The Lion Guard: A Problem in the Savannah (Part 2)

* Author's Note: Read Part I before you read this one.
* Another Author's Note: This fanfic was updated on August 31st, 2024, nine years after publication.
----
"Simba!" Kovu shouted, watching with horror as Fisi clawed at Simba's pelt, leaving deep scratches. Simba growled, leaping to his paws and slashing a paw at Fisi, unbalancing him.   
"Looks like you're still a fighter, Simba. It's a shame your fighting spirit won't help you defeat me." Fisi taunted.
"I will always fight to protect my family and my kingdom from you and your clan." Simba snarled.
"Brave words, your majesty." Fisi said jeeringly.
He leapt forward, sinking his teeth into Simba's shoulder. Simba roared loudly, swiping a paw at Fisi, dislodging him. He continued to claw at Fisi's pelt, leaving deep scratches. Fisi cackled loudly, dodging Simba's next attempt, and ramming into his side, knocking him to the ground. Fisi held Simba down with a paw, slashing his claws at Simba's pelt, leaving many deep gashes. 
"Hyenas! Let's finally end Simba's reign!" he cackled.
Kovu had been engaged in a fight with Shenzi and Banzai, but he turned suddenly at Fisi's words, rushing towards the two of them.
"I will not allow you to kill my father-in-law!" he snarled, his eyes burning with hatred as he leapt in front of Simba, unsheathing his claws.
"How are you going to stop us? You're one lion against a whole clan of my loyal hyenas." Fisi taunted.
Suddenly, the gathered hyenas scattered in all directions as Tojo and Malka rushed into the scene, charging through the members of the clan.
"You wanna bet?" Tojo said, a growl rumbling in his throat. 
"We still have you outnumbered." Fisi said boldly, though his eyes reflected his unease.
At a nod from her mate, Shenzi lunged forward, aiming a paw at Malka, who easily dodged her attack, swiping his own paw at her, sending her flying backwards. 
"You really wanna fight the three of us?" Tojo asked Fisi, Kovu and Malka coming to stand on either side of him as they stood in front of Simba.
"Sure. Why not?" Fisi answered, though the fear in his eyes betrayed what his strong words were hiding.
Banzai lunged towards Kovu, only to be knocked backwards by Malka with a paw. Tojo leapt forward to intercept Shenzi as she charged towards them, sending her backwards. 
"What's the point of fighting us if you send your hyenas to fight for you?" Kovu asked Fisi, dodging an attempt by another hyena.
"How afraid can you be of three lions?" Malka asked.
"Hyenas are never afraid of lions. We outnumber you, we're stronger than you." Fisi jeered. 
"Sure doesn't look like you're stronger than us." Malka pointed out.
As Banzai lunged towards him, Kovu leapt sideways, causing the hyena to crash into a tree. 
"Give up and go home, Fisi. We won't make it so easy next time." Kovu said.
Growling, Fisi summoned his hyenas to his side with a flick of his tail.
"Hyenas! Retreat! Back to the Outlands!" he called.
As the hyenas rushed off, Kovu turned to Malka and Tojo gratefully. 
"What're you two doing here? I thought Nala and Kiara told you to guard the pride." Kovu wondered.
"We figured you two could use some help so we asked Chumvi and Afua to guard the pride instead." Malka explained.
"I'm glad you came to help us." Kovu said thankfully.
Tojo cleared his throat, having gone over to Simba to examine him.
"Simba's injured pretty badly. We need to get him home." he said.
"Come on. Let's get him back to Pride Rock. We can send Zazu for Rafiki." Kovu said.
As he approached Simba, Simba opened his eyes slowly, glancing up at the three of them.
"A-Are the hyenas gone? Have we won the fight?" he asked them.
"Yes, they're gone. We've won." Kovu told him.
Malka came forward to join them.
"Can you stand up, Simba?" he asked.
Simba nodded, slowly rising to his paws. Kovu and Tojo supported him on either side as he stood up, glancing around him.
"It's past sundown. The pride will be worried about us." Simba said.
"So will Kiara and Nala." Kovu added.
They began to make their way back to Pride Rock, walking slowly to accommodate Simba's weakened state.
As they neared Pride Rock, Zazu suddenly flew up to them.
"There you are! I've been flying all over looking for you!" Zazu exclaimed.
"Zazu? How'd you know to look for us?" Malka asked.
"Kiara and Nala wanted me to see if you were all right. They told me hyenas had invaded the Pridelands!" Zazu cried out.
Suddenly, his gaze fell on Simba, still being supported by Kovu and Tojo. Zazu gasped, his eyes widening with concern and surprise as he noticed Simba's exhausted state.
"What in the Pridelands has happened?! Is Simba all right?" Zazu questioned frantically.
"We don't have time to explain what happened now. Simba needs to be treated for his injuries. Fetch Rafiki and have him join us at Pride Rock." Kovu ordered hastily.
"Yes, Kovu. Of course. I shall go at once." Zazu said, immediately flying off towards Rafiki's Tree.
"Come on. Let's keep moving." Kovu told Malka and Tojo.
The three of them continued to make their way towards Pride Rock, still helping Simba walk. Once they arrived, they saw Kiara and Nala waiting anxiously in the entrance to the den. At the sight of them, the two lionesses immediately rushed forward, stopping in their tracks when they caught sight of Simba. 
"What in the Pridelands?! Kovu, what happened?" Nala asked anxiously.
"There was a fight with Fisi's Clan. I've already sent Zazu to fetch Rafiki. We need to get Simba inside." Kovu said.
Nala immediately rushed towards them, Malka stepping aside so she could stand beside her mate, helping guide him into the den.
Kovu came forward to greet Kiara, nuzzling her affectionately.
"Where's Kion?" he asked her.
"He's inside. He didn't want to go to sleep until you got home." Kiara said, fighting to keep her voice steady as she pressed herself against Kovu.
"I'm so glad you're both home." she said quietly.
"So am I, my love. Let's go inside." Kovu told her gently.
The two of them headed inside the den, their tails entwined.
As they entered the den, they saw the pride gathered around Simba, who'd been settled his nest, Nala close beside him. Timon and Pumbaa were amongst the gathered pride. 
"What happened to Simba?" Timon asked.
"Will he be okay?" Pumbaa added.
Sarabi and Sarafina immediately came over to Kiara and Kovu as they approached Simba.
"Kovu, what happened to my son? Nala said there was an ambush." Sarabi said shakily.
"Fisi's Clan attacked us. Rafiki's on his way to treat Simba's injuries. We'll explain everything soon." Kovu told her patiently.
Kiara came forward to nuzzle her grandmother affectionately.
"Don't worry, Nai Nai. Daddy will be okay." she told her.
Sarafina nodded, leaning over to nuzzle Sarabi's cheek.
"He's strong, Sarabi. I know he'll survive this." she said.
As they approached Simba, Kovu and Kiara noticed Kion pressed close to Nala's side, his brown eyes wide with fear and concern as he watched Simba. Kiara came over to her brother, gently brushing her tail across his back.
"Don't worry, Kion. Daddy will be fine." Kiara said, hoping the optimism in her voice concealed her true feelings of worry and fear.
"How do you know that, Kiara?" Kion asked tearfully. 
"Because I trust Rafiki. I know he'll help Daddy." Kiara said.
Vitani came up to stand beside them, exchanging a glance with Kiara. 
"Come on, Kion. Let's get you settled for the night." Vitani said brightly.
She reached out a paw towards Kion, only for Kion to break away from her, rushing to Simba's side. Kion crouched beside Simba, pressing his muzzle against Simba's cheek.
"I love you, Dad." Kion said tearfully.
Simba's eyes opened, his reddish-brown gaze warm with affection as he focused on Kion.
"I love you too, son. I'll be fine." Simba said warmly.
Vitani reached over, wrapping her paw around Kion's shoulders, gently guiding him away.
"Thank you, Tani." Kiara said.
She moved closer to Simba, nuzzling him affectionately.
"I love you, Daddy." Kiara said, fighting the tears that were brimming in her eyes.
"I love you too. Don't worry, darling." Simba said.
At that moment, Rafiki entered the den, holding his staff, which had a bundle of herbs attached to it.
"I hear that the king has been attacked. What has happened to him?" he asked, a note of concern in his tone as he approached them.
"Fisi's Clan ambushed us." Kovu explained.
"I have brought goldenrod, comfrey roots, burnet, and a poppy seed to help him sleep. The king must rest for one quarter-moon, and not exert himself more than necessary." Rafiki told them, holding the herbs out towards Simba, who gulped them down quickly. Rafiki opened the gourd on his staff, beginning to spread a poultice onto the wounds Fisi had inflicted. Once he'd finished, Rafiki gently patted Simba's head, before gathering up the herbs he'd used to treat him, storing them in the gourd on his staff.  
"I shall be back soon to check on Simba. It's imperative that he rests now." Rafiki said.
Nala nodded.
"Thank you, Rafiki." she said. 
Kovu stood up, from where he'd been settled down with Kiara, who'd fallen asleep during Rafiki's treatment of her father.
"I'll walk you out." Kovu offered.
"Thank you, Kovu. I believe I can make my own way home. Stay here with your family." Rafiki said.
He headed out of the den and down the pathway towards the grasslands, making his way towards his tree.
The pride gathered around them, settling down to finally get some sleep after the excitement of the day. Timon and Pumbaa had said their goodnights, heading back to their own cave. Nala moved to settle beside Simba, who had fallen asleep due to the effects of the poppy seed Rafiki had given him. Nala pressed herself against his pelt, feeling reassured as she felt his heartbeat. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to slip into sleep. 
Later that night, at moonhigh, Simba awoke from his sleep, glancing around him anxiously, he relaxed as his eyes rested on the familiar figures of the pride, seeing Nala asleep beside him.  
It's been seasons since Nala and I have seen our son, our little Kopa. I want to believe he's out there somewhere, and will make his way home to us someday. 
He glanced over to where Kiara and Kion were sleeping, not far from him and Nala.
My cubs deserve to know about their brother. We can't keep his story untold forever.
''
Nala's eyes opened as she sensed Simba's tension beside her, glancing at him worriedly.
"Simba, what's wrong? Are you in pain?" Nala asked anxiously.
"I'm fine, Nala. I just couldn't sleep. I've been thinking." Simba told her. 
"Thinking about what?" Nala questioned.
"Our son, Kopa. We need to tell Kiara and Kion about him. They deserve to know." Simba said.
Nala moved closer to him, nestling against Simba's pelt.
"Are you sure? It's been seasons since he was abducted. I still hope he can find his way home to us someday." Nala said.
"During the attack, Fisi taunted me about our history with him. He knew Kopa's abduction still haunts me." Simba told her.
He gazed into Nala's eyes, a feeling of grief swelling in his heart as he remembered Kopa had inherited his mother's eye color. Nala returned his gaze, feeling her own grief resurfacing in her heart. 
"Nala, we've waited long enough to tell Kiara and Kion about their brother. It's time they knew the story of what happened." Simba said.
"What if Kion becomes scared? He's just a little cub." Nala said worriedly.
"We'll make sure we don't tell it in a way that'll scare him." Simba assured her.
"All right. I suppose it's time they knew about their brother. We can show them the painting Rafiki did of him in his tree too." Nala said.
Simba nodded, extending a paw to allow Nala to nestle against him. The two of them rubbed muzzles tenderly, entwining their tails.
"I thought I was going to lose you again, Simba." Nala said quietly, closing her eyes and nestling closer to him.
"I'm not going anywhere, my love. I promise." Simba assured her, feeling his eyes close as exhaustion overtook him.
----
The next morning, Simba and Nala awoke at sunhigh, both of them still exhausted from the events of the previous day and their late night discussion.
"I'll ask Sarabi to lead the morning hunt so we can have the day to spend with Kion and Kiara." Nala said.
"That's a good idea." Simba agreed.
Just then, Naanda appeared in the entrance to the den, holding a grass rat in her jaws. 
"I thought I'd bring Simba some fresh-kill." she said, coming into the den and setting the grass rat down in front of Simba.
"Thank you, Nada." Simba said gratefully, bending his head to take a bite of the prey.
"Can you ask Sarabi to lead the hunt this morning? Tell Kiara her father and I need to talk to her and Kion." Nala told Naanda.
"Of course. If you need anything else, let me know." Naanda said.
As Naanda left to find Sarabi, Simba nudged the prey towards Nala.
"Share this with me, my darling." he invited.
Nala bent her head to take a bite of the prey, swiping her tongue over her jaws.
"Do you think Rafiki will mind if we visit him to show the painting to Kiara and Kion?" she asked.
Simba shook his head.
"I'm sure he won't mind. He'll probably want to share some facts about Kopa to them." he said. 
"I'm glad we're telling them about their brother. It helps keep Kopa's memory alive." Nala said.
"Yes, I have every hope that he'll return to us someday." Simba agreed.
At that moment, Kiara entered the den, followed by Kovu and Kion.
"Nada said you wanted to see us, Mom." Kiara said.
"Yes, your father and I have something very important to talk to you and your brother about." Nala told her, gesturing with her tail for Kiara to approach.
The three of them came over to Simba and Nala, Kiara and Kovu settling down beside Nala, and Kion crawling into Simba's paws. 
"Are you okay, Dad?" Kion asked.
Simba ruffled Kion's head tuft affectionately.
"Yes, Kion. I'm okay." Simba assured him. 
"What's going on, Mom?" Kiara asked her mother. 
"We need to tell you something we should've told you a long time ago. It's about your brother." Nala began.
Kiara glanced at Kion, a concerned look in her eyes.
"No, not Kion. You two have an older brother. His name is Kopa. He was our firstborn cub. He would've been my heir today if he was still here." Simba explained. 
"W-We have an older brother?" Kiara asked confusedly.
"Yes. Many seasons ago, on the day you were born, Kopa was abducted by Fisi's Clan, the clan of hyenas that helped Scar overthrow your grandfather. Fisi had wanted to abduct your brother to avenge what he believed was his loss in the battle for Pride Rock, when I became king. His daughter, Asante had befriended Kopa, so he used her in his scheme. He told Asante to convince Kopa to meet her at the Water Hole, where he'd be waiting to stage an ambush. He ambushed Kopa, bringing him to the Outlands. Your mother and I sent out search parties once Asante had told us what happened, but we couldn't find him. We had to go back to Pride Rock once we realized you were about to be born, Kiara. We do believe Kopa's still out there, and will return to our family someday." Simba explained.
Kiara and Kion's eyes were wide as Simba finished his explanation. Beside Kiara, Kovu was silent, finally understanding the meaning of Fisi's words during his ambush the previous day.
"Kiara, Kopa's abduction is the reason I was so overprotective of you when you were a cub, I was afraid something would happen to you as well." Simba said.
"It's okay, Daddy. I understand." Kiara said.
Nestling against his father's pelt, Kion felt his eyes well with tears as the realization of what Simba had told him and his sister sank in.
"What is it, son? What's wrong?" Simba asked concernedly, noticing Kion's reaction to his words.
"I-Is Fisi going to ambush me next because I'm your son?" Kion asked shakily.
"Of course not. You are safe here. We won't let Fisi hurt you or your sister." Simba assured him. 
Kovu reached over to ruffle Kion's head tuft affectionately.
"Don't worry, Kion. I'll help keep you safe." he said.
"Thanks, Kovu. I'm glad you're my brother." Kion said.
"I'm glad you're my brother too." Kovu said.
Nala cleared her throat.
"Your father and I also wanted to show you something today. It's at Rafiki's Tree." she said.
"What is it?" Kiara asked.
"You'll see when we get there." Simba said.
"Are we going now?" Kion asked.
"Yes. Do you want me to carry you?" Simba asked.
"Yes." Kion replied.
Slowly, Simba stood up, reaching down to gently grasp Kion by his scruff.
"Let me know if you get tired and I'll take him." Nala said.
"I'll be fine, Nala." Simba assured her as he lifted Kion up.
They headed out of the den, beginning to make their way towards Rafiki's Tree.
When they arrived, they saw Rafiki meditating outside the entrance to the store cave.
Rafiki opened his eyes as they approached, rising to his feet to greet the five of them.
"This certainly is a surprise. What can I do for you all? Are you feeling all right, Simba?" he asked.
"I'm fine, Rafiki. Nala and I were wondering if we could show Kion and Kiara the painting of their brother." Simba said, setting Kion down, and brushing his tail across his son's back affectionately.
"Of course. Come inside, everyone." Rafiki invited warmly.
He ruffled Kion's head tuft as the young cub followed his parents inside the store cave, and up the slope into the tree. 
Simba and Nala led the way towards a painting of a lion.
"Kiara, Kion, this is your brother's painting." Nala told the two of them.
"He looks like you, Daddy." Kiara observed.
"He has Mama's eyes." Kion remarked.
"That's right. He's the only one of the three of you who inherited my eyes." Nala said.
"Do you really think he'll come home someday?" Kion asked.
"Yes, we have every reason to believe that your grandfather will help him find us again." Simba told him.
"Will anything change if he does return?" Kiara asked.
"No, nothing will change. He'll be welcomed back into our family." Nala said.
Category:Fanfiction
Category:Ginnyharry4ever
Category:Ginny's Fanfics
Category:Sequel Fanfictions