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Two new chapters already and you still dare say you're busy
Seriously, it's fun to get some new reading material.
Chapter one wasn't that eventful (plotwise that is), apart from the ending in which dark times are foreshadowed. Chapter two reveals where those dark times could possibly originate from, as the plan Nala is hatching is getting a bit more concrete every day. Any reference to the TLK legal system is a plus, of course.

On the legal matter: I suppose the legal cadre is somehow what parallel to the one of Europe around the 11hundreds or earlier, since the civil law is still customary. The political cadre however is somehow what more advanced, as the power is rather centralized, but that doesn't really matter now.
On the matter of marriage: Nala's natural reaction was of course to seek out Zazu's aid, but I can imagine he specializes more in issues of state and criminal affairs than civil matters. If she seeks genuine advice concerning marriage, her best bet would be the shaman, as the rules concerning marriages are usually bound to and originate from a religious institution before being adopted by the state (at which point Zazu would become a good bet). But since marriage is still a customary affair, my guess is it's still in firm control of the local religious authorities (in this case the Shaman).
Plotwise, this wouldn't have to be a problem, since the shaman is still new, young and thus easier manipulated, especially by someone who speaks with Nala's authority. But elaborating on the subject could also create a slowdown, however, which doesn't serve the plot.

I have to agree with Cogitor, though you are busy, you still make time to update... Sweet! I love getting new reading material, especially when I'm bored. It looks like chapter 2 is indeed full of future dark times what with Nala's plan being displayed. Hmm... wanting to split up the new royal couple all because she doesn't want an 'Outlander' as queen is way selfish. Maybe she doesn't know how much Tanabi loves Vitani. Like Cogitor I'm a bit surpised that Nala would ask Zazu's take on marriage. The shaman would have been better but he hasn't been around that long either. Asking a pridelander who is obviously loyal to her new rulers is also not wise but the ex queen is too consumed in her hatred of her daughter-in-law. At least Dhahabu was born with an intelligent wisdom and cares about the well beings of his family.

Well, comparing to tons of free time I had as a student, now I am busy;)
Here is 3rd chapter. Finally some action today;) This story is overally a bit slower and “overtalked”, at least in this part. But I assure You there will be some muzzles-slashing further <lol2>.
About Nala – well, I know I’m nasty, writing about her in that way. But believe me – in further story I’ll try to show she has a reason to act like that.

III. Prince Distress

Tanabi just entered the royal chamber to see Vitani coiled on their bedding, sleeping hard. If she wouldn’t slept hard, she had already raised her head to see who was coming. Sharp senses of former Outlandress were famous on Priderock… and if they failed that meant queen was really tired.
King stopped then started to walk slowly, almost sneaking, not to wake his mate. He wanted just to lay next to her and take a hour of nap. Weather was awful – the rainy season seemed to wait for creatures to exhaust their all strength. It was still dry, but air pressure was really high. Clouds on horizon announced rains, but still didn’t come. In such condition almost all lion of pride felt weariness. But royal couple, since few days really stretched in their duties, took it awful.
“I’m not sleeping.” Murmured Vitani with half-awaken voice. “Just… resting.”
“Yeah.” Smiled Tanabi. “I’m not lying myself next to you, just let the ground to reach my altitude.” He said and bended down to his mate. “Don’t worry, all is fine. We could take a break.”
“Taking a break with you usually is a bit tiring activity.” Noticed queen. “So maybe just… rest together.”
They both laughed quietly, then laid themselves, side to side. King murmured with contentment and closed his eyes, cuddling his muzzle into side of Vitani. He also thought how it all changed in last year. In previous rainy seasons it was a heat of War of Prides. First blows were given and taken – Pridelanders lost Sarafina and Outlanders mourned Hawaa. In week would come a anniversary of so called Battle of Reunion, day when Nuka and Zira died. In those days Tanabi was treated like youngster – he was send in backline with his grandmother and Sakia. Simba didn’t let him to stand in the first line. “That was somehow fortunate.” Thought king. “If I was there, there would be a possibility I stood against Vitani.” But that was past, so shivering about it changed nothing. So Tanabi just scanned next events – his unexpected trip with Sarabia and Vitani to the Outlands, then sprouting feeling he bound himself to Outlandress, then dramatic events on Priderock, when in short fight of all against all he lost his eye, but managed to cut conflict of prides. Then he became a king, a mate and soon after be also a father. In few months he grew up to be mature male. Before that all he wanted to take duties of independent lion. After he didn’t regret any of his action, but he admitted that life of bored youngster has some advantages that being king lacked.
“I wonder how she thinks about that.” He – still with closed eyes – stroked Vitani’s side, but he said nothing not to wake her. “I bet she is looking on it from completely different perspective, however… the change for her was at least as fast as for me.” In next second he sensed a sudden tension on Vitani’s side. King opened his eyes, to see queen’s ears erected and in full alert.
”What happened?” asked with weary voice.
“Did you hear that?” whispered Vitani. Tanabi shook his head. “A burst. Some rock here crumpled.”
“Lucky we, it’s not our roof.” Said king, but then he gasped with fear. “Dhahabu!” Lion jump up on his paws and turned to exit of chamber. “Quick, they were playing hide and seek today in lower chambers.” In next second he was out of there and queen followed.
They ran to main chamber, where some alert was already made. Lioness were uneasy and Bidii, probably touched by some premonition, call them all to search for Anasa. Females scattered in most of lower parts of complex. Bidii was commanding that search, but when she noticed royal couple, she turned to them and said with shivering voice.
“Something is wrong… and I saw Anasa and Dhahabu playing near to food storage not long ago.” Then some fearful cry pierced the air. That was Pembe, greyfurred lioness sent to check back corridors of food storage area.
All who stayed to then in main cave set of to ran in that direction. But before first lionesses reach the exit, Vitani managed to regain cold blood and called with decisive voice.
“STOP!” all, even Tanabi stopped instantly. “Nobody moves, until I told you… That burst could happened again.”
“Ma’am!” called Kucha, lioness sent by Bidii to check the situation to storage. “It’s here…”
Lionesses let pass royal couple and Bidii. Three of then quickly joined Kucha, standing before damaged chamber. They saw a empty food storage, half filled with dust. On the end of room there was a pile of loose rock, placed where had been a crack in wall. Tanabi looked on his mate, she replied.
“Wait, I’m lighter than you. I’ll go check it.”
The probability of second quake was minimal, however they all knew that if cubs got trapped under that small pile of gravel, the biggest danger for them was to be buried deeper by awkward rescue mission. So Vitani carefully – yet fast – ran to place of burst and stuck her head into remnants of crack.
“Dhahabu? Anasa?” she called but with muffled voice, for not to risk any further accidents.
“Ma’am!” cried Anasa from deeps of crack. “We are here… At least I am. He was going as first, told me to wait, but I went after him and…”
“Are you hurt?” Vitani barely stopped next question until she heard negative sob. “Where is Dhahabu.”
“m, ere!” sounded from deeper of corridor.
“He said <I’m here>.” Explained Anasa. “He is about a tail before me. He stuck in that passage.”
Vitani gave a tail signal for others to wait then tried to enter the crack. But there was too little space for her to get any further, to say nothing about manipulating in that passage. So she called again to Anasa.
“All right, calm down. Try to breathe slowly and not too deep. There is awfully lots of dust in the air. Forward it to Dhababu… all right.”
“Right, my queen.” Sobbed cub.
“They are both alive.” Called Vitani back to Tanabi and Bidii. “But I can’t see Dhahabu, because Anasa is on the way… And I can’t reach Anasa anyway, because there is too narrow.”
King and lioness didn’t resisted and went closer co crack to see the situation on their own eyes. Vitani made few steps back to breathe in with clearer air, letting her mate and subject to take a look into the crack.
“Honey, we will come for you soon.” Called Bidii.
“Yes, mom.” Replied scared, but rather unhurt cub.
“Think, think, think…” was repeating Tanabi quietly. Then – seeing that Tiko entered the chamber he ordered. “Go to Thamath and call him here. Then return on Priderock instantly, we could need you in some other way.” Hornbill wanted to ask for something, but king urged him. “GO NOW!” In next second bird was away. “All right, what’s then?” She asked, turning to Vitani.
“Darling… I think you should lay this on me.” Said queen carefully. “I have no real experience with such a stuff, but in the Outlands…”
“You lead.” Nodded king, before she finished.
“Right. So go to calm down lioness and we will try to learn more.”
Ruler ran away from chamber, then two scared mothers again came to crack.
“Should we uncover it?” Bidii pointed on pile of gravel.
“No, wait.” Stopped her Vitani. “We make sure not to provoke another burst.” Bidii usually didn’t like to follow queen’s orders, but in that moment she had not even slightest idea to disobey. “Let me talk with her.” Added monarchess.
She again stuck head to the crack and called.
“Anasa… could you describe me, that you see.”
“Darkness I see.” Replied cub. “And Dhahabu’s tail and rear paws. He is trying to push me back.”
“Son…” called a bit scared queen.
“isy, mom!” sounded echo from passage. It was probable an try to calm her.
In next moment Vitani noticed some move in darkness and distant shape of cub’s legs. Next a tail of Anasa appeared near to crack’s mouth. Queen firmly grabbed it in her mouth and pulled gently, but hard. Cub yelled quietly, but more not due to pain but to fear. However that action worked – kitty was dragged from darkness of crack.
“My child!” cried Anasa and ran to golden furred cub. Then rather grey-furred, due to thick layer of dust on her. She was a bit scratched, dirty, a little spotted with blood from few cut. But there were no breaks nor serious wounds. Kitty had enormous luck to get away from that with no real damage. She even tried to stand on her own, but sudden fit of cough overturned her. Bidii caught her and nestled tight.
“Get her away… to the open air!” called Vitani. “And water her! Let her cough to spit all dirt from her lungs!” As soon as lioness heard that advise, she grabbed cub in her jaws and ran to the exit. “Now… let see…” She looked into hole. “Son!” she called.
“I’m still here, mom.” Replied Dhahabu with weary voice. “But better not go for me now… I sense the rock is still unstable.”
King and queen gasped, hearing that. It was right – some cracks of wall were seen even in food storage. Most likely – at least Vitani made such a theory – burst was caused by some empty space under that chamber. It was another chamber somewhere there, eroded by water dripping from upper parts of cavern system. Former Outlandress know not too much about water decay, but wind-erosion was a common problem in her home. Many of limestone rock in Northern Range became dangerous, due to air decaying, and Zira many times warned her children from playing in caves of such a objects. Some day one of cubs – it was most likely Tetesi, but Vitani wasn’t sure – got buried by rubble and whole pride, even she as the two year youngster, participated in digging with help. Two years later she tried to recall all experiences and lessons given my mother and old lionesses who remembered life in Golden Sands.
“If I was given a chance, I wished to wait for Thamath.” She said to Tanabi. “But if there really could be some second burst, I think we have to risk digging him out.” Then she called to the hole. “My dear, could you describe me, what you see?”
“Yes, mom.” Replied voice from darkness. Somehow queen silently sighed with relief. Dhahabu was scared in the same degree that Anasa was. But in his voice were no pain, just a fear of consequences what he had done. He was scared more by perspective of upsetting parents, than actual danger. Tanabi understood it instantly.
“Son, listen to me.” He called, coming to the crack. “You must calm down and tell us, how we could help you.” He looked on Vitani and when she nodded, continued. “Listen, no one blame you for what has happened. It was an accident. We are also very proud you helped Anasa in so cunning way… Believe me, mom and I aren’t angry, just a bit scared. But we will handle this, if we all be cool. All right?”
“Right, dad.” Sobbed cub from crack, but in the next seconds he actually gather some strength and perkiness. “I can’t see too much, but I feel, I’m hanging in the air… That means: I’ve stuck between two rocks and under my paws I sense no ground. I heard some gravel falling. It might be two or three metres.”
“Maybe you see some light, some crack to open air?” asked queen. “That room should be near to other walls of rock.”
“Yes, mom. I see some light very close… that wall is about metre thick.”
“Not good.” Murmured Vitani to Tanabi. “That still much too much.”
“So we won’t try to dig him from outside?” asked king.
“If that were you…” said lioness and instantly added. “I mean that mature lion easily would survive eventual burst of wall. But our little Dhahabu could be squashed.” Tanabi nodded his head.
“So there is just one way to do it.” He said. “Dig in old fashion.”
Without any more deliberation, king started his work. Vitani came for few other lionesses, who helped Tanabi remove other layer of gravel. They quickly uncovered the crack, but then an easy part finished.
“Now I have to take my shot.” Said one-eyed and entered the crack.
It was a hard task – to dig in rubble carefully not to cause another accident, but fast to get on time before that accident would happened due to other circumstances. But Tanabi quickly found his own tempo, with he felt he is doing easy and safe. At least he hoped that.
Meanwhile Vitani ran out from cave and carefully climbed on slope of Priderock, to find crack that Dhahabu mentioned. She noticed a small gap I rock, then she gently stepped to it.
“May we…” asked Kucha.
“No, don’t risk a collapse.” Forbade queen. “Just be ready for…”
She didn’t finished that sentence, however all knew what she meant. If rock of slope really would have collapsed, pride had to rush and ding survivors as soon as it was possible. “Now, we are risking lives of both Dhahabu and Tanabi.” She though. “Mother, watch them, as I can’t!” Then she called to the crack.
“Dhahabu, do you hear me?”
“Yes, mom.” Replied cub.
“Just stay… lay or hang easy. Dad is coming for you. Try not to tire yourself and not to make any sudden move.”
“Yes, mom.” Repeated prince, then he coughed loud. Empty chamber under him echoed that sound, making it sound dreadfully.
“Darling, what is wrong?” cried queen.
“That air… it’s so heavy!” said cub from inside.
“***** it!” thought Vitani. “Tanabi has to be quick, before they both choke!” For few seconds she wanted to get to the crack and extend it for all cost, but then she judged that risk was too serious. “That is our last resort.” She whispered. “Let’s pray Tanabi reach him by his own.”
King was going fast, but too slow anyway. He instantly easily dug and threw gravel behind him, but after extending about two metres of passage, he was so deep in it that removing rubble became a serious problem. He had to take a pawful of it, push it behind and with rear paws push it again to the exit. It was tiring job, not helping in fast progress. After about ten minutes he was so desperate that he decided that when he reach close enough he would start to push dirt in front of him, to throw it into new-made chamber.
He was hearing voices of Vitani and Dhababu and only that kept him hoping. His son was closer and closer and after next few minutes he was clearly hear every his word.
“I’m almost here.” He panted in front of him.
“I’m so sorry, dad.” Sobbed Dhahabu. “I really promised mom to be good. I didn’t want to repeat what happened on swamp and that why we were playing in home.”
“We will talk about it later.” Repeated king. “Now just relax and…”
“Dad, are you angry on me?”
“No, it was an accid…”
Then ruler heard loud crack around him then a wave of quake. And second later he also felt as he was hanging above the empty space. Ground under him collapsed down. In bolt of panic mixed with clarity, he rushed ahead, using the gravel falling down out of his way. In just few moves he got to Dhahabu, who was holding himself up with last of his strength and grabbed him into his paw.
“Hang on, we’re going down.” Called king, and actually they went.
Lion and cub started to fall into chamber below. King managed to nestle his son and cuddle around him, shielding him from rock-fragments. They his a floor two metres below, then a wave of gravel surrounded and deluged them. Last thing Tanabi managed to do was to raise Dhahabu above the surface of ground and avalanche of rubble. He wanted to push himself with rear paws but a wave of dusty air cut his breath. King fell into darkness.
*
“Stars!” cried Vitani, when cracks appeared under her paws. She jumped aside in last second, preventing herself from falling into collapsed fragment. She tucked her claws into slope and looked down. A hole, about three metres deep and over four metres wide was where had been a solid ground just moment earlier. Den of that burst was covered with clouds of dust, but when after few seconds rumbles ceased, she heard a weak coughs of her son. That was the sweetest music she could imagine.
“Dhahabu!” she called and jumped down.
She landed on loose fragments of rocks and started to search in blinding dust for her cub. Coughs became louder and louder with every second, then she finally senses with paws coiled body of prince. Queen gently grabbed cub in her mouth, raising him over the rubble.
“Ma’am?” asked Kucha from upthere. “Should I go down?”
“Take him to clear air.” Ordered Vitani, lifting Dhahabu to the edge of hole. Lioness quickly grabbed coughing cub, then asked.
“And now?”
“All of you who are able to, get here and search for king.” Said Vitani, who just had realised that Tanabi had to be somewhere under stones.
She ran back to place where she found her son. She notice a small hole between rock fragments and with hope she started to dig. Few moments later new lionesses came to assist her and started to uncover area nearby. But queen was sure king laid there. If Dhahabu survived that fall without serious injuries, that meant someone shielded him. And that one was…
“TANABI!” cried queen, touching body of lion. It was just a paw, motionlessly lying among stones, but in few desperate moves former Outlandress dug out several bigger rubbles to uncover head and second paw of ruler. She bended her head to his lips and toughed his muzzle. There was no breath.
“NO!” she cried in mind, but in the same second she sensed a clear, however very fast pulse. “He is chocking!” she called. “Help me!”
She again grabbed another stone and put it away. Soon after three more lionesses assisted her, throwing away one of rock fragments. When chest of king was partially uncovered, Vitani pressed it with all her might. After two pushes, from mouth of Tanabi felt a potion of dirt.
“Help me!” cried again queen.
All lionesses there understood will of monarchess. Pembe and Mto caught king into stronger grabs and queen with Kucha still pressed chest of lion. After few more tries king started to cough by himself. He slip more then mouthful of dirt and gravel. Then Vitani again joined her ear with lion’s muzzle. He was breathing hard, but continuously.
“He’s alive.” Said queen, what sounded like cubbish sob. “Now let’s take him out of here.”
Tanabi was still unconsciousness when lionesses uncovered him from gravel and lifted on the slope. Vitani ordered to put him next to nearest waterhole and try to water him. Then she fell down on the ground, next to Dhahabu and Anasa. Both cubs were crying.
“He is alive.” She whispered to her son, then felt asleep due to exhaustion.
*
However they awoke her, when Thamath ordered to. Queen found herself in royal chamber, hugging sleeping Dhahabu. On next bedding, few metres from here was Tanabi, lying still, but breathing regularly. Queen sighed with relief.
“Yes, it could be much worse.” Nodded shaman, looking on monarchess. “However it could be much better.” He looked on sleeping cub in queen’s arm. “Ma’am, before we will speak, order some lioness to take prince away.”
Surprised queen whistled to call Kucha. Sandymaned lioness took sleeping cub without question and left chamber, as if she wanted to avoid next scene. Meanwhile Vitani slowly return from state of being half-stunned. She started to think and feel fear.
“What happened with him?” she asked with weary voice, then coughed again.
“He is alive… but I can’t say anything more right now.”
“He is still… unconsciousness.
“If you were just a lioness, I would have just nodded.” replied shaman. “But you are a queen. I say you, he is comatose.” Eyes of Vitani narrowed. “I can’t say what damage are. All I know he was choking for few minutes before you dug him out. His pulse, temperature and reflexes are normal, but…”
“Will he…” it was hard to ask that question, but Vitani gathered all her strength and finished. “…ever wake up?”
“I believe in that… but I can’t guarantee.” Said shaman honestly.
“Believe…” murmured queen. “That what we could do. You!” suddenly said with fresh decisiveness. “Just wake him! You are shaman, Stars dammit! Just call Kings of Past for help and fix him up!”
“I’m afraid it’s not so easy to get such an assistance at once.” Replied Thamath. Vitani closed her eyes and instinctively extended her claws.
Than she stood up and came to sleeping Tanabi. She laid down next to her mate and just silently nestled to his side. Lion was so close and absent in the same time. Breathing, warm… deaf. Queen couldn’t believe in what had happened.
“Call for my son, if he is awake.” Ordered Vitani. “He should know the truth.” Mandrill nodded and left the chamber. “But how I would tell him?” asked herself Vitani. “And how do it, to assure him, it wasn’t his fault?” She needed an advise. A wise advise that Tanabi could give her. But Tanabi was next to, yet still not there.

Dhahabu and Anasa are safe it seems, well, for the moment. As for Tanabi, he did what any good father would do. But by doing so it seems he will never wake. Surely the Kings of Old and you, are not finished with him yet. However good chapter!

So it seems Tanabi has gone tomato... I can imagine that being bad news, considering the fact he can't be fed unless he wakes up. Talking bout a literal deadline...
On the bright side, it also means Vitani is now in charge, although that does make her a prime target for conspirators.
Let's wait and see what happens next.

Well, about <Vitani in charge>... Some of You wrote on TSH that <new order> was accepted too easily.
…and You were right. Not all is how it seemed to be. Absence of Tanabi just catalyses some hidden hopes and grudges…

Ps.
Do not take some of events in this chapter as mirroring ToS events – those are rather obvious consequences of “stray ruler” on the throne…

Pps.
Once again I ask You not to take my Nala’s description as example of “Pridelanders-bias”. Her actions are – in my private opinion – completely justified… But You will see.

IV. Who once a king…

On morning Border Swamps were very still and sleepy. That part o land used to wake up a bit later that other, waiting for sun to warm up its inhibitors. About half a hour after sundawn there was almost no movement on lazy backwater of river. But there were creatures who wanted use that opportunity.
“Timon, is that the best idea?” asked Pumbaa, carrying on his back meerkat.
“Come on, it still so early.” Rodent yawned and laid in more comfortable position of friend. “All big-teeth-nasty-beasts are napping.”
“I think we should ask Simba for help.” Proposed warthog.
“Pumbaa, Pumbaa…” replied Timon, not moving an inch. “He is also a big-teeth-nasty-beast and he is sleeping too. Relax, guy, we’re safe.”
After crossing range of small hills, they entered on marshy grasses, slowly coming to the bank. Indeed – there was still. Almost all creatures, except of some birds – were motionless lying in mud, waiting for sun to warm their bodies and give more energy to daily activities. So Pumbaa – calmed down by meerkat – entered a shallow pool to reach colony of fallen trunks.
“Nice!” smiled Timon. “Just imagine all the bugs that creep here.”
They came to first stem and warthog with well trained move lowered the trunk. With heavy effort and loud cheering of Timon, he lifted the weight.
“Cool!” called meerkat and jumped down into water. He grabbed first insect and…
Water splashed around him, when Pumbaa let trunk loose. Timon wanted to shout and scold his companion, but then he noticed what Pumbaa saw. What they initially took as more tree stems, were several crocodiles, lying still in water. Timon instantly cuddled to side of Warthog, shivering on whole body.
“A… and what now?” asked Pumbaa.
“Let’s… just go somewhere else.” Whispered Timon and made a first step to the shore. But it was too late.
One of “trunks” blinked its eyes and fully emerged from mud. It was old, power built male with two lighter scars on skin of his head. He was more than four metres long and when he lazily opened his jaws, meerkat noticed that predator’s teeth were longer than he was in width. Crocodile raised his tail, stopping two insectivores from escape.
“Good morning?” asked with powerful, yet sleepy voice.
“No, no… it still <good night>!” screamed Timon and jumped into the air, above crocodile’s tail. But after just half metre of flight, he was brutally stopped by tail of second crocodile. As a ball he pounced from skin of predator and hit in Pumbaa’s side, then fell to water.
“Why are you in such a rush?” asked male crocodile. “Why don’t you stay on breakfast.”
Timon tried to swim underwater in bank direction, but he hit side of female reptile’s side – that one who just had caught him in air. Seeing that Pumbaa yelled with fear, but also with little hope that call would reach Green Den and bring some help.
“Ow, easy, we are cultured creature after all.” He smiled, showing all his teeth. “Let me introduce. My name is Msaka and this is my family.” He round his tail, showing six more reptiles, just emerging from mud. “And you, won’t introduce yourself?” Asked, slowly coming to Pumbaa and sniffing air around him.
“We are…” started warthog uncertainly.
“We are friends of king Simba!” called Timon with decisive voice. “Beware! If you hurt us, you will offend his majesty and…”
“King Simba?” asked Msaka.
“Yeah!” nodded meerkat. “Don’t you tell me you don’t respect king’s authority.”
“I do.” Smiled crocodile. “But as far as I know current rulers of that land is lord Tanabi and lady Vitani. Aren’t they?”
“But we are friends of Simba and Simba was a king.” Added Timon, but his voice shivered a bit.
“Was.” Said Msaka. “So you admit you are not friends of king, is that right.”
“Once a king, always a king.” Murmured Timon and took again step to shore, but was once again stopped by tail of Msaka’s mate.
“Once a snack, always a…” stared crocodile and in that second meerkat again dived into mud.
When two reptiles rushed to get him, Pumbaa jumped ahead, passing by predators. Somehow surprised children of Msaka let him get on bank and focused on smaller, but much more irritating Timon.
“Get that swine!” called old crocodile and three youngsters turned back to Pumbaa. But it was much too late – as reptiles were fast and agile in water, on solid ground could be easily outrun by warthog.
Pumbaa stopped after reaching nearest hill, safe from deadly waters. He turned back and looked down, to see Msaka with Timon, desperately trying to free from his jaws. Crocodile stopped and just savour with fear of victim.
“Let him go!” shouted warthog. “I will go for Simba.”
“Give former king our regards.” Said crocodile and because he opened his mouth, it gave Timon few seconds to jump into water and dive. Msaka cursed and looked on surface of swamp. Pumbaa held his breath, looking for friend. Reptiles froze too, waiting for meerkat to get short of breath. Warthog decided that it was the last chance of doing anything.
“CHARGE!” he shouted and ran down to the pool. Of course he had no intention to hit any predator, he wanted just to draw their attention, but surprisingly two young crocodiles stepped aside before him. He didn’t stop before mud and hit the swamp, drowning under. When he emerged his head he also heard well know roar.
“Simba!” he smiled with relief.
“Leave them!” called lion from hill nearby.
“Ow, sir Simba is really here.” Said Msaka, smiling, but still searching with paws for diving Timon.
“I said, leave them alone.” Repeated brownmaned.
“You order me?” asked reptile with grimace. In that moment he raised his paws with meerkat in it. “How could you be still in charge, if your son is a king? Huh?”
“All right.” Said Simba, coming down to the pool.
“Simba, wait!” called Pumbaa. “Don’t enter that mud.”
“No, let him go.” Said crocodile. “Do you really think I could attack my once beloved king?” he nodded his head, partially submerging it underwater, but in that gesture was much of sarcasm.
“I appreciate your respect, Msaka.” Said Simba and crocodile narrowed his eyes, clearly surprised lion remembered his name. “But now I ask you to let him go. Not as a king. As Simba.”
Reptile burst in laughter, letting meerkat loose. Rodent fell into water, then swam and run to bank and after few seconds was next to lion.
“Ow, thank you, boss!” said hugging to predator’s paws and stopping it with mud. Then climbed on Simba’s mane on his neck, to look down on crocodiles with pride and bossy stare. “Now, I’m waiting for apologies.”
“No apologies today.” Said Simba and Timon murmured with surprised. “You trespassed they territory and if you were eaten, I couldn’t have any grudge again them. You just risked on your own.”
“But it doesn’t mean they could push about king’s friends!” yelled meerkat. Simba sighed.
“I’m terribly sorry, Msaka, that they disturbed your quietness.” Said to reptile.
“Not a problem, sir.” Replied reptile. “Just keep then away from troubles, all right?” Simba nodded.
“Come on, Pumbaa.” Said ex-ruler, exiting the pool and climbing on hill. “We will find another place for your meal.”
When they were going away from swamp, they heard Msaka’s voice.
“Simba! Now, I see you were king.” Called with a bit of amusement. “Also because you keep you dignity after you left your office. I could ensure you, I will be loyal to your family.”
“Is he mocking on us?” asked Timon to Simba’s ear.
“No, he is honest.” Replied lion. “He respects me, for not ordering him. I could have threaded him with intervention of Tanabi and whole pride, but I just asked for your life. I guess he just don’t want to be commanded by someone other that king himself.”
“Ow, I see.” Murmured meerkat. “Simba, thanks. That one we owe you.”
“Friends are for that.” Smiled lion. “To care each other.”
“So, will you care about our stomachs?” asked rodent. They turned north to swampy groves.
*
Umeme got to Green Den as fast as she could. She had decided to go on her own after she noticed that Vitani hadn’t send any liaison to her parents-in-law. A bit shocked by that (but add to it overall shock of previous day events) she wanted to ask queen herself, but after being given with hollow reply, she excuses monarchess and ran at her own. So about two hours after dawn she came to Green Den.
“Ma’am!” she called.
From cave exited Nala with Sorphi and Vinia, ghostly following former queen and watching her steps. She saw that Simba wasn’t there. So after she got to den’s plate she fell down on grass and coughed with dry cough.
“Stars! What happened!?” asked Nala, looking on friend. “You were running here all the way from rock?”
Lioness was too weak to reply, so she just nodded, still lying. Nala wagged her tail, ordering two of her assistants to get some water in cocoshell. Then she bended down to Umeme and licked her cheek.
“What happened!? Something wrong?”
“King…” panted goldenfurred.
“King what!?” yelled Nala.
“King is hurt…” managed to pant lioness.
“But alive?” asked Nala with inquiring voice. She was in fear, however she hated to exhaust Umeme so much. Lioness nodded her head and ex-queen sighed. “Thank Stars! So wait, say nothing… We will bring you something to drink.”
Sorphi and Vinia came with shells of water and also bended down to tired liaison. After few draughts Umeme opened her eyes and looked with more sane stare on Nala.
“Ma’am… there was an accident on Priderock.” She said with weak, but certain voice. “Prince Dhahabu stuck in some crack and king went for help. There was a burst… Prince is unhurt, but king was buried.”
“Buried…” repeated ex-queen with fear.
“We took him out, but… he still didn’t wake up.”
“What!?” yelled Nala.
“He is still in coma.” Explained Umeme. “I’m so sorry, ma’am.”
Nala was thinking for few seconds. In the first place a call of scared mother sounded in her. All she wanted was to run and see her son. But there was also a seconds thought, initially rejected by Nala’s mind as very improper in that moment, but after another heart-clap she understood that there are no improper thoughts if the stake is very existence of kingdom. “I’m not only mother.” She thought. “I’m also mother of king. My duty is to think about kingdom in every moment… That what Tanabi surely wants from me!”
“What shaman says about Tanabi’s state?” she asked.
“Serious, but stabile.” Replied Umeme.
“Why we haven’t been told earlier? Why Tiko hasn’t come here?”
“I don’t know, ma’am. Queen hasn’t ordered that.” Said Umeme honestly.
“Who is in charge on Priderock?” asked Nala with voice that a bit scared herself.
“Queen…” replied goldenfurred. She wanted to add <…of course>, but something stopped her. She followed Nala’s thought and learned what it meant. “All lionesses are obedient to queen.”
“How prince is going?”
“Terrified, I guess he is blaming himself for what happened.” Replied Umeme. “But physically he is unhurt.”
“Now, you all.” She turned also to Sorphi and Vinia. “You see that situation of our kingdom got dire. I believe that my son will surely recover, but in order to secure peace on Prideland, I think it’s high time for Simba to take regency.”
A silence fell on Green Den plate. A dry, morning wind was quietly moving grass, but no other sound disturbed that peace. However minds of all four lionesses were running fast and calculating the consequences of that action. Nala measured poses of Umeme, Sorphi and Vinia to notice that all of them seemed to be uncediced, still shocked by unexpected outcome. “That’s is our chance!” thought ex-queen. “Stars witnesses I didn’t want to do it in such circumstances… But if Tanabi’s weakness is the last opportunity to restore real order in our land… I have no other choise.”
“Umeme, go for Simba.” She said, looking on goldenfurred. “He went on swamps with Timon and Pumbaa. By the way, wake up Zazu. He is majordomo again. I will go as first to prepare… warm welcome for him.”
“Ma’am!” yelled lioness. “Are you really want to get back?” Nala just nodded.
“Of course, I want and I will. My son is hurt, my kingdom is in chaos.”
“Queen…” started Vinia.
“Queen is chaos!” replied Nala with gasp. “As grandparents of prince Tanabi, Simba and I will take custody over kingdom’s heir.”
“But queen…” sobbed Sorphi, finally understanding what was going on.
“She isn’t Pridelander!” snorted ex-queen. “All her mandate to rule was approval of Tanabi. If king can’t oversee her actions… We must!” finished with growling voice.
“I think sir Simba could not share your…” noticed Umeme.
“So find him now and ask yourself.” Smiled Nala. “But then join together to us on Priderock.” She came closer to lioness and whispered to her ear. “Quick. Tanabi needs you.” Eyes of goldenfurred extended.
“For what?” she asked, also with whisper.
“To… live. To rule.” Replied ex-queen. “In that point vital interest of pride meets your will.” Finished. She stepped back to look again in eyes of Umeme. She saw what she expected to – a fight between duty… she hated and possible duty she loved. “Do not be afraid.” Added Nala. “Trust your old queen… ma’am… child…”
Umeme blinked with shock. It must be mishearing, but… Nala had to say: <my child>. Or she really addressed goldenfurred as future queen? Lioness shook her head and helplessly looked on older friend.
“Please… ma’am. Do not do anything we could regret in future.”
“Only thing we could regret in future, is today’s passivity!” replied ex-monarchess with soft yet wilful voice. “Go for Simba. It’s time for king to return!”
In Umeme’s heart battle was really raging on. She loved Tanabi with all her heart. Once she really thought prince would become her mate and they would live together, ruling Prideland or establishing a new pride. But when Tanabi took Vitani as his mate, just in few moments lioness managed to turn her love into loyalty and subject’s devotion. She really loved king, that why she let him go. She hoped that all temptations of old went away, but… Nala gave her a second chance.
“I know I should do it.” Thought goldenfurred. “Simba and Nala shouldn’t have been exiled. Vitani didn’t have right to do it. And I know… in spite of all my love to Tanabi… that Simba should still reign. I know Nala is right… but does is mean I could… disobey Vitani? My queen… My bad and unrightfully ruler… whom I swore. Tanabi, my king and love… what should I do?” But Tanabi couldn’t reply on that. Nala could.
“You will ask him yourself. But give him a chance to choose. Between her and you!”
“I’m doing good thing.” Whispered Umeme, turning right to north. “But I know I will regret that.”
“I make all what I could to ensure you did right thing… my child.” Said Nala.
Umeme set off to run on savannah. She wanted to do it as fast as she could. To find Simba and ask him what to do. That made her running even faster, in spite she always was fast. However there was a problem – she had no idea where Simba was. It was not a trick of Nala, not to tell her. Ex-queen had just some other things on her mind. Umeme vanished behind range of hills on north.
“You are going with me?” Said Nala to Sorphi and Vinia. She didn’t sound like queen – she was a queen then.
Two huntresses made no move, when ex-monarchess set off to edge of rock plate and border of Green Den area. They didn’t want to see that, feeling that – even if doing of Nala was right, in what they believed with all hearts – they failed mission ordered by queen. But queen… was still Vitani a ruler.
“Ma’am.” Sobbed Sorphi, making step towards Nala. She wanted to cross her way, but ex-queen just stopped her with decisive stare. “Queen ordered…”
“…you to assist her.” Finished older lioness. “To assist kingdom, king Tanabi and prince Dhahabu. Will you fulfil your duty?” Vinia ran from the other way, but was also stopped by stare of Nala. “And you… will you?” asked lioness.
“Ma’am…” sobbed second guardian.
“I’m proud of you, my children.” Said Nala and put her paw down.
Ex-queen’s pawpad gently touched the grass of savannah. It was already Prideland savannah. But there was no clash, no lightning when older lionesses broke edict of Vitani. Just a soft sound of plants, pressed by weight of lioness. One could say that nothing had happened.
But how much changed.
“Now…” said queen Nala, standing firmly on soil of her kingdom. “We are going on Priderock to stand aside of king Tanabi… and to secure prince Dhahabu from destructive influence of his mother!” She even didn’t have to say queen. There was just one queen on Prideland.
They set off with fast march on west. Nala on lead, two lionesses three steps behind her, on both sides. Just like subjects should assist their monarch. But when decision was made and group was closer and closer to Priderock, Nala somehow cast aside thoughts about power. Power was not an aim he sought. The safety and wealth of her family was. So there was much more burning problem.
“Ahadi!” she silently prayed, coming in Priderock direction. “Help my son!”
That was the last element of puzzle that came in old place – monarchess was still carrying about her charges. Queen of Prideland was back.
*
Dhahabu was still crying, between Vitani and unconsciousness Tanabi. In royal chamber there was no one else – Thamath had gone to main chamber to take rest. After waiting all night next to patient, he was really exhausted. In duty of nurse he was changed by queen. All other lionesses were on hunting. All – except of Bidii, ready to assist queen and watch over her daughter.
“Don’t cry, my child.” Murmured Vitani. “You heard as father said, it was not your fault.”
“But mom…” sobbed prince. “If not I…”
“My love.” Said Vitani with gentle voice, nuzzling him with her muzzle. “You know the story of Battle of Reunion. You grandmother died then… And if not actions of your uncle Kovu and me… she would have live today. But that means someone other would die. It took much time for me to understand it, but I learned it was bound to happen.”
“I know, but still…” said prince with crying voice.
“All we could do it to ask Kings of Past to help him.” Replied Vitani. “And I’m going… in fact I have to go to do that. In four days there will be anniversary of Battle of Reunion. I have to be in the Outlands to salute your uncle and grandmother.”
“But… leaving dad alone…”
“We will be not alone.” Disagreed queen. “He has whole pride to guard him. And I have to go there, someday you will understand why. If I leave memory of my parents uncelebrated, there will be no real peace in our heart. Queen of Prideland have to salute her family and royal line. We are one, not only with those who are around, but also with those who died and will come after us.”
“I know that.” Nodded cub, looking in mother’s eyes. Tears partially dried and his voice became more certain. He started to behave as a prince, at least Vitani hoped that. “But if you go… and pride stays with dad here… Aren’t you afraid that something would happen here? Something bad?”
“No, it’s…” started queen, but then she froze. In eyes of her son she read that he was talking not only about health of his father, but also about… condition of queen. Not lioness Vitani, but monarchess.
“It’s very bad moment to leave.” Said cub.
“Still, I have no choice.” Replied lioness and stroked motionless body of her mate. “It will took just few days. I’ll go, ask my mother for help and return here.”
“I’m going with you.” Said cub suddenly.
In mind of Vitani sparked two thoughts. One was: <What? It’s madness! That is not a trip for small cub>. But the second said: <It would be… very wise. You can’t leave prince… because you could never regain him!>. Vitani shivered inside, for the very first time thinking about possible mutiny against “reign of Outlandress”.
“But no!” she thought. “Pride wouldn’t dare… Now without some leader. Thank Stars I sent Nala to Green Den with Simba!”
“Mom, could I go?” asked cub with inquiring voice.
“No, I can’t risk your health.” Said monarchess. Then a malicious voice in her mind asked. “But you could risk your health? Your and…” paused in that moment, but queen knew what her inner voice wanted to say. To risk life of another cup. Vitani was pregnant again. The most reasonable way of solving this, was to take at least four lionesses of pride to assist queen and hunt for her. But it wasn’t sure, if Vitani could afford on giving such an order.
“I think I should go.” Said prince with sudden decisiveness in his voice.
“No, that would be…”
“MA’AM!” called voice in doorstep of chamber. Kucha and Maitha entered room without warning, but on their faces was written fear and other signs that interruption was unavoidable. “Ma’am, she is coming here!” cried Maitha with shock in her voice.
“Who?” asked Vitani.
“Whatever will happen from now on…” said Kucha with sudden grave tone. “…I assure you, I will obey you as rightful queen of this land, mate of king and mother of heir. Maitha will do the same.”
“Stars sake!” gasped Vitani. “What happened!?”
“Lady Nala… is back.” Panted Maitha.
Vitani instinctively hugged Dhahabu, realising that he had to go with her on the Outlands. Because if she would go alone, there was possibility she wouldn’t ever return.

If Nala thinks the lionesses of the pride will allow her to take over in her son's stead then she's wrong. True some of the lionesses don't care for Vitani but there are others who do and they won't allow any harm to their queen. What will Simba say? Which side will he choose? Does he know what his son would want? Let's hope. Good chapter. Update soon!

Those <some>, seemed to be in majority right now...
Additionally Vitani’s acting is far from carefulness and political wisdom. But both my heroines do what they believe is good…

V. …always a king

It took lots of time for Tanabi to understand what happened. His senses returned slowly and additionally returned not to the place they had been. Namely – king was somehow back, but definitely not back in his own body. If one-eyed had to guess where he was, the shot was simple. An afterworld.
Being dead has its advantages and most of us would admit that if we have already die and took all unpleasantnesses connected with it, the further going could seem quite nice. Not to fell anymore hunger, fear, sorrow nor weariness. Not to worry about usual life-duties, about survival. Excluding cases one is really scared about his or her eternal punishment (Tanabi was rather convinced that in his life he hadn’t deserve anything like that), being dead isn’t a bad perspective itself. However awareness of ones left on earth could be a problem. For Tanabi it was.
“Vitani…” he whispered. “Dhahabu…” Then in his mind awoke strange thought that wasn’t all his family. “Vitani is pregnant.” He said quietly. “I’m a father for second time… this is a girl.”
He had no idea from where he got this knowledge and he even didn’t care. He just took a look… well, saying <around> would suggest that there was some <around> and dimensions in normal sense of that word. But it wasn’t so easy.
Around lion the was a darkness, somewhere farther blinking with stars. “Souls of my ancestors.” Thought Tanabi and with cubbish curiosity wondered if he was also shining. He tried to look at his body and noticed he had one, however he couldn’t tell much about reality of that. He sense no effort moving his paws. He wasn’t breathing, not he couldn’t but he just didn’t have to.
“All right.” He called into darkness. “I’m dead. I guess now should come here one of you.” He hoped that at least one of <them> was listening and those <them> were creatures somehow friendly to him.
“What for such a rush?” asked voice from outside.
Tanabi recognised him hardly in first moment, but then understood with who he was talking. Skinny and fragile lion emerged from dim space before king and walked closer with ironic half-smile. About two metres – if that place was subdued to earthly measures – he nodded his head, playing respectful bow.
“Good day Your Majesty.”
“Good day, prince of Golden Sands.” Replied Tanabi, being not sure if Nuka was serious or just pranking.
“Long time not to see, huh?” asked Outlander. “We met about year ago. You know… after your argument with father.”
“So now we will spend more time together?” asked Tanabi.
“Oh, no!” Nuka shook his head. “Fortunately for both of us, again you are still not dead. Just again… indisposed.”
Tanabi noticed more and more details of his state/location. He seemed to float in the air, somewhere high above the ground. There was dark around, what suggested that it was already night, or his knowledge about astronomy and cosmology was very wrong. “World below us don’t resemble the real one. It’s looks like earth is round. It’s ridicules!” But next Nuka’s words interrupted his wondering.
“Ow, look if you like. We have more time than during our last meeting.”
“Time…” murmured king. “Well, so tell me few things.” Nuka looked on his brother-in-law with ironic disbelief, as if he was saying <Just few?>. “How are Dhahabu and Vitani?”
“Alive.” Replied Nuka. “I can’t say <and well>, because they both are scared to death about you. You know… your state is stabile, but they had no idea how long it would last.”
“And how long it would?”
“I have no idea too.” Confessed Outlander. “But to the point. I’m here to assist you in your time here.”
“Won’t I see Scar nor Zira?” asked Tanabi. Then he added with pleading voice. “I wish to see grandma Sarabi and grandma Sarafina.”
“I’m afraid it’s impossible.” Replied Nuka and turned back. He started to walk ahead and somehow down, however king saw no ground he could descend. But he followed Outlander to feel he was descending too. Down to the earth. “You are not dead, so we have no right to show you things you shouldn’t see. You know too much already. Not many lions talked with Ancient Ones and walked on earth again.”
“Is earth really round?” Tanabi didn’t resist and asked.
“Let’s go lower and you will stop asking such stupid questions.” Murmured Nuka and speeded his steps.
After several minutes (if there were still minutes) they reached altitude proper to observe world below. Tanabi saw whole Prideland, from Green Den to foot of Green Hills. He know it was impossible, but he could see perfectly everything in that range. He had just to focus his attention on some part of kingdom to recognise every shape of it. Of course as first to watch he chose Priderock.
Then he cursed badly.
Such a behaviour was really seldom on the sky.
“Relax, bro.” Said Nuka. “Now you can’t do anything. They have to settle this on their own.”
“Mother!” he gasped, seeing Nala ascending on the ledge of rock. “What she is doing there?”
“Most likely going to see her ill son.” Said Nuka. “Although she has also some other reasons, she is really concerned about you.”
“I know, but edict…” yelled king. “If she broke it that means she also broke Vitani’s will.” Then he looked on Nuka. “Where is my father?” But he localised Simba on his own.
Lion was going with Umeme, clearly in Priderock direction. But king noticed on face of his father expression of fear and confusion. He didn’t want to go, yet he had no choice. In second Tanabi understood what happened and that his mother broke edict as first. Simba just followed her, most likely to prevent more of chaos. But he did as always in his life. Simba wanted good, but it came as usual.
“Lionesses are still in shock and confusion.” Said Nuka. They don’t know how welcome queen-mother. But when your father get there, there will be no hesitation. You have something like pocket counterrevolution downthere.”
“Dung!” gasped angry Tanabi. “I just couldn’t die in worse time.”
“You are not dead.” Noticed Nuka. “But come lower. We will see it better.”
“Wait!” stopped him Tanabi. “I need to speak with mom… or with Vitani, or with both of them. It’s a matter of life and death.” Outlander shook his head. “So you talk with your sister. Tell her I will survive and will clean this mess when I wake up.” Nuka shook his head again.
“I can’t. Rules are rules. We can’t manifest at will.”
“Yes, I know that.” Murmured Tanabi, but then his muzzle narrowed with smile. “But you can listen to pleads of those you salute your memory. Isn’t that true?”
“Well… yes.” Nodded Nuka. It was clear he was hoping for the same that Tanabi, but Ancient One was bound with strict rules of his world. However he smiled hearing as his brother-in-law was going in right direction. “But we could respond for that only in shires were we are recalled.”
“So call Scar!” exclaimed Tanabi. “He died on slope of Priderock. If Vitani seek his advise…” Nuka shook his head.
“It’s not as easy.” He replied. “Some thing changed since last time we met. When Ahadi was freed from his bond with earth, Tarki was relieved from duty of Arbiter. Scar is Arbiter now, so he can’t interfere in living ones arguments.”
“Grandma Sarabi!” smiled Tanabi. “She died nearby too.”
“Are you totally sure that Sarabi would solve that problem in best way?” asked Outlander with sarcasm in his voice.
Tanabi narrowed his eyes. Right, it was a problem. King loved his grandmother with all his heart and knew that she loved him too. But Sarabi was also Nala’s mother and it was rather probable she would favour daughter over current queen of Prideland. Tanabi wanted to solve argument balancing both sides, as he belonged to both sides. He wanted to secure Vitani’s authority… but hurting his mother in progress was the last thing he planned.
“So… what could we do?”
“We could pray that my sister will go on Outlands.” Said Nuka.
“But if she leaves Prideland…” he didn’t finished that sentence, but for both of them possible danger was clear.
“But in Outlands my mother and I would speak to her.” Explained Nuka. “And if not to her, due to our too strong emotional involvement, surely to Dhahabu. But it’s a matter of few days. Now you could just watch.”
So they watched.
*
“Nala!” gasped Vitani, exiting from cave.
“Take me to my son!” replied older lioness with decisive voice. Without any formal address, just as if she was giving command to queen. Maybe, she was.
Former Outlandress took a look around on lionesses, gathered on the ledge. Result of that observation wasn’t very optimistic. Most of pridemembers were looking on queen-mother, not on her and raised ear showed to whom they were obedient. Only two Pridelandresses - Kucha and Maitha – standing at sides of Vitani, seemed to be still with her. However that didn’t meant they were sure of that decision. Queen sensed a fear and doubts in her companions. Meanwhile those who openly showed loyalty to Nala seemed relaxed and sure. Just as if they had been living in shadow for long time and just could go into sun and breathe in freely. Vitani understood she didn’t lose they allegiance. She had never had it.
“Girls, are you still with me?” asked, whispering to Kucha and Maitha.
“Y… yes.” Stuttered Kucha.
“Please, my lady…” whispered Maitha with shivering voice. “Don’t do anything… hasty.” But then he added with still quiet yet more certain voice. “But I will follow my queen.”
“I was blind!” thought Vitani. “I felt so certain and secure… I was lazy. I even didn’t deserve for loyalty of those two… But now I must use it. Wisely.”
“What brought you here… mother?” asked queen to Nala, trying to sound not too poisonous.
Queen-mother stepped to her, but not looking in her eyes. She replied. “That’s obvious, I’m here to see my son… And take care of him, if others can’t.” She event didn’t have to point <others>. Vitani clenched her jaws, repressing some instant and aggressive reply. So she just said.
“King is alive… But now unconsciousness. You must be wrong, he didn’t call for you. He didn’t repeal his edict.” Some of lionesses there froze in fear, sensing coming confrontation. But Nala avoided that in easiest way she could. She ignored dreadful stare of queen.
“He didn’t have to.” She gasped. “I’m still his mother, doesn’t matter what you enact.” Then she just entered cave and walked to royal chamber.
In chamber was a constant guard of two lionesses. It happened that Bidii and Mto were waiting next to sleeping ruler. That was a bad circumstance for Vitani – bad even looking on all circumstances of that day – if she had to point two most disappointed with new order members of pride, she had to pick Anasa’s mother and greyeyed huntress. Both guardians instantly bowed before Nala.
“It’s bad we again meet in such a day.” Said Bidii, still in deep bow. “But it’s good to see you back, my queen. Why it took you so long?”
Nala came to subject and nuzzled her chick with her nose, making her to raise her head. “I just didn’t believe you still waiting.” Said with quiet voice. “I’m sorry.”
“The point is you are here.” Replied Bidii. “When lord Simba will be back?”
“Soon, my friend. Very soon.” Smiled Nala with bitter smile.
Vitani didn’t hear whole dialogue, but from tone of voices she sensed trouble. Because she had no better idea, she just ordered, somehow wondering how long she would be listened.
“Shift! Sorphi, Vinia, change Bidii and Mto.”
In fact it was a little change, because two huntresses were also definitely on Nala’s side. However act of shift itself could stop angry gurgles. And somehow stopped, but not in way queen expected to. Two guardians looked on Nala, before they made any other action.
“Go, my dears.” Said queen-mother. “You are most likely exhausted.” Only then two guardians moved aside, letting Sorphi and Vinia stand next to king. Vitani felt a tight grip on her throat. If meeting with ex-monarchess was a battle, current queen lost if badly.
“Could you call my grandson?” asked Nala Bidii, just exiting the chamber. Lionesses nodded.
After that in room left only unconsciousness Tanabi, Nala, Vitani and two new guardians. Temperature in cave seemed to be much lower than African average.
“Ow, there are still Maitha and Kucha.” Thought queen. She just forgot about two loyal subjects, following every her step. “That’s a bit depressing that ruler had to walk with bodyguards to be obeyed.” Thought Vitani with bitter irony.
“You could see, king is alive.” Started queen. “But when he wake up… how you will explain him your disobedience?” Maitha, standing on Outlandress side quietly gasped, trying to stop her ruler. She was still fully loyal to Vitani… but she wanted to show how far was safe to go. Monarchess crossed some line she shouldn’t.
“Fortunately it’s not of your concern.” Replied Nala, lying down to Tanabi and hugging to his motionless body. “I will explain myself only before my son… if he has any objection to my deeds.” She smiled, showing her teeth maybe a bit too wide.
Last time all teeth of queen-mother Vitani saw year earlier, in Battle of Reunion. Somehow she felt exactly like in that day – walking behind enemy lines, surrounded by hostiles. “But there was much better.” She thought. “I had mom, who guided me.” Then her thoughts went to Zira and coming anniversary. “It all couldn’t happen in worst time. I have to set of on the Outlands tomorrow, whatever happens.” And in the same time the chamber entered Dhahabu.
“Mom, what… Grandma?” he exclaimed, seeing old lioness. “But how…” Whatever he wanted to ask, he left it, running to Nala and nestling to her. Queen-mother hugged grandson and licked his forehead.
“You are here for…”
“I will stay, my boy.” Said Nala. “Don’t worry.”
“That’s the thing we all should worry about.” Thought Vitani, looking on son. Dhahabu turned his stare on her and for second they eyes met. He sensed that something was very wrong, and greeting grandmother made his mother upset, but he couldn’t resist. “Sorry.” He seemed to say silently.
“And where is grandpa?” asked Dhahabu, finally freed from Nala’s hug.
“He will be here soon.” Replied old lioness. “Be patient.”
Vitani knew she had to stop that scene, whatever it would take. She inhaled deeply to get air for longer speech, but suddenly she was struck by wave of nauseas. Her body was grabbed by unseen hand of weakness and lioness for few second lost her sight and hobbled.
“Ma’am!” called both Maitha and Kucha.
Kucha, standing closer, managed to catch queen before she fell down. Supported queen quickly regained her balance, but nauseating feeling was still overwhelming. She sensed that she was close to puke.
“Ma’am, let’s go outside.” Said Maitha with decisive voice.
Supporting Vitani she and Kucha guided her out from cave. Dhahabu seeing it wanted to follow, but was stopped by Nala.
“You mother is just tired.” Said old lioness. “Stay with me and tell me what happened on Priderock while I was away.” Cub was thinking a while, then tired of constant doubts, just obeyed his grandmother. It was far enough as for six months child.
“It’s good to see you here.” Said finally, hoping it was a honest sentence.
*
Queen managed to go out and even came down from slope of rock. But then – in clusters of bushes – she had to empty her stomach. Before she finished, she had already known what was happening. “I would be delighted in any other time.” She thought. “But now!?”
“Ma’am, what is happening?” asked scared Kucha.
“It’s nothing.” Said queen.
“Nothing unnatural.” Murmured Maitha. “But not <nothing>. You are pregnant.”
“Please, don’t tell the pride.” Asked Vitani and lioness nodded. “And listen to me…” she added, but then another wave of nausea came. She vomited once again, then continued. “I will thank you later, Tanabi will thank you for what you are doing now. But I need your support all the time, whatever happens. Especially tomorrow, when we have to go to my mother’s shrine.”
“On the Outlands?” gasped Maitha.
“Ma’am, it’s extremely unwise to leave Priderock now.” Said carefully Kucha.
“I know, but I have no choice. The anniversary of my mother’s and my brother’s death will be performed.”
“You will go in… your state?” Vitani nodded. “So who will stay here?” asked Kucha.
She didn’t have to explain what she meant. On Priderock was Nala, most likely Simba was going there too. If queen left her keep, leaving exiled ex-royal couple near the throne, the question if that throne was still her was reasonable.
“Will you manage to provide food for me… and Dhahabu?” asked Vitani.
“Dhahabu…” repeated shocked Kucha, but then she nodded her head. “We will, my queen.”
“Good, it’s very good.” Said Outlandress. “But now come with me. Send Tiko to find Simba and report us where he is. We must intercept Simba before he reach Priderock.”
“Affirmative, ma’am!” called both lionesses, then Maitha carefully added. “But what when we find sir Simba?”
“Good question, my friend.” Said Vitani and set of with hobbling steps.
*
Dhahabu left his grandmother in royal chamber. Around Nala gathered all lionesses, except of Maitha and Kucha, being with queen and Umeme, who was still with Simba. Ex-monarchess started to command as if “ex” prefix vanished. It was natural for pride to accept rule of Nala and cease to thing about Outlandress as ruler. In replies of Pridelandresses one could hear a one loud sigh of relief, as if Vitani’s era was some kind of sickness that went away with return of old lioness. Even fear caused by illness of king was somehow appeased.
Dhahabu noticed all those things, but didn’t understand most of them. However he felt urge to ask for advise. He just went away from royal chamber and went to main cave, where he found Anasa, waiting alone for mother.
“Dhahabu!” she smiled, seeing cub. In fact for previous two days they almost hadn’t seen each other.
“Yeah, that’s me, last time I checked.” Said prince and kitty burst with laughter. But then she stopped, seeing his serious stare. “Anasa, tell me… what is happening?” He came closer and sat on Bidii’s and Anasa’a bedding. Goldenfurred cub hugged him. “It’s all gone crazy. Dad is sick… and grandma is back. I wish to be glad of that, but mother is not. Why they have to fight each other?” Anasa couldn’t explain that, but mind of prince was working much better while he was talking. So he answered himself. “Grandma wants to make all things be back in times she was a queen. Mom wants to keep them all as they were yesterday. While dad is away, he can’t stop them both, so some fight is unavoidable.”
“You are the prince.” Said suddenly Anasa. “That all should listen to you.”
“I’m a cub!” sighed Dhahabu. “Just a cub.”
“Everybody someday was.” Replied Anasa. “However some of those cubs turned to be great kings.”
“I… can’t.” said prince quietly and Anasa turned her stare down with disappointment. “I can’t do it alone. Will you help me?”
She looked on him and smiled. “I’ll do my best, prince.”
*
Tiko was flying over savannah and on the ground were running Vitania and her two companions. It was just after midday, so sun about zenith was searing world below, making such a run very tiring activity. Especially for pregnant queen, who – maybe for the very first time – was close to ask Pridelandresses to slow down. With relief she noticed as Tiko speeded up, most likely seeing incoming king.
“Wait here, my your highness.” Said hornbill and rushed ahead.
He met with Zazu in half a way and both bird just started to circle around themselves, exchanging angry shouts. Vitani heard not more than one third of that talk, however she didn’t comprehend even that part.
“That clear violation of official king’s edict, that caused…” was shouting current legal advisor. But then he made more than half of circle and queen heard better Zazu, who was arguing.
“That’s a state of exception and sir Tanabi himself made a first precedent.
“She couldn’t decide by herself, if Tanabi would have…”
“The status of lady Vitani was never fully set and that why we can’t treat her…”
“Hello, Vitani.” Said Simba, muffling air argument of major-domo and his uncle.
“Hello… Simba.” Replied queen. She wanted to say <dad>, however she had no idea what impact could cause such familiarism.
“How is Tanabi? What Thamath said?” asked ex-king.
“Thanks you are asking.” Snorted Vitani. “Nala didn’t bothered with that.” But then she added with serious voice. “We can’t say anything for sure. Thamath is helpless in waking him up.”
“I… I…” started brownmaned with uncertain voice. In that moment in Vitani’s heart sprouted a hope. Simba looked as if he really was not convinced to Nala’s action. Queen stretched all her muscles to calm herself down. “I didn’t want to interfere, it was Nala’s idea.” Added lion. “I’m sorry for breaking promise I’ve made.” Vitani was close to burst in tears due to sudden relief. But it was too early for relax. “But what has happened, happened. I’m terribly sorry to say that… But I ask you to let us take care about Tanabi during his illness.” Vitani gasped with anger and another wave of nausea almost overturned her.
“Do you know what that means?” asked with weary voice.
“I know it’s best thing for our kingdom.”
Vitani without word turned back and started to walk in Priderock direction. Umeme, standing on Simba’s side caught her stare for blink of an eye. She shivered. “Not that way!” she thought. “I didn’t want to break my oaths!”

Okay that's it, Nala is offically ticked me off! Sure she can get the pride to believe her crazy words but the prince is another story entirely. Dhahabu is obviously loyal to his mother and her ways of ruling. Nala can't turn him that easily. As for Simba it's clear, he didn't know of Nala's idea. Maybe he can talk some sense into her... and maybe he can ask himself what would Tanabi want? He's a smart lion, maybe he'll see reason and do what's truly right, thinking about his son if he were awake...

Good chapter, update soon!

Although Nala's intentions seem to be genuinely good, she doesn't exactly go free on the charge of opportunism either; using her son's coma as a pretext to reassert her role as queen is rather cynical (especially since the chaos she spoke of wasn't that severe yet, and thus more of a pretext than an actual reason).
Since Vitani lacks enough support within the pride to have the leverage needed to stop Nala, she has only two hopes: Tanabi waking up and ousting Nala again, or obtaining some outside muscle to bully Nala out of office.

On the legal note: Nala's best way to obtain her goal would be to 'declare Vitani unfit to reign' (her visit to the Outlands would be perfect for that); since Tanabi already is unfit to reign, that would place Nala and Simba in a position where they could take decisions in Vitani and Tanabi's name, decisions like Vitani's abdication.

I guess if my characters were free of opportunism, my stories would be just boring;)
So today Nala gets more of her ground, using temporally weakness of Vitani.
Cogitor:
I guess that You are following Nala’s mind faster than I <lol>
But see yourself what she caused…

Ps.
If You are surprised by Simba’s passivity, see [How to write Taka’ish fanfic], rule no. 12