Simba was growing tired with each passing minute, but he knew he couldn't collapse. He was determined to convince his uncle to join them. He knew they could do it. He had seen his uncle practice his pouncing skills before and Simba was impressed. Maybe he could teach him how to stalk like that too.

Timon and Pumbaa were confused about the entire situation, but thankfully, Simba and his mother had cleared things up. Pumbaa was determined to help them, but Timon was having second-thoughts. He had just met Simba a few days ago and now they were on a journey to overthrow an evil king? The lioness Tumaini, however, was helping him over come his fear and anxiety.

It was relatively quiet until they reached Pride Rock, where the sound of the herds caught their attention. There seemed to be no major difference in the pridelands, but Sarabi did notice there were less herds of animals and the grass seemed to take on a brownish color, as if it knew there was trouble. Timon and Pumbaa were impressed by how big the rock really was.

Sarabi stopped and said, "It seems they're not here."

Timon said, "How are you so sure? Maybe they're in that cave sleeping? Lions like sleeping. Don't you?"

"I'm sure Sefu would be on the ledge, watching over the pridelands. That's what Mufasa would do," Sarabi said, "What a real king does. He announces to the other lions that he is there, that this is his home."

"They're probably off hunting," Tumaini said, "Come on, before they return. We need to find Scar and if he's not there, we'll need time to escape."

With that, they moved quickly to Pride Rock. Sarabi stepped into the cave first, followed by Tumaini and Simba. Immediately, they heard cries for help. They all faced towards the side of the cave where they found a familiar face.

"Zazu!" Simba called.

"Thank goodness you're alive, your highness!" The bird sighed in relief as the group ran to him.

He was caged in what appeared to be a ribcage of a small mammal. Tumaini immediately crushed it and Zazu made his way out of it.

As Zazu explained his capture to Sarabi and Tumaini, something caught Simba's eye. Something had stirred in the darkness in the back of the cave and he walked towards it. As he got closer, he noticed the shimmering spots on the object. It's side would rise unevenly and a soft whimpering sound could be heard if he paid close attention. Then, Simba realized what it was.

"Uncle Scar!"

Sarabi and Tumaini turned to look at where Simba's voice had come from. They saw a large, slender figure in the darkness. A dark red pelt and black mane; yes, it was Scar.

The lionesses ran to his side, Zazu following close behind. It didn't seem he had heard them at first, but then his eyes slowly opened to reveal green glowing orbs.

Tumaini felt her heart ache, "Brother...What did he do to you?"


He hadn't known what hit him. It was too fast and it felt like Pride Rock itself had falled on him. When he came to, he was met with Sefu's malicious glower. His heart reacted in fear and jolted his body upright. But, he found he could not. His muscles were sore and his head was spinning.

And Sefu wasn't done yet.

It was just a few days after the incident, but Scar felt it had been an entire century. He was used as a practice target for Sefu and his pride of admirers. They pounced on him while he was down, and in those few moments he could muster the strength to stand, Sefu was ready to bring him down with a more fatal blow.

All he did now was lie on the stone floor of the cave that was once his brother's.

Scar was too over come by fatigue that he couldn't even think. He was a thinker; thought of every and any thing. Now, he had not even that. Sefu had taken everything from him. Everything from his blood-family to his childhood crush to his own will to live. And it had only been a few days.

So it was no wonder that when they captured Zazu, the bird did not realize it was him that was the lumpy shadow in the posterior of the cave. Neither would have Scar himself.

Scar was just preparing himself for his slow death when he heard a faint noise behind him. There was a comotion, but he was too weak to really register what it was about or even pay close attention to it. Suddenly, it stopped, until a small voice shouted his name. He was shocked at who it came from; he didn't want to believe it. But that's when he opened his eyes and was met with the green ones of his sister. He had never been more relieved to see her than in that very moment.

He tried to speak to them, say a single word, anything. But he had lost all his strength and his eyes felt heavy once again. He barely understood what his sister said to him.


Tumaini swallowed, not knowing what to do. Simba's mouth dropped. He knew his uncle was alive, but...he never imagined he would be this hurt, on the verge of dying.

"What...are you doing here?" Scar finally asked, his voice raspy and low. His lips barely moved, and the words came as a whisper. His throat burned at the slight vibrations; the pain too much.

"We came for you, Uncle Scar. We're going to defeat Sefu." Simba said, fighting back his tears.

Scar closed his eyes again, "No. Go. I'm old and injured. You should try to find the others...Create a new pride."

Sefu had kept him prisoner along with Zazu. He hadn't eaten or drunk anything and his energy was painfully low. And that was how Sefu mad sure he couldn't get back up.

"We will not do it without you," Sarabi suddenly said, "You are part of our pride too."

"I will only slow you down." Scar argued.

"Then so be it." Sarabi said sourly, "I vowed to protect this pride the moment I became queen. Plus," her voice softened, "You are my family."

Scar felt tears sting his tired eyes. He had never thought Sarabi to be so caring of him. It never occured to him that he was indeed important to the pride. Yet, he couldn't bring himself to join them. It was basically a suicide. Where were they going to find the lionesses to make another pride? Plus, they were still weak. And they lacked the stealth and pouncing skills Sefu's pride clearly had.

"You should go. Sefu will probably return soon. Save yourselves." He wheezed.

Tumaini sighed, "Taka," she began, "They killed Mufasa..."

Scar's eyes shot open. He had expected-wanted-his brother to survive. He had thought he would, considering his strength and will, but...

The tears were unwillingly flooding down his cheeks by now. He had already lost the love of his life and little Nala, and now his brother...

From where, to this day it is unknown, but even after days of torture, days of depression and fear and pain and exhaustion, Scar suddenly stood. The will to survive finally came back to him as well as his strength. The soreness seeped into his bones and very soul, but he wasn't going to let Sefu win anymore. Enough was enough.

"I have someone in mind." he said, throat still in pain, but this pain came another source.


Sefu couldn't believe his luck. Everything was going as planned. In fact, even better than planned. He thought the fight with Scar would have lasted longer, that the old lion would actually present a challenge. But as it turned out, that was not the case.

He chuckled to himself as his pride ran freely through the pridelands, catching him some breakfast. He yawned at the thought of not having to do anything for the rest of his life expect mate, eat, and sleep.

In Mufasa's pride, he had had to hunt along with the lionesses. Now, he had his own lionesses hunting for him. And even some of Mufasa's pride too. They had surrundered, knowing they wouldn't win. Sefu smiled, wise decision.

Yes, the new king was proud and happy. But...there was something that kept popping up in his mind. It wasn't guilt or regret, no. He was intrigued by Scar and Sarafina's relationship. He could tell, even after just a few days of his arrival in Ahadi's pride, that the two were smitten with each other. Being a young lion, he had thought it hilarious that neither noticed it or dared believe it. He hadn't originally thought of winning Sarafina over, but he was attracted to her at some point.

By then, he knew Scar would be a challenge, so he took pride in when Sarafina chose him to be her mate. He knew it left Scar heartbroken, which he also knew would make it easier to get rid of him. But...

When he was about to give her the final blow a few days ago, Sarafina had said she did not love him. It did not hurt his feelings, afterall, she had served his purpose and he was bored of her. But, it had made him think.

Why, if she did not truly love him, had she agreed to wed him? Why-

"My king!" Sefu's thoughts were interrupted by his advisor, Tendaji.

"What is it?" Sefu asked.

"The prisoners-they escaped!" Tendaji panted.

"What?! How?!" Sefu's blood boiled. He had made sure Scar was too weak to even stand, and Zazu wasn't strong enough to break through the bone-cage.

"Well, I saw two other lionesses, not from our pride, with them as well."

"Who?"

"A brown lioness and the other was a sort of red-clay with brown color."

Sefu paused to think, before it hit him. Sarabi and Tumaini had survived. Survived and gone looking for Scar.

"And there is something else, sir." Tendaji said hesitantly. Sefu turned to look at him, anger visible in his eyes.

"What?!" Sefu snapped.

Tendaji swallowed, taking a step back from his king, "Well, it seems that...the prince Simba was with them also, trotting along with a meerkat and warthog."

"Simba's alive?!" Sefu struck Tendaji's face, but not with the intent of permanently hurting him. It was just out of anger.

Sefu turned away from him. Tendaji asked, rubbing his cheek, "What now, sir?"

"Now? There is nothing we can do now. Surely, they plan on regaining their strength and fighting for the pridelands. They will probably try to find more lionesses to build another pride."

"Like we did?"

"Yes, like we did." Sefu turned around. Tendaji smiled, a nervous wary smile, but a smile nonetheless. Sefu smiled back at him.

The two had been best friends since they were cubs, much like Scar and Sarafina were. They even had the same father, too. But one day, when they were adolescents, Sefu grew tired of his father's kingdom. He suggested to Tendaji they run away, build a pride of their own. Tendaji had at first refused, being the prince and all, but, eventually, Sefu convinced him to bend to his will. Like he has and would continue to do so, even though Tendaji knows what they're doing is wrong.

Sefu watched as Tendaji joined the pride, leaving him to think alone.

He had not expected Scar to be able to move, but it seemed he was wrong. The old fool was stronger than he had anticipated. But that didn't matter. Sefu knew there weren't any lions nearby and they wouldn't dare fight him without others to back them up. Then again, Scar was one heck of a lion...

Sefu frowned. If they somehow did get another pride, what was he going to do? Fight again? He would have to if he wanted to keep the pridelands.

Yes, he would fight for them again if he had to. It didn't matter how many lions died. And this time, he would make sure Scar was one of those who did.


I'm too old for this, was the first thought that ran through Mufasa's mind as he fought lion after lion. He honestly hadn't expected Sefu to betray them like that. It hurt, but he quickly learned not to dwell on the matter. He had to fight for his kingdom; his pride was counting on him.

He was glad Scar hadn't joined them. Perhaps he would go looking for them, and hopefully find Sarabi or at least Simba.

That was days ago, and he wasn't so sure they would be alive by now if they were seriously injured.

Mufasa sighed sadly. He prayed they were still alive, still okay.

"Is something wrong, my king?" Sobana asked. It was a silly question. What wasn't wrong?

Mufasa didn't even look at her, only shook his head, "No. I'm alright."

He had managed to survive the ambush and had found the remaining of his lionesses. Except the ones that mattered the most. Sure, he cared for everyone that belonged in his pride, but his family held a special place in his heart; even Sarafina.

He knew how much she mattered to his brother and he didn't know how he would react once he found out she was killed. He wouldn't be able to imagine his pain, that's for sure. Yes, he had been seperated from his mate and son, but at least he had the hope of finding them again. Sarafina...she was dead.

"Do not worry, Mufasa, " Sobana reassured, "We will find them. We will take back our lands."

Mufasa tried a smile, but fail. It was enough for Sobana, however, and she smiled back before joining her few pride-sisters that were left.

Mufasa looked up at the bright sky.

"Please, father, let them be alright. Please! I know Taka was never the most loving of lions, but I know deep down, he cares. Help him find Sarabi and Simba. Please let them be alright. This was all my fault for trusting Sefu. Scar was right all this time. Sefu is a brute."

Mufasa turned away to face the ground. For once in his life, he understood how his brother felt. Everything was having fun, enjoying the sun and here he was, without a family. He felt betrayed by his land and kingdom, but he couldn't blame it. He couldn't blame anyone but himself.


A/N: I'M ALIVE! And since it's been QUITE a while since my last update, I decided to let you have some insight on Mufasa's situation. But don't have your hopes up, I have more plans for the king...

Anyways, who thinks they know what Scar's plan is? Or at least who he will go to? :)