While the hunting was being done, Mufasa decided to take Sarabi with him to Rafiki's tree. Rafiki had been the adviser of the kingdom till his father, Ahadi, was King, and till today he was the most loyal subject any monarch could ask for. With an extravagant personality, Rafiki could give the most useful advices when they were needed, showing also his pure heart. When they arrived, Mufasa heard the baboon singing in Swahili as he usually do when he was drawing happily in his tree.

"Rafiki?" called the King.

In less than a second, Rafiki showed himself with his happy smile and loud laugh. As they used to, the King and the advisor hugged and Sarabi left her irritation aside to give Rafiki one small nuzzle whilst he hugged her.

"It's so good to see you!" was the first thing Rafiki said. "Tell me, is there something you want to talk me about?"

Mufasa looked at his mate before talking: "We just wanted a few advices for… You know, Dwala and Sarabi's problem"

"He wanted advice" emphasised Sarabi showing again a scowl. The King just knew to roll his eyes.

"Ah, fraternal relationships! They tend to be complicated sometimes!" commented Rafiki with a worried tone. "But as easily as it can be broken, it can be fixed!" he added happier.

"Really?" asked Mufasa a bit sceptic.

"Yes… if both siblings try hard" explained the baboon. "But of course someone has to start first! Tell me, is there something that Dwala likes?" asked Rafiki with a smile and a raised eyebrow.

"Bugging people" answered rapidly the Queen.

"Sarabi!" said Mufasa with a frown.

"It's the true!"

"You promised me you'd try!"

At that, the Queen sighed tired. She hated when her mate was right in those kind of things…

"Flowers" she said after thinking. "Any kind" she added.

"Then give her flowers!" answered Rafiki, showing a bouquet of flowers which came from nowhere.

"How did you…?" tried to ask Sarabi, who shared a surprised expression with Mufasa.

But she couldn't even finish the sentence as Rafiki put the bouquet inside her mouth and she held it as well as she could. Mufasa tried to supress his laugh when he saw Sarabi was killing him with the glare.

"Does she like to be pampered?" asked Rafiki. Sarabi nodded. "Then, deluge her with praises" said Rafiki caressing the Queen's head. "Anything to make her feel comfortable and let her see you have forgotten the past"

"Mut I didn't…" tried to say Sarabi through the bouquet.

"No, no, dear, don't talk now… Wait for dinner" he said guiding her to the exit. "Remember, Sarabi, it will make both of you happier than anything in the world!" said Rafiki with a smile.

"Thank you very much, Rafiki…" was the first thing Mufasa said when his mate was gone. His gratitude was interrupted by the baboon, this time wearing a serious expression.

"You're going to regret this idea, Mufasa" said Rafiki passing him by.

"What? Why?" asked the King following him.

"Never ever put a mate and an ex-mate together in the same place" was the last thing Rafiki said before disappearing in the millions of leaves, leaving a very concerned Mufasa alone.

Sarafina was the first one to receive Sarabi. With a big smile, the lioness with blue eyes explained that the hunting was a success, and the Queen was glad to hear that. She left the flowers where Mufasa and her used to sleep at night, and Sarafina had to ask, curious.

"Rafiki's crazy plans…" explained the Queen. "Mufasa wants me to make peace with Dwala and he thought it was a good thing to ask Rafiki for advice"

"Well, he is very good at advising" commented Sarafina with a little giggle. "Besides, I wouldn't want to see a thing like what happened at that day" she added more worried.

"Yes… Well, I wanted to talk to you about that as well" said Sarabi with a serious expression.

"How comes?"

"Fi, if something happens between my sister and I today, I want you to not take part into it" she asked.

"But, friends must be there from one another" said Sarafina with a frown.

"Well, yes, in fact, but… You see… When a friend is a bit too sensitive…"

At that, Sarafina's glare hardened: "Oh, no, you are not going to that again"

"What?"

"You always have to say I'm too sensitive… It's not true" complained the lioness.

"Fina…" said Sarabi with eyes half-closed.

"No, no, it's true. My sensitivity is pretty normal, like anyone else's"

"Really?"

"Yes"

"Do you really think that?"

"Yes"

"And what about last wiki?"

"What about last wiki?"

Sarabi looked at the horizon and let a sigh escape her lips. It was starting to get dark and she was still there, far from Pride Rock. Her stomach growled and she tried to ignore how hungry she was. The Queen approached the sobbing lioness, who hadn't stopped crying in all that time.

"Fi, c'mon, we should be going" she said gently.

Her friend kept crying in silence. Sarabi's eyes rolled and fell on the thing that started all that sobbing: a trampled banana covered with ants and dirty. The Queen looked at her friend, who was living a drama seeing the fruit. She tried to understand her and comfort her, placing a paw in her right shoulder.

"C'mon, Fi" she tried again with a gentle yet tired tone. "It's just a banana, and it wasn't even yours"

"I know, but it was someone else's! Can't you understand?" and with that she started crying her eyes out again.

The Queen just looked at her with a perplex look and decided to give up. It was official: that night they were going to sleep under the stars…

"So it's a bad thing to have empathy?" asked Sarafina with a scowl.

"How can you have empathy for somebody you don't even know?" asked Sarabi with a raised eyebrow. "You don't even know if that banana was somebody else's, maybe it just fell for a tree and that was it!"

"There weren't any trees around that place, and you know it!" said the blue-eyed lioness. Then, her eyes started to fill with tears. "Why didn't you ever tell me you were ashamed of me?" she asked hurt.

"What? I'm not ashamed of you…!" said Sarabi looking at the left side.

"Ah! You lied!" said Sarafina with a loudly gasp.

"What?"

"You lied to me!"

"I didn't!" said the Queen looking at the left again.

"Again, you did it again! You looked at the left!" accused Sarafina angry.

"Fina, I think you're seeing things" said Sarabi with a few giggles, her eyes moving fast from one side to another.

"And now you're trying to make me think I'm the crazy one!" she accused again. "I know it because you don't stop gazing everywhere!" she was crying by then. "My best friend feels ashamed of me!"

"Well, alright, yes!" admitted Sarabi, starting to feel desperate. "It's because of this!" she added pointing at her with the head. "You cry for the littlest thing in the world. How can't I be ashamed when you do it in front of the people?" then, she sighed, tired. "That's why the rest of the pride invented the expression of 'You're the Sarafina of the family'…" she said before without thinking.

"What?" asked the lioness with a broken voice. "Is it for that? But… I thought that was because they admired me!" she said crying and then she left the cave.

"No, Fina, wait…!" tried to say Sarabi, but when she got out of the cave her friend was nowhere to be seen. "Wow, what she's got of a crying baby she also got it being really fast!" she commented impressed.

"I'm here!" said a voice below.

Sarabi looked down, seeing Sarafina on the ground, sobbing while she tried to get up.

"I fell and it hurt… not as much as your words…" she added crying again and running.

"… Well, this Krismasi is going to be the best of my life…" said the Queen with sarcasm.

Night arrived, and Sarafina wasn't nowhere to be found. Sarabi sighed worried and decided to keep waiting inside the den. The rest of the lionesses didn't know what happened and the Queen didn't want to give any explanations; she just kept them calm telling them she was alright, and in her mind, Sarabi wanted to believe that too. When she was about to go rest a few more minutes before her family arrived, Zazu entered the cave, informing that Sarabi's parent and sister were about to come. Sarabi felt the heart beating fast. She hadn't seen her sister till her marriage, and she was feeling nervous for how she was going to act towards her, even if they were going to be in front of their parents and the rest of the pride…

On his behalf, Mufasa tried to follow Rafiki's advise. He couldn't forget the words his mate talked to him that morning because they were true: his brother and he lost the good relationship they once shared as cubs. And one thing Mufasa wanted more than anything was to have it back. He still loved his brother deeply, even if when they were face to face he didn't show it because usually Scar got on his nerves easily…

"Hi, Uncle Scar!"

Mufasa turned around when he heard his son's voice, and saw how Simba was jumping happily only because his uncle had arrived. Scar just rolled his eyes and passed him by, muttering a "hello", and Simba started to follow him, with a smile. And Mufasa smiled as well. That was one of the principal reasons he wanted things to be like before: his son. Simba reminded him how Scar used to be, how Taka was. Mufasa wasn't blind, he could see Scar could feel it too when he looked at Simba, even if he tried to ignore it and pretend it wasn't there. But truth always win, and nobody in the world can deny it: Simba had all the curiosity and happiness Taka once had, and Mufasa felt proud and happy with that, and that was why he tried also to make both lions spend time together.

Simba ran to his father, telling him happily that Scar had arrived. Mufasa nuzzled his son and laughed a bit. The King looked at the dark lion, who was seeing the scene in the distance, and when he felt his brother's look on the top of him, turned his head with a low growl. Frowning, Mufasa told his son to go play with the rest of the cubs, and it wasn't needed to tell him twice. Simba ran laughing to his friends, who received him with a smile. At that sight, Mufasa felt some kind of sadness in his chest: Simba could have inherited his uncle's good virtues, but one thing that he hadn't got in common with Scar was the easy way Simba could make friends. It hurt to say it or just to think about it, but back then Mufasa didn't do much to help his brother. A thing he still regret nowadays. Anyway, Mufasa was the kind of lion who thought that it was never too late to make it right.

So, with heavy steps but a resolute mind, Mufasa got closer to his brother, who was seeing in the distance three shadows approaching Pride Rock. The King looked at his mate, who was looking at the ground with a lost glare, and Mufasa bit his lip a bit. He wanted that night things got resolved. Between Scar and he, and between Dwala and Sarabi. Family was very important, and that was why he followed the advice Rafiki gave him before Krismasi arrived: Gather all the family and talk; open up your hearts and everything would be solved. Rafiki was also wise and that was why Mufasa never doubted him. Besides, something inside him was telling him this was the right thing to do. He looked at his brother with the corner of his eye, seeing how Scar didn't notice him (or was pretending he wasn't there). Taking deep breaths, Mufasa thought that he would try to not lose his temper this time. Patience is a very good virtue, was the other advice Rafiki gave him.

"Hello" was the first thing he said.

Scar held his ears up and looked at his side. He looked his brother up and down. Mufasa cleared his throat, a bit uneasy, waiting for an answer. He saw his brother moving his green eyes from left to right, as if he was looking for someone. Finally, he talked.

"Hello… Hello me?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. Mufasa just nodded. "Oh… Hello, then" he replied looking in front of him once again.

Silence reigned again, giving Mufasa a very heavy weight upon his shoulders. He could see Scar was showing no emotions, sitting and watching as if there were nothing wrong; whilst he knew he would stammer if he tried to talk. Furthermore, Mufasa's mind was trying desperately to think something they could talk about. Fortunately, and for the King's surprise, it was Scar who brought up an issue.

"So, how's Sarabi?" he asked still not looking at his brother.

"Fine…" he said looking at Sarabi, who was now laying down on her right side, with a lost look. "… I think she will be fine"

"This will be a disaster, and you know it" said Scar shaking his head.

"No, it will be not" Mufasa stopped, thinking he sounded too rude. He breathed in and out a few times, and added: "Rafiki thought this was a good time to try to make peace".

He didn't know if giving his brother the real reason to all that was wrong, but it was enough to make the dark lion look him in the eyes for the first time that night.

"Do you still go to him for advise?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"He's very wise" said Mufasa supressing a sigh.

"I'm not denying that, it's just that I don't think that head of yours needs more blows" commented Scar with a mischievous grin.

"Is that so?" asked Mufasa with a tiny smile. Then, he laughed. "I must admit it didn't hurt as much as I remembered…" he commented touching the bump that his mane was hiding.

"That's just because you're used to it" said Scar, looking in the distance once again.

Mufasa smiled, seeing that was going better than he thought. The fact that his brother started the conversation, and the way he did it, gave the King hope that tonight they could fix things. He felt like a little cub, excited with the situation. When he opened his mouth to speak again, they heard a deep voice singing in the distance.

"It's a small world after all…"

"Oh, gosh…" said Zazu who was flying in front of the den.

"Not that song again…" said Scar under his breathe and showing his annoyance.

"Why…?" asked Mufasa out loud sighing tired.

In front of them appeared three lions, two females and one male. The male had a bright mane with a fur also a little brighter than Mufasa's; even with his brawny body everyone could easily see he had his very years on him due to his exhausted and red eyes. At his side, his mate stood. With orange eyes and a fur just like Sarabi's, she gave the two brothers and the hornbill a gentle smile that they gave back. Finally, Dwala, Sarabi's big sister, stood beside her mother, showing that she inherited her mother's eyes and his father's fur. Mufasa and Scar couldn't help but notice that she had earned some weight in the past few years. However, her icy glare told them she didn't want to come.

"Leo, honey, it's not time for sing" said the lioness with a gentle tone.

"I can't help it, Mchumba" said Leo with a smile. "That song never gets old" he added with a deep laugh.

"Mum, Dad!" said Sarabi, running happily to her parents.

"Sarabi, dear, how grew…!" said Mchumba with affection.

"Mum, I can't grow up anymore…" said the Queen with a laugh.

"Now she can only put on weight" commented Dwala with an evil smile.

"Girl, if your mother tells you you grew, it's because you grew" said Leo nuzzling his daughter. "Well, Mufasa! You are also a full grown up lion now!" said Leo bowing his head in respect.

"Happy Krismasi, Leo" said Mufasa showing his good manners and respect.

Leo's eyes fell on Scar and he made a face: "Who is this?" he asked pointing him with the head.

"There we go…" said Scar with an exasperated sigh.

"He's Scar" said Mufasa, fearing that everything could go wrong all over again.

"Scar? What Scar?" asked Leo in confusion.

"My brother" answered Mufasa, seeing the dark lion's angry eyes.

"What brother?" asked Leo feeling lost.

"The one with the scar" said Scar.

"Oh, Scar, the brother of Mufasa!" said Leo with a laugh. "Why didn't you start with that?"

Laughing, Leo entered the den, followed by Mchumba and his daughters, who didn't speak a word between each other. Mufasa turned around, finding that his brother was exiting the cave.

"Where are you going?" asked the King.

"Chill, your Highness, I'm just going to take some air" answered Scar with clear annoyance in his voice.

"Don't take it personally. He was maybe confused…" tried to say Mufasa.

"Yes, for sure he got confused due to the dozens of dark lions this pride has" said Scar without looking back.

Mufasa let a sigh of sadness and irritation escape his lips. When he was about to enter the cave, deciding the best was to give his brother a few minutes, all the children ran out the cave, laughing, with Sarabi guiding them.

"Sarabi, why are you letting them out?" asked Mufasa.

"Because I don't want the cow of my sister gets more jealous because we have a very cute son" she answered with a serious expression. "Let Scar handle them" she said entering the cave again.

Mufasa sighed once again, and passed a paw on his face. This wasn't going well.

"Zazu" he called, and in less than a second, the hornbill was in front of him.

"Yes, sire?"

"Can you please go and tell Rafiki to come?" asked the King.

"Of course, sire" said Zazu with a smile, flying out the den.

"Hey, Zazu!" he heard Simba calling him.

Landing in front of the kids, he said: "Something's wrong, Simba?"

"Uh, no, I was only wondering where you were going" said the cub tilting his head.

"I'm going to look for Rafiki" answered the hornbill.

"Cool, Rafiki's going to come" said Tojo excited. "He always tells us great stories!"

"It's not fair you're working on holidays, Zazu" said Nala with a frown. "Idea! We'll go call him!" she said with a smile.

"Oh, no, Nala, dear, that's too dangerous for cubs" said the hornbill a bit worried.

"And it's too far" complained Tama.

"And what if an adult go with us?" asked Simba.

"Well, in that case, I think I will not have more objections…" said Zazu supressing a laugh. None of the lionesses would want to go so far.

"Deal?" asked the prince.

"Yes, deal!" said Zazu.

"Cool!"

They saw Simba running back to Pride Rock, going where his uncle was sat, with no the more friendly face.

"Hey, uncle Scar, uncle Scar!" called Simba.

Oh, now for sure I'm going to win… thought Zazu, following Simba as the rest of the cubs.

Now what…? thought Scar sighing. "What, Simba…?"

"Do you want to go accompany us to Rafiki's tree?" he asked smiling. "Please, say yes" he added making his smile grow.

"No" was the quick answer his uncle gave.

"See, Simba? Now, let me…" started to say Zazu.

"Why not?" asked Simba a bit sad.

"Simba, there is nothing in the world that would make me go with a bunch of brats" said Scar rolling his eyes.

From the distance, they heard Mufasa and Sarabi's voices.

"Sarabi, c'mon, you've got to calm down"

"If she opens that big mouth of hers again, I swear I'll…!" started to say the Queen. She sighed. "This is too much for me… Where is the fruit? Isn't it peeled yet?"

And then, something inside Scar snapped. How he hated that stupid habit…

"I can't take it anymore" said Scar getting up. "Let's go"

"What…?" asked Zazu without believing what he had just heard.

The happy screams of the children made his voice inaudible. He watched as the children were getting farther from Pride Rock with Scar as the "cubsitter".

"… Mufasa is going to kill me"