Disclamer: I do NOT own The Lion Guard or any of its characters, they belong to Disney! I DO own my own character Nekoda (Kody), because I made her up!
This story takes place before Season 2 of The Lion Guard.
The two walked for a while, much further than Kion originally thought they had run, but neither minded the slow pace. The leisurely pace allowed for both of them to enjoy the savanna scenery.
They slowed to a stop on a small hill that had a great view of the forest behind them and Pride Rock in front of them. Nekoda turned to face Kion so she had her back to his home. With a sigh she said, "I still don't know if this is a good idea."
Kion met her eyes and said honestly, "You can trust me. I'm sure we could help in some way."
Nekoda made a face and watched her paws scuff the ground. She looked up with determination and opened her mouth. "Okay, well it's a long story. I…" Kody became distracted by something over Kion's shoulder.
Curious, Kion started to turn around. "Kody? Is something wrong?"
"What? No! I mean, um," she was breathing quickly, her tail flicking with anxiety and her eyes widening with fear.
"Nekoda? Something's definitely wrong. Does your side hurt?"
She shook her head and bit her lip. After a breath she slightly stuttered, "N-no, I'm o-okay. Listen, this is still really new to me and stuff…"
"Right?"
"And well, could I just wander around for awhile? I'll promise to come back before the sun sets. I just… I need to clear my head."
Kion could feel in his gut that Kody didn't just want to clear her head, but if he was going to get her to trust him he'd have to give her some space. However, he didn't plan to leave her all alone.
He nodded. "Sure. Of course. Just, be careful okay?'
She smiled. "When have I ever?" He frowned. Kody laughed nervously. "Okay, bad joke, but seriously I'll be fine. I'll see you later, Kion."
"Okay," Kion said and started to walk towards Pride Rock. He could sense Nekoda's eyes following him and resisted the urge to turn back or stop moving. Soon, the feeling went away and he glanced over his shoulder to see the snow leopard turning back to the forest they just left. For a second, Kion wondered if he should even bother following her, but his concern for her outweighed his possible guilt for invading her privacy.
He crouched into a hunting crouch and silently stalked after his mysterious friend. The tall grass that made it easy to be concealed ended and there was only a barren strip of land before the tree line started. Kion stopped at the edge of the grass and watched. Nekoda halted before the trees began and shouted, "You can come out now!" Silence. "I know you're here."
A shadow from the forest approached and Kody's body tensed. Kion was too far to hear correctly, but he could tell that Kody did not get along with this stranger. Or maybe, Kion thought, not so much a stranger. He could finally make out the form of the new cub. Another grey-white spotted form that was bigger than Nekoda circled her mockingly, saying or rather whispering words, since he couldn't make out the words.
Snow leopards were rare as it is and from the way Kody was watching this bigger and fluffier version of herself with wariness, Kion concluded that this must be her sister. Her intimidating figure caused paralyzing dread in Kion's bones. He couldn't remember the last time he was frozen in place. He could only watch as Nekoda was jabbed in her side by the bigger leopard and winced as she tried not to flinch. Kody's sister laughed and strutted away, throwing one last comment over her shoulder that physically jarred the small, injured cub.
Nekoda shouted after her, "I'll never let you!"
"You can't stop me!" came the reply. Then Nekoda was alone, deep in terrified thought, Kion could tell from the way she instantly turned to stare at Pride Rock.
She paced, agitated. Kion could only wonder what the conversation was about to cause his new friend such concern. The fear in her eyes caused his heart to squeeze. His limbs were still numb so he couldn't summon the strength to move and comfort her.
Soon Nekoda shook her head and started back on the path home, far more quickly than Kion thought possible with her injury. He stood and looked for the sister, but not remembering which way she went, he quickly gave it up and hurried to beat Kody back.
Determination fueled his strides and he promised himself to finally get the truth out of her. Obviously she needed aid, and it was Kion's job to help all animals. Yes, that's all it was, he thought to himself. I'm helping because she's in trouble. No other reason.
He kept repeating that in his head as he raced back home. His heart beat faster than his paws and worry filled his head. Kion would get to the bottom of this, if it was the last thing he did.
Hey guys! Been a while huh? Well, I'm back. Sorry this is so short but the next chapter should reveal some questions you might have. Please R &R.