[Open] Enemy From Within

[KingKovu44]

Kovu turned. "Fine, Jasmine. If that's the way you want to be, I will go. Good luck finding a new mate!" he said as he exited the den.

[LionPrincess]

Jasmine lay back down beside her cubs and started to cry, she did love Kovu but she didn't know what to think, surley he knew what Zira had done, she would have told him, she was hurt and she felt so much like running after Kovu but she knew that she must stand by her word.

[Applejack]

Vitani nodded and pulled herself to her paws, favoring her injured paw, and leaned gently on Hakara. "Thank you," she whispered. "It really means a lot to me, Hakara. No one... no one's ever helped me like this when I've been hurt before." She looked up at him, her muzzle right next to his. Cautiously, she nuzzled him gratefuly, then pulled away.

[KingKovu44]

Hakara shook his head. "It's no problem, really. I was taught from an early age to help those in need, especially a lioness," he said. At Pride Rock, Rafiki suddenly appeared to Jasmine. "Jasmine, the great kings and queens of de past do not approve of your actions," he stated.

[Applejack]

"At an early age," she echoed, "I was taught that injury and asking for help was a sign of weakness. Weakness meant death in the outlands." She turned to face him for a second. "So, the only reason you're helping me is because of what you were taught as a cub?"

[KingKovu44]

Hakara shook his head. "No. I'm doing it because it's the right thing to do," he stated.

[Applejack]

Vitani sighed softly. "The right thing to do. Thats right." She looked up, realizing they were almost at Pride Rock. "I.." She looked away, not knowing really how to say what she wanted to say. "There's no other reason, right?"

[KingKovu44]

Hakara shook his head. "No, not really? Why are you asking?" he asked.

[Applejack]

Vitani smiled a little sadly and sighed. "No reason," she said quietly. "Just curiosity." She gingerly placed her paw on the ground and found she could carry some of her weight on the paw. Sighing, she stepped away from Hakara, her eyes averted. "Thanks for doing the right thing," she said. "I think.. I think I can keep going on my own."

[KingKovu44]

Hakara nodded. "I think I'll stay with you for the moment, just in case something else happens," he said.