Nyota's birth

Tiifu looked at the tiny, runty cub between her paws, he was born way too early and she was worried he wouldn't make it; but even more she was scared about what the pride would think if they found out who the father of the cub was.

She had convinced her friends and close family that he was a rogue, but she wasn't sure how long she could keep the lie up, Zuri already showed signs of doubt; and what was she going to do once any of the former outsiders saw the cub? Vitani was strangely absent and Kovu stayed at the entrance of the cave when Kiara visited, but soon they'd see the cub and figure it out.

Luckily they left her alone in the cave to care for the cub while they went to fetch Rafiki and his new assistant/successor Nefu.

Tiifu turned her attention back at her son, he was so small and frail, her paws esily engulfed him; she had always been a bit of a clutz with too much strenght due to her size, she was so afraid that any with any wrong move she would break him.

Suddently she heard the sound of steps coming from the entrance of the cave, she looked up, expecting the mandrills, but instead she saw the bony figure of an old lioness.

Tiifu instinctively recoiled, guarding her cub, the fur on her neck standing up; she recogized her after she moved closer and away from the light, it was Fahari, one of the scariest lionesses she had ever seen.

Fahari: No need to be afraid, child, I'm not here to cause any harm.

Tiifu: Then what are you here for?

Fahari was in front of her now, looking down at her cub with a knowing look.

Fahari:... I'm here too see my great-grandchild, of course.

She froze at the implication, caught off guard.

Tiifu: Wh-what do you mean? His father was a rogue-

Fahari: You may have deceived your friends, but I am no fool young lady, I can recognize my own grandchild when I see him.

Fahari circled around to stand at her side, looking down on her despite the size difference; Tiifu lowered her ears and fell silent, there really was no hiding from the old lioness.

There was a long pause, then Fahari sat down beside her, her cold gaze softened a bit as she turned her attention back to the cub.

Fahari:... You know, Nuka was a frail cub as well, it took him a while to get better but he survived. I'm sure your cub will be fine as well

Tiifu:... I miss him, a lot.

Fahari was caught slightly off guard by her sudden honesty; but she quickly regained her composture.

Fahari: I miss him as well, I'm his grandmother after all. Have you given a name to the boy yet?

Tiifu: Yes, his name is Nyota; my little star...