Chapter 4: The accident
Seeing the cubs racing toward the gorge Kitoko ran diagonal toward them. Her heart beat faster and faster with each stride. She'd never make it in time. Her vision was going to come true before her very eyes.
Closer and closer they got to the gorge, but it felt as though Kitoko was still miles away. She ran, faster and faster. But every fiber of her being knew it would be to late.
She roared as she neared the gorge. To late, Zinani flew over the edge. The screams and cries for help haunted Kitoko as she ran.
Amalie and Kioni leaned over the edge, watching Zinani flip flop down the gorge. Kitoko pounced, reaching the gorge just as everything went silent. She was breathless and tears were falling down her face like rain. "No," she whispered.
"Amalie, Kioni," she said. The two looked up at her, tears in their own eyes. Kitoko sat and held out a paw. The cubs rushed over to her and cuddled against her, sobbing into her soft fur.
Within seconds Kiara was there. "I'm to late…" she said, crying out. Kioni, seeing his mother, immediately sought out the comfort he needed. Kiara held him close. The whole pride made it within minutes.
Raimi took hold of Amalie as Kitoko went over to the edge. She felt a hand on her shoulder. "I need to tend to her wounds," Rafiki said. Kitoko nodded. Carefully she made her way down, finding juttings of rock to support her. Zinani had landed on a small ledge. Kitoko put two paws on the ledge and leaned down. She nudged the cub.
Zinani moaned and opened her eyes a tiny bit. "Ki-Kioko…" she murmured.
"Ssshh little one, it'll be ok." Kitoko said, licking Zinani's forehead. Zinani closed her eyes and let out a breath. She was unconscious once more. Kitoko carefully took hold of her by the scruff of the neck and lifted her. She then turned and climbed back up the side.
Rafiki took her in his arms as Kitoko reached the top. Kiara walked over and nuzzled her daughter. "Come, we must take her to my tree." Kiara nodded. Rafiki walked off.
Kovu stood, shot a glare toward Kitoko and then walked off, following Rafiki. Kiara turned to Kitoko. "Thank you," she said, rubbing her head under Kitoko's chin. Kitoko lifted a paw and held it against Kiara's shoulder.
"We'll get through this somehow," she promised. Kiara leaned back and smiled.
"Take Kioni back to Pride rock for me?" she asked. Kitoko nodded.
"Of course."
Kiara turned and followed after her mate.
Kitoko beckoned for Kioni and Amalie to follow her. The cubs obliged and ran toward her.
"Is Zinani going to be alright?" Kioni asked almost immediately. His little brown eyes filled with concern.
"Yeah Mom, will she live?" Amalie asked. Kitoko sighed and turned, stopping.
"Yes little ones, she'll be ok, it just may take a while for her to get better…" Kitoko finally replied. Amalie and Kioni exchanged glances with each other before bowing their heads and following Kitoko back to Pride Rock…
A/N: OK super short chapter, I know, I'm sorry, but I've been so busy, it's not even funny! I haven't had much time to write and I've had writers block for the past few months, things have been really really hectic in my life, so sorry for the long wait…I'm sure a lot of you aren't even reading this anymore…