[Open] Enemy From Within

[KingKovu44]

Hakara smiled at her. "Because I want you to be happy, just as you should have been as a cub. No cub should be forced to endure what you endured," he said.

[Applejack]

Vitani looked at him. She'd hated how he'd acted, but, she felt.. right when she was with him, somehow. Maybe it was because he saw her for her, not for her actions. She took a deep breath and sighed. "Help me forget," she sighed. "How would you help me forget my past? Forgetting it never solves anything." She sighed and slid even closer to him, her shaking starting to subside. Why do I feel comforted near him? He's an outsider.. She trailed off in thought, realizing something. Just.. like me... "Hakara, how would you help me?" she repeated.

[KingKovu44]

Hakara nodded. "Well, first, may I suggest that you see your past as a chance to grow and become stronger? By letting go of your memories of Zira, you will begin to heal inside," he said.

[Applejack]

She sighed softly, looking at him. She suddenly realized this was the closest she'd ever been to him. She was already used to his smell, and realized it was rather sweet to her. "It will be hard to forget mother," she said quietly, "but I'll do what I can." She turned closer to him, only a few whisker lengths away from him, and smiled softly. "I guess... with your help, I can. As long as.. you'll.. stay near me and help me.." She really wasn't sure why she was acting like this. He made her feel safe, and comfortable, but how could she explain it to him? He'd call her a fool.

[KingKovu44]

Hakara smiled. "Don't worry, Vitani. I will be at your side every step of the way until you are healed mentally. Now, we should return to Pride Rock. I'm sure your brother is wondering where you are," he said.

[Applejack]

She sighed softly and looked at him, her head mere inches away from his. "What about after," she asked quietly, ignoring his second comment. "What about after I'm healed... what if I want you to stay?"

[KingKovu44]

Hakara turned. "What do you mean?" he asked.

[Applejack]

She sighed and extended a paw towards him, stepping closer to him again. "What if... what if I want you to stay wit-.. around me after I'm.. better?"

[KingKovu44]

Hakara smiled. "I'll happily stay with you if you want me to," he said.

[Applejack]

She flattened her ears and looked away slowly. "Not like I want," she said softly. "I'm sure of that. How could y.." She closed her mouth instantly, realizing she'd been thinking out loud. "Oh, Great Kings, I'm so sorry," she said, backing up slowly. She tripped a few steps back and fell hard, landing on her paw with a whimper. What was wrong with her? Why was she acting like this?