The Lion Guard: A Deep Hatred

It was a peaceful day in the Pridelands.

The Lion Guard was patrolling the Flood Plains.

"What's Mari doing today?" Fuli asked.

"She's with Mom and Tani." Kion answered.

Kion glanced at Ono.

Ono nodded, and took to the sky.

He returned a moment later, and settled down on Beshte's back.

"It's all clear." Ono said.

"Thanks, Ono." Beshte said.

Meanwhile, Nala had met up with Vitani and Mari inside Kora and Vitani's cave.

They were settled down amongst the moss.

"Did you enjoy the hunt, Tani?" Nala asked.

Vitani nodded.

"Belee and Kia's skills are excellent." She said.

Nala’s expression softened.

"They are remarkable." She said warmly.

She watched Mari nestle against Vitani's pelt.

"I love you, Mom." Marigold said.

Vitani's expression softened.

"I love you too." She answered.

She glanced up, and groaned as Kata and Maya entered the den.

Vitani and Nala exchanged a glance.

"Please get Mari away from here." Vitani said.

Nala nodded, and turned to Marigold.

"Honey, go find Bemba." She said.

Mari nodded.

She stood up, and bounded out of the den.

Kata moved forward.

"We want to know something, Vitani." She said.

Vitani growled quietly.

Nala curled her tail around Vitani's shoulders.

"What do you want to know?" She asked.

"We want to know why Nita isn't learning about hunting." Maya said.

Vitani sighed.

"She doesn't want too. It's her choice." She said.

"She shouldn't have a choice." Kata said.

"Why not?" Vitani snapped.

"She's just a cub." Maya answered.

Vitani unsheathed her claws, and sank them into the moss underneath her.

Nala pressed her muzzle against Vitani's cheek.

"Easy, Tani." She said soothingly.

Vitani cleared her throat.

"Both of you need to leave." Vitani said.

Kata sighed.

"If you insist." She said.

She and Maya turned, and exited the den.

Vitani sighed, and leaned against Nala's pelt.

"I'm never going to win." She said quietly.

Nala's expression softened.

"Yes you will, just keep fighting." Nala said.

Meanwhile, Nita had met up with Rafiki at his tree.

She was helping him count juniper berries.

"I'd like to give the royal contribution at Kupatana." Nita said.

Rafiki glanced up.

"What would you do?" Rafiki asked.

"I don't know." Nita answered.

Rafiki's expression softened.

"I'm sure it'll be wonderful." He said.