The Lion Guard: A Devastating Event

This is a flashback to Atka'a death 

It was a calm day in the Outlands.

Vitani was spending time with Atka and Kovu.

"Dad, why were we banished?" She asked.

"Because your mother made a mistake" Atka explained.

Vitani leaned over, and nuzzled Kovu's cheek.

From inside the termite mound, Zira sighed as she watched them.

"I must do it soon. He's survived for far too long" she murmured.

She stood up.

"Vitani!, come here please" she called.

Vitani scampered over.

"What is it Mom?" She asked.

"I'd like for you to sit with Grandmama and I for a heartbeat." Zira said.

Vitani nodded, and bounded past her.

She padded up to Dara, and stretched to rub her muzzle against her cheek.

"Hi Grandmama" she said brightly.

Zira approached, and settled beside Dara.

"I deeply regret what I must tell you" she said.

"What's wrong?" Vitani asked.

"I must kill your father" Zira explained.

Dara scoffed.

Zira stood up, and faced Dara.

"Mother, I must do this. Atka has fulfilled the only purpose he has" she explained.

"Zira, how could you possibly consider killing the father of your two youngest cubs?" Dara asked

"I never loved him. Scar is my mate" Zira said.

Vitani stifled a sob as she approached her mother.

"Mother, why?" She asked tearfully.

Zira bent her head, and nuzzled Vitani's cheek.

"It is necessary" she said.

Dara curled her tail around Vitani's shoulders, and pressed her against her pelt.

"It's okay, I'm not going to leave you" she said softly.

"Grandmama, can't you stop her?" Vitani asked.

Dara shook her head.

"I'm sorry" she said.

She stood up, and nudged Vitani to her paws.

"Why don't you go play with Pula?" She suggested.

Vitani nodded, and padded off.

Once she had gone, Dara turned to Zira.

"I shall never forgive you for this deed. I was sure I raised you better then this" she said.

That night, Vitani pressed her pelt against Atka's as they nestled together.

"I love you" she said.

"I love you too" Atka said.

Zira cleared her throat.

"Atka, may I speak with you privately?" She asked.

Vitani glanced at Dara, and struggled to stifle a sob.

Instantly, Dara moved forward, and curled herself around Vitani.

"Shh. It'll be okay" she soothed.

"Where's Kovu, Grandmama?" Vitani asked shakily.

"He's asleep." Dara answered.

She glanced up at Atka.

"Go on Atka" she said gently.

Atka nodded.

He bent his head, and nuzzled Vitani's cheek, before padding after Zira.

Once they had exited the den, Zira turned to Atka.

"I appreciate the service you have provided me, and the cubs we have produced. However, your time is up" she said.

"Zira...." Atka said slowly.

Zira lunged forward, and slashed a paw across Atka's face.

Atka stumbled, and collapsed onto the ground.

Zira bent her head, and sank her jaws into Atka's shoulder.

Atka shrieked, and was still.

Inside the den, Vitani stiffened, and wailed with grief.

Dara pressed Vitani against her pelt.

She began to hum softly.