NALA

"Hey, what was that about earlier?" I asked in a hushed voice as I had to sneak my way towards Vitani. she was leading the hunt still and her lionesses surrounded her. It felt awkward trying to get close. I couldn't help but think what Zira could want with her daughter. I mean, the two aren't close, and for her to want to talk with her was weird.

"Well, you would know if you stayed and didn't leave me to the lioness den." fair point, I'll take the attitude coming my way. I deserve it. " and forwarning, we have extra ears here so." I nodded in understanding. I couldn't be too blunt with what I wanted to say. Although known none of these lionesses here are an ear for Nuka. I'm sure Vitani didn't want anyone else in her personal business.

"Sorry, I figured you two would need space to talk."

"I promise you that the last thing I need." she nodded her head for me to coming closer. We were still a ways out from the lower mountains. so we had a few minutes to talk before we got into our positions.

"She's been eyeing you all morning, ever since we left for the hunt. It was like she was glued to you or something. Do you know how creepy that is from walking with her all the way back there."

"She can stare all she wants if I'm lucky she'll get lost on the way back or...if I'm really lucky she'll drop dead from kings knows what. Ha, maybe she'll vanish." I could tell by her voice, she wasn't going to focus on the matter. She didn't even look back at the mention of her mother.

"something happening between you two when you guys talk?"

"...mmm no."

"Then explain the sad forlorn look on her face? Look I know how weird things are between you and your mother. So what did she want?" I watched her roll her eyes.

"Nothing important- not to me that is."

"and it's?"

"I don't know, she wants for me and Roho to spend more time with her I guess, she was apologizing and owning up to her mistakes she made as a mother towards me and my deranged brother. What's new." oh well, I wasn't expecting that.

"Well, what did you say?"

"I should have said nothing instead but I foolishly entertained her."

"By saying you'll spend time with her?"

"Hell no. I told her I had more important things to do."

"You're thinking about it then?"

" Kings do you know me at all? again no. That's too much trouble for whats it's worth. you know my mother as well as I do. she's not doing it for me or my son, she's doing it for herself. Like she's done everything. Besides, I don't need her to distract me."

"Maybe she's changed her ways? did you ever think of that? I'm not a fan of your mother either, but still."

"...Even if she did, by some grace or miracle what to rekindle a relationship with me. it's too late. she's done stuff to me I won't forgive and can't forget. And like I said before, she's close to my brother."

"Maybe she can help us Vitani... I mean she could know something I don't. She can be in on something." I could see her take pause of the idea. what I said, made sense, and probably isn't anything far from the truth. Nuka's probably told his mother his whole scheme by now. I know he has to by now, that damn ego of his won't let him keep such a 'genius idea' to himself. He needs all the credit and boots to his ego he can get. "...if we could get her on our side...befriend her. she can tell us everything. she could be the key to beating Nuka."

"ugh...you're probably right, but right now I can't think of that. My mind's too distracted on other things right now." and by other things, I knew what she meant.

"I understand, how's Kijivu?"

" He seemed better this morning, but I think that was just to please me. I just have to give him time, and space I guess. I don't really know what to do. I mean, when I got news my father died, I practically jumped for joy."

"It's only been three days."

"Yea, but why does it feel like an eternity?" I could hear the frustration in her voice. as well as see it all on her face. one thing Vitani is, is an open book.

"Queens don't whine." I teased, trying to cheer her up.

"I do, I hate to see him miserable like he is. and I hate that I can't fix it, and make it better. I mean our sons starting to catch on now. Believe me, my cub can be a total airhead at times, so for him to notice how his father is..."

" You have to have patience."

"Patience can kiss my ass..." well, that too. " I want him to be himself again, I need that Nala. Is that too much to ask?"

"Well...for right now, yes." Not knowing how she wanted me to answer, did she want the truth or not.

" Don't worry I already know it is. I know I need to wait for him, and everyone really. Damn, I'm so selfish. I didn't realize how much I needed him until I didn't have him. He's really supported me Nala, and I feel like I'm just failing him. Am I failing him?"

"What? of course not. Don't even think that. you're the best things he's got right now." I could tell by the way she looked at me, she didn't feel that way. "I promise you things will get better, and when we get back I'll even watch Roho for you. So that way you two can be alone and talk."

"Aww, Nala where have you been this past, thank you." She leaned her head into my shoulder. I could feel the sense of relief wash over her. " Now I understand why lioness always wants to have a best friend."

" You're welcome, now get off of me. You're causing a scene." I pulled my shoulder back to force Vitani to walk up standing straight and stop leaning on me if she didn't she'd fall.

"Wow, you just got demoted to friend now. And to think I called you my best friend in front of my son."

"That cubs going to have it out for me. Maybe I shouldn't watch him, I might go missing."

"Please, my baby couldn't hurt a fly." see that's all it took, just mentioning her son and it changed her whole mood. Wow, love really is something. I wonder if I'll ever have that kind of love for anyone? it's not like I'm having a cub anytime soon

"My queen." Shanti's voice distracted both of us from the lighthearted fun. Brining Vitani back to her queenly duty. " The buffalo heard up ahead, do you want me to call and tell everyone to get into positions."

"Yes. Get everyone ready." Shanti nodded and left. It was time for me to take my position, before left I heard Vitani whisper to me. " Nala we'll continue our conversation later. Tonight."

"Right." heading back to my position with my pride members I had to pass Zira. She gave me a small passing by glance. Nothing serious. Apart of me thinks she could be she ignoring me on purpose, another part of me thinks she could be jealous of how close Vitani and I have become in this short time. Whatever the case maybe I know she's our key to beating Nuka. I hope tonight when I talk with Vitani I can convince her of that.

RyanSquad, yes he's blindly being followed, it might bite him in the ass later. But it proves fools will follow you.

KawaiiCutie12, I know do they think she was born yesterday...and fall into his trap, had me laughing.

Guest, I do think it is possible for them to have a romantic interest- and I low key want that too, I just have to figure out everything with his whole marriage with Kenya, because for now it's on and running and he is madly in love with her.

Iva2000, thank you! I tried to get one key concept that everyone questioned 'what could happen' from youtube videos and I ran with it from there lol.