[Open] Enemy From Within

[Applejack]

Speechless, she hid herself in his large mane, sighing softly. "He loves me," she whispered to herself. "someone loves me... but how?" She shook her head, looking up at him. "I..." she trailed off, not wanting to spoil the moment with her feeble attempt to respond.

[KingKovu44]

Hakara looked at her. "Listen, Vitani. You can tell me. I won't be angry," he stated.

[Applejack]

She chuckled in spite of herself, leaning up to his level. "Its not that I'm afraid you'll be angry at me," she said softly. "Its that I'm no good with these things." She took a deep breath and raised her muzzle to his ear. "I think I'm in love with you, Hakara," she whispered.

[KingKovu44]

Hakara nodded. "And I know that I'm in love with you, Vitani," he said. Meanwhile, both Kopa and Nuka had been presented to the Pridelands and returned to their parents. With final smiles, Simba and Nala disappeared back into the realm of the great kings and queens.

[Applejack]

Vitani sighed. "The cubs have the blessing of their grandparents, of their aunt, of the baboon... they surely shall reign supreme someday." She smiled and looked at Hakara, then scolded herself inwardly for even thinking what she was. It was way to early to think any of that. "Can you help me up?" She asked. "I want to talk to Kovu before Jasmine takes him away again." She snickered at her joke.

[KingKovu44]

Hakara nodded and leaned down so that Vitani could lean on him. "There you go," he said.

[Applejack]

Vitani nodded her thanks and leaned close to Hakara, her paw raised gingerly out of the way. Slowly, they made their way up to Kovu, Jasmine, and the cubs. When they reached them, Vitani dropped low into a bow. "Congratulations, you two," she said softly. She leaned forward and licked each cub before backing up and taking her place next to Hakara. "Kovu," she said softly, "I've been thinking. Thank you for... for allowing Hakara to say," She rested her head on Hakara's mane and sighed, taking in his warm, familiar scent.

[KingKovu44]

Kovu smiled at his sister. "You don't need to thank me, Vitani. I'm not going to be cruel like Mother was," he said proudly.

[Applejack]

She nodded softly. "There is.. another thing," she said softly, "but I'm not quite sure how to say it." She bowed her head again, this time quite embarassed. "I'm... taken with someone," she said quietly.

[MaxMike01]

Haij got up and walked over to the four, smiling softly and bowing as well. "Congrats, you two. I whs for a great future for the Great Princes." He giggled. "Plus, a nice way to name them after Simba's first son and you and 'Tani's brother."