Disclaimer: I do not own The Lion King. That copyright is Disney's. I do own this particular interpretation , and any OOC's.

A/N: And here is the second chapter. Sooner than I expected to have it out, though it has been finished since before I uploaded the first.

But I was already into the 5th chapter, and just put in another 2,500 words overall, so I'm feeling generous. I wouldn't expect updates this fast all the time, considering I want to keep at least 2-3 chapters ahead of the curve. Only three reviews, not as many as I'd like, but I'm not going to start begging. Not yet at least.

But the feedback is good so far, which makes me happy.

Queen Simba94: Indeed, their reactions will be interesting. Some are more supportive of Scar than you would think. Not of his murder per say, but of who he was before he became corrupted. As for Nala and Sarafina, their reactions might not be seen in full till at least chapter 6.

GeminiGemelo: Already covered it in a long as hell PM lol.

Emerald dreamer96: Naturally. The next chapter will probably be close to the end of the month. Depending on a lot of factors. Expect some surprises in coming chapters.

And, if anyone is interested, and like Dragonball Z, I have a story in that fandom. Check my profile form more. I actually updated that story today as well, but it is my son's 1st birthday, so maybe that has put me in a good mood. Now, on to the story.

As Simba reached the summit of Pride Rock, he saw the reactions from all the other lionesses. None said anything aloud, but he could hear the whispers, and the doubt was plainly visible in their eyes.

"Why is he helping that murderer?"

"Mufasa's son, so Scar lied about that too."

"He is a fool, if that is his first action he has no place as our king-"

Sarabi roared, silencing the other lionesses. Simba was about to ask one of them to fetch Rafiki, but as he turned, he was suddenly face to face with the mandrill/baboon hybrid, which shocked Simba greatly. It was annoying habit of his, and Simba was tempted to speak out his disgust, but stopped mid breath when he saw the knowing look on the old shamans face.

"Rafiki knows what you need, have no worry. That uncle of yours certainly is lucky you 'stumbled' on him when you did. Any longer and he mightn't have been able to be saved. Come, Rafiki will treat him in the den he resided in long ago."

Rafiki saw the confused look Simba had, and realized that he must have forgotten where that even was.

"Come, follow Rafiki, he knows the way."

Simba sighed, and followed behind Rafiki, as he felt an odd sense of deja vu.

It was like a void, black, no images. All Scar had to keep him company were his memories. All the sordid things he had said and done, combined with some of his happiest moments, together created the ultimate torture for him.

"So be prepared, for the death of the king!"

"What, is he sick?

"No fool, were going to kill him. Simba too."

...

"Taka, we'll always look out for each other, right? No matter who father chooses to follow in his paw prints as king. Right?"

"Yes brother, nothing could ever tear us apart. I assure you of that."

...

"...though I don't think you deserve this, I practically had those cubs gift wrapped for you."

...

"Uncle Scar, when I'm king I'll make sure we have plenty of time to spend together like this."

"Oh don't flatter your dear uncle with such talk, I know you'll be far too busy, what with running the kingdom and all, to make time for little old me."

"But if I'm king, I can do whatever I want...isn't that what being king is all about?"

"No my boy, leading the kingdom is a great responsibility, one that must never be taken lightly. You have to put the needs of your subjects before your own. That is simply how it works."

"Dad never said anything about that...you know, you really are smart, that's why you're my favorite uncle."

"Child, I am your only uncle."

"All the more reason to look up to you, right?"

...

"Kill him."

...

"Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected to take certain duties on board..."

...

"Brother, you mean everything to me. Father may have chosen you to rule, but I'll always be there to lend a helping paw, just say they word and I'll be there."

"I can count on you then, Taka?"

"Yes."

...

"So you really are going to go through with it. Killing Mufasa and his little brat?"

"Of course I am. Just make sure the wildebeest are where we need them to be, I trust you won't fail me Shenzi."

"Oh Scar, you can count on us."

"Splendid. Then tonight shall be the last, for both Mufasa and that wretched little hairball of his. Then begins a shining new era..."

...

"So, am I going to like this surprise?"

...

"Murderer!"

...

"Simba, it will be to die for..."

...

"Everything you ever told me was a lie!"

"Enough!" Scar screamed, pulling himself from his twisted dream world in the process. In addition, his roar sent a cub skittering across the cave, till it nearly smacked head first into one of the walls.

As he struggled to open his eyes, he was met with a cowering Nuka, who was just starting to edge closer to him. Scar nearly sighed in exasperation, the cub was always a pain. That wasn't to say he didn't care for him, rather he despised how cowardly he could be, and so immature for his age. Because of that, he was considering naming his other son, Kovu as heir, unless Nuka could prove otherwise that he was fit to rule. Perhaps both could have ruled together in time, but that wasn't to be, as the rightful king, Simba had returned.

Plus, Scar knew he would have a lot to account for. Simba would never forgive him overnight, which was understandable. He was surprised enough when Simba didn't try to kill him outright; if he pictured himself in Simba's place, and assuming he gave a damn about his own father, he would have ripped the murderer apart. After a moment of numbness, the pain hit him. At least this time it was only physical. A part of him wished that he had finished the job, and simply tossed Simba off that cliff when he had the chance, like he did to his father. That way he wouldn't be in such a sorry predicament. He sighed, knowing that having done so would have only been more problematic for him in the long run.

It was a struggle, but Scar finally managed to force himself into a sitting position, before addressing his son. "Nuka, son, I won't harm you, so you could come a bit closer so I don't have to shout."

Meekly, the cub inched his way closer, till he was less than two meters from his father. "So, how long have I been out for?"

Nuka paused to think, as he scratched at his scraggly beginnings of a mane. "A-about two days, -f-father."

"I see..." Scar said. It certainly felt like he had been out a while, but two days...then again, he remembered how badly the hyenas had injured him before Simba's intervention. He had been on the brink of death, and it was probably the work of that crazy shaman, Rafiki, that he was in as good of shape as he was. "Care to fill your old man in on what has happened since that hairball-I mean, Simba took over." " And boy, don't stutter, I've already told you you have nothing to fear from me."

"Y-Yes. Well, mother returned, not long a-after you were brought to the cave. She, she blamed him...Simba for hurting you...they tried telling her the truth, t-that it was the h-hyenas, but s-she wouldn't listen."

"Yes, that sounds like Zira all right." Scar deadpanned. "I do hope she doesn't try anything rash. The last thing we need is for her to get on Simba's bad side so soon."

"Y-Yeah. She stormed off, not saying a word to him. Like he was nothing to her. H-heard her mumbling about finding those two lioness friends of hers...that Simba would pay." Nuka said

"That probably isn't good..." Scar said, fighting against the pain and stiffness of his muscles, till he managed to coax his body into a standing position.

Suddenly he heard the sound of claws scrapping against rock, then roars...both lion and lioness.

"Oh goody...I see her timing is impeccable as always." With that, Scar limped towards the entrance of the cave, as fast as his wounded frame would allow him.

Right as he made it outside, he managed to catch sight of Simba, throwing an attacking lioness off roughly. Scar quickly recognized her as Shida. Always outspoken, never afraid to speak her mind. He glanced and saw her younger half-sister, Shaka dueling with Nala; being much older, Nala had a clear advantage, easily pinning her foe to the ground. Scar then saw Zira, about to leap on Simba from behind. In his mind, he was divided on whether to warn his nephew, or leave him to his fate. Fortunately for Simba, one of Zira's footsteps stirred a rock loose, and he was able to turn and intercept her, mid pounce.

For a few seconds they bit and clawed at each other, till Simba finally put his superior strength to use, slamming her down roughly on the rocks. Then, in a move all to similar to what he did to Scar, he put his paw on her throat, not enough to inflict serious injury, but more than adequate in keeping her in place.

"I warned you once Zira. Since you had no part in my fathers death, I would allow you to stay here. Even though he was your mate, I wasn't going to punish you, or your cubs for his actions. But you crossed the line by attacking me and those I care about. There is only one ruling I can pass for that, and that is exile. You, and those who have taken part in this mutiny are no longer welcome in my father's lands. "

He released her then, and were it not for the other lionesses-nearly a dozen strong- now flanking him, Zira would have pressed on with her attack. "I have no allegiance to you or your father, only to Scar, the rightful king of the pridelands."

Simba narrowed his eyes. "Scar was king solely because her murdered my father and exiled me. "

"He did what he had to. So what if he had to get his paws dirty to claim what should have always been his?" Zira spat with venom. Something about what she said, and the way she said the words didn't quite set right with Scar.

Obviously Simba felt the same, because less than a second later he was in her face, teeth bared menacingly. "Enough. I won't have you belittling my fathers murder, on top of your attempt on mine and Nala's lives. I want you off of Pride Rock, and across the border by tomorrow at sun up. If I ever catch you in my territory again, you will pay for it in blood."

"Of course, whatever you ask my liege." She hissed. "But don't think this is over by any stretch. Come Vitani."

Turning to her eldest, who had barely slunk into view, she barked out harshly,"Nuka, you flea brained imbecile, make yourself useful and bring Kovu."

Terror stricken, but determined to try and stand up for himself, Nuka nervously fiddled with his mane."A-actually mother...I don't want to leave..."

"You what!" She roared.

"Y-yeah, you heard m-me. I want t-to s-stay with my dad. And, Simba doesn't s-seem, all tha-that bad to me..."

"You, traitorous little whelp.." Zira growled, taking several steps toward Nuka with her fangs bared. He cringed backward, only to bump right into Simba's front leg.

Not wishing any harm to come to the cub, Simba took a step in front of him protectively. It seemed ironic, that he was stepping in to save the offspring of the lion who murdered his own father...but then again, it didn't matter who his father was, he was still innocent and did not deserve whatever punishment Zira had in mind.

Zira took notice of that and stopped in her tracks, but kept her claws unsheathed.

"He is old enough to decide what he wants for himself Zira, and I will not allow an innocent cub to be punished for something like that." Then, his gaze softening, Simba cast his eyes down to his much younger cousin.

The cub, who was beginning to border on adolescence, greatly resembled Scar. His mane, which was just starting to grow, was black, like Scar's. His underbelly had orange tints to it, much like his father did. But the top half of his coat was a lighter, cream color, like Zira's. His eyes were an odd mix, a shade caught inbetween red and green.

But appearances didn't matter, and Simba finally managed to smile at the child. "So, do you wish to stay, to be with your...father?" The last word was said with a snort, but Nuka either was oblivious or simply didn't care.

Instead, he nodded his head meekly. "Y-yes, sir...I, I do."

"Then I will allow it. As for the rest of you, my ruling still stands. You are to be off these lands before the sun next rises." Silently, he whispered a prayer, more for Zira's other two cubs than for her or the two lionesses. They would need all the luck they could get if they were to survive in the Outlands with Zira for a parent. Perhaps when they were older, if they made it that far, he would welcome them into his kingdom. That was if Zira didn't brainwash them before then.

Zira turned, and picked up Kovu, with tenderness that actually surprised Simba. "Mark my words Simba, you will pay." Muffled as it was, he still caught her words, as well as a few other muttered curses from the two lionesses accompanying her. The younger one, Shaka carefully picked up Vitani, before they all sauntered off towards the border.

Simba's ears then pricked at the sound of footsteps, turning just in time to be nearly face to face with his uncle. The shock caused him to bare his teeth, though he managed to calm himself after a few seconds.

"Now, now, is that any way to greet your dear, old uncle?" Scar spoke, unable to keep his voice entirely free of sarcasm.

"Silence!" Simba roared, suddenly resembling his deceased father to a degree that made Scar visibly flinch. "You should be considering yourself lucky you aren't joining your mate in the Outlands. I'm not even sure what to make of you, or what would be a suitable punishment. All I can say is, well, if you wish to remain here, then you have a lot to do to prove that you deserve forgiveness. Not just from me, but from the whole pride. The ones you lied to and deceived."

Suddenly indignant, Scar flicked his tail in an agitated manner."Prove to you, why should I have to prove a damn-" Suddenly Simba was in his face, his teeth inches away. Scar realized that he had made a mistake, and overstepped his bounds. A bit of guilt hit him, as he realized that his nephew had a bit of a point.

"You're treading on thin ice Scar, do not push me." Simba warned.

Now it was Scar's turn to stutter, though he did a much better job of covering it than his son, it was very apparent what side of the family Nuka inherited that trait from. "Y-yes, of course nephew. O-of course, your majesty."

The last time Simba heard those words spoken, they were filled with venom and scorn, with him getting a face full of hot coals seconds later. This time, Scar actually seemed sincere. Unhappy at being humbled, not surprising. But Simba figured he deserved to be brought down a few notches. But to the point, there was no hatred, or any sign that Scar was being condescending in his statement.

Simba simply nodded his head, glad that they had reached some form of understanding. He was about to turn and walk off, before Scar spoke up.

"Simba, I, I do wish to thank you for standing in the way of Zira and Nuka. It pains me to say this, but I haven't been much of a father to the lad, something I hope to rectify now among other things, and I never did anything to stop her from punishing him in the past, even if he wasn't at fault."

"I didn't do it for you Scar. I did it for him. I see a part of myself in that cub, a part I lost the minute you took my father away. Whatever the case, I didn't wan't him to suffer the same pain I did, to be separated from his father at such a young age. Maybe that's why I'm even considering the thought of giving you another chance, to stay in the Pridelands."

"I see. You know Simba, you posses so many of your fathers traits. Pity that I'm only now beginning to see how much I've missed out on by doing what I did...if only one could turn back time and undo the past...sadly that can't be done." Scar spoke those words slowly, attempting to mask his emotions with a wall of stoicism. But even Simba could see the regret, the shame that his uncle was trying to hide.

Seeing this, made him realize that not everything was a black and white as he used to believe it to be. That even someone as seemingly black-hearted as Scar could have redeeming qualities. Knowing this gave him hope, more than he had felt since the day his father appeared to him in the clouds, telling him to return home and reclaim his birthright. Hope that perhaps what was once broken could be eventually mended in time.

"You're right Scar. We can't change the past. But a wise monkey once said, we can learn from it. I hope you have learned from yours, uncle."

With that Simba turned and walked off, leaving Scar alone with his son. It dawned on him that Simba had addressed him as 'uncle', something he hadn't heard since he had banished the younger lion as a cub. It touched a small part of him, easing the pain he felt, if only slightly.

He was broken out of his thoughts, by a most unexpected question. "H-hey dad, what did Simba m-mean when he said y-you took away his fa-father?"

Scar drug his paw over his face, both in exasperation and sadness. "That, Nuka is a question best answered when you are...a bit older."

Nuka tilted his head in confusion. "W-why would I have t-to be older, I-I'm not as stupid as mom always said I-I w-was you k-know."

This pleased Scar slightly, to see that his son was actually asserting himself. The only thing he worried about was the stuttering, but he figured that Nuka would outgrow it given enough time.

"Nuka, your father hasn't always been the best of lions. I have done wrong to a great many in my time, but trust me on this, wait till you are older. Then I can explain everything, not just what Simba was referring to."

As they began walking towards the cave, Nuka muttered a "fine" under his breath, before tripping over his own feet. This caused Scar to chuckle in amusement.

This time however, his next words were said in jest, without the intent to ridicule."I'm surrounded by idiots."

Read and Review. And please, feel free to point out any mistakes in spelling and grammar, as well as suggestions to make the story better. Be it plot, dialogue, action scenes etc. I will consider suggestions, though I cannon promise if I will do them, or how I might modify them if I use them. I will give credit though for any I do use.