Summary
This fanfiction story is set about one year after the battle between the Pridelanders and Outsiders, after Kovu and Kiara became co-king and -queen. An old forgotten canon comes into play, and it is a surprise to everyone that this one is still alive after all these years, for everyone thought him to be dead. With the long peace set upon Simba's pride, there is bound to be a threat to their family always, but how will it fan out for each member of the pride? Only time will tell...
Chapter 1
"Kiara?" came a low voice from the dark. "Kiara, wake up!"
Kiara awakened with a startle to see Vitani standing over her. She looked to her side where Kovu lay and saw he was still sound asleep. Vitani nodded her head towards the den entrance, gesturing for Kiara to follow her. With a slight stretch as she arose and a suppressed yawn as not to wake the others, Kiara followed Vitani at her beckoning. The morning light had not yet lifted, and thus the world around them was still dark. Kiara couldn't imagine what possessed Vitani this early – or this late – to be acting in this manner.
Vitani and Kiara both sat on the edge of Pride Rock, neither able to see much in the dark. Vitani hung her head with a sigh, and Kiara knew something had apparently been bothering her for quite some time. "I don't know why I can't bring myself to speak with my brother about this. You and I have become inseparable friends in this short time, I just don't see how Kovu could even begin to understand."
Kiara noticed that Vitani's voice was starting to quiver, as if she was fighting back tears, and all the while, she couldn't imagine what Vitani wanted to talk about. "You can talk to me about anything, Tani," Kiara encouraged with a reassuring tone.
"It's just that," Vitani started, meeting eyes with Kiara before continuing. "The past few lone hunts I've taken on, I met someone. A king from another pride, and I think I'm in love." When she saw Kiara's smile of joy, she quickly altered her meaning. "I wouldn't be in this pride anymore, and he lives rather far away. So I don't know how often I would see any of you. That is what is hard about this decision. I think I have made up my mind though, and that is why I wanted to speak with you. I want you to tell Kovu that I will always love him, and that I will miss him. I am leaving before they wake up. I don't want a big deal made about it, but someone has to know. You are the only one I can trust that won't try to stop me."
A huge lump formed in Kiara's throat, but she understood. She did want to try to stop Vitani, but many had tried to stop Kiara and Kovu, and it deeply hurt. She quickly made up her mind that she would only encourage Vitani, and she would give Kovu the message, but what if Kovu turned angry and blamed Kiara for not stopping her? There was nothing she could do about that. Vitani was a big girl, she could make her own decisions, and she would be a queen. Kiara forced a smile through her coming tears. "Take care, my friend. I will miss you, Tani." She gave her nod of approval for Vitani to leave, and without any more words, Vitani vanished from Pride Rock, and quickly out beyond the boundaries of their home.