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The Pridelander-Outsider Battle, Mizimu Grove…
Nala leapt from Vitani and promptly left her in the dust as she went to protect her King.
The Outsider growled. She let her target get away. Her mother’s orders to end the Queen rang in her head. No matter how exhausted she was from fighting, she had no choice but to appease her mother’s bloodlust. Perhaps some animals really did need to die for things to go right in the end…
Before she could even leap forward to pursue Nala, something pale blurred before her. The small, young lioness snarled with as fierce of a face as she could make for herself.
“If you wanna get to the Queen, you’re gonna have to get through me!”
“No problem, pipsqueak.” Vitani scoffed. She couldn’t believe how bold this soft little Pridelander was. She looked like she hadn’t worked a day in her life. The lioness almost reminded Vitani of her tough, younger self, almost…
The Outsider snarled as her paw gathered momentum, and was moments away from striking her unexpected opponent. This would be too easy…
Before she could move a muscle, out of the corner of her eye, two lions leapt into the battlefield, fixing themselves between their respective parents.
“Kiara?”
The Pridelander overheard her King’s voice. Kiara? She came back?!
She sprung out of harm’s way, as Vitani had been too distracted by the sight. So much so that she’d unconsciously lowered her paw. She even found herself following the strange Pridelander, still looking at her mother and brother, perplexed. Anger from Kovu’s abandonment over the pride still burned inside her, from the permanent scowl fixed on her face.“KOVU! Move…”
Vitani watched her brother stand his ground. Anger from him abandoning the pride earlier still burned inside her, from the permanent scowl fixed on her face.
“Daddy, this has to stop.”
“But, they –”
“Them? Us. They are us. What differences do you see? Aren’t we all part of the Circle of Life?”
Vitani released her tense form, figuratively dropping her weapons. When her eyes met the King’s, she could see he was capable of mercy and an open mind, unlike anything her mother made him out to be.
The Pridelanders never truly wanted to be a threat, and Vitani didn’t want to have to fight her way to victory anymore. Perhaps there was still a chance to make things easier for everyone. No one else had to die today…
But her mother had other ideas. She demanded Vitani deliver a fatal attack. To who, everyone at the same time? It made no sense. Mother was making less and less sense, and was far from listening to anyone. Vitani had to be bold, and oppose the order.
Her decision was final when she stood by her brother’s side. The Pridelander stood by her lifelong friend, and the two exchanged confused looks at Zira’s daughter’s sudden mercy.
“If you will not fight, then you will die as well…”
_______
Present Day…
Vitani remained lying inside the termite mound, still, and on her back, paws resting limply on her chest.
A fresh wave of uncontrollable sobs hit Tiifu as her earliest memories of Vitani flooded in. In an effort to finally move on, she somberly left the termite mound, but not before giving her love one final kiss.
The healer lioness took deep breaths as she soaked in the soft pink sunrise cutting through the cool gray fog. She’d realized she hadn’t left Vitani’s side for several hours. She rubbed her eyes with a paw, glancing up.
“Okay,” she said to herself, “you can do this. You need to be with your family.”
She looked down at her paws. She could hardly lift one paw to leave. She let herself collapse. She didn’t know who she was anymore without Vitani.
A flash sparked from within the large termite mound. Outside, Tiifu ducked instinctively, nearly jumping out of her skin from the following clap.
A thunderous beat sent a violent surge throughout the limp body once resting inside. With a deep, sharp gasp, Vitani’s form straightened with involuntary force. The Lion Guard leader took in as much greatly-missed air into her now-working lungs.
Trembling, she looked around erratically until her eyes settled on her paws. Paws that could feel the ground beneath her. She could feel her claws digging a familiar substance.
She was in the termite mound. Her old home. Alive.
Tiifu rose, not believing what she heard. It couldn’t be…
With slow, hobbled steps, Vitani emerged from the termite mound, still taking in air as if it were her first time breathing it.
The pride healer let out a cry as she bounded for the risen Lion Guard Leader. Vitani nearly buckled from the impact, still weak and getting used to function over her legs.
“Is this real?” Tiifu sobbed again, “I really thought you were dead for sure…”
Vitani pieced together what must’ve happened. She was unsure herself how things are the way they are, or why Nuka gave her another chance. She wondered if she’d even made it to the afterlife at all.
She cupped a paw under Tiifu’s chin, speaking softly, “I never was…”
The spotted lioness blinked her last few tears away, smiling softly. She glanced back toward the direction of the Backlands.
“Well, come on! Kovu doesn’t know you’re alive yet! Let’s – Vitani…?”
She felt Vitani let go of her embrace, and watched her stare ahead. She could swear she saw Vitani’s eyes glow a bit. She tried to get a better look by turning the Fiercest’s head down to face her.
“Vitani…”
“I know…” the Fiercest said flatly before following a glowing trail that suddenly formed. The trail grew as the echoing voices got louder.
Tiifu frowned, concerned. “Where are you going?”
Tiifu couldn’t see it, Vitani realized. She looked down at her Mark of the Guard, seeing it glow much like the path. This was something beyond the living realm. This was a call only the Leader of the Guard could answer.
“I’m going somewhere you cannot follow.” she finally answered.
The glow in Vitani’s eyes became more intense. Tiifu couldn’t understand what she was seeing, let alone what she was just told.
“Tell everyone I’m alive.” the Fiercest continued, “I’ll be back soon.”
She began to cautiously follow the ghostly trail to wherever it took her.
“Oh… Okay.” Tiifu slowly processed everything, “Okay, I will!”
The spotted lioness ran the direction of the Backlands. She still couldn’t believe it.
Vitani was alive…
_______
The Outlands…
All of the hyena clan watched as their surroundings dried up and withered away. Jasiri’s eyes remained wide and haunted as all her hard work to restore and maintain her homeland vanished in an instant.
“Kiburi just told me his float’s pond is gone.” said Janja, “This drought is spreadin’ pretty fast if it’s already gotten that far…”
The matriarch turned, “Janja, this is no drought. This is something else. Something… unnatural. We have to tell the Pridelanders.”
“I believe the Pridelanders already found out.” said a voice high above them.
“Mzingo? Please elaborate.” Jasiri said. Her heart pounding anxiously.
“My parliament and I just had a look,” he said, “the whole land is completely waterlogged! No sign of life from what I could gather.”
The hyena clan murmured amongst themselves.
“Mzingo, please double-check!” Jasiri begged. There is no way everyone could be dead…
“Yes, Prime Minister!” the vulture flew back up.
Just then, the ground began to crumble beneath everyone’s paws. Panic ensued across the land.
“Jasiri!” the teen hyena Wema ran to her matriarch, “What are we gonna do?”
“Outlanders!” the Outlands’ leader called, “We must prepare to evacuate!”
The ground continued to crumble until it tilted, knocking the hyena off her feet. She nearly fell, but was caught by a large paw. She looked up to see her friend Kiara, alive.
“Come with us! We’ll help you find a place to stay!” she said, “We’ll explain everything.”
“Come on!” Kovu cried to Janja, directing him.
“Outlanders! Follow them!” the Prime Minister commanded.
Kiara and Kovu guided the Outlanders to safety at the Backlands border. Jasiri and Janja were gathered with the future Queen and King, discussing their plans to reside in Queen Dhahabu’s land. Meanwhile, the Outlands’ residents mingled with Pridelanders they hadn’t seen for some time. Old friends and new. They were all in the same position, now, and past rivalries didn’t matter anymore.
“So, what’s goin’ on?” asked Janja, “What’s up with the weather?”
“Zira’s back.” Kovu said darkly, “She returned the same way Scar did, but as water. She drowned the Pridelands, and wants to do the same with the Outlands.”
“Zira…” Jasiri mumbled. She remembered the lioness who tried to separate her and Kion. “I remember her domineering ways. Makes sense for her to throw the Circle of Life off-balance.”
Janja had his own memories of an elemental spirit. He hadn’t been the same confident leader since Scar took advantage of him and kept him on-edge for the longest time.
Kovu fought back tears, “She took Vitani, too. She’ll stop at nothing until we’re all gone.”
The two hyenas were aghast. Their new friend, one of Zira’s cubs who chose to be different from her, was punished by having her life taken.
“Oh, Kovu…” Jasiri placed a paw on his shoulder, “I’m so sorry…”
As they conversed, Kiara stood back. She found herself unable to focus. The more and more she heard about everyone’s accounts of knowing Zira, she could hear the lioness’ voice ringing in her head, as if she were still controlling her mind.
When she saw Jasiri and Janja, faded memories of her taking Kiume’s life in the Outlands were becoming more realized, the sight of the Pridelanders made her remember the shock when Zira used her voice to be rude, dismissive, and bigoted.
The lack of control and violation over her body would never be forgotten.
Her thoughts began to race at breakneck speeds. How Zira’s mind worked, how much Zira learned through Kiara’s eyes, the uncertain future…
“I’m sorry, I need to step away for a second –” the Future Queen quickly turned the other way. Her trot turned to running until she was deep in the grove.
“Kiara – !” her husband followed.
Kovu eventually found Kiara. He rushed to her, and nuzzled her shoulder and neck.
“I’m here.” he purred, “What’s going on?”
“What if the Backlands isn’t a good idea? What if we can’t outrun her? What if you were right, Kovu?”
“I’m sorry, Kiara. I got caught up in the moment. I didn’t mean to put that idea in your head.”
“It’s all starting to flow back, Kovu.” she panicked, “If I have her memories, then what if she could have mine?! What if she knows about the Backlands? I just don’t know how to keep anyone safe from her. And the cubs are going to grow up without a Lion Guard, now... Zira will just stop at nothing!”
“We’ll still try for the Backlands. We know it’s a safe haven. We could at least rest there for a few days.”
“Kovu,” she sniffed, “I know you’re worried about fatherhood, but you’re actually doing a better job than you think right now. D’you know that?”
The lion didn’t know what to say. Nothing could ever truly convince him he’ll mess up in parenthood, but Kiara’s words lifted him up every time. He was happy his words did the same for her.
_______
Meanwhile, far from the Outlands…
Vitani kept following the whispers until she’d finally arrived in a strange region. The land was quiet, empty, and full of a variety of evergreen trees. It stuck out from the rest of the continent.
She looked down and saw a large, almost perfectly round lake full of somewhat iridescent water. Glancing up, she saw clouds rapidly circling above. Other than that, it was empty and still. At least, it seemed to be…
She slowly made her way down. Hesitating, she slowly placed one paw after the other in the pool out of curiosity, still listening for the voices.
While deeply focused, she hadn’t noticed the giraffe stepping her way.
“Oh – !” she ducked, though, not on time.
She could’ve sworn the giraffe’s leg would hit her, but it instead clipped through her.
“What…?” she muttered.
She looked around. There were suddenly more animals in the lake of all kinds – elephants, gorillas, jackals, hippos. They didn’t make a splash in the water.
“What is this…?”
The clouds above her began to take on animalistic shapes as they coiled downward to the water.
“Welcome, Vitani...” said a recognizable, deep, booming voice.
“...Askari?” Vitani squinted.
“Yes, young one.” the large, red-maned lion confirmed, “Welcome to Mwongozo Crater. A place where all animals can seek guidance from the deceased.”
“Who are they?” the living lioness gestured to the other six lions, “You look like lions I’ve seen before in paintings…”
“We are all the previous Leaders of the Lion Guard.” Askari answered, “We are here to offer you wisdom we have learned in life.”
“The Lions of the Past?” Vitani was almost incredulous, “But… I could never speak to you before… How is this possible?”
“All is possible in this sacred place…” Askari answered, “But, more importantly, your brother led you here.”
Nuka…
“I do have a lot to talk about as the current Leader.” Vitani straightened, trying to look formal in front of these ancient legends, “There’s much chaos I let loose. It would be great help if I could ask for your wisdom.”
“Very well.” Askari smiled softly.
The lions settled in the pool, circling Vitani. Their paws did not create ripples, nor did they have reflections, differentiating them from their living successor. Askari was first in the line-up.
“You may remember me for guiding Kion back to the Tree of Life. I discovered the Roar there, and decided it was time the Tree of Life needed it again, just as the Pridelands still do.”
“You wouldn’t believe what I did with it.” Vitani sighed, “I can’t stop destroying stuff or summoning Evil Lions of the Past. I sometimes wish I never had it.”
“My uncle has put it best, but the Roar is how the spirits remind the wielder that everything has a balance that could easily be tipped.” said Wajibu, the second Leader, “A balanced mind is key.”
“Using it sparingly is something you and I have in common.” said Mkali, the third Leader, “But you must think ahead for each one.”
“I have learned from my old ways to never again use it to intimidate others, only to protect others.” added Takasa, the fourth Leader, “I wish Scar could have learned this. It’s a shame his actions are why he cannot be with all of us.”
“Yes, I heard you extinguished him with rain.” Vitani recalled, “But, what about a water spirit? Have any of you dealt with one in life?”
“A water spirit may be new to us, young leader, but it can’t hurt to learn a little more about the Roar.” said Nkosi, the fifth Leader, “We know you feel different about having it, but we can teach you at least one last lesson.”
“When my Lion Guard dealt with an invasion of powerful painted dogs, my uncle Nkosi and I co-created something that would counteract their power – the Lightning Roar.” added Kijani, the sixth Leader, “The Lightning Roar became my signature move for the rest of the time I had it, and I had studied its properties, including its conductivity with water.”
“You may stay here and study the ways you can manipulate water with lightning when we teach you to channel it.” Nkosi added.
“And when I learn this… I’ll know how to stop my mother for good…” Vitani’s eyes shut. She already mourned for the mother she once thought she had, but she was mourning her a second time, even after discovering what kind of lion her mother became.
“Knowing when someone you once loved must go is a mortifying realization, and a very difficult decision. My student betrayed me, then everyone, and I realized with the rest of the Lions of the Past that he could not hurt anyone anymore.” added Moyo.
Vitani nodded in resignation, shutting her eyes. She felt like she would never be ready. Everything brought her back to where she started when moving to the Pridelands. What mattered more? What pleased Mother, or finding her own path?
She never saw herself as her own person enough to ever feel like she mattered more than those she looked up to.
However… she was given another shot at life. Perhaps her purpose was to stay for everyone.
She looked up again, recognizing the lion spirit’s appearance and significance, “It’s Moyo, right? You led my grandfather in your Guard, didn’t you?”
“My Keenest of Sight,” he nodded, “before he fell from grace. I realize now just how much damage he’s caused. He is why Scar and Zira were able to become the kinds of spirits they are. Why you’re here asking us for guidance now.”
“It’s not your fault.” Vitani sighed, “He was never gonna change. All you could do was watch…”
The lion spirits exchanged looks, realizing their current leader’s words.
Vitani realized right then that this was final. Mother or not, she had to stop Zira once and for all.
“I’m ready to begin my training.”
_______
At the coast of Mombasa Beach...
The moon barely peeked over the horizon. The orange sliver – colored by the day's dust and smoke – illuminated the shapes of the waves churning from the tides.
Hadada ibises continued to squawk as they made themselves at home in palm trees. A yellow baboon curiously chased and tormented a sea turtle hatchling as it was pulled by the tides repeatedly.
Just then, the tide pulled especially far into itself. The baboon watched in amusement as the turtle was sucked up.
Oddly, the turtle wasn't being pushed back when it the baboon fully expected it to. The baboon was too distracted by the oddness, that it hadn't noticed the gargantuan wave about to crash down.
The primate gave a loud screech as it finally saw the wave fall.
The turtle felt at-home as it rode the wave, not knowing just how far the wave was being taken.
Something, or someone, was stirring the order of things.
As planned...
_______
The Backlands…
Kiara, Jasiri, and Dhahabu all stood by Iroko Tree, discussing their plans for the near-future.
“That’s so sad that you lost your land. I remember when you had too little water. Now the problem is too much.” Dhahabu’s voice cracked a bit. She was a bit choked up. “I’ve never heard of a water spirit, or this Zira. A lot sure goes on out there.”
“Yes. And now she’s going to attack the Outlands.” Jasiri added, “Kiara said she knows this is a safe place.”
“I know there’s going to be a lot of us in your land.” Kiara frowned, “If it’s too much, we can figure something else out. Someplace Zira won’t know about…”
“No need.”
Everyone looked to the source of the voice standing atop a hill. To their shock and disbelief, it was the Leader of the Lion Guard, believed to be dead after Kovu broke the news. Her eyes and Mark of the Guard glowed ominously.
“I believe I may have something that could stop Zira. We have to stop her before she could even touch the Outlands. We have to take the battle to the Pridelands…”
Murmurs broke out between the crowds of animals.
“Of course, anyone who needs to rest should stay here.” she continued, “Other than that. I’m going out there to find my friends, and rid the Pridelands of Zira once and for all.”
A few enthusiastic cheers could be heard amongst the concerned and hesitant murmuring. Vitani descended from the hill, following Tiifu.
The first thing Vitani walked into was Kovu’s tight hug and nuzzle, “You’re alive!”
Kiara walked up to the siblings, “Vitani, how is this possible?”
“It’s complicated, really.” she shot a look at her girlfriend, “...And Miss Tiifu, here, was supposed to let you know that much earlier.”
“Wasn’t quite sure how to get here from the Termite Mounds,” Tiifu turned to Kiara, “so I waited for her.”
“You’re incredibly loyal,” Vitani chuckled, “I can at least give you that.”
Just then, the Fiercest frowned a bit. She walked away, facing the Pridelands.
“Vitani, think about this.” Kovu said, “What if we lose you again, for real?”
“Not without liberating the Pridelands from Mother and seeing if my Guard is safe.” she said, “That’s the least I should do.”
“You won’t be alone in this fight.”
“I don’t know, Kiara, if you get hurt –”
“You at least need others to help you get far in this fight. Alone, you’ll lose immediately. We stayed by your side against Zira before. We’ll do it again.”
Vitani fought back a lump in her throat. She could never get over Kiara’s kind words.
“We fight at moonrise.” Kovu said, resigned, “Let’s do this.”
_______
The Pridelands…
Kiara, Kovu, and Vitani arrived at the Pridelands. At moonrise, as declared.
They were all shocked by the different landscape it took on. It had been nothing but an ocean, with rocks and hills jutting out, forming an archipelago that was barely safe to hop across.
They looked ahead to see an ominous, large cloud above what they all agreed must’ve been where she would spawn. They all exchanged looks before each hopping on different islands to hurry.
The sight and action had taken Kiara and Kovu back to the day they first met. They mistook crocodiles for logs, and nearly lost their young lives to that naïve mistake. Now, they risked their lives and kingdom for a battle they never would have imagined.
They all arrived on a prominent rock – what must’ve been a piece of Pride Rock – and firmly stood their ground.
“Zira, I know you’re out there. Show yourself.” Vitani called boldly, “I’ve got one last bone to pick with you.”
The waters rapidly swirled and swelled as the clouds spiralled. The clouds pulled the water up from the ground in an impossibly large waterspout.
Before them was an intimidating sight. Zira was at her largest. Animals the three lions had never seen before in their lives swam aimlessly in their lioness-shaped aquarium.
“Oh, isn’t this a surprise! So, you’ve all decided you’re done running and have come to challenge me?” the water spirit’s voice boomed.
Zira’s great paws rose from the rushing ocean. Just then, four figures rose. They sported the same blue glow in their eyes as Zira, and moved unnaturally.
“Too bad the same couldn’t be said for your oh-so-brave Lion Guard…”
Vitani gasped at the sight. She looked at her Guard clearly trying to resist Zira’s control over the water and blood in their bodies. She could almost hear their groans in pain past the rushing of the seafoam and windstorms.
Tears welled up in her eyes watching them suffer. The sight made Zira smile and chuckle wickedly.
Kiara gave her deepest scowl. The other two followed suit.
“This has gone too far. You want a challenge? Then, let’s settle the fate of the Pridelands Zira. Queen to Queen.”
To Be Continued.
_______
Author's Notes:
Yes, I believe Vitani first encountered Tiifu in the final battle in TLK 2. They didn't formally meet until much later when the prides were more used to each other.
And yes, I'm an "Aren't we all a part of the Circle of Life?"-truther. Ever since I watched the TLK 2 Workprint, I wished that last part of Kiara's speech was kept in there. It would've driven it home that Kiara was merciful and open-minded to the Outsiders.
Taka, my fan name for the fourth Lion Guard Leader, has been lengthened to Takasa. I originally jokingly repurposed the name "Taka" thinking "Askari" was officially Scar's birthname, but both Taka and Askari are valid names for him, so to avoid confusion, I distinguished the Lion Guard Leader's name a little.
EDIT 2/21/26: As some have noticed upon rereading, I've added a scene taking place at the coast just between Vitani's visit and Mwongozo and the Super Summit between Kiara, Jasiri, and Dhahabu. This scene was thought up much earlier but I JUST remembered I wanted it in there. I'm hoping it smoothens the plot out a little since I found the jumps between the two scenes really jarring.
Artist's Notes:
Mwongozo Crater's appearance is based on an existing World Heritage Site called Ngorongoro Crater, a crater lake in Tanzania said to be created by a volcanic eruption that caused the volcano to collapse in on itself, which in turn caused its extinction. Surrounding it is a prosperous national park known for its biodiversity and large populations of animals. I borrowed that concept and turned the place into a plentiful land where animals of all kinds practice rituals and worship to connect and make peace with their deceased ancestors. Mwongozo is "guidance" in Swahili, named for its purpose as a place to seek guidance and wisdom from Animals of the Past.
Throughout most of the drawing process, I've been trying to change my strategy of focusing on the dynamic composition and merely making poses exist before fretting about details.
This might just mark my very first time drawing Dhahabu. I want to draw her more as I have more headcanons for her.
In the last panel of Image 4, there are hills and trees characteristic of the Backlands and cliffs in the very back that are meant to resemble the ones bordering the Outlands as shown in TLK 2. This is because I headcanon that there's a point where the Backlands and Outlands' borders meet. I get this headcanon from the TLG episode Journey to the Pride Lands, where the Lion Guard attempts to return home through the dam at the very back of the Backlands, but they fail and figure they should circle around and enter through the Outlands, leading to the following episode where they meet Vitani's very own Lion Guard.
For Image 5, I sought the opportunity to draw a bull shark as they are considered African marine life. Fish are very underrepresented in TLK tbh
