One day, Nuka wandered around aimlessly after failing to grasp his mothers attention yet again. She was always so busy with Kovu, it was all about Kovu now, ever since Kovu was born it was allllll about KOOVUUU. Well he was sick of it... But his jealousy really didn't stem from a hate of his little brother, he just feared he was loosing his mother.
Walking around, he discovered Raven, his aunt, sunning on her favorite sunning rock. The land was dying around her, but the white lioness still found comfort in her favorite spot.
Nuka approached Raven, hoping she was in a good move. Many knew Raven as a grump, especially to cubs. But Nuka knew the white lioness had a secret soft spot towards him, especially since the death of her own son, Zawadi.
"Miss Raven?" Young Nuka asked as he approached Raven, sadness in his eyes and close to tears.
Raven's ears twitched as she heard the young cub. Groaning slightly, she yawned, raising her head to look at the scruffy cub before her. "Yes Nuka?" She asked in a tone, obviously irritated she had lost her nap.
Nuka shuffled awkwardly for a moment before speaking. "Why does mom hate me?" He asked, a crack to his voice that a child would make before breaking into tears.
Raven's expression softened. Sighing gently she offered a smile, "What on earth would make you think that you silly cub?" She asked, a bit of a scolding tone to her voice.
"She never spends time with me anymore... It's all about Kovu now, and Vitani." He pouted. "Ever since Scar made Kovu his heir Mom hasn't had time for me..."
Raven sighed softly, looking back at Pride Rock before looking back at Nuka. "Listen to me, Nuka Dear...." She said in a firm, but caring tone, a smile still on her face. "Your mother is just a bit distracted right now... But she loves you so so much... and DON'T you dare doubt it!"
Nuka smiled a bit, nodding. "I wont, Raven.. I promise." He said with a smiled, feeling much better. "She'll show me she loves me soon!"
Raven smiled and nodded. "That's right... Now run off and have fun..." She said, laying her head down and going back to sleep. Nuka ran off to play.
Neither of them knew at the time that the only time in the future that Zira would every actually appreciate her oldest son... Would be during the final moments of his life...
