KawaiiCutie12: Am I the only one that can understand how Simba feels? I mean, if I was there for you more than the person that betrayed you, and you confided in them before me, yeah I'd feel some type of way. But idk...

izzymariiee: I knoww, I love writing Scar as a great father. I did, don't worry👌

mrclever: hmm...we'll find out now👀

Chapter 17:

He had just left his son, and found Zira lounging on a rock nearby.

Nala must still be with Vitani.

"I...have good and bad news."

Opening her eye, she rolled off the rock and stared at her mate. "About?"

Scar slightly smiled. "About Nuka."

Now fully captivated, she listened to what he had to say.

"The good-no, miracle, is..." he smile grew. "he's finally awake."

Zira's eyes lit up and she was going race for Rafiki's tree until Scar stopped her.

"The bad news...while not as bad as Vitani's, he's in a pretty bad mental state."

The shine in Zira's eyes vanished. She walked closer to Scar. "What...what do you mean, how?"

Scar ran a paw through his black mane. "He keeps blaming himself for what happened, even though I was telling him earlier that this wasn't anyone's fault."

Zira lowered her gaze. "My poor baby...none of them deserve this."

Scar moved in and put his head underneath Zira's. "I know, love, I know."

They stayed in that position for some time, taking in each other's presence. Ever since that day, it seems like everything was going in slow motion, and there was nothing anyone could say or do that would even think about scratching the surface of the problem. Obviously, they couldn't jump back into normal, and even if they could...

Pulling away, Scar looked in the direction of the den. "Is Nala still with Vitani?"

Zira shook her head. "She told me Vitani wanted to be alone."

Scar frowned at that, but didn't comment anything else. Motioning with his head, he walked towards the field. "Come, let's go for a walk."

Following him, the two walked side-by-side, and tried to put a pause on their troubles.

She stared at who was in front of her. It'd been some time since she's seen them, but that didn't make the feeling any better.

"Listen, whatever you have to say, I don't wanna hear it," she snapped.

They opened her mouth to retort, but instead caught sight of Vitani's body. Despite being somewhat healed, you could still see some of the bruises and cuts, especially on her inner thighs. Even her body slimmed down a significant amount. Feeling horrible, they pulled Vitani in for a hug, only for her to shove them off in a panic.

Staring appalled at the hyperventilating cub, they voiced a question. "What happened to you?"

Her face twisted in anger. "W-What do you care? Didn't you say I should disappear because no one, not even my parents, likes me or wants me around?"

The cub pinned their ears back and lowered their head. "Vitani I, I didn't mean to-"

"No, you know what, Tama? I don't wanna hear your excuses. You're so rude and annoying, and things would've been better if I had never met you. So get out of my life, and leave me the hell alone!"

The sound of a twig snapping in the distance made Vitani's nerves go haywire; she momentarily forgot about her anger. Scampering off, she made her way back into the den, leaving a heartbroken Tama.

I can't let her hate me still. Come on, Tam', we gotta fix our mess.

Following her tracks, she stopped in front of the den she saw Vitani walk into. Exhaling, she slowly made her way inside, praying that Vitani would at least here her out.

"Vitani...I know you hate me, but..." Tama sighed, not knowing what else to say.

Vitani slowly lifted her head at the sound of her voice, and scrutinized Tama.

"But what?" she demanded.

"Just please hear me out!" she cried. "Then, if you want, you can go right back to hating me!"

She wasn't sure what it was, but something seemed different about her; she had to admit, it was almost like Tama's negative vibes melted by a lot, if not entirely. Even when she was looking into Tama's eyes, they didn't hold that disdain they did when they first met.

Maybe Simba and Kula were right. Maybe she did change...

She turned away, feeling uncomfortable. "Why did you do it?" came out Vitani's voice.

Tama looked away for a moment, and Vitani wondered what she was staring at. Turning back to face Vitani, she walked over to her. Sitting in front of her, she kept her gaze on the cold, den floor for a moment.

"Things totally sucked in the Mountain Lands," she started off, "I had pretty bad family issues, and I took my frustration out on everyone because I didn't care about how you guys felt; seeing you guys happy while I was hurting...it stung."

"Having family issues is never an excuse to be rude," Vitani bluntly stated.

Tama nodded. "I know. But that's not all..."

She puffed out her tuft and lowered her gaze again, preparing to give her next statement.

"I was jealous."

An awkward silence joined.

Vitani looked at her. "Jealous?" she repeated.

Tama felt her cheeks grow hot. "Yeah...I mean, you and Nala have this totally insane friendship, and I felt like if we all hung out, or if I brought one of you three, I'd just be pushed to the side."

Vitani narrowed her eyes again, though due to her state it wasn't very fear instilling. "We would've have done that. And even if we would've, you could've just said something."

Tama looked up at her. "I know, and I should've. I should've risked being left out and talked to you. And I'm so sorry I didn't."

She looked up at Vitani, who was still staring at her unsurely. "You have it all! An amazing group of friends, both your mom and dad, siblings that would go to hell and back for you-"

"But I don't."

Tama blinked. "What?"

Vitani slowly rose to her feet and moved closer to Tama. "I don't have it all."

When Tama didn't say anything, she continued. "I felt hated by both of my parents for a long ass time; my big brother was really the only one I could go to. And as much as I love my friends and Simba, they'd never understand."

Tama was...surprised, to say the least. Obviously no one was perfect, but she didn't think Vitani felt so alone...

Just like her...

"You might only have one parent, but at least that parent always made sure you knew they loved you," she bitterly continued, "it took mine a horrible situation to notice my mental state."

Tama reached over to wrap a foreleg around her, and wasn't all that surprised when she recoiled.

Vitani, on the other hand, seemed...embarrassed?

"S-Sorry..." she mumbled.

A very...intense thought occured Tama's head, and she stared at Vitani wide-eyed. It all made sense to her.

The bruises, the scrapes, Vitani's weird attitude.

"Vitani...?"

"What?" was her blunt answer.

Tama swallowed. Okay, she's still a bit mad. Should I still ask her?

"...where were you this whole time?" she decided to play it safe; if she was gonna get answers, she needed to start small.

Vitani seemed to withdraw herself, and Tama was mentally punching herself. "If...if you don't wanna tell me-"

"I ran away."

Tama blinked. She wasn't sure what she expected, but it definitely wasn't this.

"Did someone...hurt you?" she carefully asked; at this point, she was treading on thin ice.

Vitani, realizing the implication, snapped her head up. "What?"

Tama felt her whole body flow with nerves, and she took a deep breath. "I said, did someone hurt you?"

Vitani stared at her, wondering where the hell she would've gotten an idea like that. The only people that knew were her parents and Nala...

She glared at her. "Tama, where did you hear that from? And don't even think about lying to me."

Tama shifted her paws. On the outside, she didn't say a peep; on the inside, she was shrieking. How could she have been so stupid? No matter how she worded the answer, it would most likely end badly.

"I found out because..." she looked up at Vitani. "I overheard Nala ask her mom what rape meant."

Malka was having a great time with Kula, but his mind kept drifting back to Tama's off attitude.

I thought we patched everything between us, but I don't know...

"Malka."

He turned to face Kula, who was giving him a quizzical look. The two were sitting in hot springs, catching up with each other.

"You okay?" she asked concerned.

Malka nodded. "I'm just worried about Tama; it feels like she's avoiding me."

Kula didn't say anything, but her stomach was twisting. She didn't like hiding things from any of her friends, but she also didn't want to betray her new friend

Ohhh, what do I do?

"Well, why don't you try talking to her?" she finally decided on, "you guys have been friends since you were babies; maybe she'll tell you.

Malka looked thoughtful, but quickly dismissed it. "I don't know...she seems to try and steer clear of me; besides, didn't you say it was 'girly issues'?"

"Well, it's technically not entirely," Kula said, "but it kinda was. I don't know!"

Malka nodded, but on the inside his head was spinning. Why won't she tell me what's wrong?

"Hey, why don't we find her, and you two can talk?" Kula suggested.

Malka waved his paw. "I'd rather just relax here."

Kula shrugged, and the two continued on their little adventure.

She didn't know what to say.

It wasn't like Nala meant for that to be heard, but the fact that it was Tama that heard it...

"If it makes you feel any better," Tama tried to ease the tension, "I didn't tell anyone, not even my own mother. I won't, either."

She still didn't understand. "But...how do you..."

Tama got what she wanted to ask. "Well, before my mom fell ill, she gave me the talk," she explained, "she explained to me the normal lioness stuff, but also...other stuff, like that."

Vitani didn't say anything, so Tama hesitantly continued. "Plus, with all the bruises and your nervous act, that only increased my suspicion."

"Not just that..." she looked up at Vitani, "you didn't deny it, either."

Vitani lowered her gaze, and she couldn't get a word out; she could still feel Tama's eyes burning into her skull.

Tama suppressed a sigh. Okay, maybe I should've said that a bit nicer...

Seeing Vitani wasn't gonna say anything, she got up to leave. She messed up, and there was no undoing what she did.

Slowly making her way down the steps, she mentally shook her head.

"Tama."

She stopped in her tracks, and stared at Vitani. Her head was still down, but she clearly heard her voice. Making her way over, she hesitantly sat down next to her. "Vitani?"

It was silent for a moment. What happened next completely surprised Tama. "It's true."

The words were sucked out from Tama. Air to a balloon was what horror was to Tama.

Tama put her paw on Vitani's back and mentally punched herself when she tensed up. "I'm sorry, I-"

Something sounding like a bitter chuckle escaped her mouth. "It's not like it was your fault."

"It partially was," she argued, "if I hadn't been mean and hogged Nala away, you wouldn't have felt so alone and ran away; she is your best friend."

Vitani couldn't argue with that. She didn't lie, but should she really tell her that?

Moving on, she slowly looked up at Tama, and she could very vividly see the redness in her eyes; a fiery red cause by night of crying and lack of sleep.

"I tried to hurt myself out there."

Saying that Tama's heart stopped and plummeted to her gut was an entire understatement.

"Vitani..." Tama didn't know what else to say.

"It wasn't because of you or Nala," she quickly explained, "it was...family issues. I felt really alone, and I thought I was just being a burden to the only family member it seemed cared about me."

She looked back at Tama. "That shit really eats you up."

Tama slowly rested her head on hers. "You didn't deserve any of that. You're honestly such an awesome and strong girl, and the fact that you're still here proves that."

Vitani shook her head. "I don't feel strong. Hell, I barely feel like I'm in my body."

Tama blinked. This is bad. I don't know what to do though, and I can't ask my mom for help...

"I know we only just got on good terms," she hesitantly began, "but you can talk to me if you need to."

Vitani looked at her, weighing her options. I've got nothing to lose...honestly...

So, she told her. She told her everything; from the night she ran off, to the panic attacks and nausea that were keeping her up all night. And Tama took it all in, her heart twisting more and more.

"I just feel so...so dirty," she whispered, "I've never been the most confident, but I've never hated myself more."

She couldn't keep up the facade, and after letting a few tears fall, sadness engulfed her and she buried her face in her paws.

"Is...is it alright if I hug you?" Tama shyly asked, not wanting her to panick again.

Slowly nodding, Vitani felt herself slowly being pulled and pressed against warm fur.

"It's okay, girly, it's okay," she whispered, stroking her face, "I got you."

She felt Vitani's sobs intensify, and she hugged her tighter.

"T-Tam-ma?"

She stared down at her. "Yeah, Vitani?

"Please don't tell anyone what I told you," she quietly begged.

Licking her head, she made circles across her back. "I promise I won't."

The two stayed locked in an embrace, the only sound being Vitani's horrible weeps.

His father left not too long ago, leaving him time to think. He'd been meaning to do that for some time, but anytime he tried to, Vitani's horrid screams played in his head.

"Aha! De mini black maned prince is awake!"

Turning to see Rafiki grinning at him, he offered him a weary, yet genuine grin back.

"Heh, hey," he greeted.

He didn't expect Rafiki to hit him in the head with his stick.

"Ow!" Nuka rubbed his head, then turned to glare at the monkey. "What the hell was that for?!"

"You know you shouldn't be moving right now!" Rafiki shot back, pointing at him with his stick, "Allow Ol' Rafiki to check your ribs."

Nuka lied on his back and Rafiki quickly checked to make sure his bones were perfectly healed. After concluding that his ribs had perfectly healed, he stared at Nuka. Something seemed off, and it didn't take long for the mandrill to catch on.

"Dis wasn't your fault, dear Nuka."

Nuka's facade cracked, and he let himself vent to the mandrill.

"I could've protected her! I should've protected her!

"Now Nuka, you know dat dere was nothing anyone could do," Rafiki reminded him.

"I could have!" he argued, "I shouldn't have abandoned her."

"Nuka..." Rafiki didn't know what to say.

A noise outside caught their attention and Rafiki walked out.

A moment later, Rafiki popped his head in with a smile. "Dere's a visitor for you.

He stepped aside, and a tan lioness walked in.

"Mom..."

At the sound of her oldest's voice, she hurried over and engulfed him in a deep, teary nuzzle.

Poor thing, she doesn't deserve this. I don't want to leave her here, but I feel like she needs some space...

Tama looked down at Vitani. She had cried herself to sleep (for nearly the millionth time), and she was lightly snoring, her face pressed against Tama's side.

"I'll be right back, okay, babes?" Tama whispered.

She felt Vitani's head slightly shift up and down. Carefully lying Vitani down, she left the den to get some fresh air.

Upon arriving at the waterhole, she felt tears spring to her eyes. Not for her, but for Vitani.

I can't believe this. Vitani's done nothing to deserve this. Hell, even if she had done something foul, nobody deserves that pain!

Wiping her eyes, she took a few sips of the cool water, and looked around for something to carry water in. Catching sight of a large curled leaf, she used her tail to place some water

Vitani was slowly lifting her head up when Tama returned.

"I thought you might need some water." Tama offered her a shy smile.

Vitani weakly grinned and lapped up the water.

"Thanks."

Tama nodded and sat back down next to her.

"Do Simba and Kula know?"

Vitani looked up at Tama and shook her head with a frown.

Tama stood back up and turned to walk out. She stopped before turning back to Vitani.

"I won't tell them, but I bet they're worried about you."

That was all she said before walking out, leaving Vitani to her thoughts.

Not even a minute later, Nala came bounding in.

"Hey, 'Tani-"

"I need you to find Simba and Kula," she blurted.

Slightly taken aback by her urgency, she walked out in search for the two cubs. They were by Pride Rock, telling Adia about their adventure.

"-And these snakes attacked us!" she heard Kula cry.

"But I fought them off," Simba cheekily stated.

Kula turned to playfully glare at him. "With my help."

"Oh yeah?" Simba returned the look.

"Hey, guys."

Both turned to see Nala, who was feeling a bit awkward

"Vitani wanted me to get you two."

Simba and Kula stared at each other, before suspiciously following Nala back to the older prince's den. There was Vitani, fumbling with her paws.

"Here they are."

She turned, and to their surprise her eyes seemed to light up seeing them. Nala left and the two gingerly walked closet to her.

Vitani eyed them. "Sit down, you two. I'm not gonna hurt you guys."

Simba and Kula hesitantly sat in front of her.

Vitani sighed. She looked up at the two, and stared at each of them. "I'm sorry I blew up at you two the way I did. That wasn't cool, and...Tama and I worked it out."

"We forgive you," Simba warmly stated.

"Yeah!" Kula agreed, "we understand!"

Vitani slightly smiled at them, but it quickly vanished. "I...have to tell you guys something..."

"We're listening," Kula told her.

Vitanj didn't say anything. She even lowered her gaze and fumbled with her paws.

"Look...I don't want you guys to see me any differently, but...you guys deserve to know. More than Nala and Tama in all honestly."

Even more intrigued, Simba stepped forward. "What do you mean?"

Sucking up whatever courage she could muster, she told them everything that really happened while she was away. Simba and Kula stared at her, mouths slightly agape.

Vitani took that as a negative sign and lowered her head again. "I knew it."

Simba and Kuka quickly defended themselves. "No, it's just...I didn't think you'd ever have to go throigh something like that."

"We love you, 'Tani," Kula reassured her, "and no matter what you go through we'll always have your back."

Vitani lifted her head to see their smiling faces. She couldn't help but smile back, and she got up and pulled them towards her. "I love you guys."

"We love you too," Simba confirmed.

Pulling away, Simba's face turned into a questioning. "Hey, 'Tani, tell me the truth: How did Tama know before we did?"

"Simba!" Kula scolded.

"It's okay, Kula," Vitani insisted, "besides..." a smirk made its way to her face, "something tells me you were wondering the same."

Busted, Kula thought. "Well, it's not our place," she reasoned.

Sitting back down, Vitani answered. "She overheard Nala tell her mother, and shen she asked me if that's what happened, I just...cracked, and admitted to it."

Simba and Kula nodded, before staring out the den. The sun was just starting to set, and there was still time to kill. Since they barely spoke to Vitani, the two stayed in there and spent some time with her.

"How's Kovu?"

Scar had brought Zira to see their son, and soon left to give them privacy. Right now, she was running her claws through Nuka's curly mohawk. In a year or so, it'll be a full mane, signifying his adulthood.

"He's fine."

"That's good." He moved his eyes upward. "How's 'Tani? Dad said she wasn't doing so great."

"She's, um...still eating and sleeping very small amounts, but she's getting there," Zira answered.

"Mm" was Nuka's quick answer. Soon after, he looked up at his mother. "Does she hate me?"

Zira stopped moving her paw and looked down at her son. "Of course not. You saved her life."

"Yeah, and I'm also the reason her life nearly ended," Nuka retorted.

Zira sighed, putting a paw to her head. "Nuka...you can't keep having that mentality."

"You and Dad always say tell the truth, and that's just what I'm doing," Nuka answered.

Zira shook her head. "You'll understand one day."

"Understand what? That I'm responsible that my baby sister's a mess!" Nuka shot up, now frustrated with everything.

"Nuka!" Zira quickly shot up as well in case he tried something. "You and I both know that there was nothing you could've done."

"Bullshit," he spat, "I tossed her to the side, when I should've been by it. I got annoyed with her, when I should've been happy that at least she still cared about me."

Nuka took a shaky breath and looked at his mother. "I accused her of being Dad's favorite. And you know what? I didn't give two shits about how hurt she felt, because that's just what I am. A cold-hearted bastard that wanted his baby sister gone!"

Zira could see the pain in his eyes. The fury, the longing for acceptance, the hint of jealousy...

She could see it all...

And it stung.

Pulling her eldest into a tight embrace, she didn't care that he buried his face into her neck. His large, shaking body was her only concern.

"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry..." he sobbed.

"It's okay baby, I'm here," she soothed him, running her claws through his mohawk. As if on cue, a lightbulb flashed.

"Nuka, honey, look at me."

Wiping his eyes, he stared at his mother who had a small smile on her face. "What if tomorrow, I let her stay here with you for a while? Rafiki wanted to check on her anyway."

Thinking about it for a moment, he nodded his head.

Zira nodded and motioned him to lie down. Too fatigue to disobey, he did so as Zira continued to run her claws through his mane.

When Scar told me he was in a bad mental state, I didn't think it was this bad, Zira thought to herself, maybe tomorrow when he and Vitani talk things out, it'll ease up for him.

Feeling herself grow tired as well, she laid next to him and dozed off with a paw wrapped around her son.

KawaiiCutie12: Sorry for the delay, and I'm sorry if my latest chapters have been kinda sucky. I've tested positive for being lazy; that along with job searching...it's tiring😂

Thank you to those that are patient and don't rush me (if you rush authors then gtfo fanfic tbh). Hope you loved the chap, and check out my newst story "I'M Her Best Friend".

I'll see you guys next time! ❤