A/N First I came up with a cub for Scar, and just said that her mother (not Zira) was dead. Then I wondered how Scar would react in a zoo. Over time, it changed to a sanctuary (actually, just an enclosed area in Africa that is miles in width and length) Then this story was born.

This is actually the first in three stories, forming one series: The King of the Sanctuary. I do not own any Lion King characters; only my own.

Unnamed Reviewer: Thank you very much :)

Reldor: XD Well, here it is.

Anonymous: I'm glad you like it :D


Chapter 7

"Pride Rock lies in Africa, in a territory known as the Pridelands." Scar started. "It is a tall rock mountain, with a long rock jutting outwards." Using a claw, in the dirt, he drew a tall, pointy mountain, with another pointy mountain, jutting out horizontal from the bottom of the mountain, held up with a large rock on the bottom. "The main cave is here," He pointed to the corner formed by the mountains, just at the base. "And the king or queen make their announcements here." He pointed at the tip of the tip jutting out from Pride Rock. "It is also where the royal cubs are presented."

Rose nodded, beckoning for him to continue.

"In the kingdom, there is one king, his queen, and at least one heir. The heir steps up to become king or queen, and chooses their partner. Then, they have their own heir. It is the Circle of Life. The heir learns of the Circle of Life, to respect every living creature, and how to rule a kingdom."

"What if there is more than one cub?" Rose asked.

"The eldest born is deemed future king or queen."

"That doesn't seem fair."

"Everyone has their own different opinions." Scar shrugged. "Usually, the king teaches his son to be king, and the queen teaches her daughter to be queen. However, the Pridelands doesn't just have Pride Rock." He drew a large circle in the dirt above Pride Rock. "There is the Water Hole, where animals go to drink and aren't disturbed. And then," He drew two squiggling lines side by side. "A gorge. It is like the Rock Pit: deep, full of rocks, steep walls, and a small chance of surviving after a fall."

Rose visibly shivered. "And finally," He drew another circle above the Watering Hole, but drew a skull with tusks, and several small bones. "The Elephant Graveyard."

Rose gulped nervously. "An Elephant Graveyard? You mean, where elephants die?"

"Yes." He nodded. "Creatures called hyenas live there."

"There was once an old, cranky hyena in the lion field. He'd steal prey and try to kidnap cubs. One day, Mother and Minerva, the oldest lionesses at the time, ambushed him. Now, he doesn't bother us."

"I see."

"Tell me more about the Pridelands." Rose moved so she was mirroring Scar's position.

"It is covered with lush trees and green grass. Pride Rock lies in the center of the Pridelands. The Water Hole, to the north, is much bigger than your pond. The Elephant Graveyard, farther up north, is beyond the borders, so it is forbidden to go there. A ways away from Pride Rock is a large, ancient tree, where a wise, yet insane, mandrill lives."

Rose smiled. "The Pridelands sounds like a beautiful place. I'd love to visit it one day."

"I'm sure the Pridelanders wouldn't take too kindly of you."

"Why?"

"Because you'd be with me." Scar said simply. "They dislike me, and anyone who is with me."

"Hmmm." Rose hummed thoughtfully. "I see."

As she thought back about what Scar said, he watched her. Her left paw was on the ground, with her right on top. Her hind legs were folded beside her slightly lean body. Her head was tilted slightly, and her eyes gave her the impression that she was in deep thought.

He had never seen a lion quite like her. He had seen cream, peach and brown lions, yes, but never black. But he imagined they were rare. Though he may never admit it to anyone, when he said Rose looked beautiful, he was being sincere. He hadn't the foggiest idea why, but he was attracted to her dark pelt.

Scar shook his head sharply. What was he doing? Falling in love? No! Especially not with such a young lioness. The last time he tried to seduce a lioness her age, she scratched him and ran off. He decided rejection wasn't worth it this time around. After all, here, he was no king. Just a normal lion.

"Are you alright?" Rose asked.

Scar blinked and answered, "Yes, I just have a lot on my mind."

She nodded. "These Pridelanders, are they anything like you?"

"No." Scar shook his head. "They are much different. They have more muscle, light-colored coats, and noses like Kenya and Kafil's. I was the only one to have this nose, aside from my father. I obtained my nose, eyes, black mane, and build from him. My coat was my mother's."

"I looked just like my mother, myself." Rose said. "Except she had reddish-brown eyes. I never knew my father though, but I knew he was from a zoo, so I didn't have any siblings."

"Hmm. I had one: a brother." Scar said bitterly.

Seeing how the subject irritated Scar, Rose decided to not press it. "Kenya, Kafil and Savannah were like my sisters and brother." She said. "We grew up together. Kenya and Kafil were still cubs when they were sent here, and Savannah was a little older. Devil was brought here as a cub, similar to your story. He's always liked me, but me to him, not so much. Mildred and Matilda, like I said, were young adults, and were already pregnant. I was the only cub born here, aside from Isaac and Sunita."

Scar nodded. "My only friends growing up were hyenas."

Rose's ears perked up with surprise. "Hyenas?"

"Yes. While Father was training Mufasa to be king, I was ignored. I wandered around, and found the Elephant Graveyard, which was where I found three hyenas: Shenzi, Banzai and Ed. They were annoying, always hungry and laughing, but they were true friends."

Rose nodded. She looked to the side. Scar followed her line of vision; the sun was setting already. How long had they been out here?

"Come with me." She stood up. "I want to show you something."

Scar wordlessly followed her.


A/N If I got anything about the Pridelands wrong, tell me nicely, or don't tell me at all. I'm not a Lion King geek, I'm only saying how I think it is. I might have added my own details, but nothing too drastic.

I hope I'm not making Scar too OOC. I just figure you can soften a villain enough if you give them a little love. After all, I think Scar would have been VERY different, had he not been so jealous of Mufasa and upset at his father.