Forbidden Love

changes and strangers

A lot changed over the next few weeks.

Just a week after meeting him, Shujaa agreed to become the 6th member of the Lion Guard as a jack of all trades. But as time moved on, he became more comfortable and a much better fighter.

A few weeks after this, the outsiders started attacking more frequently . Shujaa had some unfinished business with them, though so the fights always felt personal for everyone.

As the weeks turned to months, even the Guard started to change. Everyone's voice got deeper. Kion became even more mature and taller, and his mane became more of a Mohawk.
Fuli got much taller and less cocky. don't think she wasn't the most cocky animal; she's just more humble. She also got taller, but Kion out grew her.

Beshte got hit hard by puberty his voice got deeper and more mature, but voice cracks are pretty common. He also got bigger, which is saying something but in a good way.

Ono stayed roughly the same height, growing a few inches, but he became more wise, smarter, and slightly more annoying.

Bunga kept his energy and braveness that borders on stupidity, but he got taller and still has his squeaky voice.

Shujaa also stayed basically the same. He grew a little, but he was already tall. He put on a little muscle. But he also stopped thinking a lot. He started acting before he thought it through.

*Fuli pov*

After all this change, me and Kion stayed super close. I expected us to grow further apart, but we stayed as close as siblings. This, at some points, got kind of awkward, but he still keeps me company most nights, and I enjoy it. We still patrol every day just about, but the attacks are getting more common, and the outlanders have started working together.
*A month after the date*
During patrol today, the outsiders attacked again. I thought they'd learned their lesson, but nope.

*Shujaa pov*

When we found them, it was a small group of lionesses led by Vitani. As we approach, I say, "How many times do I have to beat you for you to stay out!" Vitani says, "Hah, you got lucky last time." I say, "Get out before I embarrass you again, Tani." She gets really close to me, growls, and says, "Try it."

I do, quickly pouncing, and we roll for a few minutes, scratching at each other the whole time. She kicks me off, and we circle each other. She pounces on me and scratches my leg.  My leg feels numb, but I scratch her back right across the face. We trade blows a few times until someone calls Vitani, and they retreat.

As I catch my breath, my adrenaline wears off, and I start to feel the pain. My front right leg has a deep scratch on it, so I don't put any pressure on it.

Fuli walks over and says, "You okay Shujaa? That's a lot of blood." I say, "Mostly her's, I hope." She says, 'You should wrap that wound." I say, "I can't even feel it, really." She says, 'You want to go to Rafiki's?" I say, ,"Yeah I probably should." I try to walk on my paw, but yelp in pain as soon as I put pressure on it, so Fuli says, "Here I'll help you." Then puts my paw over her shoulder. I say, "Thanks, Fuls." Kion says, "You sure you got him?" Fuli says, "Yep, I got him."

She helps me to Rafiki, who patches me up and says, "Why is it always you who is hurt bad?" I shrug and say, "I don't know, but I'll be careful next time." He hits me with his staff and says, "You said that last time, and the time before, and the time before that..." I say, "Oww, I know, but I will, I promise." He says, 'You better." I say, "You have my word." Rafiki says, "You best get out of here."

When we get back to the guard, Kion and Bunga look nervous. Kion asks, "Uh, Shujaa, how did you know Vitani before meeting us?" I stutter for a second, but Bunga says, "You came straight here, didn't you?" I say, "Th- That may have been a lie." Kion says, "You worked with Zira, didn't you?" I stutter again, nervous. I say, "No, well yes, but I- I..." Bunga says, "But what, why didn't you tell us?" I say, "I - I was scared. After my parents died, I needed time and protection before looking for Fuli, and when Zira offered me a home, I couldn't deny the shelter and food." Kion says, "Why not tell us?" I say, "Why would I? I never attacked the pridelands. It didn't seem important."

Bunga says, "What's with you and Vitani." I rub the back of my neck and say, "Uhm... We were very... close." Fuli says, "Close?" I quickly say, "I don't wanna talk about it." Fuli says, "Alright, leave him alone." Ono says, "Wait, does no one else find that suspicious?" I say, "I didn't do anything. I just needed a place to stay and be alone." I feel emotion building in me, so I look away, and Kion says, "Leave him alone, guys."

Bunga and Ono apologize, so I force a smile and say, "It's fine. I should've told you." I start to walk out, but Fuli says, "Where you going?" I say, "I'm gonna rest for a bit." She says, "Okay, see you later."

As I lay down in my cave, I can't get Vitani out of my head. I don't miss her, but something makes me want her. I fall asleep pretty quick, but she's in my dreams even. I just can't get her out of my head. 

Hey guys, Jedi here, and I hope you enjoyed this, I know it was short, but I like I, but anyways have a good day/night. may the force be with you Jedi out!!!