Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A/N, February, 2025:

Some earlier chapters (among others The Lead Huntress, TMOKS & Nala’s Choice) are recently edited.

2023:

“Where have all the chapters gone?” Don’t worry, if that’s on your mind, you’ve not gone crazy… I wrote this story years ago and since then my writing style has changed. I’ve found so many errors while editing that I decided I no longer want my old writings spread over the internet... This story’s renewal is due... Slowly, I’m getting there.

*All rights regarding The Lion King belong to Disney!!

The first few chapters are rather short! I see them more as a 'work towards' the chapter called The Madness of King Scar ;).

Chapter Text

“It’s to die for!” 

“No, fool! We’re going to kill him! And Simba too.” 

“Long live the King!” 

“Go away and never return!” Such a little helpless cub... Perhaps I should’ve shown more empathy towards him, because I certainly stood on those trembling paws myself once… My father… I distinctly remember one day, when he actually paid attention to me, he commented my name should’ve been ‘trash’—in the most literal sense… Welcome to the story of my life! The little pathetic, helpless cub had a name; his name was Taka…

Once again, I see my father standing in front of me. His manes are dark, yet his resemblance to Mufasa is striking. I blink. “You’re dead!” Father’s death… an event I’d never shed even one tear for. I just couldn’t muster them up. Mother understood, yet it caused her a lot of pain. Ahadi never accepted me, his own kin, so why should I care to mourn him?  

“Taka, you’re a disgrace!” Flames lit his eyes. I have prohibited others from ever using that name again, and now I recall the reason behind it… One simple sound from the past, passing my eardrums, bringing out all weaknesses I hoped had left the system by now. Guess what? They didn't.  

Don’t—don’t listen to it, Scar… He’s not there! “You’re not there! You’re not real!”

“Scum! Worthless king!” he calls out to me. His words fade and so does he, at last. A dark, oppressive figure, vanishing back into the thick mist from which it had emerged…

“It’s a lie!” With a hard blast, Scar arose from his nightmare, his body shaking and sweat pouring down his forehead. This, by far, was not his initial one. Occasionally, these nightmares concerning his past came disturbing him at night, keeping him from having a peaceful sleep. These nightmares, strangely, manifested themselves more and more lately. Inhaling deep, Scar softly dropped himself from his rock. “Death is a world I don’t intend to reach yet…”

“Another nightmare? Welcome to my reality!” Zazu commented while Scar walked past the boned cage he had locked the bird inside. The lion, however, either didn’t hear him, or elected to ignore him.

Exhausted, Scar strolled outside. He felt as if the nightmares had sucked all his energy out of him. Fear had made his mane rose, yet for his black locks that wouldn’t have been such a terrible start of the day if it hadn’t been his siesta he had just aggressively awoken from. Scar planned to return to sleep in only a couple of hours. Outside the cave, the lion noticed his reflection in a puddle of rain. Well, they look great… Yet Scar knew he needed to make a change, as he couldn’t continue living like this for much longer. However, that change could not include himself. Definitely not! You can’t change perfection, as Scar still believed described him.

Scar stood on the Pride Rock, overthinking and gazing down at what life had granted him. He had lost the overwhelming feeling of ruling the kingdom a long time ago. I need to find that back… Scar sighed. He figured only then the nightmares would permanently disappear. His desperate situation lingered in his mind, and he sought a distraction to ease the burden. I need to show them who their ruler is. My subjects, they should appreciate me! In all phases of his life, Scar claimed never to have received much appreciation. “What to do first? Give the hyenas some management? A waste of time! What else…” Ah...

The evening breeze carried the sounds of distant hyenas as Nala walked over the barren Pride Lands. The lioness shook her head, taking in the sight of the sparse vegetation and the smell of dust and decay. During this time of the day, Nala often found herself lost in memories of her childhood and the good times she spent with Simba. Nala was captured in a moment of sadness. As far as she was aware, Simba had been dead for several years. Now, the water hole doesn’t sound boring at all! “I just can‘t wait to be king!” Times changed drastically, yet she could still picture her happy little friend singing. Images of Simba singing in eternity now crossed her mind, a faint smile adorning her face. “One day, you two are going to be married!” Zazu… Strangely, now she wished the funny bird was right. Back in the days, both of them thought of it as a disgusting idea. Yet at present, she had undoubtedly forsaken her present life for it.

Nala gazed upward, fixating intently on the luminous night sky. She wondered if Simba possibly could be one of the molten-silver shining stars present above her head. Perhaps the one that shone the brightest light. It certainly drew her attention. In her mind, Nala envisioned herself ascending near this bright star that lightened this dark era. “I still miss you, Simba,” Nala whispered. “I know you must hear me…” As a matter of course, Simba was neither the shining star nor capable of hearing her. However, another lion heard her. This other lion heard her loud and clear. Someone, from above, observed Nala as she dreamily lost herself in the open night… 

The king himself, Scar, gazed down at the sad lioness. He had sensed Nala’s presence, and he knew she wandered around a lot during this time of the day. Why must she tempt them like this? Softly, Scar growled. “The hairball has been dead for years, yet still... Unbelievable!” he mumbled. By all means, Scar wasn’t aware the hyenas hadn’t pursued his little nephew when he had ordered them to kill him. Nala, a strikingly stunning lioness in her prime, slender build and a captivating gaze, had caught Scar’s attention. Well, all distraction is distraction, right? He thought he could at least try to perform his charms on her as he thought it was time to provide the kingdom with a suitable heir. After all, it is a task the king must carry! Who will carry on after me? Without a suitable heir, I‘m nothing! 

It was evident that Scar ignored most of the responsibilities that accompany the role of a king. Even now, when the lionesses and even the hyenas could hardly find any food, he was too lazy to do something about it himself. Or perhaps he just didn’t know how? With the passage of time, it became obvious that Scar was anything but a righteous king. At present, even in the midst of famine and death, he was evidently prioritising tasks of lesser importance. The black-maned lion had reached a mental state where he was completely unresponsive and unable to make sense of anything. He was uncertain about what the future had in store for him, and clearly, that had left quite a few marks on him. It‘s just that... I cannot change the past... Scar pondered once more, attempting to lay his focus on guiding his future towards a more positive continuation in the benefits of, obviously, himself. Scar glimpsed Nala once again. This is nonsense! I’m not— “No, I‘m not that desperate!” Was this the reason why he occasionally vocalised his mind without even… realising it?

“Scar?”

Chapter Text

“Scar?” The sudden call distracted the black-maned lion and had him slightly startled.

Alas, the lion came to the realisation it was only Shenzi’s voice. Upon turning around, Scar discovered the three hyenas standing behind him. What do they possibly want at this hour? With his annoyance evident, he gestured to indicate he required silence from them. Then he carefully glimpsed down; Nala was gone.

"Don't ya worry, boss. She hasn't seen us," the sharp-tongued Banzai broke the silence. Man, I'm starvin'! I could eat that lioness! "What were ya doing here, anyway?" he asked.

Scar rolled his eyes, wondering whether the hyena thought he had any interest in answering a question such as that one. He was determined not to be laughed at again by these three idiots. “Remember, you are answering to me, not the other way around! What brings you here?” he responded.

“The lionesses have gathered, and they want to have a little chat with ya. ‘Bout the hunting,” Shenzi shared.

Scar inhaled deep as he said, “Now? Can’t this wait until tomorrow?” Nonetheless, he knew he wouldn't be in the mood for such a thing the following day either. “All right then…” Scar took another deep breath and begrudgingly trailed behind them, his disdain evident.

“Scar!” As soon as the lion was within her sight, Sarabi stepped forward. She complained about the hunting, explaining to him about how little food they had been able to find. "The hyenas are driving the herds to move on," she continued, casting Shenzi a rather judgemental glare.

With lots of aversion, Scar felt as if he was being forced to listen to their nagging, as what he thought the lionesses were doing. Please, tell me something I don’t already know… To distract himself, his eyes scanned the area until somewhere between the complaining lionesses, he found his target. It was the young Nala who stood hidden behind her mother, Sarafina. “Oh, Sarabi, you old hag! Just admit it, you’ve lost it!" Scar's loud voice reverberated. "Perhaps it’s time for you to transfer your task…” Upon a moment of silence, he moved himself between the lionesses, a rather amusing tone predominating his voice as he continued, “…to a younger talent...” The black-maned king narrowed his gaze towards Nala, who evidently avoided his eye crossing attempts. Subsequently, while passing by her, he gradually allowed his tail to slide over her back.

Nala was puzzled by this silly lion’s behaviour. Scar had many aspects, she thought. Despite his malevolent and deranged personality, his air of mystery made him somewhat attractive. Nala tightened her expression and hoped he would walk past her soon, yet he didn’t since she still sensed his presence. He’s still standing behind me, isn’t he? As all eyes suddenly pivoted towards her, Nala felt a wave of discomfort wash over her. “Me?” she carefully asked.

“Yes, you, Nala.” Scar stepped in front of the young lioness, bestowing her with a funny smile. “From now on, you are the lead huntress! I’m confident with you on lead, future hunts shall have greater success. I dare to bet Ed’s life on that!” Scar glimpsed the hyenas and witnessed Ed chuckling. Fool…

As expected, the lionesses weren’t content. “She has too little experience!” Sarabi snarled, a low growl eluding her mouth as she locked eyes with the dark-maned king. He, obviously, was also bombarded with questions from other lionesses. 

Scar took a deep breath, rolling his eyes. “If you ladies have any further questions, you are welcome to visit me in my cave. Well tomorrow, because it’s time for my beauty sleep…” he said, almost sarcastically. “I suggest you ladies do the same. It's clear to me some of you direly need it!” Upon spotting Zira, a lioness who he had shared a rather unpleasant history with somewhere after he had ascended the throne, Scar turned his head. He had desired to exile her years ago, but his plans were foiled upon learning she was carrying a cub, his child. Scar also harboured immense disappointment towards the cub, Nuka, who failed to meet his expectations in every aspect. According to Scar, he was absolutely not fit for the throne. Hm, isn't that kid already a teen? Perhaps soon, I’ll outcast them both after all… Yet it was a decision that required thorough consideration, because Nuka wasn’t the only medium Zira had against him… Behind him, the chit chat continued. “Remember, my mouth speaks the law!” With that said, Scar, instantly feeling better, stepped away to depart the scene. The black-maned lion assumed the presence of a certain lioness had done the trick, or perhaps it was the fact that he had, again, caused trouble in the lady-paradise. He desired to create both situations more often. Scar strode out with a swagger that spoke of his unshakeable self-assurance, ignoring the glares that bore into his back.

“Nala, why didn’t you speak up?” Sarabi asked as soon as Scar and the hyenas had disappeared out of their eyesight.

Zira, who had gained a reputation for her unpleasant behaviour among the lionesses, pushed her way forward to stand between Nala and Sarafina. “Because the little girl is afraid of him! And that is supposed to lead us!” she commented, her mean side clearly in front. 

Nala stepped past Zira, facing the lioness who was disparaging her. A thunderous expression darkened her face, her lips pressed into a thin, furious line. “I’m not a little girl anymore! And I’m definitely not afraid of him!” I admit, I don’t fear him… Yet he hardly ever blends in with us without his army of nasty hyenas following him! Nala had never been able to forget her childhood encounter with the hyenas at the elephant graveyard, and every time she saw a hyena, she felt transported back to that traumatic moment. And since it had taken place shortly before Simba’s death, the two events were permanently intertwined in her mind. Doesn’t he ever grow tired of those ugly, drooling creatures? Zira has no reason to fear them because they’re actually fond of her! 

Zira found Nala's look of hatred amusing and laughed it off. “That remains to be seen,” she slyly responded, turning to step away.

“Watch me! I’ll show you what I’m capable of!” Nala called after the lioness.

As he stood hiding around the corner, Scar let out a low, rumbling chuckle. He found pleasure in overhearing the lionesses now and then, particularly in moments upon having them all pissed off. Oh, I will most definitely watch you! Scar enjoyed the steaming tone predominating Nala’s voice. “That’s my girl… Very well done, Nala…”

That same night, Shenzi and Banzai kept watch. “Nala as the leading huntress, I didn’t see that one comin’,” Banzai said while scratching himself.

“I sort of did,” Shenzi answered vacantly.

“Whatever, it doesn’t make any sense!” Banzai continued in a bit of a grumpy tone, shaking his head.

Shenzi’s face slightly brightened, her little brains cracking. “Well, perhaps it does. Sarabi restricted us with her control. Nala, on the other hand, is… how shall I put it?” Nothing more than a pretty doll. “She just doesn’t have what it takes,” the female hyena eventually said.

Banzai pulled a strange face. “Ya think it’s a tactic? Even I could’ve thought of a better one!” he complained.

“Look, I can’t see inside his head. I just remember how much more freedom we had when he was still with Zira. She surely had an influence on him,” Shenzi shared. 

“And you’ll help me restore that!” Zira's voice, full of determination, interrupted the two squabbling hyenas. After Scar’s silly announcement, Zira searched for her companions, as she figured she could use their help. Despite how things had ended between her and Scar, Zira and the hyenas had kept their friendship alive. Hence, Zira also was aware of Scar’s desires to exile her and Nuka and why he hadn’t pursued this yet.

Zira had watched Mufasa and Taka growing up. She had witnessed how Taka, later Scar, developed immense feelings of jealousy for his elder brother since the latter’s shadow constantly loomed over him. Mufasa had harboured no trust towards Zira, yet his faith in his brother was not lost. Often Zira had imagined what life on the Pride Lands would’ve been like without having Mufasa in its picture. Although she wanted him dead, she had no intention of soiling her own paws in the process. And why would she, when Scar dreamt of acceding his brother’s throne? The dots were swiftly connected... Zira saw the secret she shared with Scar and the hyenas as a valuable commodity. She and the hyenas both knew if the secret would ever be revealed, great disasters would follow. Scar was aware of that as well, and fortunately for Zira, the signs of it taking a toll on him began to show.

“Zira, we stopped mentioning yo name to him. Ya know, it doesn’t quite thrill him... The effect is almost just as bad as when I slip Mu—” Banzai was taken aback by the expressions on his companions' faces, particularly Zira's, which made him swallow his sentence. “I’ve always wondered what ya did to screw things up!” he continued a moment later.

“Me? That lion is impossible! He, however, has his weaknesses, and if I can manipulate him again, you and I eventually benefit…” A foul grin appeared on Zira’s face. “I know I still have the lion by its tail...”

"It's worth the try, and as long as it ain't gonna hurt our pal…" Banzai exchanged a look with Shenzi.

“It’s a long shot, but Zira is right. He hasn’t been himself for a while now. If we want to see somethin’ changed, now’s the time to do it…” Shenzi finally said. “I’d say start with counterin’ Nala…”

Zira pulled a face. “Nala… I hate the little brat! If I had the charge, she would’ve been exiled already, or better, killed!” Zira felt a familiar heat rising within her, yet Shenzi's malevolent smile slightly extinguished the flames.

"That, my friend, can be arranged!" the hyena vilely said.

Zira's face contorted in a wide grimace, mirroring Shenzi’s expression. “Right… In that case, let the action begin, shall we?”

Chapter Text

Sarafina had asked Nala to babysit her little brother, Mheetu. Though, according to Nala, he wasn’t that little anymore, and most definitely had outgrown his cuteness. Nala heard his playful roars behind her. The sounds of her younger brother brought back memories of Simba’s playful nature, albeit Mheetu, his blonde mane full in development, was now older than the Simba she once knew. At present, Mheetu had fun with Nuka, his friend. Nala observed them. With actions appearing so innocent, their play would make one forget about the crucial world outside. Despite being too young to comprehend the drama around him and being neglected by his father, Nuka lived a sad existence. With his underdeveloped black mane, his allergies and his perpetually famished appearance, it was hard not to feel empathy towards the young male. Nala observed Nuka and wondered who he took after more. Zira, the bitch... or Scar, a lion whose present is haunted by his past.

At least a month had passed since Scar had appointed Nala as the new lead huntress. Nala, obviously, had her doubts at first. Why me? Her mind was filled with countless questions, and this was just one of them. Is Sarabi truly too old for the job? She wondered why he had chosen her over all the other young talents, as Scar had called her. By learning from her mother and Sarabi, who were both skilled hunters, Nala became proficient in hunting. She wondered if that automatically meant that she was ready for the leading role. Clearly, Scar thinks I am. Still, where has he based this decision on? He’s ignorant of the situation, and I highly doubt the hyenas ever praise my courage to him. Was this another one of his rash decisions? Nala considered her new role as something precarious, requiring her utmost attention, as one misstep or someone's interference could cause it to slip away.

Soon after Nala had started her leading role, the hunting developed to be rather successful, which it hadn’t been in a long time. Nala gained popularity. Gradually, the other lionesses viewed her as one of their own, rather than a vulnerable girl in need of their protection. Nala wasn’t keen to admit it aloud, but it caused her sense of confidence to grow. Still, one lioness remained displeased. Zira… Nala believed Zira deliberately tried to thwart her, hoping she’d fail the job. Yet Nala had no intention of letting Zira get to her. I have the backing of the lionesses, and if Zira chooses not to be included, so be it…The hyenas, however, were also a story apart... The largest disadvantage that accompanied this new leadership role was the necessity of interacting more frequently with these disgusting scavengers, as Nala commonly referred to them. Working with them is a mess! Nala figured that somehow, they were cooperating with Zira to sabotage her.

At present, Nala experienced the same problem Sarabi faced two small months ago. The hunting grounds had become scarce, and once again, the hyenas were the primary cause. To no avail, Sarabi had tried to reason with Scar many times before. Nala remembered Sarabi informing them he remained deaf to her words, stating complaining to a rock would’ve made more sense. The memory of the action he took last time still lingered inside Nala's mind; taking the leading role from Sarabi to her. Now it’s my job to revive this subject to him. I need to tell him the hyenas, once more, create disaster! His alleys, who bring him the largest prey part... What am I thinking? He’ll never listen to me! Nala feared their king would come to realise he’d mistaken her capability. Nala couldn’t keep track of Scar’s and Zira’s standings nowadays. What if he makes Zira the lead huntress? That’s exactly what she wants, and I refuse to let that happen!

“I’m back, Nala!” Sarafina interrupted her daughter’s thoughts. Her face lit up upon seeing the boys being wrapped up in their innocent game. “Cute, aren’t they?”

Nala nodded. “Would you mind if I go out for a while? There’s something I need to do.”

“You plan to confront Taka again, aren’t you?” Sarafina asked, frowning.

“What? Who’s Taka?” Nala took a deep breath, realising she could’ve easily guessed the answer to her question.

“Taka is Scar’s real name, but please forget I said that. He no longer wants to be addressed in that manner.” Sarafina shrugs, taking a breather herself as well. Despite Scar's preference to rule in favour of the hyenas, Sarafina remained one of the few lionesses who still had faith in him. “I don’t know why I mentioned it...”

“I actually haven’t spoken to him yet. The hyenas, you know…” Nala rolled her eyes.

“I can dig that… There’s no beginning to describe how bad their behaviour has become,” Sarafina replied, her annoyance towards the hyenas evident. “Should I speak to him instead?” she proposed, hoping to keep her daughter away from Scar and the hyenas.

“Mom! I’m the lead huntress. It’s my task! I’ll be okay!” Nala said, feeling slightly embarrassed. Although Sarafina's intentions were good, Nala hoped her mother would recognise her daughter's maturity in dealing with her own issues.

“All right, Nala,” Sarafina gave in, flashing her daughter a faint smile. “Good luck, because he's not an easy one to handle. Please be careful.”

“I will, mom.”

Moments after Nala had left, Sarafina inhaled deep. “I hope you’ll remain mommy’s little baby for a long time, Mheetu…” Sarafina sat herself down and prayed Nala would act wisely.

“Mama please, not in front of Nuka!” Mheetu commented, his cheeks adorned with a small blush.

At times, Nala granted her king the benefit of the doubt. That day he assigned her the leading role, a distinct transformation in his persona became evident. Yet the lion remained a mystery, mostly having himself isolated inside his cave. Why? Nala, shrouded in her own thoughts, continued her quest to observe the cave. This time, she told herself, she would pursue her goal, confronting the chaotic-minded Scar. She knew Scar came with a manual, as several lionesses had claimed. It has become evident he lives on the verge of losing it altogether, and Nala has heard plenty. One day she hears him, or the bird, singing whereas on other days she hears the sounds of him participating in deep discussions. Hearing him call the names of two dead kings of the past, Mufasa and Ahadi, Nala had frowned upon. Does he expect to receive any responses other than a Zazu comment or a stupid hyena laugh? Had the hyenas not been present, Nala could’ve possibly approached and overheard Scar's words with greater precision. Nala noticed even hyenas sometimes threw strange faces towards the cave, which she assumed were those who had consumed the brains of their prey. Scar emitted sounds that suggested he was being devoured from within. It frightened Nala. She bore the weight of an imagination that was overly rich, causing various demonic rituals to surface in her thoughts. They say his heart is cold. I shouldn’t muster any sympathy for him… 

As Nala watched Scar’s cave, she was brought back to a place she once knew. Obviously, Nala still remembered the cave from her childhood as she had slept in it occasionally, yet it appeared darker since Scar was its resident. He had, almost literally, scarred it. The cave, surrounded by an almost other-worldly, eerie atmosphere, was shrouded by a thick, suffocating haze. Hyenas wandered in and around it with their giggling sounds attached to the area as fading, eerie echoes. Nala, her eyes narrowing, waited for the hyenas to leave or to not pay attention. Nala knew finding a hyena-free gap wasn’t easy, but she told herself not to give up. What’s in there, awaiting me to face?

Chapter Text

Nala… Her eyes, pools of warm… honey, so captivating I fear one day I’ll lose myself in them if I stare for too long. We’re alone, side by side, in the water hole, which is… waterless! Not my concern, at least, not at this moment. Nala is my sole priority. No one will take her away from me. I'll see to that! My future is sealed…

“What are you hiding?”

Hiding? How did she find out— What do my eyes reveal to her when she stares into them? What stories are read, or what depths does she see reflected inside them? “Goodbye…” Her sweet voice, slowly drifting away from me… Nala fades, and suddenly, a body of water emerges beneath us—separating us even further.

“Don’t go! Don’t leave me!” My callout is pointless as I witness her floating in the opposite direction, farther and farther away. “I cannot be alone…” My voice shivers, my weak words barely audible. “No longer…” Taka…

Nala… gone. The water… gone as well. Not a single drop remained, leaving no sign it ever existed. Is that what’ll happen to me? Nothing surrounds me. Emptiness is all there is. My view, cloaked in a black, endless darkness.

“Didn’t I tell you, son?”

Father? No… just no…

"You cannot hide, Taka. It’s impossible to create a future when there is none…”

“Stop it, father!” Please, begone!

“The past must not be ignored!”

If only I could erase you and Mufasa from the minds of the living, I could’ve ignored the past… He’s not here, he’s not real…

"Pain remains. Scars may fade, but they shall never disappear...”

What? “How dare you speak of scars to me?”

“How dare—” Upon realising his wakefulness, Scar stopped mid-sentence and swallowed his words. “These imaginary conversations with Ahadi aren’t the most pleasant ways for a lion to wake up…” he mumbled, his lack of comfort for his daily routine evident. Scar brushed his scarred eye. That day you marked me… He had always blamed his father for what, who, and where he was in the present day. “You did this to me…” he said, his words heavy in the air, yawning. Whether they were mere illusions or messages coming from his father’s actual spirit, these dreams disrupted his sleep, luring the joyful dreams away. “Mark my words, I’ll surpass you soon…” Scar strolled outside. The fresh air breeze would do him good, he hoped.

[Later that day:]

“I’m the king! But why am I not satisfied?” Did I actually say that aloud? Scar’s thoughts, a whirlwind of emotions, were so consuming he had lost touch with reality and sometimes was unsure whether or not he spoke aloud. Terrific, he assumed he thought. Allowing a deep sigh to escape, Scar settled himself on top of his rock, the coolness of the stone beneath him a welcome relief on a hot day.

"Sire, what's with the long face?" Zazu, the bird Scar kept behind bars, dragged the lion out of his chaotic mind.

"Zazu? Why am I not... loved?" Scar opted for a direct approach and cut to the chase. The lionesses… Why don't they like me? How are they able to resist my black mane? I'm a king! What more could they possibly want?

"Well, why do you think you are not loved?"

Scar, his mood shifting and his irritation with the hornbill’s wise tone evident, flashed Zazu a grumpy glare. He felt as if he was forced to listen to words spoken by either his father or his brother, neither of whom he wished to recall. According to Scar, they had experienced no shortcomings during their reign as kings, whereas under his rule, everything, quite literally, turned black. They’re everywhere! He gestured towards Zazu, motioning for him to leave him, and his thoughts, alone.

I’m perfectly fine! I’m better than Mufasa was.

“I’m revered.”
“I am reviled.”

“I’m idolised.”
“I am despised!”

“I’m keeping calm.”
“I’m going wild!”

“I tell myself I’m fine.”
“Yes I am, no you’re not.”
“No, you’re not, yes I am, no you’re not.”
“Yes, I am!”
“No, you’re not!”
“Yes, no, yes, no! Who am I talking to...?”

The king, his voice evidently working overtime, took a breather. The moment Scar realised he had been talking to a wildebeest skull, he threw it away. “I don’t know what I’m doing…”

"Oh, pull yourself together, Sire! Or you'll get another one of your splitting headaches!" Zazu said, hoping to avoid a headache of his own.

"Too late! Perhaps you should sing something for me again," Scar responded.

"What would you like to hear today, Sire?" Whereas Scar delved deep into his psyche, searching for the one song able to lift his spirit, Zazu took a deep breath. "Oh, I never had to do this with Mufasa…"

"What?!" In an instant and with force, Scar sprang up. “What did you say? You know the law! Don’t ever speak that name in my presence!” he yelled. The bird quickly backed away as Scar almost pressed his mouth between the boned bars of the cage. Scar’s breath was so close that the hornbill could feel its warmth, the scent of the lion’s jaws filling his nostrils. "I'm the king!" Seeing Zazu shiver, Scar knew his point was made. Scar often wondered whether he still had it in him. The lionesses, the hyenas and even Zazu, Scar knew they often laughed behind his back. Where did the eerie lion hide who murdered—Mufasa… He sighed, and decided he still had a small, perhaps superfluous, conversation to finish. “Zazu, for this one time... What did my brother have that I don’t have?” Scar asked, his aversion clearly present. He theatrically slid his paw over his forehead. I shudder at the thought of learning the answer…

"Do you want the short or the long list?" Zazu commented, frowning.

"Whatever, Zazu." Scar pulled a face.

"Well, he had respect for your species. And he had adoring subjects... a loving family... a devoted queen..."

Zazu's words caught Scar off guard, as he had expected a dull lecture on his character, but instead, the bird just cited the physical things he missed out on in his life. Now, that's what I like to call a rather unexpected twist! And he didn't even have to initiate the subject himself… A queen, a family... Scar had been considering finding a queen, but now he could use the bird's suggestion to his advantage by allowing the bird to believe he planted the idea in his mind. Which… was exactly what he planned to do! "That's it! I need a queen! Zazu, I have to hand it to you, you're a genius!" Scar grimed.

“Oh, no… Heavens…” Zazu sighed deep, regretting his own words. “Him I can still take, but two of those unbearable—”

“Don’t make me regret calling you a genius, Zazu,” Scar responded, immediately aware of who Zazu referred to. “Why should I make the same mistake twice, when I’ve got a bunch of prettier lionesses to choose from?” Scar frowned, continuing his play. “A queen! Without a queen, what am I? A dead end, no line, no descendants, no future? With a queen, I’ll have cubs... A suitable heir! Immortality will be mine!”

“So, what will you do? Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Mo, or will you just pick the first one brave enough to enter this cave?” Zazu spoke, a hint of sarcasm evident in his tone.

Obviously, Scar already had the answer, yet time to share it with the bird, he had not…

“Hey, boss! Talkin’ to the silly bird again?” Banzai greeted the lion when he, Shenzi, and Ed hopped in.

Ah, my friends! Well, ‘friends’… How did ‘boss’ become a term of endearment among friends? Every so often, Scar wouldn’t object to eliminating the hyenas. He observed them, his eyes narrowing. Centre front stood Shenzi, the female leader, who, according to him, at least possessed a fraction of the brain. In Scar’s opinion, Banzai was nothing more than a cubbish piece of junk. The last one, Ed, who besides laughing and nodding lacked any manner of communication, Scar considered was completely beyond redemption. Scar, scanning the area and glimpsing everyone around him, including Zazu, rolled his eyes. “I’m surrounded by idiots, again…”

“Well, thank you!” Shenzi’s immediate response left no room for Scar to wonder if he had spoken his passing thought or not. “What’s the matter with ya lately? You’re not the only one who has to skip breakfast!” Shenzi said, her slight sense of offence apparent. “Has he been like this all day, Zazu?”

“Oh, he just needs a mate!” Zazu responded, surprising even himself with his own statement. Yet it gained him a slight amount of popularity among the hyenas, particularly the two male hyenas as they had both burst into fits of laughter.

“Stop that, you fools!” Scar instantly responded. He deemed their laughter as exceedingly annoying, especially when it overshadowed his voice.

"Someone please get Zi—" Banzai coughed when Shenzi instantly elbowed him.

"Cut it out, will ya? Too soon…" Shenzi whispered to her companion.

"You creatures know nothing about love!" Scar stated.

Suddenly, Banzai and Shenzi exchanged a look, grinning. “You’re wrong, pal…” Shenzi giggled.

“What, you two?” Scar disliked the confirming looks on their faces. He realised he should’ve known they’d eventually end up together. Therewith, he frowned upon glimpsing in Ed’s direction. The look on Ed’s face was suspicious, the lion thought. “No, he can’t have a mate!”

“Ed? He’s actually freakin’ popular among the ladies!” Banzai said. When hyenas befriended lions, perhaps it could be deemed obvious their status within their own species skyrocketed. Unfortunately for Scar, vice versa, it rather had the opposite effect.

“Is it too much to ask for a little sympathy?” Scar dramatically said, acting as if his pride had been deeply wounded. “Don’t mistake the colour of my heart with the colour of my mane,” he gushed, almost in a singing tone. With a dramatic gesture, Scar held his paw to his chest, feeling his heart race beneath his fur.

“Here we go again...” Shenzi mumbled, unamused.

"Tell me I'm adored! Please, tell me I'm adored!" Scar sung.

Banzai struggled to contain his laughter. “A door?”

Scar took a deep breath, feeling burdened by the wrong public. He moved a paw towards his eyes, hoping to see everyone being gone upon lowering the paw again. The reality of his current view was a far cry from what he had envisioned and thought he had signed himself up for all those years ago. The lionesses don’t even fear me anymore and apparently, these idiots prefer reproducing themselves rather than following my orders... I may hope they at least didn’t fail to kill the hairball! Scar hastily uncovered his eyes and, upon observing no change in Zazu’s behaviour, he breathed a sigh of relief. Had Scar said that particular thought aloud, the hornbill definitely would’ve gone ballistic. Fortunately for the lion, that didn’t happen. Once more, Scar narrowed his focus towards the three hyenas. Ed, now rolling on the floor laughing, emitted noises Scar couldn’t even recognise. Scar’s patience grew thin, a low growl rumbling in his chest as he lashed his claw out, throwing the hyena off balance. Witnessing Ed’s slow attempt to rise to his feet again, Scar's action even slightly surprised himself. “Well, as far as brains go, I got the lion’s share. But, when it comes to brute strength, I’m afraid I’m at the shallow end of the gene pool.” The pool hasn’t completely dried-up yet, it seems…

“Pal, aren’t you a little overreacting?” Shenzi reacted, protecting Ed by stepping in the middle of them.

“Please, Sire, set me free!” Trapped amidst the drama between lion and hyena, Zazu voiced his pleas.

“What is it you want this time?!” Scar called out, ignoring Zazu. He knew the hyenas never visit him for fun. Despite their tendency to mock him, they always needed something from him. Of course, vice versa, it was the same. 

"We’ve got a bone to pick with you," Banzai jokingly said.

“I’ll handle this...” Shenzi instantly turned to Banzai. Stepping forward, she took over her mate’s wheel. “There’s no food, no water...”

Scar, as per customary, was uninterested in their complaints. “Oh... eat Zazu,” he said, teasingly pointing a paw towards the hornbill.

“Oh, you wouldn’t want me!” Zazu promptly responded, slightly jolted. “I’d be so tough and gamy!”

“Zazu, don’t be ridiculous. All you need is a little garlic,” Scar joked.

“Seriously, Scar, that rotten spout ain’t gonna solve any problems!” Shenzi hissed as she threw Zazu a look of aversion.

Scar was on the brink of losing his temper once more, his eyes narrowing. “It’s all your fault! You've been hunting excessively!” he yelled. “Work it out with Nala!”

“See, there lies the problem. We don’t think Nala is the right lioness for the job,” Shenzi responded, carefully leading the conversation to the next level.

Scar took a deep breath, feeling the tension in his body as his blood started to boil. “You don’t have the authority to judge a decision I’ve made. Are you questioning my way of leading?” he replied, using a calm yet threatening tone.

Banzai sighed. “And I thought we had it bad under Mufasa…”

In a split second, Scar leaped in front of the hyena, blocking his path. “What did you say!?” he growled.

“I said—”

Reacting instantly, Shenzi once more elbowed her mate. It seemed as if her sole duty these days was to make sure Banzai didn’t accidentally speak any of the names belonging to Scar’s forbidden list.

Banzai cleared his throat. “I said, uh... Que pasa?” He flashed the black-maned lion a rather uneasy smile.

Scar averted his gaze from the hyenas, deciding he had heard enough from them. “Good, and now get out...” His gaze fixed on the cave’s wall, Scar frowned. They’re still behind me, aren’t they?

“But we still have no food!” Banzai’s voice confirmed Scar’s thought.

Scar roared. “I said get out!!” Fortunately, this time, the hyenas received the message and retreated. Scar grinned as he turned his head to catch a last glimpse of them running out. “Zazu, where were we before those three beggars entered?” Since the hyenas had spoiled his mood, Scar figured resuming his little game with Zazu could help restore it.

“If you would allow me to finish without bursting out to me, that would be great,” Zazu answered.

“Well then, Zazu… Tell me I’m adored. Please, tell me I’m adored!”

Zazu heaved a rather overdone sigh. “Is this necessary?”

“Fine! You’ve spoiled my mood anyway!” Scar sank back down onto his rock, the weight of his disappointment heavy on his shoulders. So much for today’s excitement…

Later that day:

“Scar?”

Scar’s thoughts were once more interrupted, but this time by a barely audible, gentle voice. The black-maned lion, however, lacked facing to see whoever bothered him this time. His latest hyena visit still had him irritated. “Am I running a guest house for you to keep wandering in all day or what?!” he shouted as he threw away the mini bone he was gnawing on.

“Oh Nala, you couldn’t have picked a moment worse for your visit!” Zazu commented upon noticing the young lioness entering the cave cautiously.

Nala? How could I have possibly mistaken Nala for a hyena?— , Scar thought to himself. He turned around promptly, a surprised expression on his face, and then broke into a wide but uneasy grin.

“I knew this was a bad idea!” Nala softly said to herself. She hesitated and in her mind she began to play out her chances of retreating.

“Ah, Nala..." Scar smiled slyly. "No, actually, your timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Please, accept my apologies. Your voice just sounds so unfamiliar to me.” Those freakin’ hyenas, one day I’ll kill them all! I can’t screw this up. I’ve got to do something! “Be my guest, Nala. Grab yourself a gazelle… Shoot—” Scar heaved a disappointing sigh. “I’m out of them!”

“That’s why I came to speak to you. Scar, you’ve got to do something. We’re being forced to over-hunt. The hyenas—”

Blah, blah, blah... “My dear, there’s no need to waste your pretty voice on that,” Scar gently said. “Let me guess? Even though I appointed you as the lead huntress, those grey faces aren’t taking your authority seriously, am I right?” He refrained from mentioning they had visited him earlier, complaining about her.

“Indeed, they are—”

“Well, then we’ll make them obey you! I’ve just figured out the perfect solution…” Scar continued, flashing Nala a rather odd smile.

Nala couldn’t believe her ears. He’s actually planning to do something about it?—, Nala thought to herself in her mind. “You have?” Whereas Nala responded with a hint of surprise, her inner voice whispered not to unleash her excitement just yet…

Scar’s promotion of Nala as the lead huntress had been driven by the hope she would eventually visit his cave. Within himself, Scar had already plotted a plan for sailing the ship off to another course. “Yes, but there’s—” Similar to how a predator sneaks up on his prey, Scar began walking around her. “Nala... my, how’ve you grown!” Quickly, he cleared his throat. “Before we can make this plan work, there’s just one small title upgrade you need to receive from me. And there’s more to it! I’m brightening up both yours and little Mheetu’s future!” With an air of seduction, he let his tail slide below Nala’s chin.

Nala blinked. “And what’s that title?” Even though Scar had aroused Nala's curiosity by bringing up her younger brother, she remained perceptive. She knew somewhere in this story there was a catch, because involving the black-maned king, there always was one!

Suddenly Scar’s energy-metre filled itself to the max. “I shall tell you, but first let me deliberate it with myself a bit,” he said, sounding utmost mystifying. Whilst still circling around Nala, he seemed to perform some peculiar dance moves. Scar cleared his throat once more, this time in a highly dramatic manner. Then he continued his, perhaps if seen from anyone else’s perspective, odd presentation in singing. “She’s got those assets feminine...”

Nala, unamused by Scar's vocal talents, interrupted him. "Please Scar, I'm being serious here!"

“So am I, Nala. So am I!” I have to make her mine! She has to be my queen! “Nobility in every gene. A shining new era is tiptoeing nearer!” He straightened his back, tightened his muscles, and for a moment, indeed, was tiptoeing near her. “Of course, quid pro quo, you’re expected… to take certain duties on board…” Hey, that sounds familiar. I should renew my old song next!

“I’m not following you!” Riddle after riddle… Why can’t he just be straight to the point?— , Nala wondered.

“My cylinders are firing with fervour. And you, my sweet thing, fit the part…” Scar pressed his head against Nala’s neck and softly nudged her forward.

“Oh, Sire, it is inappropriate to verbalise such statements!” Zazu, the bird Scar clearly had forgotten about, snarled.

I did? Scar used his paw to cover up his mouth.

“What are you talking about?” Nala hissed. She declared to herself if Scar wouldn’t cut the ridiculous act soon, her inner bucket of how much she could take soon had reached its last drop.

Don’t tell me I have to spell it out for her!—, Scar said in his mind, pondering over his thoughts, searching for the perfect one-liner that would do the thing. “Come on, sweet Nala, be my queen.”  

“Excuse me?” Despite all the scenarios Nala had played out in her mind, this one caught her off guard.

Scar raised his head, his mane fluttering in the breeze. “It’s written all over in the stars.” Scar clearly was in for more than one bite, the quarter moon illuminating his aroused expression being an obvious hint. He approached Nala again, gaining on his goal of guiding her closer to the walls. “We’ll create a host of little Scars!” While he sang, a greedy grin stretched across Scar’s face.

“You act highly inappropriate!” Nala hissed, her uneasiness raising due to the king’s predatory undertone.

Zazu, in a state of panic, covered his eyes. “Couldn’t you have taken a class about making advances first? Oh, even for me, this is too embarrassing to watch!”

“Argh! Why won’t you just button your beak?!” Scar aggressively yelled towards the hornbill. I refuse to believe my brother never felt tempted to eat that chatterbox!

Scar continued to back Nala into a corner until he had her in the desired position. His front paws came down near her head, pinning her between him and the wall. “Ooh... Nala, you delicious little… Just become my mate! I can sense that you—ARGH!”

Nala's claw struck the greedy lion with force, causing him to lose his balance. Scar stumbled back a bit. “No one, not even a king, has the authority to treat me in such a manner!” Nala was furious. She recalled how Scar had slid his tail over her back that day he made her the lead huntress, realising he had chosen her for reasons other than her abilities. He doesn't care about the Pride Lands at all!

Scar rubbed his cheek and chuckled while he rose himself back up. He admitted to himself he deserved the slap Nala had given him. “Ooh, Nala... You know, even though I loathe violence, there’s just something about your inner rage that attracts me to you even more.” There lived a small, mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “One way or another, you will be mine!” Nothing seemed to steam Scar off, but Nala had stormed out of the cave already. For now, she’d successfully fled from his greedy, uncensored mind he planned to add her in.

Scar’s blood still flooded through his veins like a raging river full of energy flashes, similar to what was depicted outside. A heavy, oppressive thunderstorm overshadowed the sad-looking Pride Lands. Rain poured down from the skies, rinsing and quenching the lands beneath. Lightning came pulsing through the atmosphere, reaching the sandy grounds in fire-coloured streaks as if it had to be revived. Scar’s enthusiasm only grew bigger when a bolt of lightning caught his attention. Perfect! He stormed outside, and upon standing on top of the Pride Rock, he halted. He glanced up, allowing the rain to soak him. The rain had flattened his long, black, gleaming mane, causing it to stick to his skin. Scar seemed completely fearless of the lightning. From afar, he spotted several lionesses, including Nala. Of course, hyenas were present too. A tremor of excitement ran through the king as he detected fear in the eyes of some of his subjects. Scar grimed. He imagined the sight of him, the lightning and the terrifying sounds of thunder combined frightened his subjects. Scar’s heart raced as he experienced the touch of power he had been long yearning for.

This moment requires a speech… Scar felt the weight of the eyes upon him. He, obviously, was never at a loss for words, yet his words often proved to be more harmful than helpful. Regardless, Scar was adept at being prepared… “Listen! I just titled Nala as my queen!” His words echoed down to his audience, triggering a wave of nervous whispers and hissed gossip. “Silence! This is my reign! My law!” Scar wondered why his head was suddenly filled with the annoying sounds of hyena laughter. He rolled his eyes upon looking down sideways, crossing his view with their sources. Oh no, you will not share the stage with me this time! “No, quiet! I gave you minions no permission to—” He visaged a palm-face. “Just stop!” Where was I? “Ah, Nala… You belong to me! You ALL belong to me!” The black-maned king cast a fierce gaze towards the heavens, as if yearning to be heard by someone who watched beyond the veil of thunderclouds. “Immortality will be mine! Just mine!” At last, according to Scar, he was the one with the last, and only laughter. Long live the King!

Chapter Text

Scar felt haughty and contented as he lounged on his rock, reflecting upon the events of the day. Marvellous—

“Sleeping again, I see?” Scar’s moment was disrupted by a familiar voice; Sarafina’s voice. Following Scar's announcement that he had chosen Nala as his queen, it was foreseeable her mother would pay him a visit. “I’m guessing you have nothing better to do, apart from hitting on my child, of course…” Sarafina continued, sarcastically.

With a deliberate slowness, Scar arose from his rock. “Ah Fina, what a pleasant surprise. You are the second lioness I see today, while on a normal day, all that wanders here are hyenas.” Scar yawned. Whatever I did to lure the lionesses towards my cave, I must do more often… “Still, I prefer Nala.”

Sarafina's expression soured as she glanced at Scar. “So, the rumours are true? You've gone completely insane?”

“I recall immortal was the word I used, not insane,” Scar replied dryly, arching his eyebrow.

“Come on, you can’t do this to her! She’s still so young!” Sarafina pleaded, her tone slightly altered.

Scar sighed, his annoyance evident. “Nala isn’t a child anymore! Besides, if I recall correctly, age was never an issue for you,” he said, frowning. “I never quite grasped why you picked him over me. He was muscular, but beyond…”

“Is that what this is? An action of payback?” Sarafina responded. In Sarafina’s eyes, Scar once more showed his well-known immature nature, which was one reason why she had preferred the elder lion Scar referred to over him. 

Scar shook his head. “I figured you knew me better than that…”

“Still, she could’ve been yours!”

“She is! I mean, Nala was always destined to be mine. As my bride, not as my daughter,” Scar said, rolling his eyes. “The identity of her father has always been obvious, thus, don’t start now…” Subsequently, Scar altered his tone and flashed Sarafina a sly grin. “You know Fina, I’ve never really experienced the full joy of the female soul. Nala has a certain charm that is hard to resist. She awakens the fire within me… There’s a fire within her as well, awaiting to be released by—”

“Stop!” Sarafina called out, cutting Scar off instantly. “This is her mother you are speaking to…” Scar’s manner of speaking about Nala left a sick feeling in her stomach. “If Lio was here—”

“Ah, I had forgotten his name. Speaking of him, where is he now?” Scar reacted upon hearing Sarafina drop the name of her last mate, the lion who fathered both Nala and Mheetu. The lion in question had left the Pride Lands a long time ago. Scar recalled that it occurred somewhere before Sarafina birthed Mheetu. “What kind of father abandons his offspring?”

Sarafina growled. “Those words sound so foreign coming from your mouth!” The topic of Lio’s departure had always been a sensitive one for Sarafina, but she knew if he hadn’t left on his own, Scar eventually would’ve banned him anyway. Lio, similar to numerous male lions, had harboured a dislike for the black-maned lion, and vice versa, it was the same. “You do the same to Nuka!”

“That’s different!” Scar pulled a face. “There isn’t even any solid proof Nuka is mine…”

Sarafina, sarcasm predominating her tone, responded, “Oh, come on, who other than you could’ve possibly impregnated her? A hyena?”

“That—” Scar grimed, playing the joker. As twisted as Zira is, I wouldn't put it past her… “That wouldn't even surprise me. Look at him…” Depicting Nuka's unkempt, weak, and allergic state, Scar’s face twisted with aversion.

“Want to know what I think, Scar?” A lingering thought had been preoccupying Sarafina’s mind for quite a while. The way he stands there, pulling up his nose… Scar evoked in Sarafina the memory of a former ruling lion. “You are your father’s portrait!”

Scar roared. “Don’t compare me to Ahadi! I’m nothing like him!” Sarafina’s awareness of Scar’s feelings towards his father made her words especially impactful, striking him in the most hurtful manner.

Sarafina heaved a sigh. “Right… He at least had a heart,” she said, her words dripping with sarcasm. Her words stung like the salt on a fresh wound.

“You dare to accuse me of having no heart?” Scar asked, emitting a low growl. “Mheetu and Nuka are still alive, aren’t they?” To avoid his words from being taken as a threat, his voice remained calm. “I could’ve–”

“Taka—”

Scar heaved a rather desperate sigh. “I just desire to be adored. That’s all.”

“That’s something you should strive to achieve and earn, not demand with… arrogance,” Sarafina responded, frowning upon the black-maned king’s words.

“Let’s not go there, Sarafina…” Scar inhaled deep once more, shaking his head. “Let us refrain from mentioning my father, Nala’s father, or any past events while we talk,” Scar continued, calmy. “You’re here because I’ve chosen Nala as my queen. It is in your best interest to accept what is happening, as it is inevitable and beyond your con—”

“That choice is mine to make, not yours!” Nala, upon interrupting the black-maned king, entered the cave. As she stepped past the shadows, she halted when she stood right atop the only spot in Scar’s cave that was still illuminated by the light of the setting sun. The sun’s orange-gold light poured a small ray into the cave, enshrouding Nala’s slender frame with a warm glow.

“Nala! Ah, Nala…” Scar’s eyes widened at the sight of the young lioness standing in the evening sunlight. “Perhaps you misunderstood me. It wasn’t a request,” Scar said softly, sounding peculiar. He winked. “The pleasures of ruling a kingdom...”

Nala frowned. “I heard you two talk about my father. He left the Pride Lands. Why can’t I?”

“Nala!” Sarafina bestowed her daughter with a stern glare. Zazu, the hornbill, gasped for air as well. He, however, wisely kept his beak shut just as he had done during Scar's and Sarafina’s exchange.

“And die? You’ll never make it out there on your own!” Scar sounded convinced of his statement as he reacted.

“For the first time today,” Sarafina said, “I actually agree with something that comes out of your mouth…” The lioness exchanged a look with Scar whereafter she shifted her focus towards Nala again. “I won't let you go.”

Scar emitted a sigh. “Look, I understand you need time to adjust,” he said to Nala. I at least owe her that… “I suggest you sleep on it tonight, but I require your answer tomorrow.” He retreated a few paces. “I expect to see you here after tomorrow morning’s hunt,” Scar continued. “I hope you come willingly because I’d rather not send the hyenas to fetch you!” Scar figured they’d only scare her off, and he desired to avoid that. “For now, you ladies are both dismissed…” he added, withholding a yawn. Upon being left alone, Scar sighed and shifted his head a tad to face the hornbill. “Zazu, am I putting too much pressure on her?” he asked, his eyes filled with doubt. She can’t depart! They both know she’s destined to become my queen…

“For what my opinion is worth to you, Sire,” Zazu said, “from my perspective, I have observed worse of you in the past…”

As the night wore on, Nala found herself with her eyes still open, her mind too active to fall asleep. The longer she brooded over her options, the closer tomorrow’s early hunt loomed. What’s the matter with him? I can’t be his queen! I was destined to be Simba’s queen… Nala also realised clinging onto a future that was lost, served no purpose. It died in that gorge, along with Simba and Mufasa… Becoming Scar’s queen or leaving the Pride Lands behind forever, these were the two possible futures life had granted her instead. She figured for both futures her surviving chances were uncertain. Nala understood if she agreed to become Scar’s queen, it was a fact clear as water that giving birth to his cubs definitely would become her primary task. Should I choose to be banned or should I become Scar’s wife? I must communicate my decision to him tomorrow.  

Nala hardly knew Scar, she figured. Yet she would discover the details of living beside the scarred king, if she would accept his proposal. How did he end up with that scar on his eye? Would he open up to me? Nala harboured doubts about whether, with Scar, she could lead the life she had romanticised in her dreams. “I can’t make head nor tail of him!” Nala remembered her mother frequently expressing her annoyance regarding their black-maned king. If you catch him on a bad day, you’ll definitely feel tempted to use the tail for strangling him… I need to think about this thoroughly, because the outcome will have a permanent impact on my life…

“ Poor girl…”

“I’m fortunate not to stand in her skin…”

“Tell me about it! Had he chosen me, I’d rather die!”

The following morning, Nala found herself in a state of utter discomfort as she met the remorseful gazes of those around her. Nala struggled concentrating during the hunt and she regretted the little amount of sleep she had granted herself the previous night. Yet because of their awareness of her situation, no one blamed her for her lack of focus. Valuable time was wasted awaiting the leading hyenas, Shenzi and Banzai. The lionesses had debated for a while about how long they should wait for them, whereafter Nala eventually agreed to Sarabi’s proposal that they should proceed without them. 

Nala drew in a sharp breath, gasping for air as the antelope she chased escaped. The lioness glimpsed her surroundings, but due to the haze of sandstorms that enveloped the area, she failed to spot the other lionesses. Where’s everyone all of the sudden? Annoying laughter filled her head, coming from every direction—behind her, to the side, and all around. Beyond the dry sandstorms, hyenas appeared, their giggles echoing in the vast emptiness. Two silhouettes followed; lionesses. Nala’s eyes widened. Zira…

“Your mother’s traits are so evident in you!” The voice of envy, spoken by Zira, broke the silence. Zira’s loyal companion, a lioness, stood beside her, growling in unison with bared teeth. “Was it really necessary to flaunt your charms in his presence?” Zira hissed, her anger escalating at the mere thought. “Lead huntress wasn’t enough for you that you also aspire to attain the title of queen?”

“No, you’re mistaken! Scar wants me as his queen. That’s beyond my control!” Nala responded, her voice sounding frightened. Slowly and carefully, she retreated a few steps. “I don’t even want it!”

Zira growled. “Oh, but there’s certainly something you can do about it…” she said, threatening. “Stop existing!”

The group continued to enclose Nala. The hyenas' sharp teeth were on full display, and their slobber revealed their intense desire to sink them into the young lioness. Zira, her killer eyes drawn to Nala and her growls becoming louder, gestured to the hyenas and her companion a sign to attack. They instantly flew at her, their claws ready to strike. Nala fought back against the hyenas, and her powerful kick sent the other lioness flying. Despite that, a hyena managed to bite her leg. Nala emitted a moan and tumbled.

“Stop!” Zira commanded her companions. Subsequent to that, she stepped forward and came to a halt upon facing a shuddering Nala. “You will decline Scar’s ridiculous request…” Zira said, her tone calm yet threatening. “Because otherwise…” The lioness gave a sly grin, her claws glinting menacingly in the sunlight. With a curt gesture, Zira turned away from Nala and motioned for her companions to follow. Nala made no movements, yet not until the sounds of her opponents' footsteps and their laughter had ebbed away…

As Nala slowly rose, she held her breath upon hearing footsteps yet again. Yet she breathed relieved as she discovered her mother and Sarabi coming closer. “Nala, my baby! Are you all right?” Her mother stood by her within seconds and Sarabi asked what had occurred. “Zira…” Nala panted. “She hates me…”

“This has to end now!” Sarabi stated, glimpsing Nala’s leg. “You’re injured.”

“I’ll be fine,” Nala said as she sought comfort whilst leaning on her mother. “Walk with me to Scar, mother. I need to talk to him urgently, and moreover, he insists on seeing me.”

“We’ll certainly pay him a visit. It is imperative he maintains control over both the hyenas and Zira!” Sarafina exchanged a look with Sarabi. “I’ll tell him I’ll give birth to his cubs,” she added, pressing her daughter close. “I’ll sacrifice myself.”

Chapter Text

Scar emitted a yawn upon detecting the two leading hyenas and Ed standing in front of him. “Really, now?” he mumbled as he slowly rose from his rock, his lack of interest evident. "Somebody better be dead or dying…"

"You summoned us," Shenzi took the word, realising they had just awoken the lazy lion.

Scar stretched out, yawning once more. “I did?”

“Ya did last night,” Shenzi continued, her mischievous eyes shifting to Banzai. “He did, didn't he?”

Having received the hint, Banzai nodded his head. “Definitely! Ed?”

Shenzi, giving Banzai a stern glare and elbowing Ed, said, “save your breath. You were clearly preoccupied with the ladies...” Quickly, she turned to Scar. “What ya need?”

“That must've slipped my mind then…” Scar mumbled. “Still, it couldn’t have been urgent enough for you to skip today’s early hunt for,” he added, frowning.

“Ah, don’t worry ‘bout that, Scar. We left a worthy replacement in charge!” Banzai called out with great enthusiasm, disregarding yet another disapproving glance from Shenzi.

“What ya need, Scar?” Shenzi repeated before Scar could delve further.

“Wait! Before ya answer that, allow me to guess,” Banzai started, his enthusiasm still evident. “Ya want us to prepare the ceremony for Nala’s exile!”

Scar frowned. “No, why would I desire that?”

“Well, we heard about yo—” Deliberately, Shenzi coughed. She decided to restrain from expressing certain words that, for the sake of her own benefit, were better off unsaid. “—proposal, which I assume she wasn’t prepared for... I assume she refused, so your next logic step must be—”

“She was indeed blown away by my proposal,” Scar grimed. His morning temper dissipated as quickly as dew on the grass. “Did I hear you utter prepared?” he added, mumbling, before he threw in a tone of annoyance. “If you had postponed and let me sleep in, later in the day, I would've had incredible news to—”

“She accepted?” Interrupting the lion with intense vigour, Banzai spoke up. “So, ya want us to track down the silly baboon and have him announce the new royal couple to the folks?” The idea made him sneer. Also, Ed giggled.

“Have you got dung in your ears?!” Scar responded loudly, his voice tinged with anger. One day, that sharp-tongued lunatic will be the death of me... Scar sighed deep. “Have you not received word of the announcement I made yesterday? I am capable enough to do it myself without the assistance of a foolish baboon!” Scar had always harboured despise for the traditions his ancestors had prescribed to the Pride Lands. Since it was his reign, he persisted things went his way. “Nala will not decline me…”

“You’re quite confident, aren’t ya?” Banzai exchanged a look with Shenzi, who frowned.

Scar grimed. “Precisely!” Displaying an enormous attitude, he jumped off his rock. Following that, he cleared his throat. “I know that your powers of retention are as wet as a warthog’s backside.” Scar crept up on Ed, who he saw gnawing his own leg. “But thick as you are, pay attention.” He slapped the hyena and continued his steps. “My words are a matter of pride.”

“Oh, are we singin’ Be Prepared again? Great!” Banzai’s hopefulness was apparent as Scar loomed in front of him, his evil grin stretching across his face. “Who do ya want us to ki—” With haste, Shenzi had punched the male hyena in his face. Then, upon him giving her a where did you do that for look, Banzai noticed she carefully signed her head in Zazu’s direction. “Uh, let’s sing! Let’s sing!”

“It’s clear from her vacant expressions.” With pride, Scar went on with his song. “The lights are all on, aiming for me.” He sneered, amusingly.

“It sounds different...” Shenzi commented.

“Yes, as king I’ve fought phantoms to rinse my mind.” Scar blocked Shenzi’s path. “In the end, the winner is me.” With a confident smile, he rose and pounded his chest with pride, praising himself. “So prepare for a chance of a lifetime. Be prepared for my sensational news.” A bit gushy, he brushed his long mane out of the way. “A shining new era. I’m tiptoeing near her!”

Shenzi rolled her eyes as Scar actually tiptoed around the place. “Again, I wonder. Where do we feature?”

“Sorry, I left that part out…” Scar said, padding her back briefly.

“I know it sounds selfish, but you must understand my perspective. Have you not seen any of my clues?” Scar frowned when he noticed Ed lounging on his royal rock. He leaped on and kicked the hyena off. “All lions, deliciously paired… Be prepared!”

“Right… I don’t think I like this version of Be Prepared, you?” Banzai frowned.

“I agree, it kinda lost its glamour...” Shenzi shook her head.

“I’ll finally be the king who’ll be all-time adored!” Scar scanned the area, his gaze halting upon locating Shenzi. “Of course, I’ll need you to obey your new queen…” 

“Psst, do ya think he noticed his background choir is missing?” Banzai whispered to Shenzi.

“I won’t be sticking around to hear this nonsense for much longer either!” Shenzi responded, irritated. As she looked to the side, she caught a glimpse of Scar parading around. “He acts ridiculous…”

“Because I will get that beauty on board…” Scar's visage shone with mischief. “In ictu oculi*, she’ll be expecting…”

“Got it now, Casanova…” Shenzi’s face twisted in disgust.

“The future is littered with… litters,” Scar continued, clearly improvising his lines. “And though soon I’ll have a few new main addressees, the point that I must emphasise is…” With a burst of energy, Scar took a running leap and landed in the middle of the three hyenas, startling them. “If you betray me, my claws will catch you!” He spit in Ed’s face, who was the last one to flee from beneath him. “So prepare for the couple of the century. Be prepared for the cutest cub…” He leaped around, hurling from space to space.

“I’ve heard enough! Come, let’s get outta here!” Shenzi finally said, beckoning the males. Beyond the black-maned lion’s notice, the three hyenas ran out with haste, fleeing from Scar’s wildly gone mad disco.

Outside, the three hyenas gasped for air, their heart rhythms raging. “It’s official, I’m allergic to lions in love!” Banzai’s fur stood on end as he heavily scratched himself all over his body.

“Yak!” Shenzi pulled a face. “That much testosterone, it smells!”

“Oh, sorry…”

“Not you! Him!” Shenzi gestured with her paw towards the cave. They still heard Scar’s performance continuing loud and clear. “And in love is an understatement. He’s obsessed with her! The manner in which he’s singing about her... I’m almost feeling sorry for the brat!” Shenzi shook her head. “He’s beyond redemption…” she stated.

Banzai couldn’t help but giggle when Ed made a silly face, with his eyes crossed and his tongue hanging out. “Exactly, Ed!” Both male hyenas erupted in boisterous laughter.

“I think it’s time to get our orders,” Shenzi said in between the two laughing males, arching an eyebrow.

Banzai coughed, regaining his grip on reality. “What? Ya really want to go back inside there?”

“No, you idiot! Zira’s orders,” Shenzi grinned and gave her mate a playful wink.

Banzai escaped a sigh. “Aha, can’t we first find us somethin’ to snack? I’m gettin’ tired of cleaning up the lions’ mess!” he complained.

“All right then…” Shenzi gave in, “…but in the presence of Scar, could ya try to watch ya mouth? In case ya slip somethin’ we don’t want him to hear,” she added as they continued their path, away from Scar’s cave.

“Meticulous planning. Tenacity spanning. Decades of denial. Is simply why she—” Scar raised his voice. “Will be mine!” His enthusiasm evident on his face, Scar remained under the spell of his own performance. “Respected, saluted. And she’ll see the wonder I am!” His self-praise continued as he held his paw near his chest, idolising himself.

“I wonder why you still need me. You’re quite the entertainer yourself… You should move to another mainland where the residents are alive enough to discover your talents...” Zazu commented as he watched Scar’s performance. Scar’s loud presence was so apparent that the bird couldn’t disregard the king’s mad show, even if he attempted to do so. Zazu sighed. "Fortunately it means my voice can finally take a break," he mumbled to himself.

“Be Prepared!” Scar gave it one last gill. As he stood on his rock, the black-maned king leaned forwards. Then he prepared to jump, stumbled and lost his balance. He tripped, and while rolling, he fell off the rock.

At that, Zazu softly commented, “You might want to save that for the bloopers…” while he tried to maintain his laughter.

Scar sighed, yet conjured a tiny smirk on his face and suppressed his embarrassment as he said, “I suppose I need a bigger cave…” 

*In the blink of an eye

Chapter Text

“Scar!” A rather upset voice resonated throughout Scar’s den, capturing the attention of its resident. Sarafina, without awaiting a response, ran into the cave. “Scar, we have to talk!”

“Nala?” Recognising Sarafina instead, the male lion’s countenance shifted to one of disappointment. Scar had mistakenly identified the echoed voice as Nala's, whose vocalisation bore a resemblance to her mother's. “Not the lioness I had asked for. I presume this means Nala has made her choice?” Scar frowned.

“You mean after the incident that occurred this morning?” Sarafina replied, wearing a worried expression as she looked at Scar.

“What incident?” Scar asked, glancing his eyes back and forth with confusion. Had he actually slept for such an extended period that he was completely unaware of the current state of situations in his kingdom? No one tells me anything! Scar sighed deep. The hyenas were aware it was their task to keep him informed of all news available to share. Yet another thing, according to him, they had failed to do. “The hyenas visited me this morning. May I know what information they withheld from me?”

“See for yourself. Nala?” Sarafina glimpsed backwards, signing her daughter, who, beyond Scar’s eyesight, stood waiting. “She was attacked!”

Scar’s eyes widened as he witnessed Nala and her current state of being. The lioness entered the cave with a slight limp, emitting small moans of pain. The king ran towards her instantly. “Are you all right?” he asked, his voice sounding slightly jolted.

“It looks worse than it is. Nothing more than a few scratches,” Nala tried to stay strong.

“Nala, they threatened you. Tell him!” Sarafina urged her daughter.

“Who did this?” Scar asked as he tenderly ran his paw through her fur, brushing off the sand and revealing the affected skin. He could've spared himself the question because even before Nala spoke the name, Scar knew it. Zira…

“Besides the other lioness, there were four hyenas, but they weren’t Shenzi, Ban—”

“I know. They were here.” Scar, feeling a slight twinge of embarrassment, recalled his Be Prepared 2.0 he had bestowed upon the three hyenas earlier in the day. I’ll better spare her this one… Recalling his theatrical performances, he shook his head, realising his singing had failed to impress Nala the previous day as well.

With caution, Scar touched Nala's injury. Nala’s earlier statement wasn’t far off; because of its freshness the wound appeared worse than it was. Although Nala was convinced her injury would heal into a mere graze by tomorrow, Scar wasn’t planning to jeopardise the health of the lioness he had chosen to be the mother of his future cubs. “I demand you to take enough time to recover! Either your mother or Sarabi should temporarily adopt your role as the lead huntress.”

Nala, witnessing Scar’s struggles, felt slightly surprised by his reaction. Did he care? “If I accept to become your queen—”

“Nala! Remember what we discussed—” Sarafina interfered.

Nala, however, overshadowed her mother’s interference and resumed her speaking. “Will you secure my safety, as well as my mother’s and my little brother’s?”

“Of course I will!” The surprise now fell upon Scar's face. “You are safe with me. However, in return, I expect you to be loyal to me,” he added. “Nala, I care for you.”

“That wasn’t the impression you gave me yesterday,” Nala said, looking down. In her mind, she relived her encounter with Scar the other day she had on the same ground she now stood on. “One way or another, you will be mine!”

“Ah, that… Nala, I owe you an apology. My behaviour was beyond reason,” Scar started. He sighed and shook his head. “You caught me on a bad day, which was unfortunate. My mood was spoiled by a few… objects. Three shades of grey, something blue...” Scar flashed Zazu a sharp glare before he regained his focus on Nala. “It won’t happen again.”

"Oh, Sire, we spoil your mood every day!" Zazu, overhearing the entire conversation the lions were having, gave a comment. Yet the king was too distracted to give a reaction…

“I accept…” Nala suddenly said, her voice almost being a whisper.

“Nala!” Sarafina reacted by loudly shouting her daughter’s name while Zazu’s beak dramatically fell open.

“What was that? Nala, did you just say you accept becoming my queen?” Scar rarely waited for a second confirmation, especially when it involved something he greatly yearned for, as was the case here.

"I do. You heard me," Nala said.

“That’s—” Scar tried to withhold his enthusiasm. If the circumstances were different, he probably had swung her in the air for a welcoming dance. “You won’t regret this, Nala!” Upon Sarafina instantly throwing the rabid lion a warning look, he created a respectable distance between him and Nala. “Nala, I want you to feel comfortable. It’s essential for me to know who the involved hyenas were,” Scar said, before turning to Sarafina. “Take Nala with you and make sure she rests plenty. At sunset, gather all lionesses and inform Shenzi of the king’s command for her to do the same for the hyenas.”

Sarafina nodded and turned. “I’ll deliver the message,” she said, gesturing to Nala to follow her lead.

Scar watched the lionesses leave his den. The emotions he felt were extremely diverse, and at this moment, he was uncertain which one was more dominant, his rage or his happiness.

“Why did you do that, Nala?” Sarafina broke the awkward silence that fell upon her and her daughter after they had left Scar’s den. “Scar seemed reasonable enough for us to have tried—” I’ll tell him I’ll give birth to his cubs… I’ll sacrifice myself. “It would’ve been the perfect opportunity for—”

“Mom, I’m rescuing our family’s future!” Nala cut in. “Besides, he would’ve banned me had I declined! And even if he’d allowed me to stay, I firmly believe I’m much safer this way, because Scar would do anything to secure my safety.” A smile lit up Nala’s face as soon as she spotted her little brother Mheetu among the group of lionesses who were waiting for their return. “Just trust me on this one, mom, I know what I’m doing.”

“Nala! I’m glad you’re okay, though deep down I knew my sister had always been bad-ass!” Mheetu’s enthusiastic voice sounded as he made his way up, approaching his sister.

Nala giggled. “Always!”

“Mheetu, I thought you and Nuka were playing together?” Sarafina glanced at Sarabi.

Sarabi gave Mheetu a frown. “Aren’t you going to tell your mom about your conflict with Nuka earlier today?” she softly asked the boy.

Mheetu’s face tightened, and then he looked down. “I got mad at him because his mama attacked Nala…” he mumbled.

“Sweetie, that’s not his fault. Nuka isn’t like his mother,” Nala explained to her brother. “Promise me you’ll make it up to him,” she said, and when Mheetu nodded, she addressed the rest of the group. “I’m fine, perfectly fine!”

“No, she’s not fine because she has chosen to imprison herself in Scar’s bleak and constricting world!” Sarafina protested. Once the ceremony is over, he’ll probably prohibit her from leaving his cave ever again!

“Mom, please!” Nala reacted, struggling to disregard the shocking glances several lionesses instantly directed towards her.

“Nala, I hope you’re realising what you’re getting yourself into,” Sarabi said calmly, supporting Sarafina. Nala’s impulsive actions had disappointed the former queen, as her strict look revealed. “Taking on the role of the queen is a heavy responsibility that shouldn't be underestimated. It demands a lot from you, and alongside Scar, please mark my words as a double fact!”

“My sister, a queen? Neat!” Mheetu responded, once more with extreme enthusiasm. His voice overshadowed Sarabi’s. “Does that mean I’m part of the royal family now?” He showed Nala a broad smile.

“Mheetu, you silly boy,” Sarafina chuckled. With his comment, Mheetu had lightened up the place since most lionesses couldn’t withhold a tiny laugh. “You little—”

“You’ll have the power to kick Zira’s ass yourself!” Mheetu continued. He, obviously, was too young to fully understand the seriousness of the situation. With a playful leap, he pretended to kick an imaginary enemy in the air.

Nala laughed. “Well, I don’t know about that, but I’ll make sure they all face the consequences of their actions!” Her voice sounded confident as she was certain Scar’s promise to her involved having Zira, her companion and the involved hyenas pay for attacking her. He has to. He owes me.

Chapter Text

Somewhere in the same canyon where Mufasa's death had occurred, the young Nuka practised shouting his best roars. He sensed improvement, which satisfied him. Of course, there was also a simmering rage behind today's roars, as he still harboured upset feelings towards Mheetu. His roar echoed in the gorge, developing a bright smile atop his face. "Yeah!" Nuka jumped from excitement, listening to his own voice echoing.

"Practising your roar, kid?" A deep voice which, from Nuka's point of view, came from out of nowhere, had distracted the young male. Scar approached his son, frowning and showing off his grin, adding, "Would you like to hear a proper one?"

"Dad?" His father, who rather denied Nuka's existence, would've been the last resident he expected to cross paths with. Nuka had been too absorbed in his own game to notice the lion observing him from behind a rock. "What—what are you doing here?"

"It's Scar or King Scar for you!" As he corrected his unwanted son, Scar rolled his eyes and bestowed the young lion with a rather irritating sounding growl.

Nuka froze. "I'm—sorry... Scar," he said, his voice stuttering. Nuka nervously scratched his leg, his stance displaying the utmost discomfort with his father's visit. "Look," he said, casting a quick glance around, "mama doesn't approve of me hanging out with you."

Scar squinted his eyes. "Then perhaps you should tell her to keep a better eye on you," he responded dryly. "I... also wouldn't recommend this area as a place to hang out... I speak from personal experience, because—"

"I'll find another spot, da—Scar, I'm sorry—"

"The echoes of my brother's fatal fall still haunt these very grounds you're standing on..." Scar continued, ignoring Nuka's mumblings. "It was tragic... I literally sat in the front row..." Subsequently, Scar adopted a sneaky approach and began to close in on the young male sideways.

"Very tragic, indeed. I'm sorry you had to witness tha—" Nuka said, his voice sounding utterly uneasy as he observed his father's peculiar manners of approaching him.

"I presume your mother doesn't want that to happen to you, hm?" Scar said with a frown, adapting a theatrical sad expression. "Sadly, accidents happen... One can't always prevent them..." Emitting a low growl, the black-maned lion sharpened his claws. A wide grin adorned Scar's face while Nuka took a small step backwards and small chunks of earth escaped the dry substance, appearing to disappear into an eternal void. In response to that, Nuka swiftly leapt away from the abyss. Why doesn't he run?  Next, Scar issued a forceful warning to his son through a bellowing roar. At last, Nuka, his eyes wide, took the hint and spun around. With a sinister smile, Scar's satisfaction grew as he watched Nuka taking off. "That's what a true lion's roar calls! Run to mommy, and tell her if that witch dares to come near my queen again, I'll rip you apart!" he called after him vilely. With Nuka out of sight, Scar turned and frowned as he surveyed his surroundings. Taking slow, measured steps, Scar inched closer to the edge of the abyss and peered down. A thick layer of fog obstructed his view, prompting nostalgic thoughts of how much higher he stood years prior. The present is still too wounded to relive history's disaster...

Shenzi, Banzai and Ed, upon having received Scar’s message through Sarafina, visited Zira. The unpopular lioness had, after Scar evicted her from his cave, staked her claim on one of the most remote areas within the Pride Lands terrain. “Zira, Sarafina just told us Scar wants us all gathered. Have ya got any idea what’s that all about?” Shenzi greeted the lioness.

"I already told ya, she has to let her little Nala go. What other reason would she possibly have to be sad?" Banzai guessed.

"Good!" Zira's lips curled into a large, cunning smile, evidently pleased to see the three hyenas, her friends. "That means Nala heeded my warning, and that we can cross off one lioness! A small win, yet one worth celebrating!" Zira stated, her slender body rising as if her energy reservoir had been replenished to the fullest extent. Her pride skyrocketed. "I dream a dream so pret—"

"Please, cut the singing, will ya?!" Shenzi rolled her eyes, her lack of enthusiasm evident. "What's with ya lions and ya urge to sing ya announcements? I have yet to fully recover from that absurd show Scar forced on us this morning..." she shared, once more attempting to ban Scar's insane theatrical performance from her mind. "Besides, ya did more than warn Nala! As far as I can recall, attacking her wasn't part of the plan..."

"The plan? You taking care of Nala, killing her, that was the plan!" Zira responded, a deep growl eluding her throat. "You haven't even tried, have you?"

"That was before we knew he wanted her as his queen," Shenzi said, gesturing to Banzai for support.

"Yeah, he'll demand our heads if we touch her now!" Banzai added, loudly complying with Shenzi's plea.

In turn, Zira rolled her eyes. "With what army? Do you honestly think your own clan will kill you? If I were him, I'd watch my own head instead..." Zira sighed, her tone dripping with contempt. "And I surely don't fear those few petty lionesses. They pose no threat."

"Still, ya should've let nature take its course. If ya had waited until the brat blew Scar off, the problem would've fixed itself..." Shenzi stated. She wondered whether Zira succeeded in manipulating Nala, or if her deed had actually pushed the young lioness straight into Scar's greedy claws. "This might've jeopardised the safety of our pack members..." the hyena added, expressing her worries regarding the consequences of Zira's impulsive actions.

At that, Zira dramatically moved her paw towards her face, her claws glinting in the sunlight. "Oh please, stop whining..."

"Our strategy is to let the problem solve itself," Banzai interfered, exchanging a glance of mischief with Ed. "You'd be surprised how often that actually works..."

"Well, I prefer not to take my chances," Zira responded, casting a judging gaze at the two male hyenas. "All right, for now—" Zira, distracted by sounds of panic, halted mid-sentence and turned to see its source. "Nuka?"

"Mama! I don't want to die!" Nuka yelled. The young lion, appearing visibly upset, sprinted towards his mother for comfort.

"Die? You silly thing..." Zira responded, attempting to reassure her son. The smile she wore faded from her face as she noticed her son wasn't calming down. His shivering only became more intense. "What's wrong?"

"It's... Dad! He wants to—kill me!" Nuka stuttered. "If you—hurt his queen again, he said... He's cruel, mama..." Nuka sobbed softly, burying his face into Zira's fur.

Without hesitation, Zira swiftly clasped her paw around her youngling. "Shh, Nuka, you're safe. There's no chance I'm allowing that creep to come anywhere near you again!" she said, her tone both comforting and vengeful. Zira's eyes blazed with fury as she pictured the image of Scar threatening her son. "How dare he!" she roared, flashing the hyenas a look of a thousand deaths.

"Would he be capable of—" Banzai exchanged a look with Shenzi.

"By himself?" Zira rolled her eyes. "No, of course not! Why do you think Scar chose to send you after the cub all those years ago, rather than handling it personally? He's a coward, and he never had the guts to kill a child!" Zira lowered her voice, her mind plotting. "Let him have Nala. When the time comes and she has given birth to his heir, I'll show him how easy the job is!"

Scar headed towards the lionesses, his eyes narrowing as his attention was captivated by one of the smallest members of the Pride Lands. In the distance, he spotted Mheetu hopping towards the remote areas. Scar frowned. Where's that lad going? "Mheetu!"

Alarmed by Scar's call, Mheetu abruptly spun around. A broad smile spread across his face upon seeing the king standing in the distance. He sprinted towards him, his excitement evident. "Hey king Scar!"

Scar frowned once again. "What brings you here all alone?" he asked, his eyes strictly scanning the young lion.

"I've had an argument with Nuka earlier. Nala said I should tell him I'm sorry, and you know, I actually don't want to lose my best friend!" Mheetu answered.

"Look, I don't mind that you've befriended... Nuka," Scar said, searching his memory for his son's name. "But, since Zira attacked your sister, I cannot allow you to spend time with her son without either your mother's supervision or another lioness from the group. Zira is dangerous, so this is for your own safety, understood?" he continued, shaking his head lightly. Scar feared Mheetu's curiosity would one day jeopardise his own well-being.

Mheetu nodded. "We rarely see her. I bet she's hiding because of what she did to my sister!"

“Nuka’s mother likes to isolate herself from the group of lionesses. She’s a lost cause…” Obviously, Scar knew the hyenas spend more time with Zira than they do with him nowadays, but it caused him no worried feelings yet. “Come with me. I’m on my way to the group and I’m expecting Nuka and his mother to show up there, anyway.”

"Yeah, so Nala can kick her ass!" Mheetu said, flashing Scar a playful grin.

The young lion's choice of words caused the adult lion to sneer inwardly. Scar pictured the event, with his facial expression revealing that he didn't dislike the idea. Quickly, he pulled himself together. "Who taught you the foul language? You most certainly don't have that from your mother... It's Nuka, right?"

"No, actually, sometimes Nuka and I spy on the hyenas. They're funny, especially the boys!" Mheetu giggled, imitating a hyena laugh.

"Please, don't imitate a dull creature such as a hyena..." Scar shook his head, sighing deep. "You also shouldn't deliberately chase their group. Hyenas are stupid, yet they're dangerous..." he shot the young lion another warning.

"Then why are they here, working for you?"

Scar frowned, his cheeks slightly showing a blush. Good question, why is that? What was I thinking? "So they don't forget who their boss is," Scar eventually answered, winking awkwardly.

"You rock, king Scar! I wish to be just like you when I grow up!" Mheetu called out, his enthusiasm huge. Standing in the black-maned lion's shadow, he raised his gaze to where a proud smile awaited him.

"I assume you've heard the news?" Scar asked, winking, as they continued their paths.

"About Nala becoming the queen? You bet I did! It's pretty cool, but—" Mheetu froze. "Does that mean my sister becomes Nuka's stepmother?" he asked.

Scar arched his eyebrow. "I wouldn't phrase it that way... Nuka and I..." he said, his voice trailing off. "We're—" Lost for words, Scar sighed.

"I know you and Nuka don't like each other," Mheetu said. "You two aren't the only ones. I've never met my dad, but Nala doesn't enjoy talking about him. Are we all cursed?" he said, confused and as if he searched for a pattern.

"You're such a clever boy, Mheetu. You've figured it out!" Scar improvised. He sneered, content as he observed Mheetu mentally trying to piece the fragments together.

"What?"

"The curse, of course! Fathers and their cubs. You just said it yourself. We're cursed!" Scar continued to improvise. "You, Nala, Nuka... see? Shall I tell you what I think, hm?" Scar said, pausing and lowering his head closer to Mheetu's. He could tell he had the boy's attention by the way he kept his ears perked up. "I believe my father and I were the ones to bring this curse to life, and yet..." Finally, my childhood feels more distant than a past life... "I'm the one who'll break it!" Scar sounded confident as he moved a paw towards his chest, praising himself.

"What about your brother and your nephew, then?" Mheetu interrogatively went on. It was evident he wasn't afraid to address this sensitive subject to the king. "I've heard the stories about them. They must've had a pretty solid bond..."

Scar widened his eyes. He wasn't prepared for Mheetu bringing up Mufasa and Simba. "You're right... Obviously, they were the exception," Scar threw in a tone of sarcasm. "Especially my brother... Perhaps that's why fate interfered..." he added, sounding utmost mystifying.

Mheetu stared down. "That's sad. I hope you are stronger than fate," he softly reacted.

"I am," Scar said, confident. I am fate...

Chapter Text

As Scar had requested, the lionesses and hyenas gathered. Scar’s arrival announced itself, with all eyes, varying in size and intensity, fixated on him. The king delicately moved himself into the midst of the lionesses, whereas most cleared his path, leading him straight to Nala. Sarafina stood next to her daughter. “Keep a better eye on your son,” Scar instantly said to her, frowning as he looked sideways and spotted Mheetu walking towards Nuka. “I caught him near the remote areas, heading towards Zira’s favourite spot.” Scar turned to Nala, and while standing next to her, he gave his queen a smile. Yet as he surveyed the area, his expression altered drastically. “Today could’ve been a festive day,” he said strictly, taking a step onwards. “Because with Nala as the new queen, the Pride Lands await a glorious new future. Unfortunately, it came to my attention some of you found it necessary to attack her…” Before turning back to Nala, Scar narrowed his eyes at the group of hyenas. “Nala,” he said, his voice tender yet sincere. “Point me to those who attacked you.”

Slowly, Nala stepped closer towards the hyenas. With their controller, the king, right behind her tail, she wasn't frightened. Due to the usual lack of interaction between lionesses and hyenas, Nala couldn’t tell her attackers by name, yet she hadn’t forgotten their faces. “The second one on the left,” Nala started. “And over here. Yes, she’s definitely one of them!” Nala stood face to face with a hyena who had several scratches on her face. While Nala walked further, the hyena growled softly, yet the queen paid no attention to it. “There, those two!” Whereas one hyena immediately tried to hide herself behind the large group of her species, Nala quickly pointed her paw in her direction.

“Come forward!” Scar shot the four hyenas a despising look as soon as they stood within his view. “After everything I’ve done for your species, I will not take this betrayal lightly…” he said, his voice gradually rising. “Therefore, you four are now banned from my kingdom!” he added, turning his back on them.

“What? You can’t do this!” one of the involved hyenas protested. Instantly, numerous hyenas followed her example, resulting in the gathering to switch the deadly silence for a noisy continuation.

“No! Not my mommy!” a young male hyena pup wailed.

“Silence!” Scar roared. “You assaulted the queen! Consider yourself fortunate exile is my given verdict, because…” Scar paused briefly, his voice darkening as he said, “I assure you, next time, the consequences will be more severe… Anyone—hyena or lion—who dares to harm Nala, will face the ultimate punishment - death! Let that be a warning to all of you!” Scar narrowed his eyes, his hostile gaze fixed on Zira. “I suggest you deliver your wounded girlfriend my message as well…” 

Zira wisely chose not to protest. She knew that, for Nuka’s sake, it was better not to have Scar’s attention for too long. The lioness felt her son’s body shiver against her paws. The boy, in a terrifying state, did his best to hide himself to avoid his father from catching sight of him. Zira observed Scar turning back to Nala. Determined to make her former mate endure the utmost suffering, her eyes bore into him with a seething hatred. Scar’s past haunted him at night. It weakened him, and Zira knew Nala’s presence would soon soften him even more. When he’s at his most vulnerable and when he least expects it, I will strike… My day of vengeance is approaching… You will pay!

Scar, standing atop Pride Rock's peak and with his eyes locked on the shining silver stars above, roared loud. Nala, literally standing in the front row, watched him. Scar’s strong and haughty roar resonated across the lands, reaching the ears of his subjects. Subsequently, Scar laid his focus on Nala. With his gaze fixed on her in a state of anticipation, Nala understood it was her moment. He didn’t have to speak the words. She realised; Scar desired his queen’s roar. Nala’s mouth opened wide, and a fierce roar eluded her lips, echoing throughout the air. After her roar, the lioness felt embraced by confidence. Nala hadn’t even caught the satisfying expression on Scar’s face. Witnessing that, Scar chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling. The king, still exuding an aura of pride, cast his gaze upon the group that represented his kingdom. “That, my subjects, is the sound of our new era!”

Historically, the arrival of a new era was celebrated with great enthusiasm and ushered in with lots of cheers, whereas the Pride Lands today seemed enveloped in a sombre atmosphere. Not even the hyenas showed any signs of joy for their king. “I’ve seen enough.” Scar turned his back on the hyenas. “Nala, the honour for the exile is yours. I have faith in your ability to handle it smoothly,” he said. With delicate slowness, Scar retreated from the crowds. Then, as if something suddenly had crossed his mind, he halted. “Once you’ve expressed your pack members your goodbyes, Shenzi, Bullseye—”

“Ma name is Banzai!” Banzai called out in a state of offence, correcting the lion.

“Whatever… I demand to speak to you both in my den!” Having made that statement and without casting the involved hyenas a last look, Scar departed the scene.

“See, he ain’t caring a thing about us anymore! He can’t even speak ya name!” Shenzi shared her thoughts, shaking her head. “He called ya Bullseye…” the female hyena continued, trying her best not to burst into laughter. “I wonder what he needs us for,” she quickly added.

“It ain’t gonna be worse than this mornin’s freak-show!” Banzai responded, casting a grumpy glance sideways. Next to him, Ed had been giggling ever since Scar had misspoken Banzai’s name. “It’s not funny, Ed!”

In a small amount of time, Nala’s life had changed tremendously. Throughout several years, Nala and most other lionesses had shared the same feelings; forced to abide by Scar’s imposed law. She was clearly one of his minors, since Scar tends to treat his kingdom’s residents as such. Despite already having control over the hunt, today Nala felt different for the first time in a long time. Scar allowed her to stand next to him, proudly announcing her as his queen, entrusting her with a leading role. Although Nala’s injury wasn’t fully healed yet and while standing amidst hyenas, she sensed a surge of strength. But given the fact they all heard Scar giving her the control over the exile, Nala couldn’t entirely shake off her lingering nervousness. “So, who’s stepping up to assist me with the outcast?” Nala asked, her eyes scanning the other lionesses.

Among others, Sarabi promptly stepped forward. “I’d be honoured!”

Shenzi and Banzai, entering Scar’s den, obeyed their king’s demands. Scar’s gaze was fixed on the rocky walls of the cave when they spotted him. Nervously, Shenzi swallowed, dreading the fate that loomed over them. “I swear, we had nothin’ to do with—”

“Control your species!” Scar called out, cutting off Shenzi. He turned, his mane swirling in the air—as if it had a life of its own. “As easily as I’ve allowed lion and hyena to come together…” he said with a sigh, “I possess the capability to undo it.”

“Scar, we’re doin’ the best we can,” Shenzi responded, exchanging a gaze with Banzai. “Ya ain’t makin’ it easy for us. Most of us aren’t thrilled about the lioness ya chose to be yo queen…”

“Exactly! She’s nothin’ like Zira!” Banzai added, blindly regarding his choice of words.

“Fortunate for me...” Scar rolled his eyes. “Look, I wasn’t born yesterday. I’m aware of Zira’s popularity among you hyenas,” he commented, his lack of excitement evident. “Hopefully, you two have spent enough time with my brilliant mind to know how to use her for your own benefit, because I prefer Zira not to become more of an issue than she already is…” Scar eluded a sigh once more.

“What makes the little bra—princess so special, anyway?” Shenzi asked, her stomach almost turning from disgust as she did.

What’s not to like? Suddenly, Scar glowed more than the fullest moon would. “The answer to that question, my dear, needs to be delivered through a song! The fairest of them all—”

“NO!” Banzai and Shenzi both yelled in choir, a desperate attempt to prevent Scar from repeating yesterday’s nightmare. Luckily for them, this time, their objection succeeded. 

Shenzi stared at the lion questionable. “I’ve got this thing eatin’ me…” she started. Seeing Banzai pretending to be burdened with a heavy itch, she frowned, saying, “And no, it ain’t worms or rabies...” Clearing her throat, Shenzi regained her focus on Scar. “Do ya even still care ‘bout us? I’ve asked ya, and literally, ya response was ya left us out!”

“Oh, you're referring to what I said during the song? Nothing to take personally…” Slightly uneasy, Scar smiled. “As I recall correctly, you disliked my new version of Be Prepared anyway.” When did this talk turn?

“I know ya always had quite an ego,” Shenzi continued. “But lately, yo behaviour is unbearable, treatin’ us like trash...” Her tone sounded rather distraught.

“Ya even forgot ma name...” Banzai, staring down and sounding awkward, added to the conversation, supporting his mate. Despite everything, Banzai, among all the hyenas, had likely been the one who still held onto the most faith in Scar. Therefore, Banzai was left deeply hurt and betrayed after Scar’s incident involving the hyena’s name.

“What’s with the drama all of the sudden?” Scar asked, sighing. “I apologised…”

“Ya did not!”

Feeling slightly wrought up, Scar pressed his claws into the cave’s dry soil. Seriously though, what’s with all the drama? “Look pal, I’m sorry.” Scar’s words were laced with bewilderment as he addressed the male hyena, “I don’t know what came over me.” He then squared his shoulders and directed his gaze towards Shenzi. “I gave you all the possible freedom, too much according to the lionesses... Despite that, you’re still questioning me?” he continued. The sly lion had always found the hyenas being quite useful for his future and, as so he figured, their role wasn’t played out yet. “All right, I’m aware we’ve had our differences… Still, as long as you stay loyal to me, I promise there will be no regrets.”

“You’ve made us a lot of promises in the past and now you’re um… kinda sleepin’ with the enemy.” Shenzi frowned, as she still questioned Scar’s motives.

“Nala isn’t the enemy! Zira is! If you cannot gain control over her, you’re forcing me to take further actions!” Scar responded.

“Do I have to remind ya—”

“No, Shenzi. You don’t.” Scar felt the weight of a curse, as the secret he shared with the hyenas and Zira continued to haunt and restrict him.

“Good,” Shenzi responded. “Though I have to wonder… How’s ya new queen gonna take it when she finds out ya are letting Zira off tha hook?”

“I’ll figure something out,” Scar sighed as he turned his back on the hyenas. “That’ll be all.” He then ended their conversation and softened his voice. “Night, my friends.”

“Night, uh, boss,” Banzai reacted before Shenzi beckoned him to follow her.

“I hope they’re buying your nonsense,” Zazu commented after the hyenas were gone, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. “…because otherwise it could turn quite ugly around here…”

Scar, once again reminded by Zazu’s constant presence, shot the bird a disapproving glare. “Mind your own business, chatterbox. I’m fully aware of what I’m doing!”

“Mind another piece of advice, Sire?” Zazu continued, fully aware of what would be Scar’s response. “Just dispose of the wicked lioness. Sounds like that’ll solve all your problems...” he spoke rather wisely.

“Just dispose of the wicked—” In his mind, and with rolling eyes towards Zazu, Scar repeated the bird’s words. “Easy for you to say, dodo…” he said, taking a deep breath. If only reality was that rosy...

Nala, yawning, had been waiting until her energetic little brother finally slept. Lying close next to him, she felt a sense of contentment wash over her. When she shut her eyes, Nala heard Scar’s deep voice coming from behind her. His tone was rather soft, yet it still slightly startled her.

“You did great today, dear.” Gently, Scar pressed his head beneath Nala’s body, encouraging her to rise.

Scar’s act had alerted Sarafina, and as a warning shot, she flashed the king a soft growl. “It’s the middle of the night. You shouldn’t be here…” she said to him.

“Nala, your place is with me,” Scar shared, ignoring Nala’s mother.

Nala, once more yawning, sighed and slowly arose. “Why isn’t my family allowed to join?” she asked, giving her mother a nod.

“There’s not enough room—”

“There’s plenty of room!” Sarafina cut the black-maned lion off, glancing at him with a glare full of annoyance. “Back in the days, we all spent the night there!”

“Oh... I guess my brother forgot to invite me for his slumber parties then...” Scar responded, the sarcasm predominating his tone.

“Oh, stop it, you son of a—”

“Mom!” Nala widened her eyes, shaking her head. “Both of you, stop…” She glanced over at Mheetu and was relieved to see him still asleep. “I’ll see you tomorrow, mom,” she whispered before turning to Scar. “While I’m asleep, I would appreciate a bit of a respective distance between the two of us…” Then, upon glancing backwards at the lionesses and her former sleeping spot, she followed her king.

Inside the royal den, Nala was the first to speak after a wave of intense uneasiness had washed over them. “Can I ask you something, Scar?” she asked, pausing instantly to observe Scar’s reaction. When Scar had nodded, Nala took that as a sign to continue. “Zira… Why didn’t you exile her as well?”

“How’s ya new queen gonna take it when she finds out ya are letting Zira off tha hook?” Scar, his gaze meeting his new queen’s eyes as he dropped himself atop the royal rock, eluded a small sigh. “In due time, Nala. In due time…” he answered, his tone sounding utmost mystifying. In due time...

Chapter Text

The previous night, while resting atop his rock, Scar had watched Nala settle herself down. Naturally, he had opted for her presence next to him—side by side and feeling each other’s warmth—but since he still had a long way to go gaining her trust, he had permitted her to choose a place within his den herself. The lioness had picked a spot located closer to Zazu’s cage than to Scar’s rock.

At present, in contrast to last night, Nala observed Scar. The black-maned king remained asleep, which for Nala meant the perfect opportunity to overthink their brief conversation they had shared before they went to sleep. “I don’t know if I’m able to sleep with you looming so closely!” Scar, remaining calm, had responded by simply reassuring Nala of her safety. Nala yearned she could fully trust her king, but he had yet to convince her. Her night had been restless, widening her eyes countless times, she had forced herself to remain cautious to see if Scar had kept his word and that there were no hyenas or Zira hiding in the dark corners of the cave. Subtly, Nala had attempted to communicate these worries to Scar.

“If Zira or any hyena were hiding themselves here, I would’ve smelled their foul odour… I’m not the cruel lion you perceive me to be,” Scar had responded, sighing. “Nala, all my actions are for the greater good of our kingdom. We’ll address this subject after we both have rested. Night…”  

Nala’s train of thoughts were abruptly interrupted when she heard Scar hum an eerie song in his sleep. She frowned, glimpsing the lion. Scar’s singing remained still imprinted in Nala’s memory, yet not for its delightfulness. It was a jarring experience she’d rather forget. Currently, Scar’s behaviour reminded Nala of the time she thought she had heard him speak to the dead. What’s going on inside his mind?

“No—no, leave!” Scar loudly gasped in his sleep. The king, lying on his side, rapidly twitched his paws as if he ran away from something unseen. At that and at his heavy breathing, Nala frowned upon. She, however, wasn’t given further time to observe as the two leading hyenas entered the cave. Nala turned, her expression altering upon spotting Banzai carrying a fresh piece of their latest kill.

“Better wipe ya exciting expression off ya face, girl. This is for Scar,” Shenzi spoke hostilely. The hyena's rude behaviour tempted Nala to correct her, but, after Banzai had aggressively dropped the prey on the floor, a loud yell startled her and drew all the attention of those present. 

The source of the loud yell was unmistakable—it was the king himself. Violently awoken from the nightmare he apparently was having, his piercing yell reverberated all around the den’s walls. “What was that? Where am I?” Scar scanned the area nervously, yet upon spotting the two hyenas, his facial expression darkened. He narrowed his eyes at Banzai, realising the hyena had been the one who had caused the blast. “Where did you do that for? Were my apologies insufficient?” he spoke in an upsetting tone.

“Uh sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

“Nevermind…” Scar frowned, flashing the food the hyenas brought a look. “You’re lucky I’m not that hungry. This isn’t enough for two. I’m expecting a larger piece tomorrow!” he commanded, casting the two hyenas a strict gaze.

“What?! Ya are looking at the biggest portion!” Shenzi objected. “We can’t work miracles! There’s just not enough to—”

“Begone!” Scar cut the female hyena off, ignoring her complaints. “Before we eat you as well!” Following a clearing of his throat, he quickly gave the two leaving hyenas a sign of gratitude. “Um, thanks a lot, pals…” he said, recalling them expressing their issues with the recent changes the day before. “We appreciate it.”

“I notice you seem in better spirits today,” Scar said after they both finished eating their breakfast. He had allowed Nala to eat the largest part.

“Despite the circumstances, I am,” Nala responded. She sat herself down next to the remains of their breakfast. It had been weeks since Nala had felt so stuffed that she almost couldn’t remember the sensation.

“Good, because we eventually have quite some work ahead of us. Cubs don’t just fall out of the sky, and lands sadly don’t magically restore. At least, not on my watch...” Scar mumbled, whereafter a yawn followed.

Nala flashed the scarred lion a stare. She still wondered why a king would be constantly haunted by nightmares. “I don’t know if I should address this, but—” Nala, afraid to provoke an aggressive response from Scar, struggled to find her words. 

Scar arched his eyebrow seeing Nala’s awkward look. “Please, spill it out…” he responded. “Don’t hesitate. If there’s something on your mind, speak.”

“I noticed you had a nightmare,” Nala finally said.

“Ah, that... I’ve had them quite a lot lately,” Scar started. Nala would soon discover his weaker sides, he knew that. “A king alone, well, that’s a tragedy. For countless nights, I was forced to sleep all alone on this cold, sad rock!” he spoke dramatically and highly extravagantly.

Nala hesitated, almost rolling her eyes, but when she locked eyes with him, an overwhelming sense of pity washed over her. “There’s still so much I don’t know about you,” she said, hoping her curiosity wouldn’t trigger Scar to switch his current sincere persona to his musical one.

“I’ll take you to a private spot this afternoon.” Briefly, Scar threw Zazu a look. “I’ll answer your questions.”

As a reaction to Scar’s silent hint, Zazu inhaled deep. “For crying out loud, just set me free then!” the bird responded.

“Wait, why don’t you?” Nala asked. She never understood Scar’s insistence on imprisoning the hornbill inside his cave. Entertainment surely couldn’t have been the reason, as it was evident Zazu brought Scar no joy at all. The bird was seldom released, and only when Scar or the hyenas were around to supervise. Nala couldn’t remember the last time she had seen Zazu beyond the royal cave. Nala hoped, as queen, she could be an influence to the king. She was determined on her mission to provoke Scar into changing some of his absurd choices, yet she acknowledged she had to remain cautious.

“I’ve developed my personal issues with that flying tabloid over the years,” Scar responded, shaking his head. “If I would set him free, he’d cause trouble the moment I do so.” He flashed the imprisoned bird another look. “I admit it’s no five star residence, but he could’ve ended far worse. As I recall those old—” Scar coughed deliberately, “—horrible times correctly, Zira had other plans…”

—Flashback Scar/Zazu/Zira—

Scar let out a yawn as he emerged from his new residence, the royal cave. Zira followed behind him. “Ah, there’s my flying morning report!” Scar said, smiling oddly upon seeing Zazu flying towards them.

After landing, Zazu’s face expressed dislike as he stood across the black-maned king. “Morning report? You may stick that into your—” With his sentence left unsaid, the hornbill’s widened eyes evidenced his anger, his blood vessels on the verge of bursting. “If you thought I’d work for such a despicable king, then you’ve thought wrong! I quit!” he snarled loudly. In a swift manner, Zazu flapped his wings rapidly.

“If this is where the monarchy is headed, count me out.
Out of service, out of Africa. I wouldn’t hang about... This child is getting wildly out of wing…”

The situation led Zazu to recall a small encounter he recently had with Simba, which had formed itself only due to playful actions of an innocent cub. Only a few days had passed since, yet it felt like a decade to Zazu. The bird shuddered, his feathers ruffling as he stared down, avoiding the gaze of the much darker lion, who he knew had always been hungry for power. “What a tragedy…”

Scar frowned. “What a temper… Be careful your eyes won’t pop out,” he said sarcastically. He had to withhold himself from rolling his eyes. “How terrible is it to utter such horrible words to a lion who recently has suffered the loss of his entire family… I've been king since, what, two days? What could I’ve possibly done wrong already?” he added, using a rather fake innocent tone.

“During your entire existence, what haven’t you done wrong?” Zazu sighed. “For your benefit, let’s focus on the past few days only then…” Strictly, the bird stretched his wing, wildly hitting Scar’s nose as if pressing a button. “You’ve let the hyenas in! Those slobbery, mangy, stupid poachers! My feathers are still ruined from that day they tried to cook me!” Zazu flashed both Scar and Zira a sour look. “A traitor! That’s what you are!”

“I explained why I did that!” Scar, pulling a face, used his paw to swiftly avoid Zazu’s wing strike, as if it were an insignificant annoying fly.

“And you’ve knocked me down! I intended to seek help, but you interfered by knocking me down!” Zazu continued, sounding panicky.

“Nonsense! You flew into me, you idiot!” Scar quickly responded. He noticed behind him, Zira growled. The lioness stood ready to strike the chattering bird, but Scar blocked her path. “Your own hysterical fluttering is what knocked you down, nothing more!” he improvised.

“If only Mufasa followed my advice and had made a throw rug out of him…” Zazu muttered, inhaling deep once more.

Scar rolled his eyes, his blood boiling. “Fine! I don’t need you!” he shared, narrowing his gaze. “You’ve made your choice, and now I’ll make mine… I forbid you to ever again step a foot—or to fly over—" Scar sighed as he clumsily stumbled over his words. “Just get out of my land!”

“Gladly!” Zazu yelled, a spiteful glance present in his eyes. Promptly after, he flew off.

From the corner of his eye, the king observed the bird’s flight and witnessed him heading towards the lionesses. Scar let it go. He figured after years of service and a recent mourning period, Zazu and Sarabi should be allowed to have a goodbye moment together. The lion wasn’t given time to overthink that since, roughly, Zira claimed his opposite space, his comfort zone.

“You fool! We could’ve fed him to the hyenas!” Zira growled, spitting the words in Scar’s face.

Upon backing a few steps in reverse, Scar responded with a roar. “Don’t you ever call me a fool again!” he called out, his tone sounding slightly offended. “We don’t want those lionesses to connect the dots, or do we? Don’t you think feeding Mufasa’s right hand to the hyenas is a major clue, hm? The dimmest creature would’ve solved the puzzle…” Scar shook his head, sighing. “Your task, as the queen, is to provide me with an heir, not to meddle in the way I rule my kingdom!”

“A kingdom which, by whose aid you obtained!?” Another growl escaped Zira’s mouth, her intentions clear. “Without me, you would’ve still lived your life under Mufasa’s rule, boring yourself until your skin started to rot off your bones!” she continued, yelling.

“All right, stop!” Scar sighed, feeling backed into a corner. Females…

—End of flashback—

The present evidenced Zazu hadn’t been able to depart from the Pride Lands indefinitely. One day, as the sun set and Scar had finally kicked Zira out of his den, the hyenas had stumbled upon a familiar face they soon identified as their favourite hornbill... “Just create a cage out of bones,” Scar had commanded them, frowning upon Zazu’s return. The rest was history…

“In here, at least, I’m safe from the hungry mouths of those ugly friends of yours!” Zazu shivered, certain events of the past still lingering in his mind. “I hope you’ll have better luck with him than I had, Nala. No matter how hard I’ve tried, I’ve never succeeded in having a meaningful conversation with him!” he exclaimed. “I’m afraid, from now on, this will be your every day’s morning report…”

Blasting some air from his nose, Scar neared Zazu’s cage. He gave the bird a strict stare. At that, Zazu swallowed and directed his gaze down. Subsequently, Scar grabbed one of the cage’s bones that restricted Zazu from his freedom. Aggressively, the lion pulled it out. “Change of plans...”

Confused, Zazu’s eyes locked onto the empty space where Scar had effortlessly removed the bones. For the first time in what felt like ages, he could just walk out or fly away. Or at least, that was what Zazu thought for a fleeting second, until Scar blocked his path, his claw shining menacingly in the bird’s gaze.

Scar, narrowing his eyes, said to Zazu, “Don’t think I’ll make this a habit.” He shifted his focus towards his queen. “Nala, take him out for a little while. Fresh air helps your healing process anyway,” he instructed her. “We’ll reschedule ours. Tomorrow, I presume, will do as well.” Although Scar had rather not altered his plans, he figured if he could make Nala feel less like a captive, it might work to his advantage in the long run. 

Nala, after glimpsing Zazu step beyond the cage carefully, turned to the king. “That’s thoughtful of you!” The black-maned king was full of surprises, Nala thought. Nala’s intentions of creating a better life for all the Pride Lands remaining residents, perhaps, were to be an easier task than she had anticipated it to be.

“I’ll inform the hyenas. They’ll form no danger to the both of you,” Scar shared. His eyes once more found Zazu’s. “I expect you to remain at Nala’s side the entire time, bird. Don’t make me regret my decision...” Scar, eyes wide, sent the hornbill a look worth a kill. He knew he had to contain himself, so slowly, he turned his back. “Please, go!” Scar urged, his voice sounding doggedly. 

“Just like the good old days,” Zazu said with a smile, breathing in the long desired fresh air. The hornbill referred to Nala’s childhood, when he often had to monitor her and Simba. “You don’t intend to ditch me, I assume?”

“Zazu,” Nala smirked, “I think we’ve got the roles switched, don’t you agree?” Despite her still being cautious towards the hyenas, Nala couldn’t help but assume that, after Scar’s warning, they would now think twice before actually posing a threat to the queen.

“What’s your secret, Nala?” Zazu suddenly asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, how did you manage to enchant the um—” Zazu lowered his voice, as they had barely left the royal den. “—mad tomcat? I honestly can’t recall a single instance where he made a decent decision until today, and believe me, he and I go way back!”

“Hopefully, I’m also able to break his singing habit. He even sings in his sleep, haven’t you heard?” Nala arched an eyebrow.

“Uhuh—” Zazu nearly choked. He figured all the moments he’d heard Scar testing his vocals were beyond counting. No earplug would’ve had any impact… “Good luck with that! It’s a typical trait of Ahadi’s bloodline, and Scar, by far, is the worst! His singing even sets the hyenas running.” Zazu couldn’t decide what he loathed more, Scar forcing him to listen to his theatrical performances or having to serve as Scar’s personal singer himself. “Between you and me, Nala, I’m starting to believe you’re exactly the queen we’ve all long yearned for…”

Chapter Text

A day later than originally planned, Scar and Nala went out for a walk together. “Where are we going?” Nala inquired after they had been walking for a while. The kingdom’s already dark atmosphere was intensified as the path beneath them grew more dim and foggier with each step they took. It made Nala wonder why she had agreed to go along without asking further questions, especially upon their final destination finally being in her sight... “What, the elephant graveyard?!” she gasped. “We could get in big trouble, Simba…” Nala, sounding anxious, continued with a whispering tone, “It dredges quite some horrible memories, you know...”

As no other, Scar obviously was fully aware of which specific memories Nala referred to. “Well, this time, you’re accompanied by an expert…” he responded. “And besides, as you are aware, it’s hyena-free nowadays. There’s no reason to worry. Trust me.” Scar’s voice carried a slight, earnest tone as he spoke.

Nala sighed. “I don’t know, Scar… Should I?” The young lioness shook her head. The moment Nala considered giving her mate the benefit of the doubt, he led her straight to the one place she dreaded the most—the elephant graveyard!

“You wanted to know me better. Here lies my past,” Scar said, turning to Nala. Subsequently, he cleared the way for her by sweeping aside some scattered bones. “Come, let’s find ourselves a cosy spot in there,” he said as he walked further. “I’m sure the big one doesn’t mind me borrowing his old case one more time…” Scar nodded towards the large, mammoth-like skull, its massive tusks towering above them.

“Cosy, that?” Nala, following Scar with hesitation, shook her head. The elephant graveyard appeared exactly as how it still was imprinted in Nala’s memories. The giant skull, barren, rocky soils covered in bones… Nala even still recalled the unsettling sounds, like the vultures’ screeches, as she had never succeeded in driving out their echoes.

Inside the skull, Scar plopped down onto the chilly, hard ground. “All right, what are you curious about?” he asked after Nala sat as well.

He ain’t joking… Nala, focusing her mind, deliberately pushed away the eerie thoughts about her current location. She decided to cooperate with Scar because she assumed that meant the quickest way for her to return to her familiar surroundings. “Tell me about—” the lioness hesitated, “—your childhood. Tell me about… Taka,” she finally said.

Upon hearing the name he truly bore, Scar cleared his throat. “Taka…” It was the first time Scar had heard Nala speak his name from the past. “It’ll be a deep dig, but I presume I’m able to push through…”

—Flashback little Taka/Uru—

Inside the royal cave, the brown-coloured queen Uru rested, feeling the coolness of the cave walls against her back. Yet instead of keeping her eyes closed, she found herself captivated by her youngest son, Taka, who sat quietly and seemed fixated on something outside. The sun illuminated the spot where he sat, causing his dark fur to appear brightened. With a gloomy expression, the young cub observed his father and older brother playfully pursuing each other outside, clearly having the time of their lives. “What’s wrong, dear?”

Taka turned around to face his mother. “Dad hates me!” he stated. With a pair of watery eyes, the little cub fixed his gaze upon his mother, while in the distance, he could hear his brother’s playful noises.

“Taka!” Uru stood up and approached her son. “That’s not true!” she said. “Are you still bothered by your father’s words from the other day? When he explained to you both that Mufasa will inherit the Pride Lands after his ruling period? Taka, it was always the firstborn who’s destiny it is to become the king one day,” she explained as she sat herself down next to her son.

Showing off his stubbornness, Taka shook his head. “No! Even if I were his firstborn, he’d still named Muffy his heir!”

“Sweetheart...” Deep down, Uru knew Ahadi had always favoured Mufasa over his youngest son. Taka was perceptive enough to figure this out on his own. It broke Uru’s heart. Her love for Taka, her precious, was greater than her love for anyone else she had ever known, yet the feeling of being unwanted still lingered in the heart of her boy.

“Look at them!” Taka sighed. “Whenever I ask dad to play, he seems to be too busy!” the youngling called out. He brushed away a tear, forcing himself to show a furious expression instead.

“Why don’t you just join them? I’m sure they’ll allow you to play with them!” Uru suggested.

“No, I’d rather stay here, with you...” Drawing nearer to his mother, Taka found solace as her paw gently rested on his back, enveloping himself in her tender touches.

Uru gave her son a small lick on his head, where a crest of black hair grew. “I love you, my little baby,” she whispered.

Taka, glancing up, said, “Mama… I’m no baby anymore!” A tiny smile shone onto his face; Uru’s pride…

—End of flashback little Taka/Uru—

“Scar? Are you okay?” Carefully, Nala gave the lion next to her a nudge. A look of frozen shock had settled on his face.

With a swift movement, Scar wiped away an upcoming tear that threatened to blur his sight. He couldn’t remember the last time Uru, his beloved mother, had crossed his mind. “Ah… yes, it was just… odd,” he stuttered, confused. For a moment, while sharing his childhood memories with Nala, the warmth of the sun and the playful energy of his younger self seemed to envelop him, pulling him back into that simpler time. “Do you recognise the feeling of—being at two places at once?” Scar continued. He had experienced the event as if his soul, the lion currently known as Scar, had been projected back to his childhood, projected to his own Taka from the past.

“It sounds like you and Uru were thick as thieves,” Nala said.

“We were,” Scar said. He realised if, back in the days, he hadn’t been so busy competing against Mufasa, perhaps he had seen to his mother he truly meant the world. Scar flickered his eyes, turning his gaze to Nala and grabbing a sense of his current reality. “I couldn’t catch the thing you said right after I finished my childhood talk,” he said, the tone of his voice still a tad vague.

“I said you must’ve been very cute as a cub,” Nala answered, slightly feeling embarrassed.

Scar smiled. “Nala, all cubs are cute,” he responded, frowning. “Well, all right then... Combining your fairness and my cuteness, no doubt our cubs shall be extra, extra irresistible!” he jokingly added, bringing himself sharply back down to earth again.

Nala looked away. The chaotic sounds all around them caused her to experience the silence between them as less awkward. Subsequently, Nala regained her focus on Scar. Her focus halted upon one particular eye. Now was her chance to ask him the question that had been lingering in everyone’s minds for years, a matter which, to this day, still sparked countless gossip among the residents of the Pride Lands. “How did you get…”

“Ah, the scar...” Scar finished Nala’s sentence while he touched his scarred eye. “Well, I guess I can tell you about that,” he paused, “but not here. It’s a long story. Night is falling. We shouldn’t be here in the dark...” Scar’s body language gave away his sudden nervous state.

“Why not? I remember from my last visit to this place, hyenas posed the only threat. You said…” Nala responded, slightly feeling off by Scar’s sudden change in behaviour.

“My fear doesn’t involve something in the state of living, my dear...” Scar vaguely spoke with a slight shivering voice, glancing over his shoulder. Obviously, Scar was already known for his strange and unpredictable actions, yet his current behaviour was far more outlandish.

“What—what do you mean?” Nala asked, almost whispering. She started to feel worried because of Scar’s acting. Then why did he bring me here? Nervously, Nala scanned the area. Her mind conjured up images of creepy little vermin, their tiny bodies wriggling and squirming, emerging from the skull holes surrounding them.

“This is a graveyard. Let’s just say, due to certain unpleasant experiences, I nowadays don’t feel comfortable wandering around graveyards at night...” Had someone predicted years ago Scar would ever say something similar, the lion probably would’ve laughed that someone in the face. Back in the days, during Scar's and Mufasa’s childhood, Rafiki had often shared stories with them starring the dead kings of the past. Scar, still Taka at that time, usually had mocked Rafiki, calling him a silly baboon full of nonsense. The young lion never would’ve imagined years later, he would accuse the newer dead kings of the past of haunting him in his dreams while confronting him with his past self. “The absolute last thing I need is to be chased by a bunch of furious, dead elephants!” 

“Come, let’s go home,” Scar whispered, taking the lead. “Stay close.” Nala obeyed, remaining close behind him. With fog thickening and daylight making way for dusk, Scar, unfortunately, missed seeing the downhill they were closing in on. Until… he stepped right into it. “ARGH!” At a rapid pace, Nala and Scar rolled down the sandy hill. From Nala’s throat also came a shrill scream, echoing in reverse. Seconds later, Scar landed on his back, hitting the abandoned soils and absorbing the blast for Nala, who fell on top of him.

“Nala, are you all right?” Scar asked after taking a breath. Other than a rapid heartbeat, Nala hadn’t made a single movement yet. Scar’s voice, however, sounded hoarse, strained from Nala’s paws pressing against his neck and chest.

Nala, alerted by Scar’s rough voice, hurried her paws sideways towards the ground. “What the—” Nala gasped, breathing for air. She attempted to rise but froze upon glimpsing their surroundings. The place, dark and villainous green, was full of hot geysers. Furthermore, it appeared like a dumping ground for the bones from creatures smaller than elephants. Nala’s heart skipped as she discovered the source of the heat she had been feeling on her body since the moment they had crashed. Their fall landed them only metres away from a massive, green lava puddle. “Where… are we?” Nala stuttered.

Scar coughed, glimpsing around as well while narrowing his eyes. Who would’ve thought… “This place is where I… Be Prepared —” He struggled to find his words, trying to ban certain happenings out of his mind. “I spent quite some time here in the past. Let’s leave it at that…” he finally said. “It’s not superfluous to add, but here it’s really required to mind our steps…” The black-maned king pointed a paw in the direction of the lava puddle and the surrounding geysers. “They explode when you least expect them to. I used to find my peace around them.” At least, at times I wasn’t immensely annoyed by those hyenas! Scar sighed, images of the past flashing through his being. “However, don’t worry, I still remember every step.” Yet as soon as he had said that, Scar, spotting Nala’s expression, arched his eyebrow. Whereas fear was evidencing the lioness’ muzzle still seconds ago, it had been replaced by a playful smile. “Want to share your thoughts?”

“Oh, it’s just that our position reminds me of something from my past…” Nala started, blushing and wondering if now was the moment to share a memory involving Simba, as unpredictable Scar could be. “Pinned ya!” Nala recalled when she had last pinned—as she liked to call it—Simba, not far away from the place she and Scar were currently at. A child’s innocent game, from which even her brother Mheetu received the worst of.

“My… Is this a challenge?” Scar responded, grimacing as well. “Anywhere else I would’ve jumped at the chance, but here, the risk of a lava or geyser bath is just a little too high...” Blinking, Scar forced his focus to wander off of Nala’s eyes, whose pupils appeared to become wider each time the earth trembled and she heard the geyser sounds in the distance.

“You find that relaxing?!” Nala gasped, her body twitching.

“Uh, Nala…” Hating to spoil the moment, Scar cleared his throat. He realised their current position brought them nowhere. “I don’t want to complain, but unless you wish this to become our new home, you need to get off of me...” he shared. While Nala quickly responded, Scar took his time to rise, his back slightly cracking. “We’re good to go,” he finally said. However, a few cautious steps later, the earth shook beneath the lions’ paws as two geysers near them exploded once more.

Nala nearly leaped onto Scar’s upright mane. “I can hardly see anything. This is a minefield!” Nala’s voice shivered and without realising, she leaned herself as close to Scar as she possibly could. “I think we... need to spend the night here,” she whispered, glimpsing Scar from the corner of her eye.

Scar rubbed his head against Nala’s, helping her to bury herself into his mane deeper. “I suppose we have no choice. Let’s see… where—” Scar turned his head. “There, in the back,” he said, his eyes glimpsing a stone step-up as he started to guide Nala towards it. “This will do,” Scar mumbled as they both settled themselves, being safe from the geysers and the lava. “Stick with me. You'll be safe.” Unlike her previous avoidance of the king in the royal cave, Nala now appeared to desire his protection. The circumstances, however, clearly demanded the sudden change. With Nala laying curled close to him, Scar had sensed her need for protection and rested his head on her body. "Sleep well, dear."

Chapter Text

While evening rose, casting long shadows across the savanna, Sarafina went to the royal den expecting to find Scar and Nala, but instead encountered a rather unpleasant surprise. She found Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed hanging around in Scar’s residence, along with several other hyenas. The king and queen were clearly still absent. “I should’ve known. When the cat’s away, the mice will play...” she commented, pulling a face and catching the hyenas’ attention. “At least this explains your raucous laughter we heard echoing so close,” she continued.

Shenzi, upon detecting Sarafina, responded, “Oh, it’s only you.” The hyena's tone evidenced she was relieved it wasn’t the king himself who had caught her group in the act. Shenzi knew Scar wouldn’t approve of them using the royal cave as a place to hangout. “I thought I heard Nala’s voice.”

“I bet if Scar discovered us here, he’d be so pissed!” Banzai added, rolling off the royal rock and flashing Shenzi a nervous grin.

Sarafina took a step onwards, wrinkling her nose once again, saying, “You should’ve thought of that sooner. Your musty scent will give it away. It’s unmistakingly hyena…” She frowned. “I’m looking for Nala.”

“She’s out with Scar. I thought ya knew that?” Shenzi answered.

“It’s late. They should’ve been back by now,” Sarafina realised, worry clouding her face. “I should look for them!” she added, preparing herself to bring the words into action.

With haste, both Shenzi and Banzai jumped in front of the lioness, blocking her path. “No! That’s unnecessary,” Shenzi panted, sounding slightly panicky. “They’re perfectly capable of takin’ care of themselves!”

Sarafina bestowed the hyena with a look of utter confusion, shaking her head. “I don’t get you creatures! Isn’t Scar your friend? He might be in danger and yet here you are, dancing and lounging like you've got nothing better to do!”

“Why would they be in danger?” Shenzi asked, her voice tight with irritation and her eyes rolling. It was evident the hyenas preferred celebrating the king’s absence rather than worrying about his wellbeing. “For once, may we enjoy a day without havin’ to deal with the mad lion’s insults and commands? As if ya lionesses miss yo king…”

Sarafina, in her turn, rolled her eyes. “Of course I don’t care about him, but when he drags my daughter along with him, it becomes my business!”

Banzai, looking slightly jumpy, exchanged a gaze with Shenzi. “He’s gonna kill us if we allow anyone to come near the e—” The hyena coughed when Shenzi elbowed him roughly.

“Nala is in good… claws. I know ya have plenty of reasons not to trust him, but I’m convinced Scar will bring the br—yo daughter back safely,” Shenzi quickly said, hardly convincing. “Please promise us ya won’t go lookin’ for them!” Shenzi heaved a sigh. She least wanted to waste any more of their time keeping the lionesses on the lands.

From the small, boned cage, a deep and disappointing sigh eluded. “To think, I’d actually miss that scarred face…” Zazu said to Sarafina, shaking his head dramatically. “These slobbery creatures are unbearable!”

Sarafina, upon flashing Zazu a look of pity, quickly shifted her focus towards the hyenas again. “Fine! But if they haven’t returned by tomorrow morning, Sarabi and I will start to look for them!” With that said and with her aversion towards the hyenas evident, Sarafina stormed out of the den.

“I’m surprised our cowardly queen hasn’t fled tha elephant graveyard yet…” Banzai grimed when the coast was clear, digging into his memories to recall times he deemed as better times. “Hey, did we order this dinner to go? Cuz, there it goes!” We should’ve tried harder when we had the chance to rip that pretty thing apart!  

“The elephant graveyard?!” Zazu repeated loudly, his panic overblown. “Sarafina! He took her to the–”

“Watch it, you little feather twit!” Shenzi called out in response to Zazu, her eyes glinting menacingly. She reached through the bars, seizing the hornbill by his throat. “Ya better make sure Scar ain’t ever again allowin’ you out of that cage, or I’ll make sure you’re accidentally eaten!”

Yonder in the elephant graveyard’s darkest area, where the echoes of certain sinister plans being plotted still lingered, sleep couldn’t really reach Nala yet. She noticed Scar wasn’t sleeping either. Nala’s eyes were drawn to the bright night, where a celestial display of countless shining silver stars and a full moon illuminated the sky. “It’s a beautiful night, don’t you agree?” she dreamily whispered. “It takes my breath away…”

Scar, now gazing up as well, answered, “Yes, it is.” He paused to let out a yawn. “To be honest, I never paid much attention to the starry night before.”

A small smirk escaped Nala’s lips. “Perhaps that’s because you rather liked to check out all the beautiful lionesses surrounding you!” she said, slipping what was on her mind.

“You could be onto something, Nala,” Scar grinned. In a short amount of time, Nala had made another attempt to challenge him, Scar thought. He was surprised by Nala’s newfound openness and wondered what had caused her sudden change of behaviour. “Though I only have eyes for one lioness. No sky tops her appearance…” he added, his eyes shifting back to Nala who, in his view, was lit up by the full moon that poured its light onto them. The black-maned king felt a certain tension developing between the two of them he experienced as anything but unpleasant.

Nala flashed Scar a playful frown. Those honeyed words of his are so obvious… “Are you still trying to enchant me with your smooth-talk?” Nala hoped the warmth spreading across her cheeks, a pleasant glow that tingled slightly, hadn’t already blossomed into a visible blush.

“Who said I meant you?” Scar joked.

Nala smiled nervously and gave the stars another glimpse. “Do you ever wonder,” Nala carefully started, “—how Simba would’ve looked by now?”

A tad disappointed, Scar pinned back his ears. “You still... miss him, don’t you?”

“He’ll always have a special place in my heart. But, I have a feeling he’s in a better place. No matter where we are, we’re exactly where the universe needs us to be,” Nala affirmed, her faith evident in her upward gaze. “Nothing happens without a reason, you know.”

“I agree. No matter how hard we try, escaping our fate is impossible...” Scar actually hoped never to be caught up by his own actions from the past.

“I believe he’s still watching over me,” the lioness continued. “In a place like this, certainly,” Nala mused.

“Certainly,” Scar repeated, exploring his mind. Hm, I wonder what my presence does to him… Following his actions against his nephew, Scar assumed Simba rather enjoyed watching his uncle burn.

Don’t worry about me, Simba. I’m under your uncle’s protection. Nala’s mind didn’t lie about what the king’s presence currently meant to her. Nala’s trust in Scar was the sole positive development this ugly, unpleasant place had accomplished. She sensed his intentions involved no harm and that his promise to protect her carried the weight of genuine care. “Simba adored you. Did you know that? I recall he often spoke fondly of you and described you as a lazy, yet a cool and funny uncle.”

He, uh, adored me? “When I’m king, what’ll that make you?” “A monkey’s uncle…” Scar swallowed, staring down, hiding the sudden guilt washing over him. “He did? I never actually… realised…” The black-maned lion fought to suppress the emotions he, in the past, had buried so deep and even had convinced himself he never possessed them in the first place. Nala's words came through, truly through. “Sleep will not catch me tonight. I was a terrible uncle…” he mumbled, barely aware he vocalised his mind. Turning his head to Nala, Scar found himself captivated whilst staring deep into her sea-green, teal coloured eyes, the most natural blend of blue and green. Prior to this day, she would avert her gaze much too quickly for him to look close enough. My prize... Don't you see, Simba? Challenging you eventually would've been inevitable...

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said all this,” Nala said, expressing her apologies upon noticing her words upset Scar. “Especially since I know how you feel about the dead.”

“You don’t owe me an apology, Nala,” Scar quickly said. His words, carrying the weight of a thousand untold secrets, would, according to Scar, never truly reach her. “And despite what I said earlier, I don’t really fear dead elephants.” Scar shook his head as he regretted his own words, a feeling he’d recently grown accustomed to. He sighed deep. “This area is more of a hyena graveyard anyway, not that terrifying and nothing compared to the massive graveyard we’re sadly ruling over...”

Nala chuckled softly. “You indeed are funny.” Subsequently, remembering one of Scar’s recent promises, Nala looked up at him. “Since we’re stuck here, unable to sleep, perhaps now you’re able to tell me the story about your scar? I’ve heard it had something to do with a buffalo herd?” she asked, frowning.

“Those buffaloes… that’s indeed where my scarred story begins,” Scar started. “My brother and I were chased by a group of buffaloes.” The passage of time had even faded parts of the story in Scar’s mind that, at some point, he almost started to believe the lies others had spread. “I hung out with my hyena friends a lot, and one day we decided to play a prank on Mufasa. We had no intention of creating any kind of danger.” Not then… “You know, Muffy and I, we were teens...” Scar took a deep breath. “Naturally, it quickly spiralled out of control...”

“The animals panicked, trapping you guys in the buffalo herd, right?” Nala imagined Scar’s story to be similar to the wildebeest happening, during which Simba and Mufasa, as far as she knew, were killed at. “Is that how you got the scar?”

“I had a few scratches, yes, but nothing time couldn’t heal,” Scar answered, shaking his head. “I didn’t get this scar from a buffalo, nor was it from a fight with a serpent, I assure you…” Scar took a deep breath upon mentioning the rumour brought to life by an elder lion from the past who just liked to bully him. “This—” Scar rubbed his marked eye, “—is one of my father’s many lies.” Depicting his father’s harsh features made Scar press his claws deeper into the depressed-looking, barren soils beneath them. “I was Ahadi’s unwanted son, that was no secret," Scar explained, raw emotions in his voice rising as he continued, "yet his true colours remained hidden within the royal cave’s walls. Father went over the back of his own flesh and blood to better his image…”

Flashbacks Taka/Scar:

Taka stood before the royal cave’s dark walls with his gaze fixed upon them, his face averted from Ahadi, his father. This morning, Ahadi had broken his promise to go hunting with his sons. Due to other obligations, he had informed them to postpone the trip. Mufasa and Taka, however, went on their own instead, the latter’s jealousy increasing and his double agenda hidden. After requesting his hyena friends to madden the buffalo herd, Taka had challenged Mufasa to catch one of the weaker buffaloes. Taka knew, with his father standing behind him, he would now face the consequences.

“You’ve jeopardised your brother’s safety!” Ahadi called out to Taka, eluding a deep, disappointing breath. Ahadi, with his broad shoulders, muscular body and full dark mane, perfectly embodied the appearance of a large lion. The colour of his pelt was akin to that of his elder son, Mufasa, whereas Taka had inherited his mane and his green eyes. “Why must you be such a disappointment?” he muttered, yet his son didn’t hear.

“I—I didn’t mean to harm him. Believe me, father!” Taka stuttered, dreading his father’s reaction. “It was a joke!”

Ahadi, approaching Taka and pinning his son between him and the cave’s walls, gave a roar. “A joke? You are the joke!” he responded, his aversion to his son evident. Ahadi minimised the space between the two of them, sending a shiver through Taka’s body upon his back hitting the wall behind him. “Mufasa wouldn’t be caught dead hanging around a bunch of worthless hyenas!”

Taka growled. His father’s words, sharp and cutting like a knife, awakened a rage Taka had buried deep inside, a fury that had simmered for years. “Is that what I am to you—a worthless piece of trash? Let’s be honest, shall we?” With a murderous glare, Taka mustered all his strength to upraise himself and to face his father. “I hate you! I despise Muf—ARGH!”

In an impulse of anger, Ahadi lashed out with his claw, its echo reverberating throughout the cave. Before he realised, he had hit Taka’s eye. “Know your place!”

Taka, in a state of utter shock, instantly covered his eye. Suddenly, a loud roar shook the savanna, filling the cave. It was Uru, the boy’s mother. “Get away from my son!” she shouted, her tone raw with a blend of furious anger and heartbreaking devastation. Without a moment’s hesitation, the lioness leaped between the two males.

Ahadi, his gaze shifting from his son to Uru, his wife, stood tongue-tied. While Taka avoided his father’s stare, Uru stared straight into his eyes—an icy look akin to shooting daggers. The lioness had her teeth bared, and a terrifying and intense fire seemed to burn in her eyes. A bitter taste formed itself inside Ahadi’s mouth, and there was a voice inside his head urging him to explain what had just occurred, yet he couldn’t. Instead, he opted for the easy way out and took off.

“Taka, my child, are you okay?” Immediately after her mate had left, Uru hurried towards Taka and rubbed his fur. “Let me see that.” Gently, Uru moved her son’s bloody claw away from his eye he was covering up. “Oh, Taka…”

“It looks bad, doesn’t it?” Taka expressed, his voice shivering. “It stings…”

“It’ll heal, eventually,” Uru answered, yet her eyes, shock predominating, rather were telling the opposite.

“The truth, mother. I can handle it…” Taka eluded a sigh. “I’m not a little boy anymore.” With his claw sliding over the cave’s walls, Taka wiped off the remaining blood still clinging to his paw, leaving streaks of crimson behind.

At that, Uru, her gaze going back and forth between the bloodied wall and Taka’s wound, confessed, “It doesn’t look promising...”

As dawn broke the following morning, a thin fog enshrouding the environment and the grass still wet with dew, Mufasa noticed a dark-maned lion sitting on a grey rock in the distance. It was his brother, Taka, his gaze averted. Mufasa ran towards him instantly, his mane flowing in the wind. “Brother, I hope father hasn’t been too harsh—” The red-maned lion halted upon Taka standing up, facing him and answering his statement without the use of words. Mufasa held his breath, glimpsing his brother’s scarred eye awkwardly as the sight of it even made his neck hair rise. The young lion found himself tongue-tied.

“Just say it, I look hideous!” Taka pulled a face, a feeling of self-pity clearly washing over him. “Zira already mocked me. I bet you wish to do the same…”

“I’m not lowering myself to her level,” Mufasa responded, shaking his head. “I never wanted this to happen to you.”

At that, Taka, his voice rising, responded, “But you didn’t mind letting me bear all the blame!”

Mufasa, staring around confused, said, “Bro… let’s be honest, shall we?” An uncomfortable feeling washed over the young male, his shoulders heavy. “I mean, you knew how I felt about those hyenas. I have just as little faith in them as father has, but you insisted they’d join!”

“Father, father... blah, blah…” Taka rolled his eyes. “For as long as I remember, you’ve been striving so hard to be his favourite son! But guess what, Muffy, even without the act, his favouritism towards you has always been clear!” Taka commented, envy evidently colouring his tone.

“Oh, just stop it, Taka!” Mufasa responded, his ears flattening as his irritation grew. They, nowadays, mainly shared words centred around their father, Mufasa thought. He hated how much it had affected their brotherly bond. He sighed. “Perhaps we should—”

“No!” Taka called out, instantly cutting his brother off. “From the moment I was born, he considered me trash!” Taka realised upon expressing his lingering thought, it no longer bothered him as it did before. “I don’t even care if he drops dead tomorrow!” Taka’s facial expression was akin to that of a thousand deaths as he spun around, leaving Mufasa paralyzed.

After having a passage of words with his brother and wishing to evade Zira, Taka sought solace in the elephant graveyard. The hyena echoed place, with countless chaotic geyser sounds in the distance and its extinct appearance, offered Taka a clearance of his mind. In the reflection of a rain puddle, he gazed at his scarred eye. It was as if another lion mirrored his stare with an uncanny intensity as he struggled to recognise himself. Who are you? Taka, however, wasn’t given further time to investigate himself, as Shenzi and Banzai, his hyena friends, soon discovered him. The lion could, obviously, not hide the scar, so he promptly began explaining to them the situation.

“If it makes ya feel any better…” Shenzi, her words already on standby, opened up her volume as soon as Taka had finished his story. “That thing makes ya look real badass! It fits ya black manes!” she stated, a well meant cheer-up attempt.

“Yeah, it makes ya look less like yo dad!” Banzai added to the conversation, slightly clumsy.

Taka flashed Shenzi a bit of a proud smile, but immediately growled at Banzai. “Don’t mention my father to me!” He inhaled deep. "He's already spreading the rumours that I got the scar from a buffalo. Can you believe it?"

Shenzi, her brains cracking, offered, “Ya could strike us too if ya want?” A small, mischievous twinkle formed in her eyes. “So we’re all three havin’ the same mark. A bond sorta thing!”

"What?!" Banzai, impulsively using a paw to cover up both his eyes, shouted. "You nuts, girl?"

"You're safe to put that down, pal," Taka replied dryly, casting Shenzi a glare of utter annoyance. "I'm not interested."

"Ah, great," Banzai heaved a sigh of relief, uncovering his eyes. "I'm just sensitive to pain. I meant it when I said it makes ya look less like—" The hyena swallowed his sentence when he spotted Taka flashing him another glare. "Ya look badass!" he instead said.

With a gentle touch, Taka brushed his still-sensitive scar. Subsequently, he returned his gaze to his reflection in the rain puddle. I better learn to live with this scar, as it’s the new and permanent me… “Scar...” Taka mumbled. “Oddly, it suits me...”

“When ya are done checkin’ yourself out, Taka…" Shenzi frowned. Got it now, pretty boy… "Up for some excitement?” Shenzi was determined to fix her boredom, perhaps by repeating the success of yesterday’s buffalo prank, she thought. But, upon witnessing Taka’s facial expression transforming into a rather unusual, almost sinister grin, she frowned and exchanged looks with Banzai.

“Taka is dead!” The scarred lion nearly roared his message, his voice thick with determination. “Scar is born!”

“Uh, what?” Banzai expressed his confusion, also apparent from the expression he wore on his face. Next to him, Shenzi shrugged.

Taka sighed. He realised his message, which to him was as clear as water, hadn’t really reached his hyena friends yet. “My name’s Scar, from now on, all right?”

End of Flashbacks Taka/Scar

“From that moment, my former persona, Taka, meant weakness. I declared him dead, and I forbid others ever to use that name again,” Scar said, finishing the story about his past, his voice sounding distant and weary. “For years, I believed him to be gone, buried here beneath these bones, rocks and geysers…”

“Yet he never died permanently, did he?” Nala responded. While staring into Scar’s distant eyes, two deep green pools, she saw a side of him he mostly managed to keep hidden, his sensitive side. I’m looking at him, and I’ve seen him before… “That day when Zira threatened me, I debated with myself whether or not I should accept your request. I just couldn’t figure out what choice would benefit me best, until—” Nala halted, glimpsing Scar’s puzzled facial expression, “—until you introduced me to Taka. It was a brief moment, but I met him.” 

“It’s ironic that tonight, at this dreadful place of all places, you met Taka again,” Scar said, still sounding to be in a distant world of his own. Taka’s presence in his recent dreams had felt like an icy dread, a haunting yet weak whisper that chilled him to the bone, because, to Scar, Taka meant a ghost from his past. Nala awoke him… “Hm, I guess the emotions he brings to the surface aren’t as bad as I thought they would be…”

“So, does that mean you’ll keep Taka around?” They all warned me, but the lion he hides below his thin skin isn’t as cruel as they perceive him to be… “At least, when I’m around?” Nala asked, flashing Scar a funny smile as she gently placed her paw atop his. 

“I’ll try,” Scar answered, lacking words, yet his voice remained tender. A tad of an arousing expression emerged from deep inside his green eyes as Nala bore her gaze into them. The black-maned lion took his chances and pressed a gentle kiss on his queen’s muzzle, instantly pulling back to await her response. At that, Nala’s cheeks revealed a blush, a rosy hue adorning her face. The lioness responded by returning a small lick and eventually, she gave her mate a nod.

Chapter Text

“Zira, your final hour has arrived!” Ah, wonderful, a warm familiar feeling brushes my mane. Nala stands beside me. Watch me, dear. This one’s for you! “I should’ve done this a long time ago! Let every eye in the kingdom witness the consequences of betraying your king! You’re finished, Zira, banned from our lands! And take that miserable brat of yours with you!”

“Wait!” What is it this time, Shenzi? Want to join her? “Ya should allow her some last words...”

“I appreciate you having my back, my friend.” Zira—why dares she speak? “But perhaps instead, Scar, you should prepare your last words!”

“Forget it, Zira! No longer will you manipulate me!” That damned smirk… The curves of her lips, a cruel thin line... I've got to silence that hideous mouth of hers!

"Take in the sight of your kingdom for the last time, Your Majesty, because by the end of the day, this will be your lion graveyard!"

My stomach churns. Her voice, the tone of vengeance in overload, strikes me like heavy thunder. Zira stares at the heavens... Why is she staring at the— What’s that figure I see forming in the clouds above the Pride Rock, wispy and unclear? Brightness… Unlike father… It's impossible to be— It can't be… I’m just seeing things, right? Right?!

“I wouldn’t object to the spirits weighing in, but I rather initiate the matter myself! They can, however, jump in to confirm...”

Oh, no, Zira, you wouldn’t dare!

“He murdered Mufasa!”

I murdered Mufasa! “I mu—” I’m dead! I’m dead! “Mufasa?!!” Scar, his body shaking, his mane standing on end and his forehead glistening with sweat, gasped for air. It took a few moments before the king came to full alertness. Impossible! It was only a dream. The dead no longer speak! Scar swiftly rose, breathing a sigh of relief, his trance broken.

The king’s permanent jailbird, Zazu, instantly flew up in a reflection as Scar's outburst reverberated, but collided with the boned cage and fell back down. “Goodness! Perhaps, Sire, it might suit you better if you yourself honoured your absurd laws as well...” He offered a comment following the black-maned king’s loud interruption of his thoughts, his feathers ruffled.

“Don’t mock me, Zazu,” Scar responded. Following that, he realised, with a pang of concern, Nala was gone. Where’s Nala? “Better tell me where my queen went!”

“Calm down, Sire. You look like you’ve seen a ghost...” Zazu stated upon his heart rate lowering again, frowning. “Nala just went outside for fresh air. Might benefit you as well...” he added, subtly hinting.

“On her own?” Scar narrowed his eyes towards the hornbill, a strict judgemental gaze. “Why didn’t you accompany her?”

Zazu let out a long, weary sigh, his view of Scar partially restricted by the boned, hard bars of his cage. “Does it look like I’m in the position to go anywhere?”

With time passing, Nala learned to adjust to the new path life had bestowed her with; her life as queen of the Pride Lands. Lost in a meditative state, the lioness laid on the Pride Rock as sunlight warmed her skin and a gentle breeze stirred the surrounding grass. Contrary to Nala’s expectations and her mother’s forecasting, adapting to Scar and his insistences to keep her close wasn’t her greatest challenge. The hyenas, along with certain lionesses gossiping and throwing her judging gazes, were what made it difficult for her. All due to Zira, Nala assumed, who, obviously for personal reasons, would never accept her as the queen. Nala couldn’t keep avoiding the wicked lioness forever, especially since rather sooner than later, their paths would cross again…

“I’m exhausted…” Zira eluded an overdone sigh when she and Shenzi, along with a few other hyenas, headed back to the Pride Land’s remote areas. She glimpsed up, only to be met with a view that worsened her spirit. Her eyes caught the sight of the queen, her slim figure bathing in the golden sunlight atop Pride Rock. “Look at that… The spoiled brat!” Zira, her envious side in front, continued to complain as she gestured towards the relaxing lioness above them. “It was supposed to be me up there! Instead, we’ve been hunting for her all morning, which should be her job!”

Shenzi, her mood clearly being the opposite of Zira’s, grimed. “Shh, this is gonna be fun,” the hyena whispered. “Watch.” Shenzi declared it the perfect timing to disturb Nala from her, as she liked to call it, lazy after breakfast cat-sleep. “Hey princess!” Shenzi shouted, her tone rather bitchy. It was an act that had promptly caught the queen’s attention, and while Nala threw her a suspicious look, Shenzi playfully tossed her game higher. “Did ya enjoy your time at the elephant graveyard? I mean, that’s where he took ya the other night, right?” she giggled. “Curious to know how I found out?” Shenzi recalled Scar’s demand. He didn’t want the hyenas to even step one paw there that day, as he knew the hyenas still used it as a place to hang out.

“I don’t care!” Nala shouted back. “Just go away!”

And miss all the fun? Nah… “Nice place for a honeymoon, honey...” Shenzi continued, whereafter a choir of hyena laughter followed. 

Nala rolled her eyes, preparing herself to disappear back into the den. This time, she wouldn’t hesitate to address the matter to Scar. “Well, then we’ll make them obey you! I’ve just figured out the perfect solution…” Despite Scar's promises, the hyenas still disregarded Nala’s status as queen. Instead, they rather laughed behind her back. He promised improvement… As the queen intended to leave the scene as soon as possible, Zira’s voice, cutting through the air, alerted her. Nala froze instantly.

“I wish you’d told me where they went, Shenzi, because I would've been so up for crashing that little get-together our beloved newlyweds had…” Zira, her tone vicious and provoking, raised her voice while adding, “I mean, it is a graveyard… I bet those abandoned soils are craving for some fresh blood…”

Nala, her eyes wide, spun around promptly. “Is that a threat?” Then a shadow overgrew her. Scar’s shadow. The noises had alerted him, evidently triggering him to come out of his den.

“What’s happening here?” Scar asked his queen. His surprised expression quickly shifted to one of utter annoyance upon noticing Zira standing among the hyenas below them. “What do you want?” he called down, his aversion in front. 

Nala, turning to Scar, answered, “She just voiced another threat to me! She can’t threaten the queen!” The queen lowered her view towards the envious lioness below her. “Let me do what he should’ve done a long time ago: You’re banished, Zira! Get your ass out of our lands!” Nala decided to use her power, although it was an act of impulsiveness. 

He murdered Mufasa! “No!” Scar promptly responded, his shout reverberating down. Upon realising his loud voice had slightly startled his queen, he shifted to a softer, yet seductive tone. He leaned closer, saying, “I mean, Nala… As much as your rage turns me on...” Quickly he cleared his throat. He knew he’d better maintain himself, especially in the presence of these unwanted viewers below their heads. “It’s rather complicated…” he added, enveloped by an air of mystery. 

Zira threw the mad king a look of disgust as to her the occurrence above them looked as if, in an attempt of calming down his queen, he was using his charms by whispering sweet words into her ear. “Just control your pretty little queen!” Then, her look of disgust gave way to a sneaky grin. “Though, prince charming, keeping her beneath you shouldn’t be so difficult…” Zira could think of plenty of insulting names to describe her former mate, but she would never deny his qualities as a lover—at times he kept his big mouth shut. “I imagine her lying down easily, since that’s how she attained the title of queen in the first place!” A sneakier grin spread across the lioness’s face as she became even more determined to stir up trouble. “More was never really required concerning you, anyway…”

"You take that back!" Scar roared while next to him, Nala pressed her claws into the dry substance below. “Don’t you dare speak of Nala in such a manner!” Protective of his queen, Scar took a step forward, placing Nala in his shadow once more. “And don’t let me hear you threaten her ever again! Or I—”  

“Or you what?” Roughly, Zira cut the king off. “You’ll threaten to kill my son again?” Whereas her eyes shot fire, she still held in much anger. She definitely had stopped to see the lion above there as the father of her son they once conceived together, a long time ago. “You’re nothing but a coward! If I could look my past self in the eye, I would’ve advised her to go for the real challenge and pick the elder brother instead!”

Scar widened his eyes, his blood boiled, yet he wisely chose to neglect Zira’s attempts to provoke him. “Just get out of my view!” he shouted, quickly averting his gaze from Zira. “Shenzi, control her!” The black-maned king turned his back, ignored them furthermore and then signalled for Nala to retreat inside the royal den. “Next time you want to escape my presence, dear, I’d feel better if you allow Zazu to accompany you…”

“How dare she speak of me that way!” Back in their den, Nala’s fur still stood on end. She violently scraped her sharp claws against the cave wall. “Man, she drives me up the wall!”

The sound of Nala’s claws scraping the wall contorted Zazu’s face in discomfort, his eyes appearing as if close to bursting out. “You lions are ruining my eardrums!” he exclaimed, irritably hitting the cage bars with his wing.

Scar, ignoring Zazu’s complaints, watched his queen with eyes screaming desire. “Oh, deary, I see that, plain as day…” He blocked her way, pressed himself against her and slowly slid his tail over Nala’s underbelly area. “If you desire to blow off some steam, I’m avai—”

“I mean it, Taka!” Slightly irritated, Nala pushed Scar aside. “It appears my authority means nothing. Hardly anyone in this kingdom respects me!” She heaved a deep sigh. “I thought it would be easier, you know, interacting with the hyenas.”

Communicating with those brainless creatures… No one said it would be easy… “Nala, calm down, hm,” Carefully, Scar stepped closer again and tried to comfort his love by rubbing his head against hers. “Some of them are just having a hard time adjusting to well… us being together. Be patient, wait until the fuss is over…” he muttered, pressing a kiss on Nala’s neck. “And just leave those brainless hyenas to me. They are my burden,” he added as Nala’s last encounter with them crossed his mind.

“I never imagined I’d say this, but I think I can handle them if needed to…” Nala whispered, leaning her head wearily against Scar’s. “Maybe I should take on my role as the lead huntress again. I feel fine now,” she suggested.

“No, deary. I can’t protect you in the field.” Scar wished to keep Nala as close to him as was possible, not solely because he needed her for securing his own future. For so long, Scar had never cared for anyone else but himself. Her sweet voice, slowly drifting away from me… Emptiness is all that remains. That dream… No, never… “Perhaps, Nala, you’re indeed capable of handling a few hyenas, but putting you near Zira is asking for trouble!” 

Nala looked up. “See, you’re admitting it! She’s a problem! Why can’t we just banish her?” 

“Nala, I already told you it’s complicated…” 

Nala frowned. “Why? It’s Nuka, isn’t it?” she guessed. “Trust me, he’s better off without her. He would receive better care if he were with me and—”

”No!” Scar responded, roughly cutting off Nala. “I’m not allowing you, your mother or any other lioness to waste their time fostering him!” 

Just as Nala was about to drop the subject, a thought suddenly occurred to her. “What was that about you threatening Nuka she said?” she asked. 

Scar sighed. “Ah… that…” He gestured, acting as if it meant nothing. 

“Scar?” The lioness narrowed her eyes. 

“I might’ve–” Scar mumbled, swallowing his remaining words with a sigh. She calls me Scar again? Having just accustomed to Nala calling him Taka, Scar experienced a moment of panic when he heard her use his former name again. He feared losing Nala’s trust, which he had worked so hard to gain. Zira… His former lover still managed to block Taka from his mind, and Scar realised, in the long run, that could affect his relationship with Nala. If I allow Scar to dominate my behaviour, I’m pushing Nala away… “I might’ve threatened him after I heard of Zira’s attack...”

“What?” With a small bound, the lioness moved forward. “Isn’t it punishment enough that he has to put up with Zira as his mother?!” Nala shook her head.

“Oh, oh… trouble in paradise…” Zazu mumbled as he watched the situation unfold itself, yet both lions elected to ignore him.

“I wasn’t going to hurt him or anything. It was just to send a message to his mother,” Scar quickly explained, sounding uneasy. “You know you can trust me.”

“I do, Taka, but I don’t trust Zira. We have to get rid of her!” Nala said, her tone sounding determined.

With his back averted from his queen, Scar grimed. “Trust me, Nala, we will.” He turned, a slow, deliberate movement. “That’s a promise,” he added, his voice tender yet confident. We’ll free ourselves from that hag, one way or another! There must be a way! “Stop stressing, my dear,” Scar insisted, carefully guiding Nala towards the royal rock. “Lay down.”

“How can I? Since becoming the queen, the weight of every matter in the kingdom now rests on my shoulders, too,” Nala said, inhaling deeply as she laid herself down. “Zira, the hyenas, the drought…”

Scar repeated, “The drought...”, as he settled down beside Nala. “Hm, let’s have a brainstorming session to tackle this,” he said, the sudden urgency in his voice palpable. At least that’ll divert her mind from Zira and the hyenas…

“A matter which circles us back straight to the hyenas,” Nala sighed. “They’ve been the problem for years.”

“I recently came to a regretful realisation concerning them, believe me,” Scar stated, shaking his head as a sigh escaped his lips. “Stick with me and you’ll never go hungry again!” “You won’t get a sniff without me!” I’ve backed myself into a corner, haven’t I? “So, what are you suggesting we should do? Kill them?” he added, frowning and with a tad of sarcasm hiding in his tone. 

Overhearing the king and queen, Zazu muttered, “If only that was possible…” his beak protruding from the cave’s bones. “I've warned you, Sire! I’ve proven my worth as the king’s advisor in the past, yet you’ve instead appointed the role to a pair of witless fools!”

“Shut your beak, Zazu!” Scar responded, his opinion regarding Zazu’s advice evident. “No one requested your input.”

“No, wait!” Nala interfered. “Let’s hear him out. What would you advise us to do, Zazu?”

“Glad to hear I'm not just meant for laughs, Nala.” Zazu, scraping his throat, bestowed the lioness with a faint smile. “For now, maybe don’t worry so much about the hyenas. Their group is thinning, and four members were recently exiled. A wise decision. Keep them close—” Zazu halted. “Ya better make sure Scar ain’t ever again allowin’ you out of that cage, or I’ll make sure you’re accidentally eaten!” Zazu swallowed as his mind shifted back to his latest hyena encounter, his wing briefly covering his throat area. “Not too close, obviously, but close enough to head off any paranoia…” Next, the hornbill glimpsed Scar, nervously. The lion never responded well to anyone breaking his absurd laws, Zazu was well aware. “Sire, during your father’s reign, a drought devastated the Pride Lands as well—”

Scar’s eyes widened instantly. “Are you comparing me to him?”

“No, absolutely not!” Zazu sighed. Absolutely not… “I just intended to ask whether you remember how Ah— um… he handled the drought?”

“That feels like decades ago! How should I recall—” Scar pondered, digging into his mind. “I know he sent mother off to search for new sources of food and water.” Having those words said, the black-maned king frowned upon them. “You better not suggest I ask the same of Nala?!”

“Not Nala, Sire,” Zazu quickly answered. “But there must be other lionesses available for such a task. I’m aware Sarafina and Sarabi are needed for the hunt, and Zira isn’t the best option either…" A tiny sigh escaped the hornbill's beak. "—but there are others.” 

“I’m fond of the idea, Taka,” Nala said to her king. “What do you think?”

“Hm, all right,” Scar hesitated. “We’ll bring it forth when the next gathering is held,” he said, frowning. “On second thought, I’ll have Shenzi arrange one right away…” The black-maned king arose, ready to put the words into action.

Zazu, surprised by Scar actually taking action, called after the lion, "Uh, Sire, I appreciate you refraining from telling her who initiated the idea!" I prefer not to be accidentally eaten…

Chapter Text

The following night, and after the gathering, Banzai and Shenzi kept watch again. “I couldn’t ask ya earlier, but what did I miss this mornin’?” Banzai asked. The hyena’s lazy attitude had made him skip the morning hunt. Instead, he had treated himself to a long sleep. Scar was so preoccupied with Nala he wouldn’t notice whether or not his so-called minions were still carrying out their usual tasks, Banzai thought. After Nala’s promotion, Sarabi and Sarafina were back in charge of the hunt, but they didn’t frighten him either.

“We got Nala mad. It was hilarious, ya should’ve seen it!” Shenzi answered, giggling. Recalling this morning’s events, her mood instantly brightened. “She tried to banish Zira, but Scar objected.”

“Really?” Banzai raised his volume, his hopes apparent. “Do ya think there’s still hope for him to come to his senses?” he added.

Shenzi suppressed a laugh and gestured subtly. “I wouldn’t bet on it. Our king’s still head over heels with tha brat. Ya witnessed the two of them forming a team just hours ago, though this mornin’ it was worse.” The hyena wished her brain had an erase button, since Scar had a habit of laying bare his desperate need for Nala’s attention, regardless of who else was present. Shenzi, despite she once considered Scar high on her to like list, had always disliked the lion’s habit of scooping matters up. “To put it simply, he’s just too manly. I’m kinda glad you’re not like that.”

“I’m not manly? Thanks for tha compliment!” Banzai responded, feeling slightly offended. I ain’t gonna sing her a silly love song, if that’s what she’s after!

Shenzi rolled her eyes. “I didn’t say that! Anyway, the other day, when I brought them breakfast, I could’ve sworn I heard her call him Taka!” Shenzi quickly continued. “I remember she gave me a look with her big, guilty eyes.” The female hyena pulled a face. “Yikes! I swear I dislike almost all lionesses, but Nala takes the cake!”

What cake? I'm hungry… “I don’t care what he demands her to call him, I ain’t ever gonna call him by his old boring name!” Banzai added.

“Him allowin’ Nala to take the word this afternoon during the gatherin’ stunned me, when she sent tha lioness off to search for another source for food and water,” Shenzi continued as she shrugged her shoulders. “I mean, it wasn’t a terrible idea, but Scar never gave Zira such an influence. I can't even recall him ever makin' a statement about her becomin' tha queen!”

At that, Banzai expressed, “I like Zira, but even I can dig that… Give Zira ya paw and she takes ya entire being!” He arched an eyebrow. “But I agree, Nala’s influence on him means too much trouble for us.”

“If only she knew about his little secr—” Then, suddenly, something in the distance had caught Shenzi’s attention. “Look!” From the corner of her eye, she spied a creature and gestured to it with her paw. “A lion!” In the distance, slowly, a male lion sauntered. The lion possessed a full blonde mane with fur so light, it almost seemed to glow in the moonlight. “Impossible! Is that—”

Banzai narrowed his eyes, and upon noticing the lion Shenzi referred to, they nearly bulged out of their sockets. “Trouble! We’ll better make sure he ain’t gonna enter the lands!”  

“Trouble? Not for us...” Shenzi grinned while Banzai looked at her with his brow furrowed in confusion. “Don’t ya see who that is? That’s Nala’s father!” Shenzi didn’t hesitate and promptly took a sprint towards the lion, leaving Banzai paralyzed. Her partner, however with mixed feelings, followed her lead quickly.

The mystery lion in question, Lio, expressed a look of exhaustion. He had evidently walked a long journey, overthinking certain past events. He still wondered whether heading towards the Pride Lands, one of his former homes, would be a smart move. The lion barely heard the “Hey, you!” coming from behind him. Upon turning around, he instantly recognised Shenzi and Banzai, the two leading hyenas he remembered were Scar’s allies, standing behind him. Lio’s eyes widened. “What do you want?”

“What do we want? Says the lion who’s about to trespass on our lands!” Banzai reacted, awaiting Shenzi to take over the wheel.

Lio hesitated. “I want no trouble. Sorry, I’ll leave…” he softly spoke.

“Not so fast!” Shenzi interfered. “We know who you are. You are the father of Nala and Mheetu!” she shared. A humorous grin spread across her face when she noticed Lio’s expression had turned utterly bewildered. “Oh… my bad… Ya never knew ya had a son too...” Hm, I kinda enjoy tormentin’ this family… “Perhaps had ya known, ya had never left Sarafina for tha other chick!” The female hyena turned to her partner, observing, “He has aged a lot, don’t ya agree?”

Banzai nodded, playfully flashing his teeth. “I bet that chick replaced him with a younger piece!” 

“Hey! Scar would’ve exiled me anyhow!” The blonde-maned lion seemed visibly affected by the hyenas’ words. Leaving Sarafina caused him, both his families and himself untold grief. Following his departure, Lio found contentment in the company of a different pride, an existence that would’ve persisted had a younger male not challenged him. Due to his age and physical weakness, Lio was forced to surrender and to abandon the group. This, he thought, was the inevitable outcome of his karma. Inside, his emotional pain deeply scarred him. “They say it’s better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all...” he mumbled, trying to convince only himself. “I wonder if Sarafina returned to Scar.” 

Shenzi shook her head. “No, he first hooked up with Zira, whereafter he—”

“—lost his mind!” Banzai, bursting into laughter, finished his mate’s sentence. 

Shenzi nodded, her mind plotting. “That’s right! His gaze fell upon another pretty lioness…”

“Such a charmer…” Lio rolled his eyes. “I expected as much from him, recalling his stirring up trouble between Sarafina and me.” He gave a shrug. “Whatever, I no longer dwell on the past.” The elder lion yawned, the sound creating a small echo through the savanna, eager to find a safe spot to spend the night. “His actions don’t concern me anymore, so why should I care?”

“Wait, I think ya care. I mean, ya should…” Shenzi quickly responded, sounding utterly mysterious.

“Why?” Lio asked, his curiosity being triggered by the tone of Shenzi’s voice.

Shenzi’s grin widened, as the opportunity to incite more turmoil was just too appealing to ignore. “Because his pretty new mate is your precious little girl!” she shared, hugely enjoying witnessing the sudden change in Lio’s eyes. “Nala…”

“What?!” Hearing the news concerning his daughter both shocked and enraged the elder lion, making his blood boil like it never had before. “The bastard!”

“Figured you wouldn’t appro—” Shenzi couldn’t finish her sentence, watching the lion’s tail disappear as he headed straight towards the Pride Rock. “Oops…”

“Now look at what we’ve done! Ya think Zira likes havin’ him back?” Banzai complained. “I can tell ya she ain’t gonna be happy with us!”

“Trust me, okay?” Shenzi sighed. “That lion is no threat! Didn’t you see the state he’s in? All he’s capable of doin’ perhaps is strike Scar another scar, that’s it!”

“Great...” Banzai heaved deep on his turn. “In other words, we just offered him another opportunity to alter his name… As if Scar isn’t already dealing with some sort of midlife identity crisis!” The hyena gave Shenzi a strict stare. “I’ll make sure they all find out it wasn’t me this time!” 

“Come on!” Shenzi beckoned her mate, ignoring his complaints. “We’ve got to make sure no one else sees that old lion before he reaches Scar! I hope they left us somethin’ to snack on, because I like a snack while watchin’ a thrilling drama show!” Shenzi grinned before she hastened onwards.

The next morning, Nala was awake before sunrise. The lioness had decided to visit her mother—without waiting for her mate to wake as well. She knew she didn’t require his approval as Scar authorised Nala to go wherever she pleased. Nala wasn’t as restricted as probably half her kingdom had predicted she would be. The king, however, had developed the idea of appointing Zazu to babysit her more often. Thus, Nala quietly left the den, careful not to rouse the bird. Unfortunately, Zazu, you’ll have to sit this one out… Upon approaching the lionesses’ den, Nala was met with signs of activity. Sarafina was among the early birds too, Nala remembered. “Mom?”

“Nala!” Sarafina, her voice overwhelmed with joy, immediately arose after hearing the voice of her daughter. “I’m glad to see you!” she shared as she approached her daughter to greet her with a warm hug. “I felt concerned after hearing whispers about Shenzi and Zira wandering around the royal den.”

“Mom, you don’t need to worry about me,” Nala responded, trying to reassure her mother. “Ta—uh, Scar took care of them.”

“Mothers never stop worrying about their children, Nala.” Sarafina smiled and gave a small frown. Did she just intend to call him Taka? “You’ll understand that when you have cubs of your own,” she added. “How’s he treating you?”

“Mom, asking that is redundant,” Nala answered. “I haven’t been in such a secure state for a long time.”

“Has he… have you and him…” Sarafina hesitated, unable to finish her sentence.

“Mom!” Nala knew exactly what her mother was trying to say. “You probably aren’t the right person to have this conversation with, but...” Nala paused and continued in a whispering tone. “You must know, I feel comfortable and safe around him, and I like his sensitive side, the lion behind the scar... Taka.”

“Taka…” Sarafina repeated as she gave her daughter a bit of an awkward smile. “You’re falling for Taka, aren’t you?” she asked, although the look in her daughter’s eyes obviously spoke for itself. 

“Mom, please. Lower your voice!” Nala slightly widened her eyes as a warm feeling overcame her.

“Oh, sweetheart…” Sarafina, her voice switched to a whisper too, confessed, “My desire for you is happiness. I still remember his soft side too, you know. I’m glad he’s not hiding it from you.”

Nala smiled nervously. “Given our conversation, I’m wondering something. How will I know?”

“Know what?” Sarafina frowned.

“When I am expecting…” Nala stared towards the ground, almost muttering, “Cubs…”

“Oh deary, it’s far too soon for that,” Sarafina started. “However, once you are, you’ll feel the changes inside your body, and then you’ll know.” The lioness flashed her daughter a reassuring look. “Nala, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m always here for you, no matter what the situation is.”

Mother and daughter obviously had plenty more to talk about, had a booming roar not pulled their attention away…