PRESENT

It has been over a month since Vitani met Askari and his family. She quickly adjusted to life in the forest. Although it could never compare to Pride Rock, it was still very comfortable. So far, she's been getting along okay with Kutisha, Tishio, Thamani, Neema and Bubu, but most of all, she liked Askari. He was someone she could talk to, someone who made her laugh and someone who understood her. Of course, she gave him the same in return. They were truly best friends now.

One day, Kutisha and Vitani happened to have been strolling through the woods, talking.

"So Vitani, what do you think of my son?" Kutisha asked.

"I think he's awesome," Vitani replied.

"Aaw, would you be interested in becoming his wife?" Kutisha questioned.

"Maybe," Vitani said, blushing.

Her mind was saying "DEFINITELY".

"I think you two would make a lovely pair," Kutisha commented.

"Yeah, Askari is amazing," Vitani said.

"I wasn't talking about my stepson; I was talking about my son," Kutisha stated, with a chuckle.

"Tishio?" Vitani asked.

"Yes," Kutisha nodded.

"Um….he's alright," Vitani said, unenthusiastically.

Kutisha frowned." Is that all you think of him?"

Vitani just sighed. She realized that Kutisha was a little disappointed. Vitani didn't exactly dislike Tishio but she certainly didn't like him either. She found him to be a little too rude and vain. He just wasn't the one for her.

"Vitani, dear, I understand that you like Askari," Kutisha spoke." But trust me, you'd be much happier with Tishio. He's clever, courageous and incredibly powerful just like his father was. You couldn't ask for a better mate. I encourage you to spend more time with him. Askari is decent, but Tishio would be a better choice."

Vitani changed the subject." Kutisha, would you like me to hunt for dinner now?"

"Oh yes, thank you," Kutisha replied." I'll send Thamani and Neema along to help you."

"Okay."

As Vitani walked off alone, she began to wonder why Kutisha would try and talk her out of being Askari's mate. Even though she and Askari were just friends at the moment, if she had to marry anyone, it would be him, not Tishio. Vitani often wondered if Kutisha was a bit biased because Tishio is her biological son and Askari is only her stepson. Perhaps Kutisha was still a little bitter about Askari being conceived as a result of her husband's cheating. But then again, Thamani is Kutisha's biological daughter yet Kutisha seemed to favor Tishio over her as well. Strange.

Vitani still thought about the story Askari shared with her about the mother who abandoned him as a newborn cub. He said that her name was Nala. Vitani didn't want to believe that it could be the same Nala that she knew. She has always known Nala as a pleasant, moral queen; a loving wife to Simba and a devoted mother to Kiara. No one could ever imagine Nala to be the type of individual who would even think of having sexual relations with a married lion. However, the strange thing is…..the more Vitani looked into Askari's eyes, the more it seemed as though Nala herself was looking back at her! Askari and Nala both had those same bluish-green eyes.

Vitani simply prayed that it was just her mind playing tricks on her. If Queen Nala of Pride Rock is Askari's long-lost mother, Vitani would feel so guilty about not mentioning it to him. Nevertheless, she knew that she had to…someday.

Later on, Vitani, Askari and his family ate buffalo for dinner. After they finished, everyone headed inside of the cave. Tishio had taken a special liking to Vitani.

"Vitani, you're a good hunter," Tishio told her.

"Thank you."

"But you've got a lot to learn," Tishio added, smugly." I can give you some new tips."

Vitani wasn't sure what to think of his comment.

"She's an excellent hunter, Tishio," Askari defended her.

"Was I talking to you?" Tishio snapped." As a matter of fact, go on patrol. That's something productive you can do with your time instead of meddling in my conversations."

"I already went on patrol," Askari argued.

"Well, go again!" Tishio ordered, sharply.

Askari growled and then walked away. Tishio stared coldly at him until he left the cave.

"Vitani, that brother of mine is really trying my patience," Tishio told her." The next time he growls at me, he's going to lose his teeth!"

Your brother is not the problem, you are, Vitani thought.

"You know, I think you and I would make a perfect pair," Tishio stated.

"Why?" Vitani asked.

"Because we both have spirit and courage," Tishio replied." If we were to get married and have cubs, we'd be the most unstoppable pride in all of Africa."

"I barely know you," Vitani told him.

"You barely know my brother either," Tishio pointed out." He's not right for you."

"Askari and I are just friends anyway," Vitani said.

"And perhaps it should stay that way," Tishio insisted, strongly." A lioness like you needs a strong, aggressive mate to tame you and protect you. Askari simply isn't built for the job."

"What makes you think I need to be tamed?" Vitani exclaimed.

"Okay relax," Tishio said." All I'm saying is, I'd be the best choice you could ever make."

"Hmm, that's what your mother thinks too," Vitani stated.

"Mother knows best," Tishio grinned.

For a little while longer, Vitani listened to Tishio brag about himself and how 'perfect' he'd be for her. However, it simply entered through one ear and exited the other. Vitani was not the least bit interested in him. The more she listened to his arrogant babbling, the more he turned her off.

Later on that night while everyone was asleep, Vitani stayed awake. Askari has been away on patrol for quite a long time and she was beginning to worry. Although Vitani was somewhat tired, she didn't want to sleep until she saw Askari come back. Suddenly, her worrying ceased as quickly as it came when she heard a whisper. Vitani's eyes glanced up towards the roof of the cave.

She smiled when she saw Askari's face peeking through the hole, beckoning for her to join him. So, Vitani tip-toed past the sleeping lions trying her best not to wake them. She made her way through the hole and climbed on top of the cave's roof to join Askari.

"Wow, I was getting a little worried," Vitani told him.

"Everything was fine," Askari said." I just wanted to wait until everyone was asleep to come back. My brother is a real prick; I didn't feel like seeing him awake."

"I understand."

"Did you miss me?" Askari asked, teasingly.

"Don't flatter yourself," Vitani blushed.

Suddenly, a dozen bats flew rapidly out of the hole, startling Vitani. Askari fought the urge to laugh.

"You think that's funny?" she growled, playfully.

"You should have seen your face," Askari snickered.

Vitani playfully swatted him chest with her paw.

"Oh yeah?" Askari responded.

He swatted her back. They good-humoredly swatted each other back and forth. A swatting match turned into a wrestling match on roof of the cave. Suddenly, they ended up tumbling down the steep side of the cave, laughing all the way down. Finally, they hit the bottom; Vitani landed on top of Askari. Still laughing, they embraced each other.

"Ow, I hurt my paw," Askari said, chuckling.

"Aaw, would this help?" Vitani asked, flirtatiously.

Vitani lowered her head and licked Askari's paw. They smiled at each other; staring into each other's eyes for a while. Without warning, Askari gently yet aggressively flipped Vitani over so that he was on top. They slowly brought their heads together, rubbing them together affectionately. The passion of nature took its course and they found themselves….making love.