The Journey of Love

[cleargreenwater]

I must confess, once the Hyenas show up in a fanfic I gauge a lot about my confidence in it's writing and characterization based on how they're handled, and this passed. Ace, thumbs up.

Also, I don't particularly like the SP crew, but in reading this, I find myself really-genuinely, honestly liking Kiara and think your Vitani is legit in how she thinks and acts and feels, it's nice to see both of them developed into reasonable adults versus the teenagers of Simba's Pride. I like them a lot more this way!

[Arani]

Thanks you guys! And @aloobah, just wait, you'll see.

[Arani]

This next chapter might not be as good as others, but I did my best with it.

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Chapter 6:

Vitani and Kiara starred in awe as a gush of fast-moving water raced down the gorge.

“What in the world?” Kiara and Vitani noticed that the water was rising. In no time at all, it was below them, and rising quickly to their level. “What's going on?”

“No time! Lets go before we get stuck in it!” The pair of them ran along the gorge outcropping, looking for a place to climb to the top. The water was only a few feet away. They skid to a stop as the path led to a dead end. They looked around. “Uh... come on, this way!” Vitani shouted over the rushing water. They went back the way they had come. Water hit the sides of the gorge, soaking the two of them.

“What're we gonna do?!” Kiara shouted.

“I don't know!” Vitani shouted back. “I hope your a good swimmer Kiara!” Kiara screamed and backed up. The ledge fell away in front of them. They were completely trapped. The two of them looked around desperately for something to help them escape.

“Quickly, up here!” Called a voice from somewhere above. They stopped and looked up. There, on a ledge some distance above them, was Alaba and her cubs. The cubs looked terrified.

“Alaba!” Vitani and Kiara shouted in unison.

“Hurry up or the water will get to you!” They looked. The water was just barely starting to reach their paws. “There are small ledges between you two and us. They're not very strong so you'll have to go one at a time!” Kiara and Vitani started trying to climb the wall without another thought. They clawed at the rocks, using the small ledges barely the size of their paws to climb. Vitani let Kiara go ahead of her. She looked back. The water had completely engulfed the ledge they were standing on only a moment ago, and was rising quickly towards them.

“Come on Kiara, move!” Kiara looked down, then started to climb faster. The water was touching Vitani's paws as she had a little more trouble climbing the wall. Kiara extended her paw once Vitani was close enough.

“Take my paw!” she shouted. Vitani grabbed hold. Kiara pulled her up with some help from Alaba. Kiara and Vitani breathed heavily. After a moment, they looked back at the water. It was still rising towards them. “What're we gonna do now?”

“There's no way out of the gorge from here. I didn't think the water would get this high.” Alaba said at a loss. The cubs cowered closer to the rock wall.

“Mama? What's gonna happen to us?” Nirah whimpered.

“I... I don't know baby.” Alaba answered sadly, nuzzling her cubs gently. The water was almost to their level.

“I guess this is it huh?” Kiara said quietly, gazing at the water. Vitani looked from Kiara, to the water, then up the cliff.

“Ya... Ya I guess so.” Kiara closed her eyes tight.

“Hey, up here!” A voice called. Everyone looked up. Kovu and Kopa were making their way down the gorge as far as they could, trying to reach them. “We're coming!” Kovu called.

“Kovu, Kopa! Great Timing!” Kiara called back. The two males stopped above them, just low enough to help them climb the wall.

“Climb up the wall as far as you can! We'll catch you if you slip as long as you get high enough!” Kovu called. Alaba looked back at Kiara and Vitani.

“Each of us will have to take up a cub with us.” They nodded.

“Nirah, Kima, you go first.” Tulues said, nudging his sisters. Alaba took Kima by the scruff of her neck and started climbing. It only took a few steps to reach Kovu's outstretched Paw.

“Alright Kiara, your turn.” Kiara grabbed Nirah and quickly got to the top. Vitani looked back. The water was barely below them. “Alright, c'mon buddy, lets get out of here.” Vitani took hold of Tulues and started climbing. Just before she reached Kopa's outstretched paw, the rocks beneath her gave way. She let out a muffled scream as she slipped a little down the wall.

“This is not good!” Tulues screamed. Vitani looked down, then back up.

“Kopa!” She said through clenched teeth. “Grab Tulues!” Vitani lowered her head, then threw the cub with all her might. Tulues screamed, but was caught by Kopa. Vitani smiled for a moment knowing that the cub was safe, then turned her attention back to getting out of the gorge alive. She started climbing again. Her paws were cut up and bloody, her stomach was scratched and bruised, and her claws hurt like crazy, but she didn't stop. The water had reached her legs.

“C'mon Tani! You're almost there! Keep climbing!” Kiara called from above. Kopa stretched out his paw. After a moment, she grabbed hold of his paw. He pulled her up. She shook out her wet fur and took a few deep breaths. Everyone looked back at the gorge. “This isn't right. This gorge only has water in it during the rainy season when the main river overflows. But never at this time of year. What is going on?”

“Is it possible that the main River is jammed somewhere and the gorge is catching the rising overflow?” Vitani asked. Kiara shook her head, puzzled.

“I wouldn't know. All I know is that the river is quite a long distance from here. A week away, at the least. We've gotta send someone up there to go check it out. If not...” They looked back at the water. It was starting to flood the lower plains. “The Pride Lands may be flooded for good.” there was an eerie silence in the group. After a moment, it was Kovu that broke the silence.

“Lets get back to Pride Rock. We can figure out what we're gonna do from there.” Everyone nodded and followed Kovu back to Pride Rock. Vitani had a difficult time walking due to her paws being so cut up. Kopa noticed her trouble.

“Here, lemme help ya.” He said to her. He let her rest some of her weight onto his body, making it easier to walk. She dared not look at him in fear of blushing. Once they were safely at Pride Rock, Alaba and the cubs were given a full meal, while Kopa took Vitani to the Den to rest. Kiara and Kovu soon joined them.

“How are your paws?” Kovu asked Vitani, looking at her in concern.

“Ah, give them a day, they'll heal.” She replied, shrugging her shoulders.

“So what should we do now?” Kopa asked, looking everyone in the eyes one by one. “We've gotta go figure out what's going on up at the River.” He said.

“We're gonna need to send out a scout to go take a look. It'll be dangerous. The walk takes you on the edge of Hyena territory. Or what's left of it anyway.” Kiara sighed. “the lion we send may not come back alive.”

After a moment, Vitani spoke up. “I'll go.” she said. Kopa and Kovu looked at her in worry and surprise. Only Kiara nodded her approval.

“I thought you might volunteer, Tani.” She said. “Just be careful.” Vitani nodded.

“I will set out first thing tomorrow.” She said, looking around at the group. “I'll be back in two weeks time, I promise.” Kovu and Kopa reluctantly nodded. Vitani laid her head on her paws. She would need a lot of sleep to have the strength to make the journey. A journey that may be complete suicide.

[aloobah]

Whoa! For a second there I though Vitani wasn't gonna make it.
But she did! Yay!

[Awali]

Nice chapter, Arani. I don't know why you thought this chapter might not be good as others, it's awesome! Keep on writing.

For some reason, I didn't get an email that there was a new post, though. Interesting.

[Arani]

Sorry the next chapter is taking so long, I'm having a block at the moment and trying to come up with some good stuff to put into the chapter. Hopefully it will come soon!

[Arani]

*Double Post* u mad?

Alright, I spent most of the night finishing this. It's just some commentary between Kopa and Vitani, but I thought it was necessary.

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Chapter 7:

Vitani awoke early the next morning, before the sun rose over the horizon. She stretched and stood. She walked out to the top of Pride Rock to look out over the lands. “I might not ever see the Pride Lands again...”

“Rethinking your options?” A deep voice came form behind her. She turned. Kopa walked up and sat down next to her. She looked back out over the lands. “You don't have to go out there.” He said.

“Yes I do.” She said in a flat tone. “I'm a much better fighter than many of the other lionesses here, and I've had a lot more general training. Who better to sneak through Hyena Territory?” Kopa starred at her for a long few moments.

“Then I'm going with you.” He said. Vitani was almost surprised.

“No your not. It's to dangerous.” She said, glaring at him. He glared right back.

“I'm going and there's nothing you can do to stop me.” A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Besides, I'm gonna have to save your lousy behind just like the good old days.”

“Hey!” She said playfully, lightly punching his shoulder.

“You know it's true. Remember that time where you almost fell off that cliff and I had to pull you back up? Or that time where you were nearly Crocodile food before I warned you about them? Huh?” She laughed. He grinned at her. She realized that there was no swaying his decision. She looked back over the lands as the sun illuminated the horizon. She could see water flowing out onto the lower plains. It had not let up like she had hoped. She looked down. The lionesses were slowly making their way out of the Den. None of them aside from Kovu and Kiara knew that she was going on this journey, and she intended to keep it that way.

“Listen Kopa, I don't want you telling anyone about what's going on, okay?” She said. “I don't want to panic them.” Kopa nodded in agreement.

“I understand, not a good idea to get everyone into a Panic.” He took a deep breath. “You scared?” He asked her. Vitani chuckled.

“No. Why, are you?” She looked at him out of the corner of her eye, cocking an eyebrow.

“Of course not!” Kopa said, faking an offended expression. “It's just, going through Hyena Territory isn't easy. Gonna have to be extra careful.” He said. Vitani could pick up on his nervousness a mile away.

“Don't have to tell me twice.” She said.

“Gonna have to be extra careful. Don't want to get torn to bits out there, right?” He gave her a teasing glance. She scowled at him.

“You just love pushing my buttons dont'cha?” She said, another smile forming on her muzzle.

“Of course I do. I do so love it when you get flustered. It's rare, but highly enjoyable.” She laughed. He smiled. There was nothing more enjoyable to him than her laugh. They both fell silent. After a moment, Kopa cleared his throat.

“So, Tani...” He began. She looked at him. He looked into her eyes. “I, uh... well I just wanted to say that, well...”

“Vitani.” A voice came from behind them. They looked behind them to see Kiara and Kovu appear from the walkway. “Ready to go?” Kiara asked. Vitani nodded and stood. Kopa stood as well.

“Kopa here has insisted on joining me.” She said, glaring at Kopa again. “Despite my objections.”

Kovu and Kiara grinned. “I think it's a very good idea that he accompany you. It'll make the journey a little safer.” Kovu said. Vitani and Kopa both nodded. The four of them walked in silence to the bottom of Pride Rock, away from prying eyes. “Have a safe journey.” Kovu and Vitani briefly nuzzled each other. Kiara nuzzled Kopa, then Vitani.

“You two get back soon, alright? And don't get yourselves into any trouble.” Kiara said. Vitani and Kopa nodded.

“We'll just check and come right back.” Vitani said reassuringly. Kiara nodded. “We'll see you in two weeks.”

“Following the stream up to the river takes you the long way, but it's the only was to get there relatively safely. You'll be in hyena territory most of the time so don't stay in one place for to long.” Vitani smiled at Kiara.

“Don't worry, we'll be fine.”

“Aunt Vitani's leaving?” A young voice came. Atsu and Dumisa were running up to them. They immediately went right up to Vitani.

“Not for long.” She said comfortingly. “We'll be back soon.”

“Where are you going?” Dumisa asked.

“Just up the stream a ways, nothing to worry about.” Kopa said. The cubs looked from him, to Vitani, then to their parents. They finally rested their eyes back onto Vitani.

“Alright, we'll see you soon then!” Atsu said. Vitani nuzzled both cubs.

“I'll take you out for pouncing as soon as I return.” She promised. She stood strait and looked Kiara and Kovu in the eyes one more time. “We'll see you soon.” She smiled and started her walk to the stream. Kopa lagged behind a little.

“I've been up that way before. It's going to take us longer than two weeks, I can guarantee that.” He said.

“Just be as quick as you can.” Kovu said. Kopa nodded and ran to catch up with Vitani.

“Mommy, Daddy, are they going to be alright? They're gonna come back, right?” Dumisa asked. Kiara bent down and nuzzled him gently.

“Yes, Dumisa. They'll be back before you know it.” The two cubs nodded. Kiara watched the two of them leave. “I hope...”

[Awali]

Good chapter Arani! Keep writing good stuff.

[aloobah]

That was great! I'm really getting into this fanfic. I don't think I've read one about Vitani before, but you've captured her character so well.

[Arani]

Sorry it's taken so long to get another chapter written! D= This one is shorter but oh well...

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Chapter 8

Vitani and Kopa walked in silence for days. They'd occasionally have a conversation, but it never went any longer than a few minutes. There was an awkward vibe between the two. Kopa desperately wanted to talk to her, but he couldn't figure out what to say. Vitani almost liked the silence. It was hard for her to talk to Kopa.

As they walked along the edge of the long river, they often noticed that bones were littered among the water. “It's so eerie, seeing so many bones in the river.” Vitani said suddenly.

“Ya. And more and more keep appearing in the river every day.” He looked at her. “Do you think it could be the hyenas?” He asked.

Vitani shrugged, careful to not meet Kopa's eyes. “Maybe.” She looked around. “I'm actually surprised we haven't run into any hyenas yet. I know we're not in their territory just yet but I had expected to see some.” The sun started to set. “Lets find some place safe for tonight and hunt in the morning.” Kopa nodded in agreement. As they searched, Kopa couldn't take the silence any longer. He had to ask.

“Vitani, why did you go looking for me?” Vitani slowed a little. “How did you know I was alive?” She didn't answer him for a few minutes and kept walking. After a few minutes, she sighed in submission.

“I had a dream about you.” Kopa starred at her in silence.

“A dream about me?” She nodded.

“Nothing big. Just you standing there is all.” Kopa nodded and didn't go any further into the subject. They held the rest of their search in silence. It didn't take them long to find a cave to stay in for the night. They settled across from each other. There was an awkward silence. Kopa cleared his throat.

“So... how's life been since... you know?” He asked her uneasily.

“Slow.” Vitani said simply.

“Come on Tani, give me a solid answer please.” Kopa grinned.

“'Slow' Isn't a solid answer?” Vitani asked, putting her head onto her paws. Kopa glared at her. “There's nothing to do. It's just hunt, eat, sleep. That's all it is.”

“Wow, things sure have changed.” He said. Vitani shrugged. “So, what else? I know there's something else.” Vitani looked away. After a few moments, she sighed.

“I... go on trips away from the Pride Lands sometimes.” Kopa looked shocked. “What?” It took Kopa a minute to speak.

“You leave the Pride Lands?”

“Ya.”

“Alone?”

“Yup.”

“Without having some weird dream about me?”

“Pretty much, ya.”

“You been seeing somebody?”

“Maybe.”

“You bad girl.”

“And what's so wrong about that?”

“Nothing.”

“You see I've got that effect on lions. They never have anything to say to me.”

“Idiot.” He grinned at her. Vitani couldn't help but grin back at him. “Anyway, how could I not have something to say to you? I always did like the Bad Girls.” Vitani scowled at him.

“Got something else to say Kopa?” She asked him with a smug smile. “Well c'mon then. C'mon I dare ya, give me your best shot.”

He cocked an eyebrow at her. “Calling you an Idiot was my best shot.”

“Ya, I get called idiot a lot.” She bit back laughter.

“Alright fine. Since you so desperately want to know what I've gotta say, this is what I gotta say:” He grinned again. “You really do need to get a life one of these days.”

“Ya, I know.”

“You know a lot of lions leave once they find that life of theirs, so maybe I don't want you to get a life.” He teased.

She rose her head. “Haha, very funny.” She shifted a little on the cold ground. “I'll bet that's why you never came back.” She said, another smile forming on her muzzle.

“What, you think I was the one seeing a girl? Thinking I got my own life together huh?” Vitani didn't answer him. He smiled. “You'd kill me if I was, wouldnt'cha?” Vitani laid her head back onto her paws and looked away.

“Maybe.” She said. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kopa smile.

“Well, why?” He asked her. She looked at him.

“Why what?”

“Why would you not want me to see someone else?” He obviously expected a quick answer from her. She looked away again.

“No reason.” She mumbled. There was another awkward silence between them. A cold breeze swept through the cave. Vitani shivered.

Kopa tilted his head to the side a little. “You cold?” He asked her.

“A little.” She admitted. Kopa stood and walked towards her. He settled down next to her, his mane gently brushing against her shoulder. He put his head down on his paws. Vitani looked away, hoping she wasn't blushing.

“Vitani?” He suddenly said. She turned her head. He was looking at her, head still on his paws.

“Ya?”

“It's nothing. Night.” He closed his eyes. She smiled. She moved a little closer to him and closed her eyes. Kopa opened one of his eyes, smiled, and closed it again. Soon, both were asleep.