A/N: Hey sniffle guys. Hold on-lemme get a tissue. Turns away from computer to blow nose. Okay, even though I have a small case of the flu-or some sickness in the air-I will still update for you guys. So cough, cough enjoy!

Chapter Eighteen: Betrayal

''Kovu! There you are!'' Zira called to her son. She trotted over to him, anxious to hear any news of the escaped princess.

Kovu's heart suddenly stopped for a brief second then started up again at a fast rate. A wave of guilt washed over him, followed by panic. Why do you feel so guilty?, he thought, confused. But he knew exactly why: he had betrayed his own mother and let Kiara go.

''Well? Any news at all? At least a hint of her?'' asked Zira impatiently. She expected an immediate answer from him, but on the contrary, he seemed to hesitate before replying.

''She…I haven't found her yet. For a minute, I picked up her scent, then lost it the next,'' Kovu fibbed, avoiding his mother's eyes. He felt so uncomfortable lying to the only person he'd never told a lie to.

For a moment, Zira was silent, watching as her son's ears twitched with apprehension. Her eyes observed him closely and she noticed how crookedly he stood, with one paw bent instead of touching the ground. That's when her gaze came upon his wound. Normally, she would have put on her caring attitude and questioned him about it. However, she felt that something was amiss. She did not like the way he answered her question; her intuition told her that he must've been hiding something from her.

''Well, Kovu, what happened to you here?'' Zira asked in a clear sweet-yet-fake tone.

''I-I was attacked by a couple of hyenas. I fought them off, but not without getting injured,'' Kovu stammered in reply.

''You fought off both hyenas alone?'' pried Vitani. Kovu knew they were beginning to get suspicious.

''Y-yes.''

''And you're still alive?'' Nuka interrogated, eyes narrowed.

''Yes I did.''

''Well, Kovu, since it seems you're injured, then you should stay with the rest of the pride while your siblings and I search for the princess ourselves,'' suggested Zira.

''N-no! I mean, I'm okay, I can find her,'' Kovu exclaimed quickly. Nuka and Vitani exchanged puzzled glances.

''Oh, but I insist you stay. We wouldn't want that to heal improperly, now would we?'' Zira said, almost insincerely.

''I'm alright. I can do it, I said,'' Kovu said, his tone hard.

''Good, that's what I like to hear,'' said Zira, satisfied. She then turned to the rest of the pride and announced, ''The search will continue. If anyone finds her, bring her back to me dead or alive!''

Again Kovu's heart missed a beat. Kiara was in more trouble than ever before. He had to find her first prior to any of the others. The pride once again parted in different directions, each member ready to hunt down their victim.

As quickly as he could manage, Kovu limped off, wincing with nearly every step he took. He knew he had to try and keep his mind off the pain; Kiara's safety is what mattered more.

What Kovu did not notice was that when he was out of earshot, Zira beckoned Nuka to her and whispered, ''Make sure he doesn't get into trouble.''

''Right Mother! You can count on me!'' Nuka replied out of sheer excitement. He understood right away what she meant and was happy to be given the job.

''We want to make sure he does the job properly…''

A/N: If this seems like it doesn't make sense to you guys, it's because I have a slight headache and my lil sis is watching annoying cartoons that distract my attention. Let me know if there are any mistakes here. Oh! And I need someone's opinion for a title for chapter 17 (again!)