, "Everything is so surreal. Just a few months ago, I was planning to harm Kiara, and now I'm the leader of the Lion Guard."
Kovu nodded, understanding the complexity of her emotions. "It's a lot to take in, Vitani. But you've changed, and you've chosen a different path. Kion sees something in you, and I believe in you too. You're not the same lioness you used to be."
Vitani appreciated her brother's reassurance. "Thanks, Kovu. It's just hard to shake off the past sometimes, you know? But I'm determined to protect the Pridelands now as the leader of the Lion Guard."
Kovu smiled. "That's the spirit, Vitani. And remember, we all have our pasts, including me, but it's our choices now that define us. You're a force for good, just like Kiara and Simba."
"Thanks, Kovu, you mean a lot to me," Vitani said with a genuine smile.
"Anyway, I'm here to remind you to eat," Kovu said. "The hunting party just returned with the meal."
"Oh... Yeah, I'll come!" Vitani replied as she prepared to join her pride for the meal.
A lion, long absent from his homeland, embarked on a journey back after regaining his lost memories. With a mane adorned in rich shades of brown with golden fur and a striking left eye that gleamed fiery red, the lion bore scars earned since his cubhood. His right eye, once a vivid color, had been rendered blind, now blanketed in a ghostly white hue. It was uncanny how much he resembled the King, and rightfully so, for he was none other than Prince Kopa, the rightful heir to the throne.
After being attacked and killed by Zira well that's what everyone thought but in reality he survived the attack and lost his memory after that everything is history.
He just got back after restoring his memory and after a long journey he found his old home.
"Hey!" Vitani's voice rang out, the Lion Guard standing firm behind her. She blocked his path, determined not to let a stranger trespass into the Pridelands. "Why are you here, outsider?! You can't simply trespass into our territory."
"This is my home," the lion responded firmly. "I need to see King Simba."
"What for?" Vitani inquired with a skeptical tone.
"I'm his son," Kopa declared, his words filled with conviction. "Now, please step aside!"
"A likely story!" Kasi sneered, adding a mocking tone. "The King only has two children!"
Kopa's determination remained unshaken. "You only know what you've been told. I need to see him!"
"You're not going any further!" Vitani asserted, her instincts still raising suspicion about this lion. There was something about him that didn't sit right; it felt like he might be a threat.
"Get out of my way! I'm warning you now!" Kopa's tone turned more assertive, ready to stand his ground.
Vitani, though wary, stood her ground, her defensive instincts guiding her actions. She couldn't simply allow a stranger to waltz into the Pridelands, claiming to be the lost son of King Simba. The implications were too significant, and she needed to protect her new home.
"What's going on here?" Simba showed up as he was on patrol
"This impostor is claiming to be your son" Vitani replied "His name is Kopa"
Simba's expression shifted from curiosity to a mix of disbelief and astonishment as he studied the lion before him. The memories of his lost son had haunted him for years, and now, this unexpected revelation left him both hopeful and apprehensive.
"Kopa?" Simba said, his voice trembling with a blend of emotions. "Is it really you?"
Kopa nodded, his eyes shimmering with tears of relief and longing. "Yes, Father. I've returned. It's me, Kopa."
Simba took a tentative step forward, his heart racing. He scrutinized Kopa, searching for any sign that would confirm his son's identity. The brown mane, the red eyes—it was all there, just as he remembered.
Vitani watched this emotional reunion with a mix of surprise and caution. The tense atmosphere began to dissipate as Simba approached Kopa, and she realized that perhaps, against all odds, this was a genuine homecoming.
With a quivering voice, Simba embraced his long-lost son, tears streaming down his cheeks. "I thought I'd lost you forever, Kopa. But you're back."
Kopa returned the embrace, overwhelmed with emotion. "I never stopped trying to find my way home, Father."
Vitani, witnessing the heartfelt reunion, couldn't help but feel a sense of relief herself... Still she felt sceptical.
The reunion was huge, Kiara and Kion got to know their long lost brother with their parents explaining what happened to him they got along together it seemed like, as Kopa never knew that he had a brother and sister.
However one question remained unanswered: with Kopa back... Who is the heir? Kiara or him?
"Father..." Kopa called out as they finally found a moment alone. "May I ask you something?"
"Yes, you may, my son," Simba replied.
"Do I still get to be king?" Kopa asked with a hopeful but uncertain tone.
"Sorry, but... No," Simba replied with a heavy heart. "You cannot. You've been gone for too long, and you haven't been trained for the responsibilities and Kiara is set to be the queen."
"Then who will be the king?" Kopa inquired, his disappointment evident.
"Kovu, as he has married your sister," Simba answered.
"What? That outsider?! Zira's son?!?" Kopa snapped, his frustration mounting. "Dad, you know this is ridiculous. He cannot be the king! I am the rightful heir! Are you really letting Zira's son take my place?"
"Yes, Kopa," Simba responded calmly. "I know this might be difficult for you to accept, but Kovu isn't like his mother. He's proven himself to be different. Trust me I had the same thought as you"
"Zira attacked me, Dad! Because of him! She wanted him to be king so she had to remove me!" Kopa argued vehemently. "I almost died! Are you seriously picking him over your own son?"
"It's not that simple," Simba explained. "And I remember you were never too enthusiastic about being king."
"It's not about me being king, Dad; it's about him!" Kopa emphasized. "He is Zira's son and an outsider! A disgrace!"
Simba remained resolute. "You do not call him a disgrace, Kopa. He will be your king. That's how it is, and you should try to get to know him."
Kopa was disgusted at the thought of befriending the lion who had replaced him. He couldn't forget that Kovu was Zira's son, the one who had nearly cost him his life.
"This is not how it should be, Dad," Kopa said firmly as he left the scene. "You know I'm right."
A sense of foreboding hung over the Pridelands. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the savannah, and with the approaching darkness came an eerie presence. One particular lion, his mane as black as the night, and with a prominent scar.
"Well, this is interesting..." The lion's voice echoed, carrying an unsettling tone that sent shivers down the spines of those who heard it. "It's time to get back in action."
A black Cobra, lurking nearby, slithered closer, its eyes gleaming with malevolence. "Yessss, about time..."
Kopa's heart was heavy with disbelief and frustration. How could his father, Simba, choose Kovu, the son of the lioness who had orchestrated his attack, to be the future king? It felt like a betrayal, an insult to his rightful place as the heir.
"He is insane... Kovu as king?!! Is he crazy?!" Kopa seethed with anger. "I came back for a reason—I thought I'd be battling the ones who did this to me." His gaze drifted to the numerous scars and healed wounds that crisscrossed his body, grim reminders of the treacherous attack that had nearly claimed his life. He was fortunate to be alive.
Amidst his turmoil, a mysterious voice interrupted his thoughts.
"You seem troubled."
Kopa spun around, his eyes darting in search of the unseen speaker. "Who... Who is that?" he demanded, his nerves on edge.
"Oh, don't worry. I'm here to help you," the voice replied.
"How? Who even are you?" Kopa continued to question, his uncertainty growing.
Gradually, the figure began to reveal himself, and to Kopa's shock, it was none other than Scar, appearing in a spectral form, his presence surrounded by flickering flames.
"Scar???" Kopa exclaimed, disbelief and anger coursing through him. "Why are you here?! You're supposed to be dead!"
"Oh, my grand nephew... I am dead," Scar responded with an eerie calmness. "I just wanted to visit you."
"Why exactly?" Kopa asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.
"To help you," Scar replied.
"Help me?! Your crazy lioness almost killed me!" Kopa snapped, his memories of the traumatic attack still vivid.
"Yes, Zira is a very, very unpredictable being," Scar acknowledged. "Trust me, Kopa, I can help you. We are the same, Sisi ni sawa."
"What?" Kopa was bewildered by Scar's words.
"Sisi ni sawa means we're the same you may have the fire, but I have the flame..." Scar sang with an eerie tune. "I probably got that wrong."
"This doesn't make any sense," Says Kopa, his disbelief unabated. "I'm not like you, far from it!"
"Oh, you will never know," Scar chuckled ominously. "Trust me, Kopa, we are more alike than you think."
As Scar's spectral presence finally disappeared, leaving Kopa with unanswered questions and a sense of unease. He was certain of one thing, though: he and Scar were far from being the same
"The target is ready" Scar said
"I sssee..." Kumwa the Cobra replied
As the day passed and the new morning dawned over the Pride Lands, Vitani found herself reclining in the Lion Guard den, her mind consumed by a whirlwind of thoughts. Kopa, although seemingly friendly, left her with an unsettling feeling. It was as if he harbored a hidden threat that needed to be addressed urgently. She couldn't shake the nagging sensation that he shouldn't be in the pridelands without supervision, no matter how irrational it might seem.
"Hey, Vitani, How are you? You look very weird today" Imara observed, her concern evident as she approached her friend.
"I'm fine, Imara," Vitani replied, though her words belied the troubled expression that lingered on her face.
"That face is far from fine, and I know you well," Imara persisted. "You're thinking about Kopa, aren't you?"
Vitani sighed in defeat. "Yes..."
"Aww, you're finally crushing on someone else! About time. I wouldn't blame you; he does look cute," Imara teased with a playful grin.
"It's not that!" Vitani defended herself, her tone serious. "I still feel like he's a threat. I know it sounds crazy, but he still feels like an enemy to me."
"That's crazy talk; he does seem nice," Imara countered. "You're judging someone by their appearance. Remember, he looks like that because he was attacked by... you know."
Her friend's words struck a chord with Vitani. She realized she might be unfairly judging Kopa without truly knowing him. Moreover, the very reason he bore those scars was because of her own mother's actions.
"You may be right..." Vitani admitted.
"Maybe you should talk to him, try to get to know him better," Imara suggested with a gentle smile. "Sometimes, understanding someone's story can change your perspective."
Vitani contemplated Imara's advice. Perhaps she should take the initiative to have a conversation with Kopa. It might help dispel her unwarranted suspicions and, in the process, reveal the truth about the lion who had entered her life so unexpectedly.
"Alright... I will," Vitani finally agreed.
Kopa was alone as he finally formed his plan, a very harmful one but... Very necessary considering the circumstances. It is the only way.
"Hey there!" Vitani greeted, her voice ringing out through the silence.
"Could you not startle me like that?" Kopa replied, his tone reflecting his startled reaction.
"Well, I apologize for that," Vitani offered a conciliatory tone. "So... How did you end up here... and what happened to you?"
"Why do you want to know?" Kopa questioned, his wariness evident as he conversed with someone he considered an outsider, especially now that she was leading the Lion Guard and the daughter of Zira, of all lions.
"I may have misjudged you, and I'm sorry," Vitani admitted, her apology genuine. "If you'd rather not share, I understand. It must have been a traumatic experience for you... I believe we can part on better terms."
"Eh, it's not that big of a deal. You were trying to protect my home, and for that, I thank you," Kopa replied, not revealing the full extent of his feelings. "Yeah, I think we can find a way to get along."
As Vitani considered Kopa's response, she couldn't help but think that he might not be as hostile as she initially assumed. "Well, he does seem rather nice," she mused. "Anyway, I won't keep you. I have work to do."
Kopa nodded, a feeling of relief washing over him as Vitani finally departed. "No problem. Stay safe!" he called out, hoping that this unexpected encounter wouldn't complicate his plans further.
As Vitani continued her patrol as she was on her way to get to the rest of the lion guard, her thoughts centered on her recent encounter with Kopa and the unusual tension that lingered between them. Little did she know that something even more extraordinary was about to unfold.
"Vitani..." a voice called out, causing her to abruptly halt in her tracks.
"Uhh... Who's there?" Vitani asked, her senses on high alert.
The figure, shrouded in mystery, gradually revealed himself in the skies above. It was none other than Mufasa, a lion whose legend she had heard about from her mother, Zira, and from Simba and the rest of the pride. She never expected to actually meet him in person.
"Mufasa?" Vitani said, her voice filled with both awe and surprise.
"Yes... It is me," Mufasa replied, his presence commanding and wise. "You need to be ready..."
"For what?" Vitani asked, her curiosity piqued.
"A new threat has emerged, posing a danger to the Pridelands." Mufasa warned, his gaze serious. "It is your duty to stop it."
Vitani was eager for more information. "What threat?" she inquired.
"I cannot reveal it to you directly, for it is a task you must discover on your own," Mufasa explained. "I am merely here to warn you, Vitani. This is something connected to our past, ever since..."
Mufasa's voice trailed off, leaving Vitani with a sense of foreboding and a slew of unanswered questions. As quickly as he had appeared, he disappeared into the skies, leaving her to grapple with the message he had delivered.
"A new threat?" Vitani muttered to herself, a chill running down her spine. Her paranoia had already been growing, and now, with this enigmatic warning from Mufasa, it seemed like the challenges ahead were only becoming more complex and dangerous..
Kopa stood at the edge of the Pridelands, the weight of his emotions heavy upon him. He had been ready for this moment, prepared to take drastic action to ensure the safety and future of his home.
"Dad... Can we talk alone for a second?" Kopa's voice quivered as he spoke to his father, Simba, the current king of the Pride Lands.
"Sure, Kopa," Simba replied, his voice carrying a hint of concern. "What is it?"
Kopa's eyes locked onto his father's, "Are you sure about your choice?" he asked, his words filled with a mix of frustration and desperation.
"Yes, Kopa," Simba replied firmly, his resolve unwavering. "It is final."
Kopa's frustration boiled over, and he couldn't contain his questions any longer. "Why? What makes him special?" he demanded, his voice rising. "What does he have that I don't?"
Simba sighed, his eyes showing a deep sadness. "You are simply not fit to be king, Kopa," he replied, his tone heavy with regret. "It's been years since you've been gone. You lack the training and experience, and the decision is final. That's just how it is."
Tears welled up in Kopa's eyes as the reality of the situation sank in. "So this is it?" he snapped, his voice cracking with anger. "You will pick some outsider over your own flesh and blood?"
Simba's expression softened, as he embraced his son. "It's not that, Kopa," he said gently. "I love you, son. I really do. I'm doing this for your safety."
"You don't understand," Kopa muttered, his voice barely a whisper. He knew what he had to do, even if it meant going against his own father.
In a swift, unexpected move, Kopa pounced on his father, pinning him to the ground. Simba was taken by surprise, never expecting his son to resort to such aggression, he just simply let it happen he cannot attack his own son...
"If he is going to be king, then I have to do what is right for the safety of the Pride Lands," Kopa declared as he held his father down. "You have to go, and after that, I will be king!"
Simba's eyes held a mixture of sadness and disbelief as he struggled beneath his son. "No, Kopa," he pleaded. "You're better than this. We can talk about this."
But Kopa was resolute, his determination unyielding. "No!" he snapped, a tear escaping his eye as he dragged his father to the nearby river. With a heavy heart, he let go, as Simba met the same fate as Zira, disappearing beneath the water's surface, his desperate gasps for air fading away.
Kopa watched in silence, the enormity of his actions weighing heavily on his conscience. He knew that this was a dark and irreversible path he had chosen, but he believed it was the only way to secure the future of the Pridelands, no matter the personal cost.
Kopa, his heart heavy with guilt and the weight of his dark secret, made his way back to Pride Rock, acting like nothing had happened earlier.
As he approached the majestic rock, Zazu, the kingdom's loyal hornbill, descended from the sky with a solemn expression, catching the attention of Nala, Kiara, and Kopa.
"Na-Nala... Kiara..." Zazu began, his voice quivering with emotion.
Kiara's eyes narrowed with worry. "What is it, Zazu?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
Zazu took a deep breath and continued, "It's... Simba. He's gone."
Kiara's eyes widened with disbelief. "Gone?" she repeated, her voice trembling. "You mean he's missing?"
Nala, her heart sinking, joined the conversation, her voice a mere whisper. "This can't be true..."
Zazu nodded somberly, his eyes downcast. "I found his lifeless body by the river," he admitted, his words heavy with sadness. "It appears that an accident might have happened. Simba must have fallen into the river, and, tragically, he didn't make it. Simba is gone."
Nala's eyes filled with tears, and she clung to Kiara for support. "No... Simba..." she muttered, her voice quivering with grief.
Kopa, standing nearby, felt a sharp pang of guilt. He knew the truth, that it hadn't been an accident. His father's death weighed heavily on his conscience, something he had to do for the better.
Nala's grief intensified, her shoulders trembling with sorrow. Kopa moved closer, trying to provide some comfort. "Mother," he said softly, his voice filled with sympathy, "we'll get through this together... Dad would want us to stay strong."
Nala turned to her son, tears streaming down her face, and nodded weakly, appreciating Kopa's support during this difficult time. But unknown to her, Kopa's heart was burdened with the knowledge of what really happened...
As the time came Simba had to be buried... The whole pride was in mourning, Vitani cannot believe it... Mufasa's warning about the new threat played on her head, It just had been a few months since she joined the pride... Months! Yet the king is gone.
It hurt her... He may not be someone important to him but his death felt like... It was her fault she was the leader of the lion guard it was her duty to protect him...
"Hey Vitani," Kovu called, wondering why she was mourning so hard despite not having deep connections with Simba
"I failed him Kovu..." Vitani said "I am the leader of the Lion Guard, I was supposed to prevent this"
"No it's not your fault Vitani" Kovu comforted "You heard the story it was an accident, he stumbled and fell to the river and he didn't make it"
Vitani thought that there was something wrong in that story... But she cannot deny it
Vitani stared into Kovu's eyes, appreciating his attempts to console her. "I know you're trying to help, Kovu," she admitted with a sigh, "but it's just hard to accept that I couldn't do anything to prevent this tragedy."
Kovu's expression softened, and he replied, "Vitani, sometimes events occur that are beyond our control. We can't always protect everyone from every danger. Simba was a wise and strong leader, and he understood the risks that came with his role."
Vitani nodded, though the unease within her still lingered. "You're right," she acknowledged, "but I can't shake the feeling that there's something we're not seeing here. The story of his accident just seems too...convenient, Simba was a strong lion he cannot just stumble and fall!"
Kovu furrowed his brow, intrigued by Vitani's lingering doubts. "What do you mean, Vitani? Are you suggesting that there might be more to Simba's death than meets the eye?"
Vitani hesitated, unsure of how to express her suspicions. "I don't have any proof, Kovu," she confessed, "but it all happened so suddenly. And it's not just that. It's the timing, the circumstances. Simba's death benefits some lions more than others."
Kovu's eyes widened as he considered Vitani's words. "You think it could be foul play? That someone within the pride might have had a hand in this?"
"It's a possibility," Vitani admitted cautiously, "but before we jump to any conclusions, we need to investigate further. I owe it to Simba to ensure that the truth is uncovered."
Kovu nodded in agreement, determination flashing in his eyes. "Then, Vitani, you and the lion guard may try to investigate the situation. We'll find out what really happened to Simba and ensure justice is served."
"Thanks Kovu" Vitani replied
As the somber scene unfolded, Nala ascended Priderock and made the heart-wrenching announcement, her voice quivering with tears, "The King is dead..."
"The circle of life has brought his journey to an end," Nala continued, her words heavy with grief, "And from the shadows of this tragedy, a new king shall emerge: Kovu."
With the weight of Simba's demise sinking in, Kovu couldn't help but foresee the path laid out before him – the torch of leadership would soon be passed to him, with Kiara at his side as his queen.
Kopa, on the other hand, found himself overwhelmed by frustration upon hearing the news. He couldn't help but think that his own actions had inadvertently hastened his ascent to the throne. Despite his inner turmoil, he had little choice but to accept the inevitable.
"No, it cannot be him!" Kopa erupted, sending shockwaves through the assembled crowd. "He's an outsider, the son of Zira!"
Vitani couldn't suppress a growl, she knew that there was something wrong about Kopa. But she hesitated – could he truly be capable of such a sinister act? Could he have played a part in Simba's demise?
Kovu, sensing the mounting tension, felt compelled to defend himself. "I was the one who united the pride and stood by Simba when he needed it most. Where were you all this time?"
Kopa bristled with anger, countering Kovu's claim. "I was attacked by your deranged mother and lost my memory! I am the rightful king, the firstborn!"
Nala intervened, attempting to calm the brewing storm of emotions. "Kopa, please, let us honor your father's wishes. Kovu will be king; it's what Simba would have wanted."
Realizing that he had caused a scene in front of the entire pride, including Kion and the visitors from the Tree of Life, Kopa made a difficult decision for the sake of his mother and his reputation. With a heavy heart, he announced his departure, "I'm sorry."
As Kopa turned and walked away from the gathering, he couldn't help but wonder if there was a way for him to take the throne, Kill Kovu? No that would be way too suspicious considering Simba had just died.
Kopa went back to his spot which is coincidentally Scar's spot when he was alive as he muttered "Damn Kovu... Curse him! Just as expected for an outsider, he stole my throne"
Originally, Kopa had schemed to end Simba's reign and claim the throne for himself, but fate had thrown him into an even more complicated path.
Suddenly, Scar appeared once more, "Ah my grand nephew..."
Kopa's fur bristled with unease, and he retorted defensively, "Stay away from me! We are nothing alike."
Scar's chuckle, dripping with dark amusement, cut through the tension. "Says the one who killed his own father, an act that I couldn't even fathom."
Kopa snapped angrily, "Shut up! Leave me alone."
Scar's demeanor shifted, and he confessed, "My original intention was to give you a scar from a cobra's venomous bite, my grandnephew. But given your recent actions, it seems that you didn't even need it in the first place."
Kopa's disbelief was evident. "Are you seriously admitting to plotting a venomous bite on me?" he demanded incredulously.
With an unsettling smile, Scar replied, "No hard feelings, my boy. But, you see, nephew, you've become my new favorite, and I can offer you my assistance."
As hard it is to admit Kopa needed help he cannot just face the whole pride alone especially with an active Lion Guard, can he actually do it alone? No he can't.
"How can you help me?" he inquired, conceding to Scar's enigmatic offer.
Scar's response was cryptic but filled with intrigue. "In many ways, Kopa. In many ways. I can be your guide."
Kopa's skepticism remained. "What do you know? During your era, There was no active lion guard, and Mufasa was an old fool, unlike Kovu. You had it easy!"
Scar's tone turned reflective. "You do have a point," he conceded, "but I did clash with the Lion Guard, just ask Kion"
Kopa remained wary. "Even if that's true, it doesn't answer my question," he countered.
Scar leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "While I cannot offer direct assistance at this moment, there is crucial information you should be aware of," he hinted mysteriously.
Kopa eagerly inquired, "What is it?"
Scar disclosed his cryptic hint, "Vitani, she's growing suspicious of the entire situation. Act swiftly before she uncovers the truth."
Kopa was taken aback by this revelation. "Vitani is investigating?" he muttered incredulously. "That wretched daughter of Zira of course she will, curses her..."
Scar offered a final enigmatic piece of advice. "You're not the only one with spiritual guidance, Kopa. I'm simply trying to level the playing field."
"Well thanks I guess!" Kopa spat
Kopa's determination solidified as he declared, "No one will stand in my way. Revenge will be mine! Every outsider will pay for their role in stealing my throne. They will pay! So, yes, Scar... I'm going to need your help."
Scar conceded, "Very well," but he left Kopa with a crucial reminder. "But don't forget about your friends."
Kopa hadn't given his friends much thought recently ever since he came back. "No, I haven't forgotten them. However, I doubt they'll support me if they ever discover that I was responsible for my father's death."
Scar left Kopa with a tantalizing hint, "At least one of them will, Kopa. I'm quite certain of it."
"Who?"
And with that, Scar vanished into the shadows, leaving Kopa to ponder the mysterious alliance he had forged and the complexities of the path he had chosen...