I'm back! Sorry for the long wait, so here are these packed chapters I promised you! Also this will be split into a part 2. I thought I could make this all one thing…but I can't, because I'm adding a lot lol. So yes that's it, enjoy!
Chapter 29
After resting his sore body, that seemed to continue to grow more tired by the minute, Simba sat up from his all four laying position. Despite the fact of how tired he was, his mind was restless. It was always restless. Thinking for the answers of his life problems. The main one would definitely be his cousins Vitani situation.
The orange male still could not get the thought out of his head. He tried to make sense of the matter over and over again, but he just couldn't. His uncle was just being cruel and heartless. Even though he is not a father himself he still couldn't think of just giving his own daughter away to someone she doesn't love or even know.
His uncle always made it seem like he was doing everything he could for the betterment of the kingdom, placing everything before himself and his feelings. His….as he always said , countless sacrifices. Yet right now it seemed like he was making Vitani sacrifice herself for the kingdom. It just didn't seem fair. And what makes matter worse is that Vitani feels she can do nothing about her situation. Which is so out of her character.
Defiant was Vitani first, middle and last name. He couldn't see how she was giving up the fight before it even started. But at the word fight, simba could feel a painful hit in his own stomach when he remembered fighting back his uncle. Voicing his own opinion like Vitani did . She did fight back, he remembers her clearly telling him how she told her father he couldn't do this, she wouldn't agree. She voiced her opinion as a free willed royal and all that got her was a smack in the face, and a knock at her pride.
Yet still, the thought pestered in Simba. He didn't want his uncle to get this win. He wanted to convince his cousin otherwise that there was still another way. Although he knew he would get a reply of ' there is no other way.' Yet there had to be. And maybe Vitani was right when she said, he wouldn't understand. Maybe there is something in him that doesn't. After all she told him ' you're a male, you don't understand, you don't have to understand.'
That's when it came to him, maybe he could not understand her, but someone else could. And that cubhood friend always seemed to have an answer for everything. Nala could definitely talk some words of encouragement to his cousin, and help her see that her fate isn't sealed. And maybe just maybe, Vitani could get the kick she needed to keep fighting.
Before he knew it, his feet were taking him in the eastern direction of priderock, where…if memory served him right, should he the location of the side den where the rest of his family resided. The thought of meeting one lioness in particularly made his stomach light with nervousness. It had been so long since he had seen his mother. Would she recognize him? would she even remember him? Would she even want to see him? The times passed had only been a year…but it was a long and hard year at that. After all she never came back for him…or he her, what if the conversation he had with his uncle so long ago came true?
No, no that wouldn't be. She is his mother, and he is her only son. She couldn't forget him or move on, that would be impossible. Simba knee she loved him and his father too much to do something like that. So, hurrying to his destination. Simba tossed the idea to the back of his mind. He had only one mission for today, to help his cousin and reconnect with his mother.
Four paws hit the dirt hard as they went racing at top speed. Her body ducked and dived as she created the illusion of the hunt in her mind. Practicing always took her mind away from her troubles and helped relaxed her. Today was no different. After the heated conversation she had had with her brother Vitani left priderock to be by herself. She still couldn't believe what he had said to her, she was complaining? Of all the things he had said to her to piss her off the most that was the one. Not only that, but it hurt her too. Not even her own brother- twin no less- could be on her side, for once.
It always seemed like she was alone in everything! It was always her mother and Nuka against her in some shape or form. Nuka was always the favorite in her mothers eyes, therefore She was never a mommy's girl. She never felt that way towards her father because he was so distance with them- that as you know soon change. She thought she was a daddy's girl. Now…she's no ones girl!
Vitani heaved with a heavy sigh as she collected air into her lungs. "Boy…" she voiced, sitting down. "That was a good run." She could feel the formation of sweat collecting in her fur as the sun beamed down on her. Her body was hot and tired, but it was a good feeling. A feeling she liked, a feeling she could control. Because everything else in her life seemed to be uncontrollable. She turned her head behind her, looking back to the direction of…'home'. She was far out now, away a great distance. The imagine of priderock seemed like a mere ant to her now, a little thing she could squash if she wanted.
And it's not like the idea hasn't crossed her mind before. But what if she just took off? No one would know, hell no one would even look for her? Again, it seemed like the looming thought in the back of her mind came forcing it's way to the front. Today's the day she suppose to meet her…supposed future mate- well his father anyway, or something like that. In truth Vitani have completely stopped paying attention to what her parents told her. She tries are best to forget the memories, but Her body instantly shutters at the thought.
"You know what…screw it!" She voiced, stopping her back and forth pacing, which she didn't realize she was doing. "I'm gonna leave! I don't care what daddy says! I don't care what my mother say either!"Vitani had finally found some new resolve in her- she always got the extra boost in the rear after a good run. And today the boost told her to do something. She wasn't going to let her father control her life any longer, it was HER life after all. Her gazes was casted down her a paws.
Move, all they had to do was move. Move and take her away from this hell and to a new place. A place where she had no idea of where to go, because all she had known was the pridelands her whole life. But that didn't matter anymore. She had to leave! She had to leave and save herself, for herself. Even if that meant being alone. Which the concept wasn't new to her. Yet the thought of leaving someone behind did sadden her heart some. Simba. How could she leave her baby cousin, knowing his hard-knock life as well.And especially with no word- no warning? The idea didn't sit too well with Vitani. After all, when she was at her lowest she did go to him for help and comfort. What if he is to need her one day and she is not there to return the favor. "Ugh….great sentimental feelings..."
Suddenly an added voice in the air makes her head shoot up in the direction of the large rock. They were distance and blurry, but her eyes could make out two shapes walking her way. "Princess Vitani! You are needed at priderock."
"Dammit…" the lioness instantly voiced. Her paws now moving the power within them to move backwards some. Okay now was the chance it was now of never!
"Come, we can't have our guest waiting!"
A new voice was heard, a much harder more demanding one then the first. She backed up some, weighting her option there was only two of them. She could easily take the hyenas. But her eyes weren't ready or expecting the last figure traveling behind. Her father. Seeing him stopped her in her tracks. He was personally going to escort her? She watched as they came closer and closer until they were meters away.
"Daddy?-"
"Vitani , we haven't got all day. The king of the mountain pride will be here shortly." Her father voiced while looking at her for only a moment before turning back in the direction from which he came. He didn't need to look at her, he knew she would follow right behind him, if she knew what was best for her. She had seen what her father was capable of with her mother, and now recently her. Without a second thought. There was no chance now. No chance of running no chance of escape, he could easily catch her. And when he did….there would be no telling of what he would do to her then.
He hates to keep others waiting...
So slowly and without her control, her feet began to walked forward after them. Vitani's head hanging low the whole time, weight down by what was to become of her. It just all seemed so surreal. What happened to the times of her and Nuka running around and having run? Having a cubs beautiful ignorance of what the real world was. Everything seemed so easy and fun back then. Even if she didn't have the ideal upbringing, it was prefect for her. Now it seems like her world is falling apart. Piece by breaking piece. She thought she couldn't wait to grow up when she was younger. Now she sees how overrated that idea was.
Before she knew it they were at the steps of priderock. She had slowly trailed after her father and the two hyenas. Never wanting to get too close, yet she never strayed too far behind for Scar to actually turn his head and give an effort to look for her. She hated being under someone control like this.
Just as she arrived one of her mother lionesses came from the platform. She walked slowly, eerily slowly, as if trying to give Vitani the chance to run. But her legs wouldn't do what she wanted anyway, they were too scared . "Our guest is here Sire." The lioness bowed her head before standing aside so the king could walk.
"Thank you Jama, I assume Zira kept him company until we arrived."
"Yes Scar, he can't wait to meet you and Vitani."
"Good." What? He can't wait to meet her? Why? Nothing is special about her. What did her mother say? She made it seem like her mother was hyping her up. Like she was going to be the lioness of every males dreams as soon as she walked in? Kings... did this guest really know what he was in for? For the lie, her mother has never hyped Vitani up in anyway shape or form. She must really want to get rid of her own daughter after all. So much for a mother daughter bond. As the Group made their way up the stairs, Vitani felt a heavy weight on her shoulders. " Don't embarrass me, do you hear me Vitani?" She said nothing, but soon felt his grip tighten. She thought, this is what it must feel like to have the whole weight of the world on your shoulders. To be the pawn in the game. she literally felt crushed by her fathers weight.
"Yes daddy." Walking behind her father, each walk being more painful then the last. This was not happening, this was not happening.and as she bit the inside of her lip and tasted the blood, she realized, it was happening. "Dammit…dammit dammit "
"Hello, hopefully we haven't kept you waiting." Her father voice rang.
"No you haven't. I just arrived here myself. But don't worry I was kept great company by the Queen. Why you have a lovely kingdom Scar." Ugh…thought Vitani, what he was shown of it, luckily for her father the lands near priderock look vastly different from the lands near the waterhole of other boarders. The grasses here were still somewhat green, with no bald patches. And if there was, you could always blame it on the dry season. So yes, everything looked fine…for now.
"Oh please, it was a pleasure greeting you." Her mother sounded almost unrecognizable. Who was she? all nice and with an almost chipper voice….chipper and Zira didn't sit well with Vitnai. She in all her life has never heard her mothers chipper voice. It was down right scary to her. But it came as no surprise once she thought about it. to survive you always have to have two faces. "But enough about me, I'm sure there is someone else here who you are more excited to meet?"
"Why yes I am." Vitani eyes darted back and forth. She quickly wondered if a fall from the platform could kill her. She doubted it, it wasn't high enough. If anything she would get badly bruised up but no death. "I'm guessing the striking lionesses behind your mate must be her?"
Striking? Well she had never been described as striking before? Which striking did he even mean? Striking as in beautiful or striking as in to kill? Because if it's to kill- that she could easily do. Vitani soon felt a nudge to her shoulder from her father.
"Vitani isn't there something you want to say?"
Yes she did. A 'who the hell is this?' Would be more like it. From her understanding the prince from the mountain pride would be seeing her today…not his father. The lion before him was dam near her fathers age. As she eyed him, it was clear to her confusion and discomfort. The feeling soon risen when she saw a warning glare from her father. Which would hurt more, another surefire beating from her father or acting as if she liked cared.
"Hello.." she bowed her head slowly, trying to piece the puzzle together. She stepped towards him with a fake smile. " it's a pleasure meeting you..." she tried her best not to stare at him.
"I've heard a lot of good thing about you princess Vitani." The taller male with a small hints of grey in his mane bowed back. " It's finally nice to put a face to the name."
" yea ri- I mean…the feeling is mutual." Vitani made eye contact at her mother for some sort of help. She wasn't good at these types of things and didn't know what to say. Oddly enough her father was one who came to her rescue. "Uhh…"
" Come, let us talk over dinner shall we. I'll send for the lionesses hunting party now. Zira walk with me, and we'll let these two get to know each other more. Vitani watched as her mother did as she was told. What the hell? She thought inside her head. What kind of sick joke was this? She didn't want to have a conversation and get to know her future father-in-law. Not that she wanted to meet his son either, him clearly not being here means something! she already had the feeling she was dealing with another spoiled Nuka.
"So, I know I was't what you expected." She looked up to the lion before her.
"Oh no, it's just…i…I thought your son was coming with you. That's all." The lion furrowed his brows.
"Son? I don't have a son?"
"Yes, you do…you're the king of the mountain pride." His furrowed brows made Vitani furrow her own. She wasn't the crazy one here, it was clear as day the mountain pride king was here….not the prince.
"Oh, you must be thinking of my father. I have heard we looked alike." He chuckled to himself.
"What?...looked alike…you mean?"
"That I am the prince of the mountain pride? Yes, yes I am prince Kijivu." Vitani could not control the hanging motion of her mouth as she stood there is disbelief. He... was the prince of the mountain pride! She's expected to marry someone her fathers age?!
His dirt colored paws flicked a small twig that rested under him. What time was it now? Nuka had just finished his morning training and his body was itching for his evening activities. As his brown eyes looked down at the broken twig he figured his sister must already be meeting with the mountain lion leader. "Hmp."
He slowly rose to his forearms. " I wonder how Vitani doing, hopefully she doesn't screw things up. That'll really get dad pissed." Then the thought came to him, and after a moment it didn't seem so bad after all. What it Vitani did mess this agreement up? Father would sure get pissed, but also, perhaps he would finally pay attention to him.
After all it's been so long since that embarrassing match he had with his father. He's trained long and hard these passed weeks. Of non stop training and commitment. Nuka knows he has improved greatly. In fact his father would be impressed with his only son right now-if he took out the time to pay attention to him! That is all the prince of the pride lands truly wants. His father approval.
If anything he thought his father was paying too much attention to Vitani, getting her a mate so she could rule another land? Please! no one wants her, it'd be a waste of time. Not to mention that his twins is not even appreciating the fact that their father is actually giving her the time of day. Unlike him! She doesn't deserve it in the least.
Nuka couldn't believe how his sister could find anything to complain about in this situation. Yea she doesn't know the lions she's suppose to marry. So what it happens all the time, no big deal. It's happened to lionesses before her and it will happen to lionesses after her. Hell when he has his daughter he will do the same thing. It's all for the greater good of the kingdom. But most lions can't see that, she certainly can't see that because she thinks too small! Like all the other lionesses here in this pride.
But it's whatever at this point, because with her soon to be gone- if this works out, which in turn it probably will. The word is the mountain pride needs and outside lioness to have thr Kings cubs. Which Nuka for one could not see his sister having anyone cubs-gross! But that will be her job soon so...
Nuka can do what he has to do to get back in his fathers favor, whatever that will be. And it wont seems as desperate in his fathers eyes with his sister not being there to…compete with. Just the thought of impressing his father and having Scar wrap his paws around him and say 'I'm proud of you son' or ' I always knew you were my son' was something that drove Nuka from his core.
Nuka knew he had what it took, all he had to do, was be what his father wanted. After all they say great minds think alike and like father like son.
The blue eyed lioness had just left her queens side. She was watching little Kopa as his mother slept off her morning hunt. In fact it was just Sarabi and Nala here at the side den now. The other lionesses went about their way to try to get some personal times to relax or just get away from priderock- as much as they could without alerting the hyenas- until they got the call for the evening hunt. Which they knew knowing Scar or Zira could mean being called at any inconvenient time.
Nala walked threw the hard and prickly pieces of grass. Hoping her eyes would come across something soft for a cubs feet. Before Nala's eyes little Kopa seems to be growing up so fast. He was like the little baby sibling she'd always wanted when she was younger. His eyes were opening, he could waddle his way a few meters in the den. And now to Nalas delight the cub has little ticklish paws. Which she discovered while playing with him a few days ago.
She was trying to find something she could use to play with him. She knew his sleeping schedule and knew he would be waking soon. She didn't want him to wake Sarabi so she's distract the cub for the time being. You could tell He was going to be playful and full of energy as he gets older. He would be a monster, just like this brother.
It wasn't rare for Nala to compare the two. Simba and Kopa, yes she and simba were born around the same time, and she would not know how he was as a young cub- but she always wondered. He was always playful, getting on her nerves and getting her into trouble! Odds are he was probably a difficult infant to deal with. Kopa on the other paw seems more mild in personality from what she can tell. Expect when he gets his burst of energy right after a good nap.
Nalas mind always wondered what simba was up to, he was constantly on her mind. Why she didn't know, but she did think of him often. Hoping he was okay, she couldn't imagine what life could be like actually living at priderock with no family. Well he did have family…but the feeling probably wasn't the same as when the whole pride was there. She just hoped everything was okay.
"Wow there isn't anything here that Kopa would like." Her paws turned over the dry grass that cut in half so easily. That was nothing to tickle a little cubs paws with. "Oh well, better luck next time I guess." She turned to walk away, back to the den. She wasn't far, maybe a few yards from her destination, but those few yards gave her just enough time to daydream.
Lately Nala found herself doing that often when she was alone. She was so tired of her family living conditions. She was even more tired that she could do nothing about it. At times she thought of things she could do or say to Sarabi -or even Scar himself-but nothing really came to pass when she really thought about it. After all she was still young, who would take her seriously? Her mother always told her to stay in her place, and to not worry about 'adult matters' even thought she was growing adult now herself! She knew They were just stuck….she was just stuck here. Stuck here until something changed she supposed. Nala never knew if and when that change would come but she could always dream about it.
Then, out of nowhere an all too familiar scent hit her nose. Snapping her out of her daydream. "Huh?" Could it be? was her nose playing games with her, sure she thought about him a lot but she didn't think it was to the point to where she started smelling his scent. To her dismay and joy her wasn't going crazy. In the distance right outside of the side den stood Simba. Nalas body instantly froze. What was he doing here?!
Before she could think or speak she was spotted by the red-eyed lion. Who was now walking her way, with a smile on his face. "Nala, hey! you're the lionesses I was looking for."
"W-what…really?" Her voice stammering "why?"
"Yes, I need your help with something."
"Help?"
"it involves Vitani."
"Of course." She nodded, listening intently to her friends story, or move over Vitanis story. It was true that Nala and Vitani weren't the picture prefect imagine of a best friends or even friends. But it was a girl thing, and they really only had each other to come to really. Having someone her age is always more easier to talk to then an adult, especially when you have Zira as a mother.
In the end it was no surprise of what Simba had told Nala of what Scar was doing. It was heartless and cruel, just like their king. Yet still, selling his own daughter no less? To a lion-no pride she doesn't now. He could not only be endangering the kingdom with this, but moreover he was endangering the health and wellbelling of his daughter!
"I really want to help her, but I just don't know what to do. She wont listen to what I have to say, she says I don't get it."
"I see." She voiced thinking. "Wow, this is really hard. I cant even imagine what Vitani must be going through."
"Yea I know, it gets worst."
"What do you mean?" She could see him pause for a second. Was he thinking of what to tell her? Or how to tell her this next information. In truth it was a bit of both. "simba?" Her voice begged the question. "Tell me what else happened?"
"That night when Vitani found out about the whole thing, it was a huge argument of course. She wasn't going to let that happen…"
"And?...what happened next?"
"He hit her."
"WHAT?!" Her voice was so loud and sudden that it made the large male step back some. "Simba are you serious!…. That bastard...he hit her! Are you kidding me!?"
"I know, that was my reaction too. I wanted to rip his head off..."
"And what did her mother do? Zira had to do something!" Her voice was still boiling. Her blue eyes watched as Simba shook his head with a 'no' nodd. That is unbelievable, Zira was never Nala favorite lioness that was for sure. Yet she would never wish anything bad upon her- now, that has changed! How could a mother let anyone put a paw on her daughter! And do nothing! That is no mother at all! "You have got to be kidding me, my kings poor Vitani."
"Yea…and I know everything is being told to you so fast, I don't know when this will all happen. But I need your help Nal." Small butterflies started to filter in her stomach when he said this.
"Of course what do I need to do? I can talk to her if you want. And if anything i can hide her here! No hyenas patrol here that much, and the lionesses are always gone hunting. We can make this work-"
"Nala? Is that you?" ...her breath caught in her thought "Are you out there?" The added third voice came from the den. It sent a shiver down her and Simbas spine. Both for different reasons. "Nala?" Suddenly Nala remembered Sarabi and panicked. She had no idea Simba was here…and he had no idea about Ko-
"…mom?" His voice was almost inaudible as he walked passed Nala towards the voice.
"Simba wait-" she turned calling his name, but it was too late he was already gone.
"Mom!" He ran over to the dens entrance just as his mother made her way into view. Both lions stopped automatically as their eyes locked with one another and the air between them went still.
Review and tell me what you think! I hope you enjoyed this chapter :) chapter 30 being edited right now!
