Kion (The Lion King: Revisited)

"Hevi kabisa!"

- Kion's catchphrase

King Kion is a young adult lion, the former leader of the Lion Guard, and the former prince of Pride Rock. He is the only son of Simba and Nala, and the younger brother of Kiara. He is also the mate of Rani and the king of the Tree of Life.

Before becoming the leader of the Lion Guard, Kion witnessed his best friend, Bunga, being attacked by hyenas, and he reflexively used the Roar of the Elders to save him. This prompted his father, Simba, to teach him about the legendary Lion Guard and task him with gathering a team to defend the Pride Lands. Kion appointed each of his friends as a member: Bunga the honey badger as the bravest, Fuli the cheetah as the fastest, Ono the egret as the keenest of sight, and Beshte the hippopotamus as the strongest.

At first, Simba rejected Kion's new team, as none of its members were lions of the pride. Kion lamented his father's decision, during which time he encountered the ghost of his grandfather, Mufasa, who encouraged him to follow his instincts. Kion returned to his friends and gifted them each with the mark of the Lion Guard. Together, the team engaged in their first battle against Janja and his clan, emerging victorious, and Simba at last accepted their place as defenders of the Pride Lands.

Later, Kion and the Lion Guard challenged Scar, whose spirit had returned to the Pride Lands. Under Scar's orders, a cobra named Ushari injected Kion with snake venom, giving him a scar in the process. However, Kion summoned the Great Kings of the Past to judge Scar, and Bunga defeated Ushari. Kion's scar remained, and the venom caused violent mood swings and a loss of control over the Roar.

Kion sought healing at the Tree of Life, where he met and fell in love with the queen, Rani. After being healed, he returned to the Pride Lands and relinquished the Roar as well as his role as the Lion Guard's leader to Vitani. He then returned to the Tree of Life, where he married Rani and thus became the king.

Appearance
Kion's pelt is golden, while his muzzle, paws, and underbelly are paler in color.

His ears are rimmed with brown, and he has a bright red head tuft.

The Mark of the Guard is imprinted on his left shoulder. His eyes are brown.

Personality
"You do take after your father, don't you?"

- Zira to Kion

Kion is a stickler for the rules. Even in the face of temptation - as seen when his baobab ball is lost in the Outlands - he heeds the words of his parents and intelligently recognizes the signs of potential danger. This strong sense of responsibility is in part why Kion has such a sturdy head on his shoulders and is much less likely to jump into dangerous situations than his best friend, Bunga.

However, despite this more accountable side, Kion still enjoys a good tussle with his friends. He can be careless when it comes to games, as seen when he disrespects his father and sister during their morning lesson with his game of Baobab Ball. Though mature in aspects of obedience and rule-following, Kion is still young and is less confident when dealing with more adult concepts such as romance and giving birth.

Though not entirely well-versed in the adult sphere, Kion is strong-willed and able to trust his instincts, which is in part due to the gentle guidance of his grandfather, Mufasa. Undoubtedly, he is a cub who follows his heart, even in matters where those he loves oppose him, and is willing to follow the call of duty over pleasing family and friends.

His creativity knows no bounds, which is likely due to his straightforward nature and ability to see every side of a situation. This shines through most prominently when he is seeking members for the Lion Guard, for instead of simply following the path of duty and gathering a team according to tradition, Kion assesses all aspects of the job and picks the animals he feels are most qualified for the job. Even when his ideas are challenged, Kion is steadfast in his beliefs and brave enough to take a stand for what he feels is right.

However, Kion can be prideful when pitted against his sister, Kiara. He is usually capable of acknowledging his mistakes and he is not above apologizing or admitting when he is wrong to his friends, but will stubbornly refuse these same mistakes in front of Kiara due to the fact that he does not want to give her the satisfaction of knowing that she was right. Whenever Kiara boasts and teases him for something that she's able to do better than him, Kion is quick to get annoyed and retaliate by being sarcastic or pounce on her.

In his adolescence, Kion grows more mature. He is willing to give Janja a chance when the latter reforms and is quick to forgive him and his clan, having learned from his earlier experience with Makuu. This helps Kion not to give into his anger, even allowing him to forgive Scar.

Kion's one and only main fear is that he will give in to his anger and use the Roar for evil, thereby turning him into a power-hungry lion like his great-uncle, Scar. His fear intensifies after he receives a scar of his own and is poisoned by Ushari's venom. This causes him to constantly lose his temper and control of his Roar. He also becomes hesitant to speak with his grandfather, Mufasa, as he feels he doesn't have the right to face him when his scar makes him resembles Scar. His fear increases to the point that he loses confidence in leading the Guard without his Roar.

Through the encouragement and support of his friends, Kion finally realizes that neither his scar nor the Roar makes him who he is and regains his confidence as a leader.

Cubhood
"Kion, Kiara tells me you've asked Bunga to join the Lion Guard. Is this true?" "I was just talking to all my friends about it." "Your friends? Kion, I asked you to assemble the new Lion Guard. Instead you're just playing with your friends?" "I'm not playing, Dad. My friends are the new Lion Guard. Fuli is the fastest. Beshte is the strongest. Ono is the keenest of sight. And the bravest, it's Bunga!" "Kion, the Lion Guard has always been made of lions. Do you really think a Lion Guard with only one lion can protect the Pride Lands?" "Well, actually..." "Son, listen. The Lion Guard isn't a game you play with your friends. It's real. The Circle of Life, and your life, will depend on who's on your team. Please, Kion. There are plenty of good lions for the Guard. I need you to take your new responsibility seriously. Just as seriously as Kiara takes hers." "But I do take it seriously."

- Simba scolds Kion

Sometime after Kiara was born, Nala gave birth to another cub, and smiles softly at him.

Kion and his best friend Bunga are goofing around on Pride Rock, where Simba is teaching Kiara about life as a future monarch. Kion's antics with Bunga disturb the two, so they take their game away from Pride Rock and into the heart of the Pride Lands.

While playing, the two manage to lose their baobab ball in the Outlands. When Bunga goes to retrieve it, he is attacked by two hyenas, Cheezi and Chungu, who are under Janja's command. Before the hyenas can hurt Bunga, Kion steps in, roaring so loudly that the hyenas drop Bunga, who climbs to safety.

Meanwhile, Rafiki and Simba overhear Kion's roar, and the two come to realize that it is time for him to lead the Lion Guard. When Bunga and Kion return to Pride Rock, Rafiki leads them to the Lair of the Lion Guard, where he explains that Scar used to lead the Lion Guard until he lost his powers. Simba then tasks Kion with gathering a new Lion Guard to protect the Pride Lands.

Bunga and Kion set out right away, and Kion asks the honey badger if he will join the team. Bunga accepts, and his adopted uncles, Timon and Pumbaa, offer him enthusiastic congratulations.

Unbeknownst to the friends, they have been spied on by Mzingo, a vulture minion of Janja's, who reports back to his leader about the newly formed Guard. When Janja hears the news, he announces to his clan that they will strike that very night.

On the other side of the savanna, Kion has appointed Beshte, Fuli, and Ono to positions on the Guard. He gathers the team together and attempts to show them the Roar of the Elders, but all that comes out is a squeak. Just then, Simba arrives and reacts in horror to Kion's choice of teammates. He insists that the Guard must be made of lions only and then berates Kion for treating his role as leader like a game.

Wanting to be alone, Kion isolates himself from his friends, where he encounters the ghost of his grandfather, Mufasa. The wise king tells Kion to trust his instincts and promises that he will always be there to guide him.

No sooner has he faded from the sky when Kion hears Bunga calling for him, shouting that the hyenas are attacking a herd of gazelles. With no time to lose, Kion assembles the Lion Guard, using his paw to gift each of them with a special shoulder marking.

Together, the five friends attack the hyenas, driving them back into the Outlands. Kion finishes the fight with the powerful Roar of the Elders, and even Janja flees in terror. Simba happens to be watching from a nearby ridge and realizes that his son was wise to have chosen whom he chose. He congratulates his son on the victory and accepts this new, brilliant assembling of loyal animals.

While playing Baobab Ball, Kion and his best friend, Bunga, overhear a group of frantic antelope shouting about a hyena in the Pride Lands. Bunga attempts to confront the hyena until Kion recognizes her as his old friend, Jasiri, and questions her as to why she is in the Pride Lands. Jasiri admits that lions have taken over her family's watering hole and are refusing to share it. Though confused that lions are in the Outlands, Kion agrees to help her sort out the situation and sends Bunga to inform the rest of the Lion Guard of his location.

Once in the Outlands, Jasiri admits that she had been afraid that Kion would not side against lions, but Kion points out that the lions likely do not know that Jasiri is good. Eventually, the two reach Jasiri's clan, and Jasiri introduces Kion to her sister, Madoa. Kion greets Madoa and two hyena pups, but the young ones shy away from him. Madoa explains that they are afraid because of what they know about lions, and Jasiri adds that their fright is only reinforced by the lions who have stolen their watering hole.

In the Outlands, Jasiri is attacked by an adolescent lion named Nuka, who reprimands her for returning to the watering hole. Kion fends off Nuka to protect Jasiri, which draws the attention of Nuka's younger brother, Kovu. Seeing his brother, Nuka declares that the fight has turned in his favor, but Jasiri steps up to Kion's side and retorts that they're even.

Slowly, the four begin to circle each other, and Kion learns that Kovu and Nuka's family is not welcome in the Pride Lands. Confused, he asserts that his father would likely welcome them into the kingdom, and Nuka asks who his father is. Jasiri answers that Kion is the son of Simba, the king of Pride Rock, and a shocked Kovu and Nuka wonder if they really can return to the Pride Lands, with Kovu hoping that he might see Kion's sister Kiara again. Kovu points out that Kion must first speak with their mother, Zira, and Kion and Jasiri agree to visit the watering hole.

Once there, Nuka announces Kion as Simba's son, and Zira introduces herself and her daughter, Vitani. She questions Kion as to why he is in the Outlands, and Jasiri explains that she has brought Kion here to sort out the water dispute. When Zira wonders how Jasiri could be friends with royalty, Jasiri points out that Kion is more than royalty, for he is also the leader of the Lion Guard.

Kion asks Zira why she and her family live in the Outlands instead of the Pride Lands, but she deflects the question by asking Kion why he has not used the Roar of the Elders to give his friend the water she needs. When Kion reacts with confusion, Zira explains that she knows all about the Roar of the Elders and that all Kion has to do to help Jasiri is roar at a small cloud. Though confused, Kion does as he is requested, and the cloud swells into a brief rainstorm.

An awestruck Kion asks Zira how she had known what his roar could do, but Zira comments that she would rather speak of the roar without Jasiri listening. As Zira walks off to speak to Kion privately, Jasiri comments that she does not trust Zira. Kion agrees with her, but points out that Zira knows more about the roar than he does and that there is still a possibility that he can convince her to share the watering hole.

Once in private, Zira assures Kion that she is pleased to meet him, for it does not matter where they live, only that they are both lions. She and Kion then sing "Lions Over All", in which they argue over whether lions should rule the other animals or be benevolent to other creatures. After the song, Kion tells Zira that they have very different ideas about how lions should act.

Kion insists that Zira tell him more about the Roar, but she deflects the question by asking whether he will side with hyenas or lions. Kion argues that he is on the side of the Circle of Life, which prompts Zira to note the similarities between Kion and his father, Simba. She leads Kion into a large pit and laments his decision to not side with lions.

Suddenly, Kion realizes that he is surrounded by Zira's lionesses, and Zira explains that if he does not side with their pride, then he will never leave the Outlands. Bravely, Kion challenges Zira to call off her lionesses or else he will use the Roar of the Elders, but Zira points out that when Scar had used the Roar against his fellow lions, he had lost it. She then blames Simba for Scar's fall from the throne of the Pride Lands, and Kion yells that Scar had never been the true king. Furious, Zira orders an attack on Kion. However, just before the Outsiders can hurt him, Zira offers to forgive him if he will join her, and leaves him in the care of her pride while she goes to fetch her cubs.

Zira returns to the watering hole and explains to Jasiri that she and Kion have come to an agreement that the watering hole belongs to lions only, which prompts Jasiri to retort that Kion would never agree to such a thing. Zira simply says that lions must stick together and intimidates Jasiri into leaving the watering hole.

Back in the pit, Kion tries to reason with the lionesses, then launches a surprise attack. He nearly makes it to the exit before he is pinned down by the Outsiders, who tell him to wait until Zira has returned.

Across the Outlands, Jasiri encounters the Lion Guard and informs them that Kion has joined forces with Zira and her family. A shocked Lion Guard insists that Kion would never be a part of Zira's family, and Jasiri berates herself for having believed Zira's lies.

As Kion continues to fend off the Outsiders, Zira arrives and mocks him for being unable to use his Roar. A befuddled Kovu questions his mother as to what is going on and wonders why they cannot be friends with Kion. Zira counters that Kion has left her no choice, for he has sided with Jasiri and her clan over the Outsiders. Nuka asks whether they should be afraid of Kion's Roar, but Zira explains that he cannot use his powers without losing them forever.

Encouraged by Kion's weakness, Nuka tries to attack him, but is fended off by Kion. Zira warns Kion that this is his last chance to join her, but just then, Kion catches sight of Ono hovering over the pit. Filled with renewed confidence, he yells out the start of the Lion Guard's catchphrase, which is completed by his team as they rush into the pit. Together, the Lion Guard and Jasiri fend off the Outsiders and corner them against a wall of the pit.

Realizing that this is Kion's team, Zira mocks the Lion Guard for only having one lion and rallies her lionesses with a cry that they outnumber their enemies. Bunga urges Kion to use his Roar, but Kion worries that he will lose the Roar as Scar did for using it against other lions. Despite Kion's fears, Bunga insists that Scar did not lose his Roar because he used it against other lions, but because he used it for evil.

Sensing Kion's change of heart, Zira claims that she knows the Roar's powers better and that Kion must listen to her. Kion, however, is not swayed and tells her that she is not welcome in the Pride Lands so long as he is around. As Kion steps forward menacingly, Kovu begins to back away slowly and ducks down just in time to avoid the Roar. The force of the Roar blasts Zira and the other Outsiders out of the pit, and Kovu scrambles to catch up with them.

Back at the watering hole, Madoa admits that she is glad Jasiri has Kion for a friend. Just then, the two young hyena pups run up to Kion, who asks them if they are still scared of him. The two pups race away and hide, prompting laughter from Jasiri and Madoa. Jasiri then tells Kion to take it as a compliment, for he is rather fierce.

In the Pride Lands, the dry season has started, and the Lion Guard is busier than ever. During their patrol, Ono informs Kion that Janja's clan is attacking Ma Tembo's herd. The Lion Guard arrives at the scene, and, sure enough, Janja and his crew are attacking the elephants. The Lion Guard is shocked that the hyenas would hunt elephants because of how dangerous it is.

The team drives the hyenas away, and Ma Tembo explains that the hyenas had been desperate because of the dry season. She also tells them that she is trying to find a new water source for her herd. Concerned at how quickly the start of the dry season has caused things to get out of hand, Kion tells Ono to stay with the herd and goes off to consult with his grandfather, Mufasa. Mufasa tells his grandson that the dry season is difficult because there is less food and water, which causes animals to make poor decisions. He also warns Kion to be careful to not lose control of the Roar of the Elders.

Unbeknownst to Kion, his conversation is being overheard by a young female mandrill. After Kion's conversation is over, she introduces herself as Makini and tells him she's Rafiki's new apprentice. Makini gushes over what she had heard, but Kion tells her not to go talking too much about it. Unbeknownst to the pair, Ushari has heard everything.

Suddenly, Ono flies onto the scene and tells Kion that Janja and his crew are at it again. This time, they're attacking the baboons who have started following Ma Tembo's herd. The Lion Guard arrives and have the elephants go into a rocky gorge. Kion then blasts the hyenas away with the Roar of the Elders.

With the hyenas gone, the baboons reveal that they are following Ma Tembo to a new water source. Ma Tembo resumes her search for a new water source while a concerned Kion decides to talk to his father.

Elsewhere, Kion talks to his father about his concerns, but Simba assures his son that life is full of responsibilities and that one must face them head-on.

At the Lair of the Lion Guard, Makini asks Rafiki if there is a way to talk to Scar, and Kion listens as Rafiki explains that it depends on if the Great Lion is good or bad. The Great Lions of the Past are the lions that appear when Kion uses the Roar. However, the Evil Lions of the Past like Scar appear in fire if they are unleashed by the Roar and the bakora staff.

In the meantime, Rafiki introduces the royal family to Makini, who goes with Kiara to help Ma Tembo find a new water source. In the Outlands, Ushari and Janja decide to summon Scar. They decide to get Makini's bakora staff, and to attack one of Kion's loved ones and bring them there, since Kion's Roars are at their most powerful when he's angry.

The hyenas kidnap Kiara and take Makini's bakora staff. While the rest of the Guard rescues her, Janja tricks Kion by getting him to use the Roar out of anger, causing the volcano to erupt. When Janja throws Makini's staff into the volcano, Scar is successfully summoned, giving the Lion Guard's enemies their own spirit guide.

Back in the Pride Lands, Kion looks on as Ma Tembo finally finds a new water source.

In the Lair of the Lion Guard, Makini and the Lion Guard discuss how Scar was defeated by Simba, which inspired the Kumbuka celebration. Bunga tries to argue that his uncles, Timon and Pumbaa, are the true heroes, since they distracted the hyenas, but the rest of the Lion Guard credits Simba with the victory.

At Pride Rock, the Pride Landers sing "Good King Simba" in honor of the Kumbuka celebration. However, in the midst of the festivities, Sumu stings Simba's tail and then banks a hasty retreat as Simba collapses to the ground. Rafiki rushes to the king's side and examines the sting, determining that it had been inflicted by a scorpion. Kion sends Ono to find the scorpion, and together, the Lion Guard chases him into the Outlands.

With the scorpion gone, the Lion Guard returns to Pride Rock, where Simba has weakened severely. Rafiki explains that the only cure is volcanic ash, which can be found in the Outlands, and tasks the Lion Guard with retrieving it. Bunga offers to carry the gourd that will hold the ash, but when he almost breaks it, Rafiki orders Makini to accompany the team.

Back in the Outlands, Scar gets word of Sumu's success and directs his army to intercept them. The plan works, with Kiburi, Reirei, Janja, and their respective clans slowing down the Lion Guard's progress through the Outlands. At last, the Lion Guard reaches the inner volcano, where Makini places a pinch of the ash in her gourd.

As the team turns to leave, Scar arises from the flames and reveals himself to Kion, admitting his part in the plan to kill Simba. Despite Scar's admission, Kion directs his team to leave, as he is worried about arriving too late to save his father. Scar then calls his army forward, and they corner the Lion Guard at the edge of the lava.

With no option left, Kion steps forward to use the Roar of the Elders. Scar tries to warn Kion that his roar will only cause the volcano to erupt, but Kion informs Scar that he knows more about the roar than Scar ever did. He then uses the roar carefully to blow away Scar's army, and the Lion Guard makes a quick escape.

Scar sends Mzingo and his parliament after the Lion Guard, and the vultures nearly wrestle the gourd from Makini. However, the rest of the team arrives just in time to fend off the vultures, and Kion uses his roar to ensure that they are not delayed again.

The Lion Guard continues racing across the savanna, with Kion watching the sun worriedly. Fuli informs Kion that she can reach Pride Rock in time, but that she cannot carry the gourd herself. Bunga then volunteers to ride Fuli and carry the gourd himself, and the two race ahead of the rest of the Lion Guard.

Later, Kion and the rest of the team arrive at Pride Rock, where Simba is weak, but recovering. Rafiki orders everyone to leave Simba to his recovery, but Kion insists that he must talk to his father. He then explains to Rafiki that Scar has returned, and Rafiki worriedly agrees that Kion must speak to Simba once the king has recovered.

After speaking with Rafiki, Kion joins the rest of the Lion Guard and declares that their duty is to protect the Pride Lands. They then stare out over the kingdom, as Kion reminds them that they can defeat Scar.

The Lion Guard rushes to stop Bupu's herd and Laini and her galagos from stampeding. Once calm, the groups admit to having been scared of a jackal attack, and the Lion Guard concludes that the Pride Landers must unite against the threat of the Outlanders. They gather together Bupu's herd, Laini's group, Ma Tembo's herd, and Mbeya's crash.

At first, the Pride Landers are tense, but Kion works to defuse the tension. He instructs the animals to race toward Bunga. However, the event soon gets out of hand, for the animals trip over the galagos and end up in a heap.

Kion then gets the idea to call Makuu the crocodile for help. Makuu begrudgingly agrees to help, but his training is too rigorous and ruthless for the other Pride Landers to master. Kion urges Makuu to be kinder to his fellow Pride Landers, but Makuu leaves in a huff and vows to only look out for his own float if trouble should arise.

Unbeknownst to the Pride Landers, Shupavu and Njano spy on the proceedings and report back to Scar. Scar decides to attack Makuu's watering hole since the crocodiles' alliance with Kion is fraying.

The Army of Scar besieges Makuu's float, with Kiburi targeting Makuu. Ono witnesses the battle and reports his findings to Kion. Together, the Lion Guard and their Pride Lander allies storm the watering hole and fight off the Army of Scar.

At Big Springs, Timon and Pumbaa wander by on the trail of a slug. No sooner have they left when Makini arrives and shows off a plant root that will be part of her mpando mpaya, which is the traditional planting of a new baobab tree by a Royal Mjuzi. This prompts Kion to chase after Timon and Pumbaa, and ask them to perform at Makini's mpando mpaya. That way, the Pride Landers will treat it like a celebratory event and have their spirits raised. Delighted, Timon and Pumbaa agree.

At Mizimu Grove, Rafiki and Simba announce the celebration, and Timon and Pumbaa perform their song ("Tujiinue"). In the midst of the celebration, the Army of Scar attacks, and the Pride Landers rise up to defend themselves. The battle pauses when Scar appears in the flames and threatens to overtake the entirety of the Pride Lands. Frightened by Scar's unexpected appearance, the remaining Pride Landers flee Mizimu Grove.

Kion uses the Roar of the Elders to defeat the Outlanders, while Simba deliberates what to do with Ma Tembo. He approaches the Pride Landers once the Lion Guard has calmed them and admits that he has had knowledge of Scar's return for some time. The Pride Landers disapprove of his dishonesty, though Ma Tembo notes that she understands why he'd kept it a secret. The herds deliberate whether they should leave the Pride Lands, and Simba tells them to inform him of their decision the following morning at Pride Rock.

That night, Kion seeks advice from his grandfather, Mufasa, who suggests that he hold on to hope even in the darkest of times. After their talk, Kion notices something on the ground and rushes off to speak to the Pride Landers. At Pride Rock, he interrupts Simba's somber opening statement and implores the Pride Landers to follow him to Mizimu Grove before they decide to leave the kingdom.

The herds follow Kion to Pride Rock, where Makini's baobab tree seed has survived the fire. This inspires the Pride Landers to remain in the kingdom and work together to defeat Scar. Makini then plants her baobab tree as the Pride Landers look on.

Adolescence
"I do have another choice, Scar. Something only one Lion Guard can do to another: I forgive you."

- Kion refuses forgiveness to Scar, rather than anger

For several months, Kion leads the Pride Landers in an epic struggle against Scar and his army as they attempt to overtake the Pride Lands. Over time, Kion and his friends grow older, with Kion's Roar becoming especially powerful. Eventually, Simba informs Kion that they must take the fight to Scar in the Outlands. Kion agrees, as does Jasiri and her clan. Together, the Lion Guard gathers the other Pride Landers at Pride Rock to prepare for an assault on Scar's volcano. Unbeknownst to the Pride Landers, Scar's skinks overhear their plans to assault the Outlands.

Across the savanna, the Pride Landers continue to train together. That night, Janja and his clan bait the Lion Guard into following them into the Lair of the Lion Guard. At the same time, Kiburi, Goigoi, and their allies set fire to Pride Rock, trapping the Lion Guard and Janja's clan in the Lair. The Lion Guard uses an underground pool to escape the Lair, along with Janja's clan.

No sooner has the Lion Guard escaped when Scar appears in the flames of Pride Rock and tells the Pride Landers to abandon their home. Simba refuses to surrender, and Scar mocks him for not having the power to defeat him. As the flames die down, so does Scar, with a final menacing laugh. After the fight, Jasiri arrives with Janja and implores the Pride Landers to trust him. Janja explains what Scar had told him about Kion's ability to defeat Scar once and for all. The Pride Landers then resolve to assault the Outlands and use Kion's Roar to take out Scar.

Later, the Pride Landers assault the Outlands in the battle of Kenya, and the Lion Guard breaks into the volcano's inner chamber. Ushari sneaks up on Kion and slashes his eye, giving him a scar and injecting him with venom. Scar taunts Kion, asserting that Kion is now marked by evil and has the same destiny as Scar himself. Kion's life force is drained to Scar, who rejuvenates himself in the process. But instead of giving in to his anger, Kion summons the Great Kings of the Past, who judge Scar by sending down, before carefully using the Roar to disintegrate his body.

After the fight, the Pride Landers celebrate their victory. Jasiri becomes the leader of the Outlanders, with help from Janja and his clan. However, Ono mourns the loss of his sight due to too much exposure to smoke and volcanic fumes. The Lion Guard decides to bring both Kion and Ono before Rafiki for healing. Along the way, Kion's scar causes him so much pain that he accidentally uses the Roar on Bunga after being told by the voices of Scar, Ushari, Mama Binturong, Makucha, Chuluun, Ora, Smun, Jiona and Fahari. He tells Rafiki how much he has been suffering, and Rafiki tells the Lion Guard that they must travel to the Tree of Life for healing. In Ono's stead, Anga becomes the Keenest of Sight, while Kion reappoints Ono to be the Smartest.

The group leaves the Pride Lands shortly after, along with Makini, to find the Tree of Life. The Pride Landers gather on the morning of their departure to bid them farewell.

During Kiara's first hunt and Zira's ambush, Kion and Ono were healed by the Night Pride at the Tree of Life.

Soon, Azaad comes and Fuli asks Rani how she knows him. She says that he's been to the Tree of Life before. Rani asks why he's here and Azaad says that he was showing travelers how to get to the Tree of Life. Kion's friends, Janja and Jasiri, come and tell the guard that Zira and her Pride have come into the Outlands. Kion knows that it's his duty to protect the Pride Lands from Zira and decides to head back. Makini chooses to stay since she's now Rani's Royal Mjuzi. Rani says goodbye to the Guard and tells Kion that she meant what she said and Rani hopes that maybe the Roar will return to the Tree of Life again someday.

While running in the Outlands to get home, Jasiri spots Madoa, Cheezi and Chungu. Kion asks if what happened to Zira. Madoa says they're not sure since they were hiding. Mzingo and his vultures soon show up and are happy to see Jasiri home. Jasiri asks the vultures if they would help settle peace in the Pride Lands. They agree and goes with the Lion Guard. Anga soon spots a strange lion with dark fur on top of Pride Rock. Jasiri says that it's Kovu. Anga doesn't see Kion's family and soon Vitani and a group of lionesses stop them in their tracks, warning the "Outlanders" that they won't invade. Vitani barks out orders to Shabaha, Kasi, Imara and Tazama, to attack Kion and his friends. Vitani, prompting Kion to ready his roar. His friends gather behind him as he orders. Suddenly, when he notices Kovu sliding down the wall behind her, Kion calls for Kiara to move out of the way for her safety, but Kiara refuses, blocking him from using the Roar against Vitani's Lion Guard or Kovu. She explains that Zira's Pride has joined theirs, and Vitani finally recognizes Kiara's little brother, although she admits it was hard to with his scar, and when he was surrounded by Outlanders. They learn that Zira has completed her journey through the Circle of Life, and Kiara offers to explain it all back on Pride Rock. After thanking Jasiri, they head home.

When they arrive back at Pride Rock, Kion is reunited with his parents, and Azaad is given an introduction. Although curious about Makini's absence, Rafiki announces that Janna was right all along about Makini's true destiny at the Tree of Life. Before long, the subject of Zira is risen again, and Rafiki guides them to the lower section of Pride Rock where cave paintings detail the story. Rafiki, Kovu and Kiara explain how Kovu was raised to believe that Simba was the enemy. However, after getting to know them both, he and Kiara stood between the two prides when they engaged in a showdown, telling them that, as lions, (we) are one. Zira's lionesses, including Vitani, saw that this was true, and joined forces. Zira was unable to get past her hate, and thus it led to her destruction. After hearing all that they had missed, the Lion Guard learn that they were missed themselves, and reunions for all of them soon take place.

That night, the royal family, including the new prince Kovu, smile towards Mufasa as he leaves their sight from the clouds. All but Kion return to the den, prompting Kiara to sit alongside her brother to see what's troubling him. She learns about Queen Rani and instantly detects her brother's sorrow. With Kion confessing that he misses her, Kiara suggests that maybe he could go back someday, and how she was sure that their parents would understand. The Lion Guard decides to go into their lair, but the lair is occupied by Vitani's Lion Guard and they argue over who should be the Lion Guard. Suddenly, Laini rushes into the lair saying that there's an emergency which turns out to be Thurston getting the front part of his body stuck in a hole. Both Lion Guards argue over what to do and Azaad solves the problem by telling Thurston to just walk backwards and he's out of the hole instantly. Kion and Vitani know that this isn't going to work and they don't know how to decide who should be the Lion Guard. Thurston suggests that they decide the Zebra way and have a contest which they agree on.

The contest is witnessed by the entire Pride Lands. The contest is a best of five challenges between both Lion Guards, where the members that represent their roles on the team (Fiercest, Bravest, Fastest, Strongest, and Keenest-of-Sight) face off against each other to see which is better at their role. Since Ono's role is the Smartest and that role isn't in Vitani's Lion Guard, Ono acts as the referee for the contest. With the contest tied at two-to-two, Kion and Vitani have to face each other with Vitani calling for a mashindano. Kion tells Vitani that she's no match for him when he has the roar and she tells him that she's fierce enough to lead the Lion Guard without the Roar. Kion remembers what Askari told him that only one who can let go of the roar completely can truly master it. Kion then forfeits the last challenge saying that Vitani proved she was the fiercest by challenging him despite not having the roar. Vitani's Lion Guard wins the contest and Kion gives the Mark of the Guard to Vitani along with the ability to use the Roar of the Elders. Due to that, Kion and the old Lion Guard lose their Marks of the Guard which depresses them.

Suddenly, Askari appears in the sky and tells Kion that he has truly mastered the roar by letting it go. Kion is confused about why he would still need the roar if he's not the leader of the Lion Guard anymore. Askari tells Kion there's another place that could use the roar's help and Kion realizes he's talking about the Tree of Life. The Mark of the Night Pride that was given to Kion by Queen Janna before her death appears on Kion's shoulder. Kion asks his friends if they want to help Queen Rani protect the Tree of life? All of the old Lion Guard members accept the offer and the Mark of the Night Pride replaces the Mark of the Guard on their bodies. Vitani wonders what Kion meant by mastering the roar and Kion shows her by using the roar to lift the entire Pride Rock off the ground and back down again.

Young adulthood
"We're gonna make a great team." "We already do."

- Kion and Rani

One year later, the Pride Lands' animals gather at the Tree of Life to see Kion's ascension to King of the Tree of Life (the ceremony also doubles as his wedding to Rani). Rani tells Kion she's happy the Roar has returned again and Kion affirms it's here to stay and they both tell each other they're looking forward to ruling the Tree of Life together. Makini puts the mark of the King on Kion's forehead and declares him King of the Tree of Life which causes the crowd to erupt in cheers. After roaring in praise, Kion tells Rani they'll make a great team and Rani responds that they already do. Makini ends the coronation by revealing their infant cub, holding her up.

Family

 * Simba (father)
 * Nala (mother)
 * Kiara (sister)
 * Rani (mate)
 * Unnamed cub (daughter)
 * Mufasa (paternal grandfather) †
 * Unnamed maternal grandfather
 * Sarabi (paternal grandmother)
 * Sarafina (maternal grandmother)
 * Kovu (brother-in-law)
 * Scar (great-uncle) †
 * Askari (distant relative) †
 * Timon (adoptive great-uncle)
 * Pumbaa (adoptive great-uncle)
 * Bunga (adoptive uncle)
 * Ma (adoptive great-great-aunt)
 * Max (adoptive great-great-uncle)

Quotes
"♪ If we do what you suggest, we'd be evil and cruel. Using force and threat, that is no away to rule. [...] Stay noble and grand. We must protect the land. [...] Friendships and kindness will always find us. ♪"

- Kion to Zira

Behind the scenes

 * Kion is voiced by Max Charles.