Vitani’s Guard

Vitani got back onto her feet. She knocked at the side of her head with a paw to shake Nuka's fiery spirit from her ear, coughing out remaining smoke from the big Fire Roar she'd unleashed.

She blinked drearily, taking in her surroundings...

The last of the flames had been put out by the Guard, the galagos and other Ndefu Grove residents cowered from the wreckage. They didn't even thank the Guard, uncharacteristic of how they used to treat the lionesses when they'd first met them. She could see that Tazama saw that too.

The Keenest of Sight hadn't even tried to converse with them, or anyone. She was turned away with her head and ears low, ashamed of the chaos she'd allowed to happen.

The leader hadn't decided on what to do with Tazama yet. Whether or not she'd let her go or give her one more chance, she opened her mouth as she inched closer towards her. Before Vitani could get a word out, however, the step she took caused a large gash she'd obtained in the fight to send an intense stinging sensation up her foreleg. She gasped through her teeth.

"Vitani!"

The Fiercest snapped out of her pensive gaze at Tazama and turned her attention to Kasi.

"Vitani," the Fastest panted, "No rogues in sight. I scanned the whole perimeter."

"They've retreated," the Fiercest scowled, "for now..."

"We should retreat, too." proposed Imara.

The Strongest wanted to comment on Vitani's condition, but she knew her leader didn't like that kind of attention.

"You mean the mission's over?!" Shabaha balked, "We could've had them now, then it'd be over with!"

"No." Vitani grunted, "They're already gone. No use provoking them."

Imara could see the discomfort in Vitani's face. She had a feeling she knew what her leader really meant. Inside, Vitani truly wanted to go home, but didn't want to say it. A hard thing to express growing up in an uncaring environment. Imara's beginnings were slightly different, allowing for different influences creating her mindset, but she still shared a majority of her youth in the same place as Vitani.
____

Later that afternoon...

Tiifu turned to the sound of panting outside the entrance of the Lion Guard Lair. She could see Imara carrying Vitani, who was covered in deep scratches, dark purple bruises, and a black eye.

"What happened?" Tiifu whined, running over to the Fiercest.

"Got in a little scuffle from that rogue who keeps coming back, I'll live." Vitani reassured.

Imara didn't believe that for one second, and never did in all her years of knowing her younger colleague.

"Here, put her on the healing table."

The Strongest did as instructed, and placed Vitani down. She saluted with a nod before heading out.

Pretty soon, Tiifu had healing herbs in her mouth, and an oil extracted from plants sticking on her paw. She was in full nurse mode.

"Here, this might sting a little."

"Wait, what'll sti --"

Suddenly, the oil made contact with a deep scratch on her shoulder. It was an alarming cooling sensation at first, but it started to sizzle. Vitani winced, hard.

ROOOOAAARRR!!!

The Fiercest had forgotten her roar didn't behave like a normal roar, not for the past year. Pride Rock shook slightly, disturbing the residents inside briefly.

"It's alright, Vitani. It only stings for a second. You'll be okay." Tiifu cooed. Vitani didn't know whether she loved or hated being talked to like a cub, sometimes.

Vitani's child-like protests to the medicine eventually lessened. She began to cherish the loving care and attention, something she seldom received growing up.

Observing Tiifu's work and feeling loved, Vitani relaxed. Trusting Tiifu.
____

The next day...

It was early in the morning, Vitani was about to do her usual thing of stubbornly paying no mind to her injuries from the day before as she would head over to assemble her Guard for patrol. A rather reckless habit that worried Tiifu every day.

Today, however, Vitani could feel that not happening. She tried to rise from her resting quarters, but was quickly held down by her aching, bruised muscles and scratches that were slowly fighting off infection. Vitani's injuries slowing her down allowed for her to observe her surroundings and put in some thought...

When she looked at Tiifu, she couldn't help but think about how grateful she was that the native Pridelander took time out of her day to help her. The special care and attention made Vitani feel genuinely loved for once. However, it also made her wish she hadn't acted so stubborn yesterday. She was going to make up for that. She was going to rest for once.

Imara, along with the rest of the Guard, spent several minutes throughout the morning awaiting Vitani's arrival. It was uncharacteristic for her to show up so late. Becoming rather worried, Imara took matters into her own paws by leaving the main section of the lair and heading to the healing section that Tiifu had recently taken up.

Lo and behold, she found a weary Vitani glancing up at her, looking as if she were waiting for Imara to come this whole time. Vitani, with slight hesitation, remembering that Imara too had grown up in an environment where weakness was deemed unacceptable, told the Strongest that she couldn't help but feel that she should take the day off, and that Imara should lead without her.

To Vitani's surprise, Imara smiled understandingly, proud of the young leader for knowing when to take it easy for once. She promptly marched back to notify the Guard that she would be in charge that day, allowing Vitani to sleep in beside her love.
____

"Well? Did you find her?" asked Kasi.

"Yep. She's taking the day off." Imara replied, hopping to Vitani's usual spot on the podium-like rock.

"Really? Thank goodness, she's growing up." Kasi half-joked.

Shabaha grumbled, shaking her head to herself.

"That Vitani's getting soft, I tell ya." she said.

The Fastest scoffed, "And that's a bad thing?"

"She's completely changing herself for that Tiifu-girl! I had a funny feeling she'd do this." Shabaha's voice grew more frustrated, "We missed a chance to beat those rogues 'cause she called the mission off!"

"Keep it down!" Kasi hissed, "She's literally sleeping next door!"

Imara cleared her throat loudly, which made the other two cease their bickering.

"Because Vitani's out, she's appointed me today. Now, I'm not gonna be the cool substitute that lets you all goof off."

The Strongest's eyes fixated on Tazama, who had sat in the back, having not spoken for almost an entire day. She hopped from the podium and got closer to the lioness.

"But... I am cool enough to include everyone on this mission. Come on, Taz."

Imara didn't know about Vitani, but she knew she wanted to give Tazama another chance. She didn't know why, but she felt she could see that the Keenest of Sight was still trustworthy. It wouldn't hurt to be sure.

Tazama hesitated slightly, but she tagged along. She held back tears of joy.
____

"Hey, Imara!" Zuri beamed, "If you're not busy, I thought that maybe we could hang out? Please?"

Imara briskly brushed by the slender lioness, shaking her head.

"Paws are full. Couldn't have picked a worse time. Sorry."

Zuri gasped, "But --"

"I'm taking the lead patrolling today. Vitani's resting under Tiifu's care."

"Still? --" Zuri cringed, "I-I mean, okay. I understand. Good luck today!"

Imara turned back to give Zuri a lick on the forehead, smiling warmly. She quickly spun around once more to head out.

While a little kiss was nice, it still didn't satisfy the craving for company.

Zuri sighed, she knew better than to hold Imara back for no reason...
____

Meanwhile, back in the Lair...

After Tiifu had woken up for the day, upon noticing Vitani's discomfort from her aching muscles, she had fixed up a nice, soft nest she'd found leftover from the former Keenest of Sight's occupation in the Lair of the Lion Guard. Gathering all the straw she could find scattered all over, Tiifu made the new makeshift bed big enough for an adult lioness such as Vitani. She guided the Fiercest to the new spot, using herself as support for Vitani to walk.

"Now you stay here, okay? I'm going to get some flowers for the Ponya."

"For healing purposes or to make the place pretty?"

Tiifu paused a good while before an uncertain smile made its way across her face.

"Yes."

Vitani sighed, barely hiding a smirk. What a goofball.

As Tiifu bounded for the exit, Vitani stretched -- carefully -- and dug herself deeper into the next to get herself to relax. Pretty soon, she was asleep.

Unfortunately, about an hour into her sleep, a fit of uncomfortable stirring had woken Vitani up. Her wounds throbbed and radiated pain throughout her body. Essentially paralyzed from fatigue, she stared at the ceiling in a daze, blinking slowly as her surroundings spun.

Before her eyes, a glowing, orange mass had taken form.

"Vitani..." called the form. It was her brother.

"N-Nuka...?" she croaked, "I didn't summon you."

"I know, it's weird." the fire spirit, "But, I think it's because I got something important to tell you..."

'Weird' wasn't close to how Vitani would describe what was going on. She wasn't sure if this was real, but she was too lethargic to care. It felt oddly petrifying, still.

"You should really be careful with the Fire Roar, 'Tani." Nuka frowned, "You shouldn't use it with the intent to kill, like you almost did with that guy. You could lose it, and me, and I don't think the old guys in the clouds will look at you kindly."

"Am I being punished...?"

"No, just warned. They're feeling generous, though. They want me to help you get better."

Vitani wanted to ask one more question, but her lids felt heavy. She gave into the feeling.

"Huh... So be it, then." she sighed, drifting to sleep.
____

The Guard had begun their patrol. Kasi was a little ahead of the step-in leader, frowning and looking down. Imara noticed.

"Something wrong?"

Kasi sighed, "It's just that... I always thought Vitani saw me as her Second-in-Command all this time. I thought I fit the role just fine! N-Not that I don't see why she'd pick you."

"You are bold and quite the team-player, but you can be too cocky."

"Well, so is she..."

"Agh, good point, but --"

"Why not me?" Shabaha pointed to her chest, "I could totally --"

"No way!" the remaining Guard members shouted in unison, even Tazama.

Speaking of which, they all turned towards her, expecting her own 'Why not me?' input.

"Hmm? Nonono -- Don't look at me. I... I'm not leader material." the Keenest of Sight crumpled up, flustered from even being looked at.

"That settles it." Imara smirked, "Now, we should start --"

"IMAAARRAAAA!"

"That sounded like Zuri," Imara charged to Pride Rock, "Till the Pridelands end --"

"Lion Guard Defend!"
 ____

The Lion Guard followed Zuri's calls and wails. They traced back to a cool, dark section of Pride Rock. They braced themselves, preparing for whatever threat dared breach the very home of the royal lions.

"Zuri? What's the matter? Rogues? Kelele? Aggressive herbivores?" Imara asked urgently, "They hurt you?"

"What? No... I just needed a little help setting up this rock. I need to move it out to the sun, a very specific place where the sub could hit it just right!"

Shabaha blinked, "...What..."

"You know what? Maybe it is Kelele," Kasi glared, "Because she's clearly crying 'wolf'..."

"Zuri," Imara's voice moved down an octave, "Our job isn't to help with renovation, we fight threats. And as you may have heard, threats have been getting worse and worse, lately."

"I didn't call the Guard, I called you."

"After I told you I was busy?" the Strongest huffed, "Look, I'll get to it later, but I'm booked. Please... don't call us for stuff like this again."

"I'm sorry..."

"Only call us if there's a real emergency. Understood?"

"Understood..." Zuri sighed.

A while after the Guard had departed from the cave, Zuri placed her chin onto her palm, staring off. The longer she went without validation, the more she doubted herself. She was honestly depressed as of late, alone with her thoughts, thinking badly of herself, with no one to tell her otherwise. The cycle was endless, and ever-worsening.

As one last attempt to clear her head somewhat, she headed outside and strolled about the Pridelands, keeping in mind to give the Lion Guard their space.
____

At sunset...

Vitani's insides felt like they were cooking. Her surroundings were arid, dry, and reddish. She moaned pathetically from the discomfort.

Kings, almighty, it was hot... So miserably hot... make it stop...

Suddenly, Vitani was met with the back of her mother's head. She had only reached the older lioness' shoulder. Her mother had been eerily silent, save for a dripping sound that made its way to the ground every so often.

Growing anxious, she finally stepped forward to see her mother's profile. The dripping noise came from her freshly-wounded ear. She had pursed lips, a vacant stare, and suppressed breathing.

Odd... Vitani was never this old when this happened... Desperate to get an answer, she spoke up.

"...Mother...?" she said in a voice she wasn't sure was even her own, "Are... Are you okay? What are we going to do-"

Suddenly, a scream of agony escaped Zira. The lioness slashed at nearby objects. Termite mounds were broken in half, the ground was given deep claw marks, and she found herself swinging towards Vitani, who barely ducked.

Strangely, Vitani felt herself going from Nuka's size, to much smaller. She was suddenly looking up at Nuka, who was now a separate lion from her, ducking from the collateral damage. Vitani them found herself crying and mewing rather hard, realizing she'd now been the baby cub that she accurately was at this time. Her fright from the loud noise and violence was what she'd remembered most in reality. Everything that happened before was new information...

Nuka sullenly looked down at her, appearing to be confirming this. His look was out-of-place in the midst of the violence. He was aware this was a memory, and he was showing her.

The crazed anger and brokenness from Zira's voice seemed to be growing more intense. Vitani felt threatened by it. She suddenly picked up on the nonsensical nature of her surroundings, and made a quick escape...

Vitani did not wake up gracefully. Her eyelids felt so heavy that she could hardly lift them. She couldn't go back to that nightmare scape. She had to open her eyes all the way.

Seeing a blurry figure above her, she really had to jolt awake, now. With a deep breath through her nose, she slowly rose. A cool, wet leaf fell from her forehead.

"Vitani, put that back on!" Tiifu urgently reached for the leaf.

"Hmmwhat...? What happened...?" Vitani slurred, shaking her head groggily.

She looked awful. Her eyes were sunken in, and her fur was matted from rolling fitfully in her sleep.

"I don't know!" Tiifu nervously squeezed a bit of water from the leaf, "You just suddenly started feeling reallyhot. I really think that lion's claws must've been filthy. Bet my patching up didn't do much help. Come here..."

Vitani was confused. Was her interaction with Nuka even real? Or was she deliriously mistaking her body's response to infection with possession? Those sensations felt the same, either way. There was just no telling...

The healer lioness unwrapped the largest scratch on Vitani's wrist. Expecting discoloration and swelling, she found something odd. The claw marks had been almost completely closed up and healthily scabbed over with minimal swelling. She supposed the plant gel worked wonders.

Vitani squinted. She was incredulous, she could've sworn her wound looked cauterized...
____

The night had been pitch-black. The step-in leader spent hours wrangling the rest of the Guard and responding to various Pridelanders' problems. She had a lot on her plate, promising everyone she'd get to taking care of their issues. She could do this... she was the Strongest...

A major problem most animals seemed to have was an issue with the watering hole. Something had been scaring them off from it. No one told the Guard what it was. 

"What do you think it is?" Shabaha asked.

"I didn't see any mosquitoes flying around yet, and no one's sick from contamination, I don't think. Still, why wouldn't anyone tell us?" Kasi noted.

"What if it's a trap...?" Shabaha was known for her conspiracies, but that honestly didn't sound too crazy...

Tazama, sporting the most exceptional night vision among most cats in the Pridelands, noticed subtle movements in the water.

"Uh, guys...?"

Before they knew it, a large, red hippo with grotesquely long, yellow teeth burst from the water as it bellowed. It was a very territorial bull.

"I got this!" Imara charged, believing in her strength. She's been an even match for a hippo before, she could take this one, too.

This bull hippo, however, put up a good fight. It matched all of the qualities the Lion Guard possessed. Alarming speed, keen eyes, bravery for taking on four lionesses, and great strength. It was unstoppable.

Growing frustrated and increasingly agitated, Imara used all the strength she had in her to hold the hippo's jaws open, but it wasn't enough. Nothing was good enough, today.

Everything suddenly dawned on Imara at that moment. She was failing at everything. She let Zuri down, she couldn't handle the Guard, she was doing a terrible job fighting off threats, and she just didn't live up to her promises to anyone, not even her own. She was supposed to exceed herself every day, pushing the limits so there weren't any, but now everything had gotten the best of her. 

In that moment, Imara shut down. She laid on the ground with her head in her paws, narrowly avoiding the snap of the pachyderm's deadly jaws. Her muscles tensed as her body pointed downward. She wanted to sink into the ground, almost.

"Imara?" Shabaha turned, "What're you doing?! Get up! We need you!"

"Imara, what's wrong?" Kasi asked urgently.

The remaining Guard was left to their devices. Shabaha fought brutally, Kasi was swift and lithe, and Tazama looked out for opportunities to outsmart the hippo. It still wasn't enough power.

On the way back to Pride Rock was a lioness that had been out for hours. It was Zuri.

Zuri ceased her sulking and turned her attention to the commotion by the watering hole. She saw the Lion Guard floundering as they tried to fight off the beast greedily occupying the body of water. Worst of all, she saw Imara curled into a tight ball. She didn't look injured, but she looked pained inside, from what Zuri could make out.

After a day of calling the Lion Guard for help she didn't need, she knew someone truly did need it.

When all hope seemed lost amongst the Guard, they turned to a voice that taunted the hippo.

"Get away from her, you ugly bag of blubber!"

Imara slowly turned around. She couldn't believe it.

"...Zuri?"

The hippo turned its attention to her. It roared in her face.

"Oh, was that supposed to scare me? The only thing scaring me is your breath. You ever let a bird pick your teeth every once in a while?"

The creature was confused at this lioness' obliviousness to danger. Whatever, this target had to be eliminated.

"Seriously, what's your thing, like, rabies? Come on..." Zuri with her sassy flare, went to lean against a tree.

Little did she -- nor anyone else -- know, the tree was uprooted from the hippo blindly charging at anything in front of it. Noticing the tree tipping over, Zuri dashed out of the way. The tree slammed right atop the hippo's head. It sank in the water. Not once rising back up. The hippo must've been unconscious, and hopefully out for a good while.

"Zuri... y-you saved us!" Imara blinked, astonished.

"Didn't think you were the type." Kasi remarked.

"Well... it felt good, heh, helping others. I mean... it just makes me feel like an even better person." Zuri blushed, fumbling.

Imara chuckled. She knew Zuri had an ego, but she knew that's just how the native Pridelander rolled in this world, and the Strongest wouldn't change a thing about that.
____

The following morning...

Imara took a breath. She was ready to start the day as she normally would; intense workouts, a hearty meal, and anticipating the challenges the day would bring. 

"Hey, Imara! Shall we now begin our date?" Zuri smiled in hope.

Imara shrugged, "Why not? Been putting it off long enough."

Zuri grinned, "Excellent!"

Suddenly, Imara felt Zuri shoving her against a reclined, cushioned rock. The Strongest then felt slices of fruit -- that Zuri explained to be rejuvenating -- onto her closed eyelids. She felt one of her gargantuan paws being pulled away, her claws popping out with pressure on her palms. Her claws were being filed. Hopefully she wouldn't be needing them anytime soon...

Throughout this spa session, Zuri gossiped about her latest goings-on, and she had a lot to talk about what with all the lost time between her and Imara, lately.

Imara lifted a fruit slice from her eyelid and looked around, listening to her surroundings as Zuri talked. Not a single creature stirred or called in distress, the breeze was calming, and the flowing water was soothing. Perhaps there was room for a day of peace.

Realizing this, Imara smiled, kicked back, and resting her head against the chair-like rock formation.
____