The Lion Guard: An Interrupted Plan

Author's Note: This fanfic was updated on December 10th, 2024, nine years after publication.
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On a quiet day in the Pridelands, Kovu had decided to patrol the Water Hole border on his own. As he headed towards the border, he noticed the animals grazing peacefully around him, with some calling to him in greeting as he passed by. Kovu returned their greetings pleasantly, grateful to see the kingdom at peace. 
"This patrol has been peaceful so far, I'm sure I'll be back home by sundown. Nothing very eventful has happened yet." Kovu mused quietly.
He approached the border, suddenly noticing several hyena pawprints, and becoming aware of the strong scent of Fisi's Clan. Kovu's eyes widened with horror as the scent became stronger, also catching the scent of a mandrill. 
What in the Pridelands? Someone is being attacked!
As Kovu came closer, horror struck him as he realized the hyenas were attacking a young mandrill. Kovu's eyes widened as he recognized the mandrill. 
I know this mandrill. He's Rafiki's nephew, Nefu. He and Kion are the same age, they were both born not many moons ago.
''
Kovu unsheathed his claws, letting out a loud roar. The hyenas glanced up, startled by his arrival. Shenzi had pinned Nefu to the ground, her claws a whisker-length away from his throat. Fisi was standing over him, preventing the young mandrill from escaping.
Kovu immediately bounded forward, his eyes blazing with hatred as he rushed to protect Nefu.
"Leave him alone, Fisi! He's just a young mandrill." Kovu ordered.
"What're you gonna do? You'd risk hurting this mandrill if you start a battle now. You're also vastly outnumbered." Fisi cackled.
Kovu glanced down at Nefu, seeing the fear in the young mandrill's eyes as he returned his glance.
"I'm going to tell you one more time, let him go. I'm sure you wouldn't want Simba to know you attacked a defenseless mandrill." Kovu said.
Fisi chuckled, his green eyes meeting Kovu's determined stare. 
"I'm not afraid of Simba. However, I will let this little one go, this time." Fisi said, glancing at Shenzi. At her mate's glance, Shenzi stepped off of Nefu. Nefu glanced around, his brown eyes wide with fear and apprehension. Kovu nodded encouragingly, gesturing with his tail for Nefu to come over to him. As Nefu bounded forward,  Fisi glanced quickly at Banzai, who leapt towards the young mandrill. Before Banzai could strike at Nefu, Kovu stepped quickly between them, intercepting Banzai's attack and sending him flying backward. 
"This is your last chance. Leave now!" Kovu said angrily, wrapping his tail around Nefu protectively. Fisi flicked his tail, summoning his clan to his side.
"Back to the Outlands!" Fisi ordered. At his command, the hyenas immediately rushed off.
Once they'd crossed the border, Kovu turned his attention to Nefu, quickly checking him over for any injuries. 
"Are you all right? What are you doing by yourself?" Kovu asked him.
"I wanted to explore. I didn't think my parents would mind. I was hoping I'd get to see Uncle Rafiki too. Thanks for saving me." Nefu explained. 
"You're welcome. I can take you to Rafiki if you want. He'll tell your parents that you're safe." Kovu told him.
Nefu nodded. Kovu knelt down, allowing the young mandrill to climb onto his back.
"Hold on tight." Kovu said. He began to make his way towards Rafiki's Tree, Nefu clinging to his back. When he arrived, he saw Rafiki meditating outside the entrance to the store cave.
"Rafiki!" Kovu called. At Kovu's shout, Rafiki opened his eyes, his expression becoming concerned as he noticed Nefu. Rafiki immediately got to his feet, moving to greet Kovu as he approached.
"What has happened, Kovu? Is my nephew all right?" Rafiki questioned, lifting Nefu down from Kovu's back.
Kovu nodded. Before he could explain what had happened, Nefu suddenly spoke up.
"I was attacked by hyenas, Uncle Rafiki! Kovu saved me." he told his uncle.
Rafiki's eyes widened at his nephew's words.
"Is this true?" he asked Kovu.
Kovu nodded.
"He wasn't hurt. I sent the hyenas away." Kovu said.
"Thank you, Kovu. I am sure that my sister and her mate will be very grateful to you as well once they hear what has happened." Rafiki said.
He pressed a palm against Nefu's cheek.
"I'd better be getting back to Pride Rock." Kovu said.
"Yes. I shall escort Nefu home myself." Rafiki told him.
"Goodbye, Nefu." Kovu said.
Nefu pressed himself against Rafiki's side. Rafiki wrapped an arm around him protectively.
"Bye. Thanks again for saving me." Nefu said.
Kovu turned, beginning to head towards Pride Rock. When he arrived, he saw Simba, Nala, Kiara, and Kion settled down outside the den.
As Kion caught sight of his brother, his expression immediately brightened and he rushed forward.
"Kovu! You're back!" Kion said excitedly.
Kovu's green eyes softened with affection as Kion reached him. He ruffled his brother's head tuft affectionately.
"Hi, Kion." Kovu said warmly. He and Kion headed towards Simba, Nala, and Kiara. Kovu settled down beside Kiara. Kion immediately crawling into his paws.
"How was the patrol?" Simba questioned.
Kovu leaned over to greet Kiara, nuzzling her affectionately.
"I saved Rafiki's nephew, Nefu. Fisi's Clan was attacking him. I sent the hyenas back to their territory." Kovu told them.
"Wow! That's really brave!" Kion exclaimed.
Simba chuckled.
"Yes, it was. Well done, Kovu." Simba praised.
"Thank you, Simba." Kovu said.
Category:Fanfiction
Category:Ginnyharry4ever
Category:Ginny's Fanfics