[Open] Enemy From Within

[Applejack]

As much as Vitani would have liked it, she shook her head. "No," she said. "I wouldn't want to inconvenience you or get in your way." Inside, her emotions were at turmoil. I thought he was different, she cried out silently in her head. Shaking her head, she sighed. "Thank you, though. You really helped." She started to limp slowly away, hoping that he'd follow her, but knowing that he wouldn't.

[KingKovu44]

Hakara nodded. "Very well, I will meet you back at Pride Rock. I'm sure your brother is wondering what happened to you," he said. Just then, Kovu walked by them in a rage. "I don't need her!" he shouted.

[Applejack]

Vitani whipped around. "Kovu?!" she exclaimed, confused. She dashed off after him, limping, until she caught up to him. "Kovu, what... what happened?" She stepped infront of Kovu so he couldn't keep walking. "Talk to me, please. Whats wrong?"

[KingKovu44]

Kovu snarled. "Do you know what just happened?! Jasmine blamed me for Mother's murder of Kopa and exiled me!" he shouted.

[Applejack]

Vitani's head snapped back in surprise. "Kovu, she can't exile you. You're the king! How can she dare to blame you for something that isn't your fault?" She stepped forward and fell down, her paw aching, but pushed herself to her paws, not wanting Kovu to see her injured like she was. "You need to calm down, Kovu. Give it a little time and go back. I'm sure she'll calm down."

[KingKovu44]

Kovu growled. "How can I go back?! She doesn't want to see me again!" he shouted, trying to conceal his grief. He looked at Vitani. "You know, if she hadn't named one of our sons Kopa, this wouldn't be happening right now!" he added.

[Applejack]

"No," she said softly, looking down. Her own sorrow was clearly still written across her face. "If I hadn't overreacted about the naming, you wouldn't be dealing with this right now." She stepped back sadly. "I'm sorry, Kovu. It's my fault. I never should have opened my stupid mouth!"

[KingKovu44]

Kovu roared in rage. "I curse Mother for all that she's done!" he shouted. Finally, he got his anger under control. "Come on, let's go and talk to her. Maybe we can convince her that I had nothing to do with Kopa's death," he stated.

[Applejack]

Vitani nodded and slowly stepped up beside Kovu. "Come on, brother, lets do this." She took a step forward and fell down hard. "Damnit!" she roared, picking herself back up. she lifted her paw up and supported her weight on her left front paw. "I'll do everything I can, Kovu. I'll convince her."

[KingKovu44]

Kovu sighed. "If anyone can convince her, it's you, Vitani. Thank you for your help," he said. Hakara joined in. "I'll be nearby if you need me," he said.