Chapter 24: Aftermath

"You wanna prove yourself to me? Fine, that's your last challenge. Show me who you really are before I figure it out." ~Kovu

"You should've told me about Maalum," Simba said after a long moment of silence.

Sheeva didn't respond.

The two of them were standing a few feet away from each other in a relatively bare area of the jungle. Timon, who was sitting on the sidelines with Pumbaa, gestured for Simba to continue. It was Timon's idea for them to hash out their differences so they could move on. Simba nor Sheeva wanted to, but with some persistence, they agreed. However, so far it wasn't going well.

"I had a right to know and I'm mad about the whole situation. Just thinking about the fact that I have a son that I knew nothing about…" He trailed off and shook his head in frustration. "I wish you told me. I wish I could've helped raise him. I wish you gave me a chance to fix this situation."

Sheeva looked down at that. "I wish I didn't have to make that decision."

"You didn't. You chose to. That's the point."

"The point is that I never should've let you get that close to me."

Simba frowned. "It wasn't just me, you know. You admitted to liking me too."

"And out of all the things I regret in my life, that is the one I regret the most."

Silence.

The atmosphere was tense. Both of them were defensive. The next sentences were bound to be sharp and cutting. Timon jumped up and walked in between them, holding his hands out. "Alright, alright. Clearly, you two are gonna need a mediator." He waved for Pumbaa to come out as well. "Let's just admit that there's a lot of anger here. No need to pretend. But it's time to move on from that. Right, Pumbaa? Say one of your random intelligent things."

Pumbaa walked over to him, looked in between Sheeva and Simba, opened his mouth… and then shrugged.

"What? You don't have anything?"

"It comes and goes."

Timon facepalmed and sighed. "Look, me and Pumbaa had our fair share of arguments, but you know what helped? A stomach full of bugs, a song, and a simple conversation. You both have a right to feel the way you do, and you don't have to agree about it at the end, but your goal should be understanding where the other is coming from – enough that you can move on as friends." He paused and looked at both of them. "Sheeva, Simba is mad because he just found out he has a son he knew nothing about. That's a lot to take, especially since family is pretty important to him. Simba, Sheeva is upset because you called her selfish for making the call to keep it a secret. That struck a nerve with her because she had to make a super hard decision that would've hurt someone regardless of the route she took. Now take that in, be understanding, and let's move on to talk about Maalum."

Silence. But this time, Simba and Sheeva looked down and then back at each other, more sympathetic. They probably would never agree on the decision made, but as Timon said, they could understand enough to stay friends. Simba was willing to put his bitter feelings away for the more important factor. He had a son. What should he do first? He wanted to spend time with him and get to know him more. He wanted to teach him many things. He wanted everyone to know who he was…

It dawned on him slowly the impact of those actions. How would the pride feel to know Maalum was actually Simba's son? How would Kiara feel to know she has a brother? How would Nala feel about the entire situation? That was going to be a big change for everyone. But sometimes, changes were good.

"Take care of him," Sheeva said suddenly, interrupting him out of his thoughts.

Simba raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"He acts emotionless, but he actually feels a lot more than he lets on. You can tell when he's really happy because he shows it. He doesn't mind being alone, but he does get lonely. He's good at climbing and swimming, and he's pretty strong, but not very fast. He has a big appetite, so while he enjoys bugs and fish, it's not the most sustaining. He dreams a lot when he sleeps. He doesn't get hurt often, but if he ever does, he tends to heal pretty quickly. His best friend is a monkey named Fiji. And romance is new territory for him so if he finds a lioness in your pride he likes, he'll need help…"

Simba listened intently.

"There's so much more, but you'll learn it all over time."

"Why does it sound like you're not going to be with us?"

"Because I'm not." She hesitated. "Maalum lived the first part of his life with me, and now he should stay with you."

"Why can't he be with both of us?"

She shook her head. "He wouldn't want it that way."

"How do you know?"

"Because I kept things from him too, and he's not happy with me either."

Simba just watched her. He saw a tigress with more regrets than she let on. "Sheeva, everything about this situation is a mess, and there's no clear answer on how to clean it up. But I know it's not by you staying here alone. You have to come back to Pride Rock with us."

She stayed quiet.

Pumbaa took a few steps in her direction. "Sheeva. Remember what we talked about."

It took a long time for her to find the words. "Going there can't be the right answer either. I lost Maluum and he doesn't want me around anymore." She struggled to continue, "…I don't know how to fix it."

Simba could tell that it took a lot for her to admit that. He nodded. "We can figure it out."

"How?"

"I lost my daughter once. I thought I was protecting her by keeping her away from the one she loved, but when she ran away, I was scared and I didn't know how to fix it. It took a lot of stretching on my end to get her back. I had to give her room to grow and listen to her even when it was hard to hear." He paused. "I know this isn't the same situation, but if you're willing to stretch yourself and go to where Maalum is, there can be reconciliation. And this time, we'll be there to help you."

She was quiet again.

They could tell there were a million thoughts running through her mind. Probably all trying to dissuade her from coming with them. When a minute or so of silence passed, Timon cleared his throat. "If you remember what I said before, a stomach full of grubs and a song will help move things along. So how about we go eat, sing a song, and then let Sheeva make her decision."

Pumbaa smiled at that. "I think that's a great idea."

Simba and Sheeva reluctantly nodded.

"Good job back there, Maalum." Kula grinned and hit his tail with her own as she passed by – her version of a high five.

"Thanks."

She was the fifth lioness to congratulate him on the way out of the den. Currently, Sarabi and Sarafina were inside assisting everyone with their injuries. He was sitting outside the entrance so as to not disturb them while he waited for Vitani. She and her brother garnered the worst injuries – although Kovu still acted like he wasn't hurt. After about ten more minutes, Sarabi and Sarafina walked out.

Maalum rose to his feet. "Is Vitani okay?"

"She's as difficult as usual," Sarafina said with a sigh. "But health-wise, she'll be alright in a few days as long as she lets that gash in her hind leg heal."

Sarabi nodded in agreement. "Now she has a reason to avoid being on the hunting squad."

"I'll keep her company and make sure she doesn't push herself."

"Oo-la-la," Sarafina sang, making her eyebrows jump. "Looks like you two are getting closer…"

Maalum felt his cheeks heat up and he turned his head. "She got hurt protecting me so I should be there for her."

"Right, right, but let's just be honest here. Who are you leaning more toward? Vitani or Upesi? I can't tell who has the upper hand."

He was flustered and he was sure his expression showed it. Why was Sarafina like this? He looked to Sarabi for help and she caught on quickly.

"Don't pay her any mind, she's too invested in other lions' lives."

"They're young and they have things going on. It's the most entertaining thing since Malkia's situation," she explained and then gave Maalum a look. "One day, I'm gonna catch you when Sarabi isn't around and you can't dodge the question then." With that, she started to walk off.

Sarabi started to follow her down the side of Pride Rock but stopped suddenly and stared at Maalum. She looked like she had something she wanted to say to him, but after a few seconds, she just continued walking. Maalum made a mental note to check up on her when he had some free time.

He made his way into the den where Vitani was off to the side, lying down and looking deep in thought. He'd almost forgotten about Kovu until he heard light talking in the far back where he and Kiara were talking.

Maalum walked over to Vitani and as she looked at him, he felt his heart beat a little faster. He felt awkward all of a sudden and the flustered feeling amplified. Why did Sarafina have to say anything?! He wasn't trying to think about that. They were just in a fight over the pride lands, for goodness' sake. This was not the time or place to figure out his romantic emotional mess.

He forced himself to shake the thought off. Literally.

"What's wrong with you? Why are you shaking your head like that?" Vitani gave him a strange look as he approached.

He stopped. "Huh? Oh, no reason." He moved on before she could say anything else about it. "You alright? Sarafina and Sarabi said you'll have to relax for a few days to make sure your leg heals properly."

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Like I said before, I've been hurt worse." She sighed. "The hunting thing sucks though."

"I thought you didn't like being on the hunting squad."

"I don't like the teamwork stuff. Hunting itself isn't bad. It can be fun sometimes."

He sat down. "I didn't know you actually liked hunting. I just thought you were good at it."

"There are a lot of things you don't know about me."

"Well, tell me something I don't know."

She gave him a skeptical look but then thought about it. "I prefer buffalo over zebra."

"Really?" Almost everyone in the pride preferred zebra to all else, even himself.

"They tense up too much during the hunt for me and it's not as tender."

"Hmm, I never really noticed. Maybe I just enjoy it so much because I'm not used to it. I have to admit, real meat is way better than bugs and fish."

She made a sour face. "I don't know how you managed."

"It's not the worst. You should try a bug one day."

"Over my dead body."

Maalum laughed, and as if divine intervention struck right then, a small blue bug caught his eye. It was crawling toward the wall, but he grabbed it before it could get too far away. "Here. Try this one. I think this kind has a slimy inside."

When he held it toward her, she looked disgusted and moved the top half of her body away. "Yuck! Get that away from me."

"Come on, just one bite."

"No way! Don't be a jerk!"

He laughed as she forced herself to her feet to move completely away. He was enjoying the moment so much that he hadn't realized Kovu was walking toward them – well, limping. Kiara was by his side wearing an amused expression at the sight of Vitani and Maalum. Maalum only noticed them when Vitani's expression changed and he turned to see what she was looking at.

Kovu stopped in front of them. "Maalum, let's talk."

Vitani's gaze turned suspicious. "What about?"

"I have something I need to say. To him." He paused, glanced at Kiara, and then started out of the den.

Kiara gave them a nod as if to say it was alright and then went out as well.

Maalum sighed. He didn't know what this was about, but he wasn't in the mood to pick up where they left off prior to the fight. "What do you think?"

"Judging by Kiara's look, he's not gonna pick a fight with you. But if he does, tell me."

He nodded, but then thought about it and held up a paw questioningly. "What are you gonna do in the state you're in?"

She huffed. "I can still handle myself. Besides, I won't let him treat you like that, especially after you just went out of your way to protect the pride."

Maalum smiled warmly at her concern. "You just focus on getting better. At the moment, Kovu could blow on you and you'd topple over."

"I can still handle myself!"

He laughed at her exclamation and headed out of the den. "Sure you can. I'll be back."

Maalum followed the silent Kovu off to the side of Pride Rock. He thought Kiara was going with them at first, but she just gave him another reassuring smile and headed off in another direction. When they were finally by themselves, Kovu stopped, turned around, and just stared – borderline glared at Maalum.

"I didn't need your help during the fight," he said finally. "I could've handled it myself."

It was amazing to Maalum how much Kovu and his sister fought, and yet they sounded just alike.

"But you made a good point about making it back to Kiara and it being bigger than us." He sighed and sat down. "Kiara wanted me to tell you thank you, so yeah."

Kiara wanted me to tell you thank you… so yeah.

That was barely a thank you, but it was the closest thing he would probably ever get from Kovu.

Maalum nodded, amazed he even got that. "You're welcome."

"Don't think this changes anything. You still challenged me over that white hyena."

"You were trying to hurt her."

"Even so, I was the acting King. You don't get to question my decisions."

"That doesn't sound like a King – that sounds like a tyrant."

Kovu let out a low growl. "If you don't like it then you can leave."

Maalum stared at him. "What's your problem with me? Ever since I got here, you've been a jerk and I didn't do anything."

"My problem is that you appeared out of the blue and everyone here is bending over backwards to make you feel welcome, but nobody knows what they're dealing with. I'm the future King of this pride and I'm not gonna let someone come in and confuse and hurt them."

"Hurt you? I've been trying to protect you guys. I see you all like my family."

"Yeah, right. Family doesn't keep secrets. Family doesn't sneak off with Rafiki at night, and sit on the outskirts to have secret conversations with my sister."

He was caught off guard. How did he know?

Kovu gave him a knowing look. "I don't trust you, and when I figure out what you're really doing here, I'm gonna throw you out myself."

Maalum was tempted to tell him the truth about his identity, but he doubted Kovu would believe him. It could really get out of hand without Simba there to confirm his relationship with his mom. He sighed. "I know those times make me look a little suspicious, but I haven't done anything to hurt anyone since I've been here. Have you ever stopped to think that maybe I'm on your side? What if I'm good?"

"And what if you're bad? What if you're plotting to hurt us? I was once on the bad side so I know how it works. You get in good with everyone and right when they trust you, you betray them and worse." His expression was grave. "I lost my mother and brother to protect this pride so don't think I won't stand against you to make sure they're safe."

Silence.

Kovu frowned as if he revealed more than he intended. "You want to prove yourself to me and show me that you're actually a good guy? Fine, that's your last challenge. Show me who you really are before I figure it out." With that, he walked off.

When Vitani saw Upesi walk into the den, she turned away. She was the last lioness she wanted to talk to. However, it seemed the opposite way around for Upesi; she walked right over to her.

"Vitani, how are you feeling?"

"I'm fine."

"I wanted to tell you that you did a great job out there. I didn't see, but Maalum told me that you helped protect Kiara and saved him. Thank you."

Vitani said nothing at first. After a long moment, she spoke again, "What happened? You said you would make sure Maalum had help, and he didn't."

"I also said there was a chance he'd have to face them alone."

She let out a low growl. "Enough games. You don't leave things up to chance. You always have a plan and a backup plan. So why didn't you plan for him to have help? He could've gotten seriously hurt again."

Upesi just watched her for a moment and then looked away.

"Upesi, I don't know what you're planning, but if you hurt him…"

"I didn't want Maalum to get hurt. I wanted to set him up for a good comeback. If you haven't noticed, the pride has mixed views about Maalum. He could've used any situation to change that back to a positive. Being the hero, especially in such a serious situation was perfect."

"So, you put him at risk?" Vitani's frown deepened. "Who cares what the pride thinks? Their opinions aren't automatically right. What's more important is his health and safety."

"Yes, but unless the pride accepts him fully, he'll be back out on his own. I'm trying to secure his place here."

"His place here is already secure."

"Based off what?"

"Off him being –" She caught herself. "Listen, we asked you to help because we had to, but not again. You're not gonna use him as a pawn in your manipulation games."

Upesi stared at her, almost disheartened. "You really like him."

That threw her off. "What?"

"I have to admit, this was something I didn't see coming. His arrival took me by surprise, but I made a move immediately to deter all the other lionesses. I figured maybe one or two would still be interested, but not you."

"What are you talking about? I don't like him."

"You might as well admit it to yourself. It's not like it isn't obvious." Before Vitani could oppose it, she continued, "And it really makes things difficult for me, you know that? I still don't know what to do."

Vitani hesitated at that. She didn't know what that meant, but the idea of Upesi manipulating the situation made her narrow her eyes. She forced herself to not get sidetracked. "Look, whatever you're talking about isn't as important as what I just said. Don't put him in a bad spot like that again."

Upesi sighed and she started to say something else, but Maalum walked in right then.

She turned to him as he approached. "Hey, Maalum."

"Hey Upesi," he said with a smile. "You guys alright?"

Vitani answered first, "Just peachy. What did Kovu want?"

"He actually just wanted to thank me… well, Kiara wanted him to thank me."

Vitani rolled her eyes.

"That's something, at least." Upesi nodded. "Maybe this is the start of a better relationship between you two."

Maalum hesitated. "… maybe."

"Well, the rest of the pride should be coming in soon. It's time to turn in. We all need to recover from what happened today, and Simba will be back tomorrow."

He looked toward the outside of the den. "I think I'm gonna patrol the land before going to sleep."

"Want some company?"

"No," Vitani said immediately. When they both looked at her, she turned her head. "I think he wants to be alone."

Maalum nodded slowly. "Actually, she's right. I want to clear my head a little."

Upesi considered him. "Sure."

Maalum walked the borders of the Pride Lands, making sure there were no lingering threats. Not that he really thought any hyenas would come back, but he felt better knowing for a fact that the pride was safe. As he made his way around, he found himself hoping to run into Rafiki. It probably wasn't the best idea to talk to him, especially with Kovu hot on his trail, but he didn't have anyone else to talk to about everything that happened. But of course, it worked out that the one time he wanted to see him, the monkey was nowhere to be found. It was probably for the best.

It was an eventful, crazy, unexpected day. He had a dream-vision that left him empowered and comfortable with who he was. Of course, Simba was gone then. Yaya randomly appeared to warn him of an attack. He challenged Kovu and made himself look bad in front of everyone. Then he disobeyed an order and came up with a crazy plan to save the pride. He fought with hyenas and somehow didn't get hurt again. And helped rescue the pride. What would Simba say about all of this when he returned? What was he doing right now? Had he found his mother? Did he know the truth? Did his mother apologize?

He heard rustling in the trees that seemed to be more than just the wind. When he stopped to look at the trees, a piece of fruit suddenly flew out and hit him in the head. He frowned, but then looked up with hope. "Rafiki?"

He heard a light squeal that got louder with each passing second. He narrowed his eyes as he saw a shape come into view. Without warning, the shape flew at him and squeezed onto his neck. "Princeeeeeeee!"

Hello there! I'm not officially back from the hiatus, but I did want to update since I was working on it here and there. Much love!

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8-9