VITANI

As I went storming towards the family den. Too many thoughts were running in my head. too many possibilities. It was all starting to make me sick. I know something has happened to my mate, I just know it. And it's killing me to know I can't do anything... I didn't do anything. What if he's lying somewhere hurt, or half-conscious? or even sick. he needs me. I'm failing him...

Dammit! as much as I hate to agree with Nala. That I can't just run up and accuse my brother of...of I don't know what. Kidnapping the king? I can't. Everyone will look at me crazy. And if my pride follows my lead, they might end up killing more than just Nuka... and I can't let that happen. the pride and was once my family...my home. I still have to protect them.

Shit, I hate when innocence gets caught in the way of evil.

When I rounded the corner I saw everyone standing outside. The prides had started to intermingle some, which...if it weren't for the stain circumstances I would be glad to see. Not now so much, everyone is literally right here. Just like Nala said it would be before I left. damn. "Mwenya." the older lioness turned when she heard me call her name.

"My Queen." she smiled and came towards my direction. " have you come the gather us early?"

"No, not yet. I was looking for my mother, have you seen her?"

"Yes, she was just with your sister a moment ago, over there. they should still be in that area."

"Thank you-"

"Is everything okay? I sense some tension coming from you, is everything alright?"

"Me? Everything is fine." me, trying to play everything off. I feel like I'm failing at that too. "Why?"

" Oh well, nevermind. I was just wondering, being nosey I guess in my old age. I know you two have been under a lot of challenges lately. I know things take time to heal, you two don't have to rush to try to make things comfortable for us. We've all experienced something like this. It's hard, but we'll all manage. You and king Kijivu need to take some time for yourselves."

"Mwenya... " if only it were that easy... but I need to change this subject, just hearing my mates' name aloud is making my heart race." I have to go, I'll call for you all later." she nodded and went about her way, as I did mine. "Mom? mom where are you?" I thought she said she was just around the corner-

"Vitani?" finally.

"We need to talk now."

"What's wrong?" I nodded as I walked passed her. We needed to speak alone. My mother followed me down a slim passageway that broke through to a clearing just on the other side of the rocks. "Vitani what is it-"

" Tell me."

"Tell you...tell you what?"

"Mom, please do not play with me right now."

"I'm not, i have no idea what you're talking about?"

"Nuka."

"What...what about Nuka?" I could see the puzzle confusion on her face. She had no idea what I was talking about. I was just going off at the mouth. Besides, in my head, I was already talking at 100 mph. "Vitani please...you'll have to explain this to me. What are you talking about?"

"He's up to something I know it. Tell me what it is now."

"tell you."

"Did I stutter? I what answers NOW."

"I h-have no idea what you're talking about."

"Kings...do you think I'm stupid?!"

"No...I just don't know what you're talking about. Whats happened?" I felt a growl escape my throat. I had to look away. I can't trust her. I know I can't. If she knows something is wrong. Sure could tell Nuka know. I'll be playing himself and my family right into his paws. Fuck!

"I thought I could trust you..."

"y-you can trust me."

"No I can't...how can I?"

"Because I'm your mother dear, that's how you know can." I shook my head disagreeing with her.

"You're Nuka's mother and you'll always look after her little boy." I saw her face changed, and I knew I hit a nerve. I would always hear her say those words to comfort Nuka whenever he was having a hard time. When life was just too much for him to bare...she would always be there for him, no matter what. Now's no different right, mommy dearest is going to side with her little boy.

"...That was different, I'm different now. What can I do to prove it to you, I just want my family back together again-"

" Then you'll tell me his plan. I know he has one. Don't think I don't know there's a plan to take over this pride mom? I was apart of that plan to don't forget the reason why I was even sent over here... I know what he wants to do. And I'm here to tell you, he Will not. Do you hear me? so tell me, what's his move?"

"No no there is no more moves... he's not doing that anymore."

"Bullshit."

"No, I... I talked him out of it." what...talked him out of it? That's a laugh.

" Do I look like a fucking idiot to you mom, really?"

"Hey, watch it-"

"No, YOU watch it. " I got in her face, I don't know what game she thinks she's playing with me. To think she could control Nuka and make him change his mind? "You've got until tomorrow to give me the truth." The setting sun caught my attention, I knew I had to move. Get the hunting party together, keep everything running like normal. And think of a way to find Kijivu.

"The truth. That is the truth he has nothing to hide, we just want to start over." I could feel tears wanting to fall from my eyes again. I wanted to believe her, and start to love her, kings I wanted that so much... it kills me. Fuck I was trying to take Nala's advice and not jump to conclusions. to keep my clam and make things work in my favor. but I'm pretty sure I screwed that all up the moment I saw her.

"...Like I said you have until tomorrow to convince me, that Nuka is not going to betray me. If you can't convince me he's no threat he's done. If I feel you're working with him. you'll be done too. You will not have a second chance."

"B-but what did he do?"

" Go ask him yourself. I have to go now. I'll see you tomorrow."

RyanSquad , yea I noticed that too! I don't know what the deal is, but they need to fix it lol.

KawaiiCutie12, Zira will be ...ecstatic with her conversation with Vitani coming up. and I do love all my readers lol, I just give you guys a hard time. lol. and display making my version on the screen would be something. originally TLK had some dark moments, I love watching youtube reviews about the hidden undertones of the story. It's interesting. But t you know Disney has to keep things K rated for the money so things got edited.

Guest, yes it's time for me to do some deep thinking, to see how he should react. I know I have a blow out scene with he and Nala coming up once they meet. but can honestly say he's going to have the energy for both, Nuka and himself ( beating himself up wise). When I do more POV chapter with him we'll see.

I know I have to go back and see some of Nukas lowest moments in the past chapters and resurface them for the ending. someone is going to kill him, I just don't know how I truly want yet. Both Nala and Simba have reasons, hell Vitani too now, once the truth comes out. I might toss and coin.