Lex Talionis

Part I: The King's Quandary

Synopsis: Sequel to "Quid Pro Quo". Mufasa loves his brother even if he is imperfect. Can the King put aside his pride and rectify what seems irreversibly broken?

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters. They belong to Disney.

Author's note: I was originally going to leave Quid Pro Quo as a standalone piece but eventually I felt the need to revisit it again as I felt that there were some things that needed to be touched upon. This can be read as standalone but it is a sequel. Warning, this will contain some slashy references. If you don't like that sort of thing, the back button is at the upper left hand corner.

Mufasa scanned the savanna for any sign of the mangy brutes. The very presence of hyenas aroused his defenses. He had warned them that the next time that should they dare set foot in his lands there would be dire consequences. They had no place to be here for he had cultivated his territory with a firm paw and a sharp tooth. With the precision of a sharpened claw and the help of his most loyal subjects, King Mufasa carefully nurtured the Pride Lands as tenderly as a mother to its cub. It was a pristine jewel that was coveted by other predators and he did not want so much as a blemish in his precious holdings. The mole warned that they were close to the southern end of the watering hole. Should he arrive on time, he would be able to catch the filthy ingrates in the act. Today was the wrong day to cross him.

Hyenas had no place in the circle of life. They were parasites. They were vermin. They disrupted the pattern and upset the balance. They ran on instinct and not on intellect. What he despised most of all was their lack of self control. They only seemed to pollute and gorge on meals that were never their own. Everyone contributed to the balance from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope to the vultures who cleaned up the messes. Many had complained to him about hyenas stealing kills. That was enough for the King to banish them to the outskirts. There was never a time that he could recall when hyenas and lions could share the land peacefully. That could never happen for hyenas were a filthy, cowardly lot and they were always using their numbers to their benefit. They never did their dirty work alone. They always had to do it in groups. It was low and it was cowardly.

King Mufasa's tolerance was breached and he had had enough.

He surveyed the land from a prominent rock. They had all but disappeared but their very presence just a moment earlier was unmistakable. The King sniffed the air. He had caught wind of their recent visit by leaving 'evidence'. It was fresh. He looked down at the "tribute" that his unwanted guests had left. Judging by the texture and color, they had been feasting on some of the herd animals within the Pride Lands. The King let out a disgusted growl and proceeded to erase the markings of his most recent visitors by covering it with his own. He made doubly sure to let the intruders know that this was HIS territory by leaving his scent on some trees and a rock. He may not have caught them today, but that didn't mean that they could underestimate him. This was a warning. This was letting them know that he was present even if he was not physically there to stop them.

They were just one of many problems he had to deal with as a ruler. He remembered as a cub how he had a certain view of what such a title meant. He understood that being a ruler meant patrolling the lands and having genial relationships with his subjects. He also believed that it meant the lion's share of a meal and lots of rest. Things had certainly changed since those innocent days of his youth. It might as well have been another lifetime ago. Hyenas were a top priority problem now and they were not the only ones that demanded his attention. There were the animals in the watering hole whom had a knack for creating a single new dispute whenever the opportunity arose. Some of them included incidents such as the buffalo withholding grazing lands from the zebra. Other times, his attention was needed needed on how to cut a hippo in half between two different warring parties who would accuse the other of getting the better portion. This was certainly not what he had envisioned back then. He had a more simplistic view on the responsibilities of being a King and there was no doubt that Simba was the same way.

He could see himself within his son. He was about his age when his father took him and his brother to survey the lands to teach them their first lessons. In fact, this is what he had planned today with Simba.

Another day ruined. Another day lost.

How many broken promises must he endure? To say that this was frustrating would be an understatement. He knew that Simba was looking forward to this day. Now, it had to be postponed. He had to do something to make it up to him. Then suddenly, a shadow flew overhead.

"Sire! Any sign of the mangy, stupid poachers?" Zazu, his faithful majordomo and very close confidante flew above him.

"I am afraid they made their leave quickly. If that is the case, all the better for them. I am in no mood today, Zazu," Mufasa said gruffly. The hornbill flew closer to his majesty.

"I understand, sire. You have been planning this for many moons only to have those disgusting scavengers take that away." The brightly plumaged bird said with a revolted tone.

"How is Simba? Did he make it home safely?" The King queried with concern.

"Yes, he did, sire but not before complaining about having his day ruined by not spending it with his father." The bird replied with a nod.

Mufasa let out a deep sigh. He knew that Simba was so excited about this day. He looked forward to it since Sarabi vaguely mentioned it over dinner a few weeks back. Simba's little ears perked up. He was not unlike him when he received important news that he was going to be 'someone important' one day. However, their 'day' had been postponed many times over since he promised his son about a special something that he had planned for them. First, there was the dispute over the waterhole between the crocodiles and the hippos. Then, there was the sharing of grasslands between the zebra and antelope. Then, there was the council meeting between the cheetahs and the leopards about the rationing of food. He had promised Simba to set aside another day and when he finally found an opportunity he had to tend to other pertinent matters. It was not a false alarm, but that did not make what had transpired any less of a bother.

"He was so excited, I feel as if I have failed him once again." The King said finally.

"Now, now, sire you have urgent matters to tend to. After all, being ruler of such grand beauty is no small task." The bird said proudly. Zazu served as Mufasa's advisor. He was also a dear friend, second in command, part time therapist and wonderful babysitter.

"Thank you, Zazu, but how is Simba going to learn if I keep pushing things back?" the King asked. The bird had a talent for seeing this as they were and not sugarcoating the situation. He was concise, straight to the point and he did with confidence and a smile.

"Not to worry, sir. Let the lad enjoy his carefree days with his little friends." What the bird did not say to the King was that he felt that young master Simba was a little too idealized in his views on what it meant to be a King. But he did not tell his father that. Perhaps it was best to keep him ignorant for awhile and let the professionals handle the job when the time was right.

"He has to learn, Zazu," The King said calmly and with a vague hint of a smile. Suddenly, the appearance of his second in command seemed to allay all previous concerns.

"In time, sir. In time he will. But first, he must master the art of bathing and I am afraid Mistress Sarabi is struggling in that department." Mufasa let out a small laugh. The majordomo had a knack for comforting anyone even in the most disappointing of times. Where one was depressed, Zazu would remind them of how important they were. When one was feeling insecure or unsure, Zazu would remind them of their accomplishments. He was very good at that. He was also very good at picking out the weaknesses in those he did not see with a favorable eye.

"I trust that you did a better job of explaining this than I could." The King said proudly.

"Oh, I did, sire. I explained to him that your duty of Lord of this land is not child's play. He then proceeded to chase a butterfly, fall into a ditch and get dirty." Zazu exclaimed.

"That boy. What am I going to do with him?" The King smiled fondly while looking towards his home.

"Perhaps a little swat on the tail, sir?" The hornbill flew behind the King.

"Zazu," The golden toned ruler nodded.

"Well, it worked for you, sir. I have had relatives relay me their experiences in working with other prides and the fathers were not above doing that to their heirs. It's discipline. Now if he only did that more frequently to your ungrateful brother…"

Scar.

Mufasa had been ignoring his brother since the ceremony a couple of full moons back. Though they barely acknowledged one another during meals, for civility's sake they put on a cordial façade between them so that the lionesses would not suspect that something was amiss. Knowing his brother, Mufasa believed that Scar was doing it simply because he despised any sort of open tension especially when his popularity points were dismal compared to his.

Though Mufasa enjoyed the fruits of his rule, he still hated having this blemish in his private life. He managed to ignore it for many days but the feelings of 'urgency' would occasionally bubble up. The reminder to make amends would come but then he would be distracted. He still saw that Scar was still acknowledged as his brother when he could come down from his cave or whatever shadowy enclave he found on Pride Rock. The lionesses greeted him whenever he was present but it was never on the same level of adoration as him. They bowed their heads or rose or acknowledged him but that was it. It was always 'Lord Scar' or they nodded. It did not have the same sense of warmth that he had received. Although he did not exactly possess what he would call leadership material, he was still his brother. He may not have shared the same ideas as he did, that did not mean he had to be cast aside. Even if he chose to stay away from the pride out of his own volition, that did not mean that things had to stay that way.

Mufasa knew that the manner in which he spoke to Scar the last time they met was because of something he had said.

Though he believed that his brother was not fit to rule, that did not mean he despised him. What he despised was his behavior. That was something else entirely different. Scar could be so stubborn and hold an unhealthy grudge. His antisocial behavior was improper and his passive aggressive behavior was infuriating.

Then Mufasa remembered the real reason why Scar was playing the 'no contact' game.

Scar's talents lay in pushing one's buttons. He could disarm someone with the flick of his tongue or the power of suggestion. He hated to admit it, but his brother was very good at picking at one's weaknesses. Usually he was good at ignoring any insinuation, but he knew that even a broken clock was right twice a day. If Scar desired it, they would have made a formidable team; he with his strength and Scar with the power of his rhetoric. He even considered sharing 'co ruling' duties with his brother but he knew that it would never be enough. You give him a few yards and he would take twenty square miles. Then the King would remember that he was part of kin.

He postponed it out of anger amongst other things. It was just that he was so infuriating. His inferior complex was another trait that the King found unbecoming. If Mufasa suggested a stroll, Scar would ignore him. If he invited him for a meal with Sarabi away from the others he would say that he would think about it and then would never appear, citing forgetfulness or whatever excuse he came up with at that given time. As King, one would have to be social and not hide away in the shadows. This was not behavior one would expect of a ruler. In that regard, perhaps it was best that Scar did not share the same responsibilities. The lionesses were weary of Scar because of how he presented himself. They never really talk to him unless they had to or because he would let them.

Now that was another unpleasant reminder. He had put off showing Simba the Pride lands and he had procrastinated with reconnecting with his brother. What would happen should the event of his demise come before Simba was fit to take the throne? As general rule, Scar would have to take the lead before the powers would be transferred to Simba. Scar at best would be regent. Perhaps today was not the day for Simba's lesson. As far as he knew, all was well in the Pride Lands now that he had taken care of the problem. Perhaps now was the time to deal with this sensitive and private matter that had plagued his mind for some time. Still, memories of Scar's behavior as of late made him want to push the matter back.

But he is family.

He is an ungrateful prat!

He is my brother.

He won't listen. He will make up more excuses!

Mufasa was not paying attention before the bird flew into his periphery.

"Sire!" The bird squawked.

"Yes, yes, Zazu?" The King responded quickly.

"I was telling you about the flamingoes being tickled pink after I mentioned to them that the porcupines were in a prickly situation-"

Mufasa cut him off right there.

"Zazu, may I ask you a personal question?" The proud ruler asked warmly.

"Certainly, sire," The bird said promptly, completely forgetting about his previous train of thought.

"Zazu, how would you describe me?" The King asked. Zazu's eyes widened. What an odd and personal question. Zazu went the safe route.

"Gracious. Noble. Fair. Do you want the long list or the short version, Sire?" The bird said with a warm smile.

King Mufasa was not done yet for while he appreciated the compliments, it was not exactly the direction he wanted to head towards. He was proud of the traits his father instilled in him: humility, pride, compassion, diplomacy. He was careful not to abuse these powers for they would affect the balance. Should that balance shift, then it would have a negative effect on what he had carefully created and orchestrated. He could not have that. One way to prevent that was to keep the self in check.

Being a ruler did not mean getting one's way all the time, it did not mean having every whim catered to. There was the golden rule of tolerance, compassion and respect. Hyenas were not part of that pact because they had crossed the line. His brother who tested him on a daily basis was not on the same plane as them. As much as he disappointed him, he was not on their level. If there was a department where he felt he was lacking in it was in patience. He would extend that to all those who needed it. There were times when he felt that Scar was not deserving of such attention. Then again, was it worth it if it meant burning bridges…..something that he desperately tried to avoid?

"Do you find me….overbearing?" The King asked pointedly.

Zazu's gulped. That was a loaded question. Was it a trick or a trap? Zazu knew that the King would always seek his advice on personal matters, but this was something else. He knew he had to give the correct answer. Though the King was gracious and could tolerate a verbal jab from his wife the hornbill was not sure if this was within his realm of expertise. He could talk down to someone provided that the King was there to protect him. He was cordial when he had to be and as painful as it was, he did not completely mind when Simba used him for pouncing practice.

The King was testy because of the hyenas. Second of all, he had barely missed them. What if he had some leftover anger? Would he take it out on him? Zazu was not sure if he would dare to risk it.

"Well, Sire, between my hollowed bones and your build, I don't believe there is a contest," Zazu said with a tense smile. Mufasa let out a generous laugh, much to Zazu's relief. "Why do you ask?" Being asked by the same lion who could use him as a snack was not something Zazu could answer on a whim. Although he was being spoken to in a softened manner, it was best not to take chances. He had to carefully measure his responses.

Mufasa knew that he had to do this carefully. The bird was sharp and if he brought up Scar, Zazu would give the usual answers and they would range from 'a lost cause' to 'riff raff' to 'within your shadow' and truth be told, he could not blame him. Then again, Zazu had what Mufasa felt was tunnel vision when it came to his brother. He was not there when Taka was helpless or when they played games as cubs. He was not there when he and Taka were much closer than they were today. This was one side that he only knew. Everyone else saw what Scar wanted them to see. It was as much Scar's fault for everyone seeing him the way they did and yet, he knew that Zazu's perception of him was very limited. Mufasa knew his brother before he became bitter and resentful. As hard was it was to believe, he and Taka were a lot closer than anyone would suspect. It felt like he was seeing double. This is why he 'tolerated' Zazu's comments, as stinging as they were. Perhaps all this time of being ignored and sidelined had taken its toll.

Something had to be done.

"I have been doing some self reflecting…." King Mufasa said finally.

Zazu, the ultimate tail kisser saw this as an opportunity to rectify the situation.

"Sire, if I may be so bold, you are firm because you have to be. You are a model of discipline and control. There is no double. Others merely wish to be you. That is no small task."

Mufasa only heard what he already knew, save for the panegyric fashion in which Zazu told them. This was not going to work. He had to be direct.

"Hypothetically speaking, say I wronged someone a long time ago. Although I do not see eye to eye with this….individual, the wrong is still a wrong." Mufasa said carefully as he was talking to a small cub. This was a sensitive issue and Zazu tried to dissect it from all angles. He studied the manner in how the King said it. He was calm which meant that he was not angry. That meant he was LOOKING for some sort of constructive criticism. For the majordomo, this was a delicate task. He tried to dodge the question.

"Is it the crocodiles? If they are giving you trouble, I am sure I can conjure up a plan with the hippos."

"No, it's not that" the King stated simply.

This was obviously an issue that had been tugging at the King's mind for quite some time and judging by the despondent and very personal tone, this was something extremely private, possibly something out of Zazu's control and expertise. Zazu was wise in not broaching for any details for the King was asking for advice for a very intimate problem. Mufasa was careful in how he phrased the question and likewise, Zazu was cautious in how he answered.

"Is this someone I know, sir?"

"No," Mufasa replied promptly. He did not wish to give the bird ANY hint as to who the question really pertained to.

"Hmm, yes, I see. Is this….individual someone beyond reproach?" Zazu pressed on, carefully dissecting the responses.

"To some, but not to me," Mufasa replied. Zazu did not want to think that the King was referring to whom he believed he was referring to. Although the King never really disputed his observations, he knew that Mufasa loved his brother. Whether it was out of a broken familial bond or part delusion, Zazu felt it was not within his range to touch such an issue. To get rid of the possibility, he dealt one final hand.

"If said individual were to apologize for past transgressions, would you welcome them?"

"Very much so," Mufasa said deeply.

"Well, sire. I am afraid I do not have personal experience in such matters but perhaps I could add solace to your query with something my mother once told me."

Zazu knew better than to put in personal opinions into a sensitive subject, especially if said subject could eat him in one gulp. Although they were united in philosophy and for the good of the kingdom, they were not congruent in all things. As much as Zazu hated feeling like he was beating a dead zebra, he had to isolate his personal feelings on the matter and treat the King's inquiry in an objective manner. This was something beyond his role but his majesty was at HIS mercy. He had to give an answer. He was the guide. Between himself and that baboon, King Mufasa relied on the two of them for guidance, him for his logic and the baboon for more spiritual matters. Truth be told, he would love nothing better than for him to beat Scar. That would at least solve a sizeable portion of his problems.

"Sire, if you believe that it is best to close that hole in your heart, perhaps it is best that you reach out and rectify the situation," Zazu said finally.

Zazu had pinpointed his exact problem. There was a void within him. He had to fix this problem. Just then, a roar was overheard. It was Queen Sarabi and the message was for him.

"Do pardon me, sire, but I believe that there's been an urgent call!" Zazu excused himself.

"I shall meet you in awhile, Zazu. Thank you."

The King used this opportunity to be alone with his thoughts. It was a miracle that Zazu did not prod for any details. Perhaps it was intentional? Whatever his reasons, he would not miscalculate his advisor and dear friend's astute and very pointed observations. At this point, dealing with a hippo with a hernia seemed like a far more preferable option, but the King knew that he had to deal with this sooner or later.

Upon reaching Pride Rock, he was greeted with a flurry of beckoning smiles. They momentarily quelled the heaviness that dwelt within him.

"Good afternoon, your majesty!"

"Greetings, your highness…"

"Salutations, my Lord."

"Good afternoon, ladies," the King beamed gently.

The lionesses were his personal wait staff and court. Their services contributed to the health of the pride. They also provided the King with 'personal services' if the Queen was in one of her moods.

"Please stay with us, my Lord" a lioness in a light golden tone purred.

"Serenade us with your latest venture!" Another one beamed.

"Not now, ladies. Perhaps later? I have a personal matter to attend to." He said in his deepest tone which made them flutter and smile invitingly. Strong, regal, and handsome, any lioness worth her salt would be lucky if she had managed to get the King's attention.

He made his way towards the rocky fortress which was one of Sarabi's favorite resting spots. He was pleased to see her and Sarafina.

"How did it go? I heard there were hyenas," Sarabi asked.

"False alarm," Mufasa said rest assuredly and nuzzled his mate.

"I just don't understand how they can get so close! Do you think they have a secret port of entry?" Sarafina protested.

"Impossible. I watch the borders carefully and the moles have connections with the savanna animals." The King replied promptly. He would make sure to double check the marshes tomorrow.

"Some should know when they are not welcome," Sarabi said proudly. "How is it that our kind once tolerated them?"

"It is only a small few. I have gotten it taken care of, Sarabi." King Mufasa nuzzled his consort lovingly. "For now, let us forget our troubles."

Sarabi smirked lovingly.

"There is zebra, my love."

"Before I feast, I must ask where is Simba. Has he eaten?" Simba enjoyed eating meals with his father. He especially loved hearing stories of his cub hood. He was so inquisitive about the family history. It was a trait he was most fond of for he taught Simba to never forget his pride.

"He is with Zazu. He mentioned that he wished to go to the watering hole with Nala."

Mufasa chuckled.

"Perhaps that bird needs a break. He has done so much for us."

"You just barely missed them. I do hope Nala doesn't play rough with him. I cleaned her twice yesterday!" Sarafina exclaimed.

"They will be fine, Sarafina." The King nodded. He headed towards a closed off section of Pride Rock. It was a quiet and secluded place if one wanted to have privacy or eat in peace. It was here where he liked to be if he wished to be alone with his thoughts. It was also the perfect hiding spot for a kill.

The meat looked succulent and juicy. It did not look sickly and it seemed to put up a good fight before being brought down. A fine specimen fit for a King's meal. He was about to start eating when he caught himself and stopped. Mufasa knew that he could not eat, not when his mind was full.

It was then that he got a nugget of an idea.

End of Part I