Hello, sorry this took ages! Thanks to everyone who's reviewed, it's really appreciated.

Chapter 4

Kiara met Vitani the next morning.

"Vitani, are the Outlanders planning something?" asked Kiara immediately, before she could forget. Vitani looked at Kiara for a minute, thinking. She knew the Outlanders didn't have any plans that were going to happen imminently, they were just focussing on training Kovu, and she wasn't sure whether that counted or not.

"Why?" she said finally.

"Well, my dad says you, I mean the Outlanders, are being suspiciously quiet, and we think you're planning something," said Kiara.

"Well, I don't know anything," said Vitani slowly.

"Oh, ok," said Kiara. Kiara turned to climb back up the log, and Vitani followed her. They sat on a small rock. However, after only a few minutes Vitani's ears pricked up.

"What was that?" she asked. Kiara listened carefully. She could hear something crashing its way through the undergrowth towards her.

"Hide!" she hissed to Vitani. Vitani looked around for a suitable hiding place, but there were none. Sighing, Vitani took a deep breath and slipped into the small pond that was next to the rock. After seeing Vitani successfully hidden, Kiara tried to relax. She breathed deeply to calm herself, just as Timon and Pumbaa burst out of the grass.

"Princess!" cried Timon. "There you are!" Kiara groaned quietly.

"You are needed at Pride Rock," said Pumbaa. Kiara groaned loudly.

"But why?" she whined.

"Official royal business, Princess," said Timon. Kiara trailed slowly after them. With a gasp Vitani re-emerged from the water. She sucked in air. She was glad they had left when they did; she wasn't sure how much longer she could have held her breath for. It was still frustrating though. Now Vitani would have to find something else to do. She caught a mouse, and wasted time wandering around the area. Eventually, she accepted that Kiara wouldn't be coming back that day.

Vitani slunk back into the Outlands. As she was heading towards the cave where the Outlanders lived, she realised someone was following her. Without slowing down she sniffed the air. It was Kovu. She sighed slightly, and started to move faster. She quickly ducked round a corner, and waited. Kovu ran past, and Vitani stuck out a paw and tripped him up. Kovu landed on his face with a thump. Vitani stood in front of him, eyebrows raised, waiting for an explanation. Kovu got to his feet and shook off the worst of the dust that now covered him.

"Oh, um, hi Vitani," he said.

"Why were you following me?" she asked.

"I was not following you!" Kovu said. He fidgeted slightly.

"Kovu, don't lie to me," said Vitani.

"I'm not!"

"Then why were you sneaking around?"

Kovu opened his mouth, but was unable to find an answer. He simply shook his head, muttered a good bye, and ran off. Vitani rolled her eyes. Kovu was a terrible liar. She walked slowly after him. She knew she should keep an eye on him, as he was the Chosen One and all. And besides, if something happen to him Zira would go mental. So, it was best for everyone if she just made sure he was alright. Although, thought Vitani, how much trouble could Kovu get into on the short walk to the cave?

As it turns out, it's a lot.

Vitani rounded a rock when she saw Kovu leaping onto a rock. Of course, Vitani knew it wasn't a rock. She groaned. Kovu glanced towards her.

"Kovu get off that rock!" she called to him.

"Why?" he asked.

"Because-" just then the rock reared up, and Kovu fell into the water. "It's a crocodile..."

Ooh... a cliff hanger!!!