The Lion Guard: A Nephew’s Grudge

On a beautiful day in the Pridelands, Nita had ventured to Rafiki’s Tree. 
She and Rafiki were sorting through the herb store. 
“All right, Nita. It is time to test your knowledge of these herbs. I know you will excel at this task.” Rafiki said.
He shifted through the herbs stacked around them, showing her a coltsfoot petal.
“What herb is this, darling?” he inquired.
“That’s coltsfoot. It’s used to treat whitecough.” Nita answered.
“That is correct. Well done.” Rafiki praised.
He shifted through the herbs, holding up a marigold petal. 
“I know what herb that is, Rafiki. It’s used to stop infection and bleeding for wounds.” Nita said before Rafiki could question her.
“Yes, you are correct, again.” Rafiki said proudly.
“Keep going, I’ve learned so much. I know I can identify the other herbs.” Nita urged.
Rafiki placed a bundle of elder leaves down in front of her.
“Those are elder leaves. We use them in poultices to soothe sprains and wrenched muscles.” Nita said.
“Very good, sweetheart.” Rafiki said approvingly. 
“Thanks, Rafiki. This is really fun.” Nita replied.
“Shall we continue?” Rafiki questioned.
Nita nodded eagerly.
Before Rafiki could show her another herb, the two of them suddenly heard a loud shout from outside the tree. 
“Oh, no. It’s Nefu. He’s coming to complain about something, again.” Nita muttered.
Rafiki moved towards a branch, glancing out to see Nefu waiting outside the the entrance to the store cave.
“What brings you here, my nephew?” he asked.
“I want to spend time with you. Can I come up?” Nefu responded.
“Yes, you may come up. Nita is here as well.” Rafiki told him.
Nefu immediately bounded up the slope, and entered the tree. Nita’s expression hardened into a scowl as he bounded towards her, carelessly scattering the herb bundles.
“What are you actually doing here?” Nita asked.
“I already said it, I came to spend time with my uncle. Just because he’s your mentor, that doesn’t mean his family can’t see him.” Nefu responded.
“Makini and Mosi get to see him anytime Dalila lets them. I find it hard to believe you actually came here just to spend time with Rafiki. You’re always looking to pick a fight with me.” Nita said coldly.
“That’s funny, Makini told me that too. It just goes to show that the two of you are the same.” Nefu snapped.
“Makini has good instincts.” Nita retorted defensively.
Rafiki placed a palm on her shoulder.
“It is all right, my darling.” Rafiki told her.
“So, what are you two doing? Playing with herbs?” Nefu asked.
“We’re not playing with the herbs. That’d be a really mouse-brained thing to do.” Nita growled.
“I am giving Nita a lesson in herb identification as well as the usage of each herb.” Rafiki stated.
“I know almost all of them.” Nita said proudly.
“If Uncle Rafiki had bothered to teach me when I was younger, I’d know about the herbs too.” Nefu retaliated.
“As I have told you many times before, the time was not yet right for my apprentice to be chosen. It had nothing to do with you. Nevertheless, I have always tried to make time for you.” Rafiki explained patiently, though his frustration with Nefu was evident.
“Isn’t it amusing how we always end up at this conversation topic every time I come over? It’s almost a pattern by now.” Nefu pointed out.
“You’re the one that brought it up.” Nita commented quietly.
“Nita being your apprentice doesn’t make her any more special than me. She’s still the same cub. Nothing’s changed about her.” Nefu continued, ignoring Nita’s comment.
“I was literally chosen by the Great Kings of the Past to be Rafiki’s apprentice. My great-grandfather told him to begin my training, so that does make me special. You’ve always resented the fact that you weren’t good enough to be his apprentice, but that had nothing to do with me. Makini says you even complain to Jelani and Dalila about it too. It’s sad that you still can’t get over the fact that someone younger and more mature than you was chosen for this position.” Nita retorted, her eyes blazing as she met Nefu’s challenging stare.
“You think you’re so important just because you know about a bunch of leaves and flowers. Anyone could learn about them, it’s not that hard.” Nefu countered.
He moved towards a pile of borage leaves, and began throwing them around.
“No! Stop it!” Nita cried out, her eyes wide with horror as she watched him.
Ignoring Nita’s horrified protests, Nefu began to shred the leaves he held in his palms, tossing the remains onto the ground.
“Nefu! Stop this at once! You must leave, right now.” Rafiki ordered, his tone reflecting Nita’s own feelings of anger and horror.
“Whatever, Uncle Rafiki.” Nefu muttered, turning to bound down the slope.
Once he’d gone, Nita moved forward, surveying the wreckage he’d left with tear-filled eyes.
“H-He destroyed all the borage leaves.” she said shakily.
Stepping around the destroyed leaves, Rafiki moved quickly to her side, putting a palm on her shoulder when he reached her.
“Do not worry, my darling. We will gather more borage leaves.” he said consolingly.
“Nefu and Kion are the same age, but Kion’s so much more mature than him.” Nita observed.
“Yes, this is true.” Rafiki agreed.
“Kion would never think of destroying your herbs.” Nita commented tearfully.
She moved closer, nestling against Rafiki’s side. Rafiki pressed a palm against her cheek comfortingly.
“We shall go and gather more borage leaves, my precious.” Rafiki reassured her.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders as Nita pressed against him, beginning to sob loudly as tears streamed from her eyes.
“I am very sorry he has upset you, darling. I promise Nefu will be punished.” he said.
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Category:Ginnyharry4ever
Category:Ginny's Fanfics