Kion

 "Hevi Kabisa!"

- Kion, The Lion Guard

Kion is the son of Simba and Nala and the younger brother of Kiara. He is the fiercest member and leader of the Lion Guard, a group tasked with preserving and protecting the Pride Lands.

Appearance
Kion is very similar to his father in many aspects. He has the same black rim around his ears, and a golden pelt that is slightly more golden than his father, a trait likely inherited from his mother and her tawny pelt color. He has a paler shade under his stomach, on his feet and on his muzzle. He has a tuft of reddish-brown fur on his head with two shades, which is much larger and bushier than Simba's, and more pushed back instead of forward. His bushy tail also has this color. His eyes are dark orange-brown, neither his father's ruby or his mother's blue-green. He also possesses a pink nose, much like other Lions of the Pridelands.

His Mark of the Lion Guard imprinted in orange on his shoulder He also has various prints in a darker shade than his main fur color at the bottom of his legs.

Personality
Kion is a fierce lion who has a great sense of responsibility. He takes his position as leader of the Lion Guard very seriously, and strives to make sure that he never goes down the path that his great uncle Scar did. He is very hesitant on using the Roar of the Elders for anything other than protecting the Pride Lands as a result. Kion doesn't seem to care much for tradition, as shown by his desire to assemble a Lion Guard made up of much more than just lions. This also shows that he is open to change, so long as it is for the better.

Kion doesn't believe that fighting isn't always the answer to everything, as seen in The Rise of Makuu.

In Never Judge a Hyena by it's Spots, Kion had a distrusting of all hyenas believing that they were as bad as Janja and his clan. But upon meeting Jasiri, he began to understand them better as he realized that not all hyenas were bad.

The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar
Kion and his best friend, Bunga are playing on Pride Rock, where Kion's father, the ruler of the Pride Lands, Simba, is teaching his daughter Kiara about her future as queen of the Pride Lands. Kion and Bunga's game of Baobab Ball get in the way of his lesson, much to his sister's irritance. After Simba points out the importance of the lessons, the two take their fun into the Pride Lands to avoid further disturbances. The two continue their playing their game of baobab across the plains, but soon the Baobab rolls off into the Outlands. Kion is hesitant to go down, since his father strictly prohibited him from venturing there. Bunga, on the other hand, has no fear of the Outlands, and gladly leaps down. However, shortly after reclaiming the fruit, two hyenas - Cheezi and Chungu - grab Bunga, and plan to hand him over to their leader, Janja, for his lunch. Worried for his friend's safety, Kion lets loose a huge roar, which leaves the hyenas in shock, and giving Bunga a chance to climb back to safety. Bunga is curious as to how his friend produced such a roar, and Kion admits that he doesn't know how.

Meanwhile, Simba and Rafiki overhear the Roar. Simba at first does not believe that his son is ready, with him being a cub still. Kion and Bunga then arrive back at Pride Rock. Simba and Rafiki lead them both to a secret lair hidden within Pride Rock - The Lair of the Lion Guard. Simba explains to his son that his great uncle Scar was also gifted with the Roar of the Elders, and that he lost it by using it for evil by destroying his Guard. He also explains that it is now his turn to lead the guard, and that he must assemble the fiercest, bravest, fastest, strongest and keenest of sight. Kion doesn't hesitate to begin his mission, and immediately selects his friend Bunga, claiming that he doesn't know anyone braver than him. As Bunga rushes to tell his uncles, a vulture named Mzingo overhears the news of a new Lion Guard, and relays the news on to Janja, the leader of the hyenas. The pair concoct a scheme to take down as many animals as they can before the new Lion Guard is formed, starting that same day. Meanwhile, Kion has assembled a group which he believes best fit the criteria for being a member of the Lion Guard. This includes Fuli the cheetah, Beshte the hippopotamus and Ono the egret. Fuli wishes to see the fiercest member, to which Bunga encourages his friend to show her the roar. Kion is hesitant, as he does not wish to abuse his power like Scar. However, when he attempts to use it just for this occasion, all he can manage is a tiny squeak. Simba then arrives to see the new Guard, but soon tells Kion that the Lion Guard has always been made of lions. Kion, needing to be alone, wanders around the Pride Lands. A voice calls him from the clouds, and Kion peers up to see his grandfather, Mufasa there. Kion conveys his concerns to the King of the Past, believing that he is not ready for the responsibility yet, as well as his fear of turning out like Scar. Mufasa tells Kion to believe in himself, and promises to watch over him, before vanishing.

Bunga calls Kion, and tells him that the hyenas are attacking the gazelle. Kion and Bunga then rush off to find the rest of the Lion Guard. Once they are all together, Kion places his paw on each of his friend's shoulders, to give them the Mark of the Lion Guard. The Guard quietly make their way down to the gazelle's grazing grounds, before launching a surprise attack with Kion at the front of the group. With Ono taking care of Mzingo, the rest of the group focus on the hyenas. The hyenas soon start to make a desperate retreat. Simba, Nala, Tiifu and Rafiki arrive just in time to see the new Lion Guard chase the hyenas away.

Although they assume that their work is done, it turns out that his sister Kiara is still in danger. Kion quickly starts to wonder what they could do, though Bunga soon tells him that he can deal with it, along with Fuli. Kion tells Ono to go find Kiara, which he does so. Bunga manages to clear the gazelles away with a giant fart, rescuing Kiara in the process. With Kiara safe, the Lion Guard approaches Janja's clan. As Janja taunts Kion, the lion cub makes it clear that the Lion Guard is there to defend the Pride Lands. He lets out the Roar of the Elders, and the hyenas scramble back to the Outlands. After witnessing the whole event, Rafiki assures Simba that he is ready. As Kion and his Guard rush back to Pride Rock, Simba is happy to accept the new Lion Guard, acknowledging that it is now their time.

The Rise of Makuu
In The Rise of Makuu, Kion, Fuli, Beshte, Ono and Bunga rushing to the cry of an animal in trouble. Once they get close enough, they are disappointed to see that it is in fact a Hyrax stuck inside a thorn bush. Kion reminds them that their duty is to protect the Circle of Life, even if it means that some of their duties are less exciting. Bunga and Fuli save the hyrax, though the hyrax is soon repelled by Bunga's scent. Although Ono is disgusted by the scent, Kion tries to assure everyone that Bunga has always been a bit 'fragrant', whilst also holding back his own repulsion.

The crew decide to visit Big Springs, as Beshte gives them a demonstration of how he gets clean. With Beshte's father, Basi, explaining how the Circle of Life works for them. Bunga dives in, soaking Kion and Fuli, but the fish scatter away from his smell. Everyone laughs, until Pua arrives. As Basi invites him to come back next week when the fish should hopefully be ready, one crocodile, Makuu, shows annoyance at their leader's submission to the hippos. He challenges him to a Mashindano, which Basi explains to the youngsters is a fight to determine the leader. Kion immediately becomes concerned, and returns home.

Back home, Kion forwards his concerns to his mother and father. His sister Kiara asks her father if there's anything he can do after hearing her brother's concern, but Simba states that each animal has their own way of handling things, much to Kion's disappointment, and that he absolutely cannot interfere with an event such as this.

The Mashindano soon begins, with most of the Pride Lands coming to watch, constantly chanting as the two crocodiles face off. The battle rages on, with Pua using many techniques to pull Makuu down. Kion secretly cheers for Pua, not wishing to see Makuu in power after what he had witnessed from him back at Big Springs. However, Pua soon grows tired, and Makuu's youth secures him the victory, much to Kion's further disappointment. Simba congratulates Makuu on his win, and thanks Pua for his services over the years. Defeated, Pua leaves, as Basi explains that the loser is banished from the Crocodile Float. Kion watches Makuu slink into the water, worried more than ever.

In The Lair of the Lion Guard, the Lion Guard are relaxing, with Ono still trying to clean Bunga. Kiara suddenly appears with a worried expression on her face. After Beshte asks her what's wrong, she explains that Zazu has just informed her that a herd of giraffes have moved into the baboons' forest, and Simba is out hunting with Nala. With no one else to turn to, Kion quickly rushes out with the rest of the Lion Guard quickly, with Ono scouting out the areas.

Ono soon reveals that all of the animals in the Pride Lands have shifted their homes, with the apparent root of the problem being the crocodiles now living in Big Springs. Kiara then realizes that when the crocodiles pushed the hippos out, they in turn caused the other animals to move about in order to find a new home. Kion decides to talk with Makuu personally.

Kion and the Lion Guard make their way over to speak with Makuu, who, after being told to leave, refuses, stating that they were there to stay unless Kion wanted to fight. Although the rest of the Lion Guard are up for a fight, Kion refuses, stating that not everything needs to be settled with a fight. Although Makuu's taunts almost cause Kion to lose it, he regains control and walks away, reminding his friends that his roar could easily kill all the fish there anyway. He suddenly gains an idea, and locates Pua.

Kion asks Pua to challenge Makuu to another Mashindano, though Pua refuses, informing him that sometimes you have to accept that you have been beaten, even if you don't like it. He gives Kion the advice to just back down, telling him that Makuu is still young and can learn. The Guard refuse to back down, and decide to return to Pride Rock for advice from his father.

When they return, Kiara informs them that they're still out. In the meantime, the baboons have taken over Pride Rock, and Kiara's not sure what to do. Ono then tells everyone that he has a solution... for Bunga's problem.. However, Kiara reminds them that they have bigger problems. Kion tells everyone to go back to the lair, and that he needs time to think.

Alone, Kion calls for his grandfather, who appears shortly. Kion explains the problem, and Mufasa points out that he can't back down. Kion agrees, but doesn't like the idea of fighting. Mufasa tells him that standing your ground doesn't always involve fighting, which gives Kion an idea.

He returns to the lair, and tells everyone that if Makuu wants a fight, then he needs to know that the Lion Guard can bring him one. Only Kion hopes that a demonstration will be all that is needed. Beshte mentions that the Grove of Trees near the Big Springs has no one living there, and that he could use it there. Kion sends Bunga, Ono and Fuli off to check the area is still free from animals, whilst he and Beshte approach Makuu.

Kion and Beshte have approach Makuu, and start to talk whilst Ono, Fuli and Bunga clear the area of the lone hyrax. Ono gives Beshte the signal, who in turn gives Kion the all clear. Kion warns Makuu one more time, before using the Roar of the Elders on the trees to blast away all the leaves. Stunned, Makuu agrees that it's time to move on, and leaves Big Springs.

Kion and the Guard watch with relief as everyone returns to their usual habitats. As Bunga reveals the hyrax has become attached to him during this time, they laugh together, happy that normality has returned to the Pride Lands.

Never Judge a Hyena By Its Spots
In Never Judge a Hyena By Its Spots, Janja, Cheezi and Chungu are out chasing oryxes, until the Lion Guard arrive to scare them off. Kion tells his friends to calm the herd down, whilst he tackles the hyenas personally. He chases them back to the Outlands across a log. However, whilst standing on the same log, it breaks, and Kion falls downstream.

Ono soon sees Kion in trouble, holding onto the log of the tree that snapped off with him, heading downstream. Ono quickly alerts the rest of the Lion Guard, and they run down to find Kion holding on for dear life. Bunga, desperate to save his friend, leaps in, but Beshte soon jumps in to take him back to land as the current proves to be too strong. Fuli orders Ono to go ahead and check on Kion, who struggles against the current himself and loses his log.

He eventually manages to paddle to safety and onto land, just as his friends catch up on the other side. Kion confirms that he's okay. Ono lands beside him and voices his concern, as Kion has landed in the Outlands. The young lion cub knows that, but also knows how to get back. With no choice thanks to the fast current, Kion tells everyone to meet him at Flat Ridge Rock. Bunga tells everyone that he knows where that is, and leads Fuli and Beshte off. Kion tells Ono to go with them, just in case Bunga doesn't really know the way. Once the egret has left, Kion starts to climb the rocks behind him, as a figure watches from the shadows.

Back in the Outlands, some falling rocks startle and alert Kion to another's presence. A hyena leaps down, and Kion protests, calling her 'hyena' when she comments that he 'didn't know (she) was up there'. She starts to mock him slightly, before revealing that she knows who he is. Kion asks her if she is part of Janja's clan, and she responds with slight disgust. She asks him what he's doing in the Outlands, and Kion explains that he's headed to Flat Ridge Rock, referring to her as 'hyena' once again aggressively. She becomes annoyed at this, and introduces herself as Jasiri, before informing Kion that he's headed the wrong way. Refusing to believe that a hyena can be trusted, even after she tells him that she wants him out of her territory, Kion continues in the same direction, with Jasiri following him.

Later, Kion notices that Jasiri is still following him, and is becoming increasingly annoyed. She warns him again that he's going the wrong way, but Kion leaps up the rocks anyway, just in time for Jasiri to tell him that it leads to a dead end. Kion slips and winds up trapped in a thorn bush. Jasiri begins to laugh ominously, and growls as she approaches the fearful Kion. Much to his surprise, Jasiri starts to break the thorn bush away. She is disgusted when Kion once again shows his belief that all hyenas are bad. She manages to make Kion smile as she makes a joke, and continues breaking the bush.

Jasiri finally gets Kion loose, and admits that she could have told him earlier, but wanted to see him fall. Kion is unimpressed, though also confesses that he is lost, and asks for help. Jasiri tells him the path to get home, and Kion begins to walk away. However, Jasiri notices that the lion cub is limping, and decides to accompany him, since it was technically her fault in the first place. On the way, Kion notices a chameleon eating a fly, and mentions the Circle of Life. Jasiri responds defensively, informing Kion that she knows all about it already, and that hyenas do play a part themselves. She then tells Kion that they're the same, and although at first he disbelieves it, Kion soon starts to understand that not all hyenas are bad, and not to judge all of them by their species.

They soon reach Janja's territory, and Kion thanks Jasiri. He also tells her that if she ever needs any help, to let him know as he leaves. Kion hears the commotion, returns and swipes several of the hyenas, setting Jasiri free from Janja's clutches. He and Jasiri team up and battle the hyenas, but soon, they manage to corner them. Kion tells Jasiri to get behind her, and uses the Roar of the Elders to knock back Janja's clan, who retreat straight after.

Fuli, Beshte, Bunga and Ono then arrive. Fuli, noticing Jasiri, becomes defensive. Jasiri retaliates, though Kion steps between them, and explains everything. Fuli becomes much more friendly, and the Lion Guard soon make their way back to Flat Ridge Rock. Kion says goodbye to Jasiri, hoping to see her again sometime. He catches up to the rest of the Guard, and they leave.

Bunga the Wise
In Bunga the Wise, Kion and the Lion Guard are out in a storm, trying to save some baboons in a tree that is gradually breaking. Kion has an idea, and orders Bunga to scare the baboons out of the tree. Kion's plan works, and the Guard manages to save the baboons. With the storm subsided, the Lion Guard decide to rest nearby. Kion leaves the group briefly to seek advice from his grandfather, saving a butterfly along the way. When Mufasa appears, he tells Kion that often a quick fix is not the best solution. When Kion returns to the guard, he sees a large stream of water heading straight for them. He wakes them up, and asks Ono to check out what's going on. He informs him that Lake Kaziwa is too full, causing a leak which is getting worse. Kion realises that they need to do something, and Bunga has the idea of blocking the water with rocks.

Other animals arrive and compliment Bunga on his good idea. Kion, however, is not so sure that the quick fix is a good idea. A small amount of water leaks out, and Bunga is quick to stick a stick in it. Rafiki overhears this nearby, and mentions that honey badgers are the smartest animals, before his baobab fall from his hands. As Bunga rushes off to tell his uncles, Kion and the rest of the Lion Guard chase after him, and miss the final part of Rafiki's wisdom as well as the stick becoming loose.

Kion and the rest of the Lion Guard continue chasing after Bunga, but halt when they realise that they forgot the turtles. They turn them the right way up, and then rush off to help the Porcupine Brothers. They push their log over to release the water contained within, then set off to help Ushari and the other cobras. Unfortunately, only Bunga is small enough to get in the hole. Just then, Ono flies over, telling the gang to get to Hakuna Matata Falls.

When they arrive, many animals have gathered together. Timon and Pumbaa explain that Bunga is giving out advice, though Bunga proceeds to give them terrible advice. Kion tells Timon that they need to speak with Bunga. Annoyed, Timon allows them access. They speak with Bunga, who reminds them of Rafiki's words, and that he is now the smartest and bravest animal in the Pride Lands, and that he plans on giving all the animals advice. Timon then ushers Kion and the rest of the Lion Guard out, since other animals are waiting for Bunga's advice.

The Lion Guard sans Bunga are roaming the Pride Lands, when they see an ostrich with her head stuck in the ground, and help her out. They ask what she's doing, and she informs them that she's following Bunga's advice. Ono then sees some Brushbacks eating some pink flowers, and Beshte rushes over to destroy them. Once again, it turns out that they were following advice from Bunga. They then hear a distress call, and find an oryx trapped near a cliff. After Kion and Fuli rescue him, it again turns out to be Bunga's bad advice, having told him the quickest way to the other side was to jump down.

A herd of animals singing 'Make way for Bunga the Wise' grabs their attention. They run over, to find out that Bunga is taking his advice all over the Pride Lands. As they're talking, the temporary dam bursts and the animals run. Kion tells the Lion Guard to follow him, as he rushes to save some nearby animals.

Kion orders the buffalo and zebras to follow him as they race away from the water. At a junction point, Kion asks Ono which way to go. As Ono sees one route leading outside where the water can follow, he tells them left, though soon realises that he has sent them to a dead end. The other animals look to Bunga for advice, but he confesses that Kion knows best. Kion tells everyone to get behind him, and performs the Roar of the Elders, which pushes the water back and out the other way, with rocks falling down to secure their safety.

The animals and the Lion Guard are finally able to relax near a waterfall that was created when Kion used his roar. Kion is seen lying contentedly next to Fuli.

Can't Wait to be Queen
Kion is seen facing off with his sister Kiara as the two cubs argue over a tree. Kion says that his sister can't tell him what to do, but his father arrives and says that she can. Simba goes on to explain that he is going to attend the funeral of an old friend, Aminifu, and that Kiara will be acting as temporary queen, much to Kion's surprise. Later, Kion waits for Ono to show up for morning patrol, saying that it isn't like him to be late. When Ono arrives, however, he flies straight over Kion and the rest of the Guard, heading towards Pride Rock. The Lion Guard goes to investigate and discovers that Ono is going to give Kiara the morning report. Kion is very annoyed by this, and as soon as Ono finishes, he asks if he can "have Ono back now". Kiara, however, is thinking about Ono's report that new beehives are being built along a path that the elands are migrating across. She says that the bees might sting the elands, causing chaos, and sends Kion and the Lion Guard to move the elands.

When Kion arrives on the scene, he says that it seems rather silly to move a whole herd of eland over little bugs like bees, and decides to move the bees despite Kiara's order to move the elands, believing he knows more having led the Guard longer than she has been queen. His plan backfires, and the Lion Guard ends up colliding with the eland herd. The Lion Guard returns to Kiara, badly stung by the bees. She scolds Kion for not listening to her, and he argues back.

Later, Mzingo approaches Kiara and offers a peace proposal from Janja. When she tells Kion, he protests, saying that she shouldn't go. However, Kiara says that she might be right like she was about the bees. Kion tells her that this is different, but she refuses to listen and Kion storms away, saying she'll have to do this on her own. He seeks advice from his grandfather, Mufasa, who tells him that Kiara will always need his support, especially when she's wrong. Kion thanks him and rushes to stop Kiara, only to discover from her self-declared advisers, Tiifu and Zuri, that she has already left. He snaps at them and runs to get the Lion Guard.

Meanwhile, in the Outlands, Janja's clan has begun to attack Kiara. She manages to dodge their attacks but is eventually pinned down by Janja. Kion shows up just in time, knocking Janja off of his sister. But Janja's clan still outnumbers them, and the hyenas prepare to attack again. The Lion Guard arrives to stand with their leader and the queen, and Janja flees, not liking the even numbers.

When Kion's parents return, he and Kiara have made it back to the Pride Lands safely. Simba asks if there was any trouble while he was gone, to which Kion replies that it was nothing they couldn't handle.

Eye of the Beholder
The Lion Guard are out in the middle of a wildebeest stampede, trying to locate Janja and the hyenas. Janja is about to make his move on Kion when Ono alerts the cub, and Kion gets the upperhand in the battle despite being pinned down. He pushes Janja against a wildebeest which in turn throws Janja across to the side. As Janja leaves, Kion orders Ono to make certain that they leave the Pride Lands. However, as he's following them up the cavern, his eye is hit by a rock, and in turn he falls all the way back down. Kion sends him to Rafiki.

Rafiki is painting in The Lair of the Lion Guard when the Guard arrive. Rafiki knows just what to do, and gets to work. He gives Ono a green eye patch, advising him to stay out of trouble for 3 days, despite Ono wishing to assist his friends. Kion and the Lion Guard soon start to marvel at Rafiki's paintings, though Rafiki isn't happy with his work. Kion asks Ono what he thinks, but Bunga doesn't believe that Ono can see anything. Ono takes off in a huff, and Kion and the rest of the Guard chase after him.

Ono shoots through the sky, and despite the Lion Guard's protest, he is adamant that he can fly (and see) just fine. He views the setting beneath him, but misses sight of an impending vulture, whom he crashes into. The Guard show concern for their friend, and Kion insists that Ono rest up. Ono is visibly upset, though understands.

Back in the Lair, Kion is posing dramatically for Rafiki, who is still painting. Still not happy with the outcome, Bunga suggests that Kion poses 'more like a lion', and attempts to move his body around for a more powerful pose. Rafiki becomes increasingly annoyed, and Bunga then suggests painting him instead, launching himself into a variety of dynamic poses until a coconut shell covers his head. Kion laughs, though Rafiki's annoyance does not diminish. Kion apologizes, but Rafiki ushers Kion and the Guard and begins to meditate, stating that he needs some peace. His peace is disturbed almost immediately much to his disappointment, as Beshte comes charging in. He explains that his friend Kulu's cousin overheard a buffalo talking about something his sister saw earlier in the day at the canyon near Chakula Plains. When asked what it was, he at first forgets, before telling them that she saw Janja and the hyenas at the edge, overlooking the plains. Kion knows Janja is up to something, and Beshte reminds him that the zebra herds are grazing there. Kion then orders the Lion Guard out, leaving Ono behind, much to his upset.

The Guard arrive at the canyon, and, as they pass, the hyenas push a large stack of rocks in their path. The Guard are about to turn around and return to take the longer path, but Janja pushes a bigger rock nearby, which causes a minor landslide to block the other way. Beshte manages to hold up a steep rock, which the rest of the Guard hide under. Despite Bunga's enthusiasm to do it all over again, Kion knows that the whole scenario is Janja's doing. He confirms this, and taunts the Guard, watching as the lion cub futilely tries to escape. Janja, Cheezi and Chungu then leave, to cause mayhem with the zebra. Bunga urges Kion to use the roar, though Kion refuses, pointing out that the rocks will likely hit the zebra. The other way is also out of bounds, as it would take them too long to reach the herd. Kion shows concern for Beshte when his own attempt to move the rocks fails. Ono then arrives, and gives Kion an idea. He tells Ono to get the zebras to move out of the way, so that he can blast the rocks away.

Ono soon arrives and gives Kion the all-clear. As always, he tells his friends to get behind them, before using the Roar of the Elders to blast the rocks away. The rocks initially land on the hyenas, before they get swept away themselves. With the zebra safely away, Janja makes a retreat with Cheezi and Chungu, and Kion thanks Ono, who is just happy to be back.

Meanwhile, Rafiki has finally finished his portrait. The Lion Guard watch as the pictures re-assemble together to form a pyramid-like structure. Rafiki closes by saying that this Lion Guard is better off together.

Abilities

 * Roar of the Elders

Family

 * Simba (father)
 * Nala (mother)
 * Kiara (older sister)
 * Rafiki
 * Mufasa (paternal grandfather)
 * Scar (great-uncle)
 * Sarabi (paternal grandmother)
 * Sarafina (maternal grandmother)
 * Timon
 * Pumbaa
 * Zazu

Friends

 * Fuli
 * Bunga
 * Ono
 * Beshte
 * Jasiri

Trivia

 * Kion's original marking was a lion paw in a shade of brown.
 * During one scene in Return of the Roar, the whites of Kion's eyes become white rather than the pale yellow seen in the rest of the film.
 * Kion is the second lion known to work with a hyena, the first being his uncle Scar.
 * Kion's catchprase, Hevi Kabisa, means "totally intense" in Swahili.