Breakfast Dispute

The next morning during breakfast over a zebra carcass, Shani was all smiles seeing her brother back home with their family and having Kuli actually silent for once, obviously trying not to be caught staring at Nuka as they ate. However, she couldn’t help notice the awkward silence among the Pride.

Vitani was pondering to herself what was going to happen with her son Nuka now that her nephew Chaka was back and in fact, alive. She had met Kuli the night before, and had thought the young rogue might make a nice Queen for Nuka, if he was going to maintain the throne and if she wasn’t already involved with his cousin.

Kiara was eating quietly with her eyes closed, enjoying the moment, having Chaka on one side and Shani on the other. Her cubs were home, and that’s all she cared about at the moment.

Chaka was very much enjoying his meal. He hadn’t had such healthy, fresh meat in a long time, and savored every bite. He’d been pretty excited about eating when he saw the lionesses take down the biggest zebra in the herd. Hunting on his own sure hadn’t brought anything this large down, even when Shani and Kuli were around to help. He also enjoyed having his family around once again, especially his mother by his side.

Kovu was trying to enjoy is breakfast the best he could, but had so much running through his troubled mind, regarding his son and his nephew. Kovu didn’t get all the information he would have like before Simba had passed on regarding what to do as King of the Pridelands. Could he take back Nuka’s entitlement of King and give it to his rightful son, Chaka?

Shani decided to break the silence and asked with her mouth half full what had happened during her absence. Everyone looked up, but no one seemed to want to respond.
“Well, actually a lot of important matters were taken care of while you were out looking for Chaka.” Vitani finally said.
Shani and Chaka both raised their brow in interest while Kovu gave a glance over to Kiara, who had a mutual expression of concern of how this conversation was going to go. Kovu had planned on bringing it up himself.
“Your father and mother agreed it had been a while since you’d left and not returned, Shani.” Vitani said. Shani frowned, and then chuckled.
“Well, he wasn’t exactly close by.” She said.
“But we are so glad you’ve both come home safely.” Kiara said before Vitani could respond. Kovu nodded in agreement as he tore meat off the bone.
“Kovu, are you going to tell your son what’s happened or do you want me to just say it?” Vitani blatantly asked. Kovu swallowed hard, a little surprised at the direct question. He looked at Chaka, who was even more confused now.

“Tell me what, dad?” Chaka said.

Kovu looked at Nuka, and back at Chaka.

Kovu sighed. “We gave Nuka the title of Future King, seeing as we didn’t think you would be returning.”

“What!?” said Shani, food falling out of her mouth as her jaw dropped. Chaka didn’t know what to say. Kuli looked a little surprised too, and swooned even more for the current future king.
Chaka got up from his meal, but said nothing. Everyone looked up at him, but he said nothing. He just stared down at the bones at his paws and closed his eyes. Everyone was silent. Only the grunts and groans of near by wildebeests could be heard. Finally, Chaka raised his head, and opened his eyes. He glanced at Shani, who was still staring at her brother, waiting for him to say something.

“Father, this is my rightful kingdom. If I cannot regain my place as future king by your word, I will take it back by other means.”

Everyone was shocked to hear such strong words come from who they knew as meek little Chaka. Nuka’s brow frowned as he contemplated his cousins’ words. He knew what he’d meant “by other means”.

“Chaka, I don’t want to fight you, we’re family.” Nuka said.

“But Nuka, you’re the future king of these lands, don’t you want to be king?” Vitani said, a bit of panic in her voice. “You said you were honored to take his place! To be somebody! You had your own Pride before, and you left them! If you don’t become king, it will have been for nothing!”

“Nuka left his pride on my behalf, Vitani.” Kovu said. “But now that Chaka can rule the Pridelands once I’m gone, he could return to them if he wanted.”

Vitani growled under her breath.

“Well, if Nuka’s leaving to go back to his old Pride, I suppose I could go with him to keep him company on his travels.” Kuli suddenly spoke.
Chaka looked like he wanted to say something, but nothing came out. Nuka had a look of great interest on his face, and Shani found herself smiling from ear to ear.

“That’s a great idea!” Shani said. Chaka’s heart sank a little, and his mother noticed.

“These details can be dealt with later. However, I have someone I want you too meet today Chaka, and we shouldn’t hold out much longer. They’ll be waiting by the water hole soon.” Kiara said.

Kovu seemed to stop holding his breath, and smiled. “Shani, why don’t we go for a walk?”

Shani took the hint, and nodded. Everyone began to get up and stretch with their belly’s full. Smaller scavengers began to move in from their hiding places to pick off the left overs.

Shani and her father headed left, while Vitani scowled her way to Pride Rock. Nuka went over to Kuli and asked if she’d like to go on a walk too, while Kiara motioned for Chaka to follow her to the water hole. Chaka sighed as he watched as Kuli walked away with Nuka, their tails beginning to intertwine, and reluctantly began to follow his mother.

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Re-uploaded to add the picture

I decided not to be lazy and actually added shadow to this one! Plus, with the help of this tutorial fav.me/d2797g8 by DJCoulz, I was able to pull off something of a better background than normal.

Let me know what you think, and enjoy
(Finally, another pic with Kuli in it! )