Brother Sweet Brother

Brother Sweet Brother

Brother Sweet Brother

The gorge,
Aftermath
...
Lightning crashes as two warring prides meet for the defining battle. The battle rages on, With "Good' eventually snuffing out the last known glimpse of Scar's legacy as it floats lifelessly down the ravine. After witnessing his mother's untimely death, Suka leaves the group to gather his thought's. Tears leving a dotted line behind him as he heads to the Prideland Border. Vitani runs after him hoping to comfort him in some way enough to convince him to give up this fight and join her with the right choice, And live life for once.

Suka dosent stop,nor do his tears, until he reaches the place where he last saw his brother alive, The Borderlands, Deep in a crevace, Lied a splintered pile of logs, Still reviving a haunting memory in his mind, Even though it was only mere hours ago... It seemed like the span of time had had known his dear brother... Forever.

Vitani approached the ledge hoping not to find him laying sprawled out at the bottom, Dead or something... She didnt know if she could deal with a third death in the family. That would leave her the last one of the family alive after all...

Yet she found him setting at the edge of the mound of splintered wood that served as their brother's tomb.

She walked down to him slowly as he looked to her for a second and then lowered his head and looked away.

Suka, I know this is a hard time for us, But you must understand, Mourning like this isnt going to change anything Suka.

Suka just set there. Still as stone.

Listen, Why dont you follow me? I'll show you a life you can live... Without all this pain and need for revenge.

Suka fiannaly turned his attention toward her, Tears visibly streaming down his face, A look of pity, But she could tell he was furious...

How can you just move on and forget all this? How can you just give up on all our family saccrificed to end this war?

Suka, Cant you see? The war is finnaly over... I understand however... They were OUR family Suka. Dont think I wolnt carry around that pain inside me forever, But I wolnt let it control my life either... Nuka died for just the same reason as mother, To end this once and for all so we could live in peace... You dont want to carry on this war... Do you Suka?

Vitani, Dear sister of mine... I will fight until the day I win or die... I have no other use then exactly that...sighed Suka.

That's just mother talking... You KNOW your just another living creature Suka, Dont do this... You'll only hurt others, Incuding me... Do you want to cause me pain? Is that what you want?

How could you...

Suka, It's only the truth... It would kill me to see you die just like...

What? spoke Suka suddenly.

You asked how I could say that you carrying on our family's hate would hurt me... I DONT want to attend your funeral for a LONG time Suka...

I never said that. spoke Suka as he raised a brow to Vitani.

Then who did? asked Vitani.

Nuka...

What? spoke Suka

Vitani's eyes shot toward Suka,
What the hell's your problem ! You KNOW as well as I Nuka is dead ! How can you POSSIBLY joke about that?

Suka looked absoutely stunned

Vitani, Why are you doing this? spoke Suka as his tears increased.

What am I doing wrong? asked Vitani, Feeling quite shocked.

Suka just looked to Vitani with tears in his eyes...

Stop it ! shrieked a voice that BOTH of them heard.

Yet Suka's lips hadnt budged...

Both of them looked around trying to find the source of the voice.

Who is that? called Vitani taking a defensive posture.

Suka did his best to mirror her.

Suka's eyes suddenly grew wide.

What? asked Vitani. Keeping her attention on the cliffside.

Suka turned around and looked to the massive pile of wood behind them.

You dont think... spoke Suka.

Vitani looked to her brother and rolled her eyes.

Brother, It's getting late and your beginning to scare me a bit. Come on, let's go. she spoke.

Suka moved toward the pile of logs and began to remove them, one by one slowly.

What the hell are you doing? shreiked Vitani as she dashed down the cliffside and tackled her brother to the ground.

Are you mad? she yelled. That whole damn thing could come crashing down on you any moment ! she cried.

Just let me up... I must find out for myself. Spoke Suka as he pleaded her to let him up.

NO ! I'm not letting you move an inch till you promise me you will come to the Pridelands with me and NEVER come around this agian, For the sake of your sister Suka, DONT leave me alone on this world just yet.

Suka stirred as Vitani stood over him looking him directly in the eyes.

Fine, Just... On more log? asked Suka.

Vitani closed her eyes and breathed deeply...

Oh brother of mine... You are crazy, Just like the rest of our family... Just ONE more log. she smiled.

Suka removed one more log from the pile reveiling nothing at all.

Now, Let's go. spoke Vitani.

Suka began to follow his sister when a low thunder began, Followed by a loud... CRACK !

Suka and Vitani looked back to see the mound of logs tumbeling down toward them.

Vitani grabbed Suka and praticaly drug him up the hillside as one of the logs came crashing down on him.
...

Later on,
In the Pridelands...

Suka awoke from their "incounter" at the gorge. Vitani was fine however, Suka on the other had, Had been hit directly in the head by a fairly large log. When it first happened, Vitani was almost sure it had killed him. The mere force of the log striking his head with enough force to instantly draw excessive blood and nearly expose the skull itself, Not many a creature ever survived such a devestating attack from a log... With one exception of course... Only, One lion had been killed by only logs, Young Nuka. It was rumored logs in the river could have aided in Zira's death, But it is still unsure, And only two still living seemed to really care.

Suka looked around as his eyes opened. Vitani knoticed this, But was filled with a great fear, As his left eye, was barely open. Suka, Can you hear me? she spoke. Suka only smiled with half his muzzle. Yes why I you see... he stuttered. Vitani had begun to tear up when Suka grinned. Aww, Dont cry dear sister... I'm only kidding. he smiled. Vitani grinned and shook her head slowly. So, How are you feeling? she asked. Suka chuckled. Like I got hit by a log... Vitani rolled her eyes at his remark. No, I've just got one heck of a headache and a bit sick to my stomach. Vitani looked outside the den. You should have seen the odd things Rafiky fed you to save your life. Suka eyes shot open instantly. You're telling me he gave me a bunch of weird herbs and voodoo crap? replied Suka. Even though i'm sure you'd rather he would have not done such, I'm afraid so. she smiled. Suka sighed and stood up, Only to fall back down and clutch his head. Give it a break. Vitani smirked as she looked to him. He managed to look up at her. Ohhh, I wasnt kidding... Got a heck of a headrush when I tried ta get up. he groaned. You've been hit with a log as heavy as Pumbaa... Just get some sleep and give yourself some time to heal for Ahudi's sake. spoke Vitani as she walked out of the cave. Vitani. called out Suka. She turned and looked at him. Vitani, You know what we heard down in the gorge... It had to be him Vitani. finished Suka. I cant see how he'd still be alive Suka. Spoke Vitani as she walked out of the cave. As she left the cave she ran into king Simba. He approached her and thanked her for siding with him and forgetting all this mess from just yesterday. she nodded and went on her way. Simba then looked to the den where Suka was and entered it.

Suka saw Simba coming toward him. Can I help you? spoke Suka quzzicaly. Simba smiled. I'm glad to see your awake and feeling good, Apparently that monkey knew what he was doin. grinned Simba. Suka just half heartedly grinned, Wishing Simba would just leave, Yet was now a bit aggravated when Simba set down next to him and began talking to him. I want to thank you for coming here, Even IF you were dragged her by your sister. he smiled. Suka grinned, But his muscles painfully tensed, Suka wasnt particularly enjoying Simba's company very much, As he had a terrible headache, and every fiber of him still held Simba responsible for his family's losses. I know how you feel about all this, I too lost a parent, Though at an even younger age. sighed Simba. Suka took a bit of pity on him, Yet gritted his teeth hearing Simba comparing his plush royal life to Suka's, how DARE he. I had Timon and Pumbaa to raise me however, What I want to know is can I be there for you if you wish join my pride? Suka drug his claws agianst the stone floor. Simba knoticed this and nodded his head and left quietly. Giving his forgiveness as he left. Suka watched his form turn and look to him only once before he left, Simba only smiled and walked out of the den. As soon as Suka saw him smile though, Everything came rushing back at him. Even though he knew Simba only smiled out of kindness. His mind screamed. He's laughing at you beacuse he won, He thinks it's funny your family is nearly gone. Suka then felt a slight bit of fear for his sister, But knew better then to jump to conclusions. Besides, She could more then take care of herself. he smiled, feeling better and went to sleep as two red eyes appeared and watched him from the darkness of a shadow before disappering agian after a few miniutes of scanning the den and Suka's form. Suka didnt see them however, As he was already asleep.

Later on Suka awoke deep in the night. Vitani was sleeping quietly beside him, So he was quiet, yet her eyes shot open the moment he moved away from her. She looked to him and smiled warmly. Feeling better yet? she asked. Suka shook his head. Yeah, I'm just gonna go for a walk for awhile. he smiled. Good, A walk sounds good for once. she agreed. Suka rolled his eyes as she followed him out of the cave. So, Where to? spoke Suka as he looked over the vast plains before them. Vitani smirked and walked ahead of Suka. Suka continued on walking out into the grasses as he marveled how her pelt shone in the moonlight. While Suka felt a bit odd finding his sister so attractive, He had just always found Vitani to be so pretty... So much like their mother before them... Ahudi save her. sighed Suka as they made their way out into the savanna.


So, When you left the den earlier today, I heard Simba thank you for joining his pride. Are you SURE it's the right thing to do? I mean, We both know what our parents would expect from us... But what do YOU want Vitani? I just want you to be happy, We're all that's left of our family, We should try to make the best of our lives in the years we have left here on earth.

Vitani smiled as she looked to the moon above them.

I know they watch over us everyday, I can FEEL their gazes upon us, The cool rain may be their tears, But I feel their warmth in the sunlight as well. Suka nodded his head. I agree. I just wonder if Nuka's actually alive... But I promised you I'd never return to that place agian, And I plan to keep my word. he smiled.

Vitani turned to him.

Suka, Do you honestly feel you need to know to feel at peace? she asked.

Suka just shrugged his shoulders as he spoke.

Well, I couldnt help but feel horrible if he HAD lived through that, yet we left him there only to die...Thinking he was already gone... I had the same feeling with father... But we know he's not coming back ever agian...Then Suka paused.

And mother...

Vitani's smile faded slightly as she could see the worry on her brother's face. Suka, If you feel you need to know, I WANT you to know then.

So, What are you saying? asked Suka as he looked up to her with moist eyes.

I'm tellin you to stop weeping as you are now, I'm telling you I WANT you to go face your fears and go to the gorge, I'll go with you and we can face it together as brother and sister.

Suka smiled and hugged her tightly.

Only if you're sure you want to face this yourself as well. spoke Suka.

Vitani frowned. Quite honestly Suka, All the worrying you've been doing has rubbed off on me, Yet I know he couldnt have possibly lived this long... So how would we know... When he passed?

Suka just looked her in the eyes.

We'll just know. he spoke.

Vitani then led the way to the same gorge that had claimed their brother as well as their mother.

So... What are we going to do? I mean with our lives? spoke Suka.

Well, I would figure if we wish to survive we both need to find mates, And secure a home where our familys can prosper and live healthier lives then we ever did. I'm just worried about our future. she sighed.


Well, Just remember this Vitani, It's OUR future, And I swear I'll be here for you forever, Anytime, anyway, and EVERY day as long as I live. Vitani smiled warmly as they nuzzled each other as only family can. Forever. he whispered in her ear.

They soon reached the edge of the gorge. Suka walked down the path to the cluttered logs strewn about the bottom of the chasam that almost took his life just yesterday. Vitani followed close behind him as they approached Nuka's final resting place...

For many miniutes they searched for a possible sign of life or even just a sign of their dear brother, But to no avail.

Well, Perhaps it's a good sign... I mean, Either way he's at peace... I just pray he's not alone out there somewhere. Spoke Suka as he looked up the massive scaling walls around them.

Suka could still make out eight long gashes in the solid rock where she had clung, Yet the claw marks ended at a sheer drop only feet from where they had began. The sight of seeing her on the other side of the ravine, Clinging onto the sheer cliffside, nearly a hundred feet from certain death, There was nothing he could do but watch, Watch and cry. When he saw her fall it seemed like it was in slow motion, he heard her yell, The splash soon after... But the hardest part of it all was he saw her fight to get to the surface, To stay alive as the impending logs battered her back below the surface, After that... He never saw her break the surface agian... Suka knew somewhere down the river, By now many miles away... There had to be something left of her... Somewhere...

Vitani looked to Suka to see him looking up at the cliffside. She shook her head and walked up to him.


Suka, You need to let it go, They are both gone... No matter how much we wish for it to be only a dream and for us to awake and see them alive... This is no dream my brother...They're gone.

Suka nodded his head.

I understand that, What I dont understand is WHY... Why they were taken from us... They both were far too young yet... Both we cared for... Why should only we mourn their passing Vitani?

High above, Simba set, Watching and listening to them below. He had seen them leaving Pride Rock and decided to follow them. He watched as the two made their way back out of the ravine slowly, Heads hung low...

While Simba didnt feel the same as they did, He felt he understood alot of what they were going though right now. He too had lost a loved one. But... not TWO loved ones. Simba didnt know how to comfort them or even how to approach the situation. He knew it hurt them and he knew there was nothing he could do for them but offer them shelter and food for now.

As the two groups parted the moonlight shone down in the ravine.

Between two logs, A brown limb could just barely be seen, But it didnt move an inch as three earthreal forms appeared before it.

They were transparent, yet caried a faint glow of color to them aginst the soft light from the moon from above.

One was a tall, thin, and dark male with a long, flowing mane.
It was Scar, Yet this lion had no symbolistic scar upon his emerald eye...
No heart of darkness either...
This was a lion devoid of haterid and fury...
Only filled with love and compassion...
The true Scar everyone beleaved to be gone forever,
Taka.

Beside him,
A lioness of pure gold, With eyes of chrimson...
Once known as "The Queen of Hate" Zira...
Washed of all the evil,
The hate and anger had been dissolved,
Now only there to care for and nuture her Family,
Ushranda was alive once more.

And standing to the side.
Watching Suka and Vitani walk off,
A handsom lion with eyes of red,
Now fully cared for and truly loved,
Nuka was finnaly at peace.

...

As Suka and Vitani made their way back to Pride Rock, Simba caught up with them.

He approached them slowly as he spoke.

I... Saw you at the ravine. he spoke slowly, Searching for what to say.

Yeah, Let's just say were were burying a prayer. spoke Suka coldly as he walked off, Leaving Vitani and Simba alone.

I feel sorry for him, For both of you. sighed Simba as he watched Suka's form disappear, But Suka kept himself hidden as he kept an eye on them.

I understand how he feels... I too went the same thing long ago. spoke Simba as Vitani's attention snapped to him.

I thank your sympathy Simba. But you know NOTHING of what it feels, You wern't the ousted family, Striving just to survive on little IF anything for many years...

You had a plush life compared to ours Simba, And it bothers us BOTH to hear you compare your plush and pampered lifestyle to ours. While you feasted on freash wildabeast and drank crystal clear waters.

We were lucky to even FIND a lone Kidu, One I might add, We had to risk our very lives JUST to get. Just beacuse it was on someone else's land. she snapped.

I'm sorry, I didnt know it offended you as it did. he frowned.

You may have lost a father Simba, But you had so many others that cared about you, You didnt have to hunt for anything, it was all brought to you on a silver platter...

Try losing far too many you care for, Left only to pick at bones you had ALREADY picked at yesterday, Hoping to find a scrap of meat you might have missed... she spoke, Head low to the ground.

Forgive me for speaking such things infront of you. he spoke.

It's no problem... Go ahead and speak about our "Oh so easy" exsistance behind our backs. she spoke, Turning tail as she walked off to where Suka had went.

Simba snorted but went his own way, Back to Pride Rock.

As Vitani passed the bush Suka was hidden in, He cringed as he saw sparkeling tears streaming down her face.

He came from the bush as she turned her head to him, Trying to wipe away the tears before he got close.

It's no use trying to hide those tears Tani, I saw you walk right past the bush I was in...

Vitani rested her head on his shoulder.

So then, You saw me los emy temper then? she spoke quietly.

Yes, But I didnt see nor hear anytthing offensive from you, It was all solid truth. There's nothing to feel sorry for at all. Let him dwell on the past, Aloow him to see what he has tried to cover up. spoke Suka comfortingly.

Come on, It's late... We should head home. he smiled.

Suka led the way as they returned to their dens at Pride Rock.

They bid each other a good night's sleep as they parted ways.

As Suka laid down in "his" den he smirked as he thought.

Tonight we may stay here, But I think it's time to TRULY go home tomorrow... Home to where we were born. Back to the Outlands. It just depends what Vitani thinks... I hate for us to have to strive once more, But we would have our home back, Instead of being where we are not fully wished to be. Perhpas we should try another land... Tomorrow it will be decided. he spoke as he went to sleep.

After a few miniutes, After Suka had decended into dreams of happiness with his entire family once more in a land of splendor.
Two blazing eyes appeared in the darkest part of the cave, As they did last night...

They swept back and forth as they observed the cave was empty, They then locked on Suka's form.

Vitani had awoken sharply as she looked around as if something was watching her, However the room was tottaly vacant. She shrugged as her stomach rolled, A cool drink wouldnt hurt. she thought.

As she passed Suka's den to get a drink, Something caught her eye. She turned back and looked into the den. Suka? she called out softly. Then she saw it as the chrimson eyes snapped in her direction instantly...

Vitani looked to them and was filled with a great fear, These eyes were very fimilar, Yet caried a evil and dark aura as they seemed to tear the air apart around them. Everything around them looked decayed and dead, As if the very life was being sucked out of the corner of the cave.

Suka ! she snapped as the eyes blinked from exsistance, Returning all the life to the room. Suka only stirred as Vitani set at the mouth of the den for many miniutes, Wondering what she had just seen...

Early that next morning, Suka awoke to yet another day of life in "Enemy Teritory".

However, Suka had decided last night, today was the day he would confront Vitani with her opnion of where they were to go from here. He only prayed to Ahudi above she DIDN'T say to just stay in the Pridelands.

When he went to her den however to speak with her, She was nowhere to be seen.

Suka decided to swallow his pride and ask Kovu if he had seen her lately.

Ever since the war, Suka and Kovu had been greatly at odds with each other, Both having exact opposite beliefs as the other.
Nearing the boundrys of haterid itself...

Kouv felt he had done the right thing siding with the Pridelanders and ending this "senseless" battle. Therefore having a life with Kiara. Kovu saw Suka as a twisted individual who couldn't let go of the "past".

Suka on the other paw, saw it as Hairacy, And beleaved Kovu to be a trator and an insult to the entire Outland family. Zira having lost her life in the war, Suka saw Kovu as a complete coward...

Suka sneered as he approached Kovu AND Kiara, The two lions he LEAST wished to ever see in his life agian.

Kovu stood up instantly and got infront of Kiara, As if to "protect" her from him.

Oh, I'm sorry... Have I interupted something...private? he snickered.

What do YOU want? snorted Kovu as he crouched low, as if ready to pounce.

I only came to ask you peons if you might have seen Vitani anywhere. he growled.

If you must know, She went off to Rafiky's tree a few hours ago, She seemed a bit upset. Might YOU know what upset her? asked Kovu eying Suka quizzicly.

What? You think I upset her? snorted Suka as his claws partialy extended.

No, Last night your "king" got to her, Claimed he knew EXACTLY what her and I were going though... She, As I would have, Let him have it hard. spoke Suka.

Kovu laughed sarcasticaly.

Then I suppose you thought not a thing wrong of it then? Her speaking of the nonsense the wacked out old lioness spread around? questioned Kovu.

Suka hissed at Kovu as he thought if slitting this heritic's throat.

Have one hell of a "happy" pregnency Kovu. laughed Suka as he headed off to Rafiky's tree.

Kovu watched as Suka walked off into the distance.

I worry about him Kiara. spoke Kovu as he set back down, Still looking in the direction of Rafiky's tree.

You know there's nothing you can do to change his mind Kovu. He is his own lion, Let him make such decisions in life and see where it leads. she sighed.

No, It's not so much HIM that i'm worried about. I'm just afraid he'll turn our sister agianst us. he sighed.

Surely not Kovu... She's beyond that, isn't she Kovu? asked Kiara as Kovu looked out across the savanna.

Kovu remembered back when he was supposed to kill Simba, Where he and Simba were just beginning to bond, When they were ambushed by Zira and her pride. He himself couldn't kill Simba, Not hurt Kiara in such a way... And Simba was just too nice, Zira was tottaly wrong about him...

However, Kovu remembered when he tried to save Simba from the multiple lioness that were attacking him, Kovu remembered being kicked hard in the gut by Vitani as he was flung back and colided with a large boulder. It WAS she who knocked him off, She intended to kill Simba as well...

Ever since adolesence,
Vitani had been Zira's right hand lioness and trusted second in command. If anyone truly knew and cared for Zira, It was Vitani. thought Kovu as he looked on.

I dunno Kiara,
I just really...
...
Dont...know anymore...

Suka arrived shortly at Rafiky's and made his way up into the base of the tree to hear talking. Even though Rafiky couldn't have seen him, Rafiky called out.

Yes Suka, She's up here, Please be patient.

Suka shrugged his shoulders and decided to go for a walk out into the Outlands for the afternoon. He still knew it by heart, As he HAD lived there all of his life... He also knoticed he seemed to have a follower nearby...

As Suka crossed the log bridge that spanned between the Pridelands and the Outlands, the Outsider lioness approached Suka from behind.

Suka turned to greet her.

Hello, Is there something you wish to ask me? he smiled.

Well, Yes there is my prince, I can see you are obviously headed into the Outlands, And I was only wondering if I might ask permission to follow. she spoke as if they were still in the Outlands.

Suka smiled as he had just been called "prince" by this follower of their family.

Of course you may follow me my lioness, I would be honored to have some company for awhile. May I only ask why you wish to journey to the Outlands? spoke Suka.

Since you are of family I see no harm in it. spoke the lioness. I am journeying beyond the depths of the Outlands to inform a certian lioness of Zira's passing. The queen intrusted me with the task of informing this lioness if she ever were to perish in anyway, She only told me that this lioness would set things straight, Once and for all, for all of us who still followed the family bloodline. I hoped you or Vitani would come with me. Our queen advised me to do such. finished the lioness.

Suka looked to this lioness with sudden intrest.

Tell me, Did she tell you just HOW this lioness is related to her? asked Suka, Mildly excited.

Yes my prince, She spoke of this lioness as her sister, Queen Mirhiza of the Rimlands.

Suka grinned an evil smile as he looked to this lioness and spoke.

You just made my day fine lioness, I now know what our next move shall be. Please rally all of the Outland lions and meet by the border, Try not to attract TOO much attention also. he smirked as the lioness nodded her head and walked off to gather their pride. Now, I'll go to Rafiky's tree to get Vitani. We have a long journey ahead of us...
...
And much to plot. he smirked.