AN: YES, I do strongly believe that Zira was Scar's mate, and this part of 'A Scarred Heart' tells a story about the relations between the two of them. Also featuring Nuka, Kovu, Tani and others. It's a romantic story… Sorry for any errors. Remember to read the earlier parts, too.

CHAPTER 1 – The Presentation

All the hyenas from the Pride Lands have been ordered to gather around Pride Rock that morning. Most of them had no idea, why. Heading towards the gathering spot, many of them cursed the fact, that they had to get up before dinner today. Amongst them was Banzai.

-Damn it, why is boss calling everyone over so early in the mornin'? You know what's the deal, Shenzi?

His sister seemed to be less irritated somehow.

-I do, but quit yappin' and hurry up! We don't wanna be late.

-Who says we don't?

The pack's leader growled. Her brother only made a silly smile, hasting his steps. They sat at a rocky hill at the base of Pride Rock.

-Man, everybody musta come! Look, even the lionesses are awake and waitin' for what's gonna happen. Serious business, huh?

-Very serious – answered Shenzi, sitting on a stone. The sun was rising, slowly illuminating the whole rocky formation. Straining his eyes, Banzai saw Scar standing on it's top. There was also someone lying beside him.

-Whoa! The last time I saw boss grinnin' like that was when he took over! Who's that layin' there with'em, Shenzi?

-Are you blind? It's Zira, you dummy.

-Zira?

-Yes. Scar's new mate.

Banzai was shocked.

-Wait a sec… his MATE? But isn't that the one who's guy boss drowned in the waterhole just lately?

-Yeah, same one.

They both paused, as Scar was beginning his speech. He spoke with a lofty, proud voice.

-My dear, faithful subjects! Your king welcomes all of you. I would like to express my thanks for the years of fruitful cooperation…

-Oh, all that political jargon!

-Shut up, Banzai! I'm tyrin' to listen here! – Shenzi scolded her brother.

-… a very happy announcement to make! My mate, Zira, whom I have most recently personally accepted back to the pride, shall from this day become my and your lady and queen of these lands!

The hyenas began to cheer. They were shouting 'long live the king' and 'long live the queen' alternately. The lionesses on the other hand expressed mixed enthusiasm. Only some of them were rejoicing. Many had their heads lowered.

-He-he, look Shenzi- the lionesses are tryin' to cheer up that old Sarabi. Poor thing, she has to kiss the throne bye-bye. I almost feel sorry for her. – The hyenas burst out in sneering laughter. Sarabi always despised them, so they found this moment particularly pleasant. – And what are you thinkin' 'bout that whole Zira? Scar's got a strange taste pickin' the fattest female of the whole pride for himself.

-You gotta be kiddin' me! She's pregnant, you idiot!

-Huh? Pregnant? Already?

-Not with Scar! It was still that other one's job, you know, the one who sleeps with the fishes…

-Oh…

Scar went on with his speech.

-… as a kind ruler, despite the harsh circumstances, I have decided to take Zira's cubs in. From now on, they are to be treated as my own offspring.

With these words, Nuka entered the stage. He looked measly, with a lowered head and haggard fur. He wasn't over his father's death yet. Now all of the lions put on a gloomy expression. Along with Zira and Scar.

-Heh, duke Nuka? – asked Banzai. - Shouldn't they, like, call that ape to lift'em up or somethin'? Wait… doesn't he remind you of anyone?

-Like who?

Both of the hyenas looked towards their pack. Somewhere among it was Ed, not paying attention to the speech at all. Instead he was chasing his tail, trying to impress Tamika- his new mate, who was rolling on the ground with laughter watching him.

-Oh yeah, that's right… - concluded Shenzi distastefully.

They watched the royal couple giving away their triumphant roar. After the ceremony, the hyenas started to leave in their own directions.

-This sucks. I thought there should be a banquet after such a gig! – whined Banzai.

-I wasn't even counting on it. That whole Zira and her cubs are nothin' but new mouths to feed…

-But she's gonna be huntin' too, ain't she?

-Course she is! To feed her kids! What do ya think, that the queen's gonna be supplyin' commoners?

-Commi… whut?

-Oh just shut up! C'mon, let's check out if somethin' hasn't died from starvation…

AN: Long live the royal pair! Actually Zira does say she was 'Scars beloved queen' in one of the scenes that didn't make it into the movie… and I like that concept. Please review if you like it, too!