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.

Anonymous: We'll just see.

Reldor: Thanks :D

kate: I take it you like this then? XD

KShara Khan: Oh yes, a VERY big risk. That's how you know he's changed; the old Scar would have kept lying about his past. We'll just have to see how Rose's reaction goes ;)


Chapter 12

The next day, Scar felt uncharacteristically nervous. He had promised himself he would tell Rose the truth. But what if she didn't believe it? Or worse, become afraid of him?

Well, as his father used to say, we'll catch that prey when we get to it.

When Rose returned from the hunt, he was there to meet her. "When you have a moment, I'd like to speak with you." He said.

Smiling, she nodded and trotted off to eat. Scar followed her, and saw the females had caught a wildebeest, which was another source of prey in the African Safari Lion Sanctuary. Rose had gotten a foreleg, and was currently pulling meat off of the bone. Scar grabbed another leg, laid by Rose's left side, and began eating as well.

Later, he walked her to the pond. He licked his lips nervously before sighing, "I don't know where to start."

"What's wrong?" Rose asked with concern.

"Well...I didn't tell you everything about my past." He said, sitting on the bank of the pond.

"Oh?" Rose sat down next to him and laid her head on his shoulder. "Well, I'm listening."

Scar looked down in the pond and saw his and Rose's reflection. It somehow looked right. He let his eyes wander to Rose. How could I have been so blind before? This perfect lioness...Maahes, she's so beautiful...

"Taka?" Rose's voice snapped him back to reality.

"Excuse me. I got distracted." He cleared his throat.

"I know how you feel." She buried her nose in his mane and inhaled deeply, smiling and sighing afterwards.

"Hmm...well, you know how I said my father was found in the Elephant Graveyard, dead?" Rose nodded. "Well...truth be told, I was angry at him for choosing Mufasa over me...so I told Mufasa I was going to the graveyard, and ran there. I knew he would tell Father. Apparently so, because he came running up. That's when the hyenas attacked."

Rose's eyes widened, but she still sat. "Mufasa...I was angry when his son was born; meaning I wouldn't be able to be king. So I left Simba in the gorge, telling him his father had a surprise for him. The hyenas started a wildebeest stampede into the gorge. I brought Mufasa there; he jumped in and saved his son, but at the cost of his life. I told Simba it was his fault, and he should run away, and never return. The hyenas chased after him. A few years later, Simba returned.

Scar turned to Rose and said, "Rose...I did it all. I told the hyenas to attack Father. I told them to start the stampede. I told them to kill Simba. And...during the stampede...I pushed Mufasa into the gorge."

Rose's eyes were big and round with fright, and her mouth had fallen open. "...You killed them?"

"Rose, let me explain-"

"You killed them?" She stood up and backed away. "It can't be true! Taka, you're not like that!" Tears began growing. "Please tell me it isn't true! Please tell my you're lying!"

"...I was lying somewhat before, Rose." Scar sighed. "It's true; I killed my father and brother."

Rose grew more frightened. "No!" She gasped, shaking her head. "N-no!" Finally, she turned around and ran away.

"Rose!" Scar called after her, finally standing.

She ran through the grass, Scar's words repeating in her head.

I told the hyenas to attack Father.

I told them to start the stampede.

I killed my father and brother.

I did it all...

Finally, she stopped by a tree. Panting, she let the tears fall. How could Scar lie to her like this? More importantly, how could he kill his own family?

"Rose?" Frightened, she jumped up and climbed into the tree. She crouched low on a strong branch and peered through the leaves.

On the ground, Scar was searching for her. "Rose...please, let me explain. I did it out of jealousy and anger. I was angry at my father, and jealous of my brother and nephew. But...ever since I've met you and your pride...you've retaught me of family...and love...I've never laid a claw on anyone here...especially you. I've changed..." He looked down at the ground, sighing. "Of course she would run. What were you thinking, she'd excuse your crimes? Stupid lion!" When he looked at the ground, he saw the shadow of the tree branch, and,

Lion ears? As he raised an eyebrow, the ears ducked down. Figuring out who was in the tree, and deciding to leave her alone, Scar sighed sadly, "I'm sorry, Rose. I'm so very sorry." He hung his head and trudged away, tail dragging sadly through the dirt.

Once he was gone, Rose jumped down to the ground. She sat down and hung her head, tears still falling. "How could you, Taka? How could you even think of murder? How could you have lived with yourself?" She whispered.

She didn't notice a certain red lion approaching her from behind, smirking victoriously. Well, I never knew Scar had that sort of past, but I knew he was a bad lion. "Rose?" He asked, pulling on a sympathized face. "Are you alright?"

When she looked over her shoulder, she sighed, "Oh, hello, Devil."


A/N Ahadi being lured to the graveyard and ambushed by the hyenas was something I borrowed. Scar telling Mufasa he was going to the graveyard so he'd tell their father was a personal touch of mine.

So did Rose react the way you thought she would? Rose running off, and Scar apologizing while she hid in a tree above him was inspired by a similar scene in Brother Bear, where Kenai confessed he had killed Koda's mother, Koda runs and hides in a tree, and Kenai follows and apologizes.

Uh oh, what's Devil going to do? 0.0

BTW, it's my 16th birthday today :D