Morning at the Western Borders, in an underground cave that served as a den
Kumari paced back and forth, as Sina put their infant cub down for his nap. "Kumari, please. What point is there to worrying about it?" Sina tried to reassure, but even she knew just why Kumari couldn't just leave it be. "Because, we both know what will happen if Scar shows them any leniency. Once again, the hyenas and Mufasa's Pride has shown a lack of respect for Scar's law. If only he'd let me punish them…" Kumari mused aloud, to which Sina simply growled in unison with him. "It would certainly teach them a lesson, but as frustrating as they are (Sarabi especially) Scar perhaps knows what he's doing. After all, Sarabi is the former queen and her achievements and policies suggested to Mufasa are still well-remembered within the Pride and among the subjects." Sina paused, and Kumari finished her thought.
"And killing her would bring unnecessary trouble to Scar's crown. Exiling her would simply free her from our jurisdiction… It's times like this that it's good not to be king." The white-furred, black-maned lion said. "And it's also times like this that it sucks to be a member of the Lion Guard." Tojo's voice sounded from behind Kumari. "Ah. Tojo… You patrol the western borders today, eh?" Kumari turned to greet the Bravest of the Lion Guard, and noticed that the younger lion was troubled.
"Tojo, I know you're upset by what you've heard…" Sina started, and Tojo shook his head, causing his dark-brown mane to unfurl and swish around as he did. "Chumvi isn't a monster. I know he isn't a monster, because a monster would be incapable of valuing others. Especially lionesses like Lana, or Nala…" Tojo stopped short, and realized it only too late. "Yes, a monster would see only the beauty of their bodies, and wouldn't be able to see just how they'd be worthy additions to a pride beyond fulfilling their own selfish desires. Chumvi, without even being the Keenest of Sight, could see these qualities hidden under their bodies." Sina explained, and it was at this moment that Kumari and Tojo both could understand why it was Chumvi who was chosen by the Spirits to lead the coalition of five exceptional lions.
"I just wish we could see a way to solve the problem of Sarabi, and just why Scar keeps her around." Kumari said, as he prepared to exit the den.
Noon, At Pride Rock
Oh, why am I walking so slowly? I should just get it over with. Mtoto thought as he made perhaps the slowest walk up Pride Rock and into the King's Den. He wondered how much Scar actually knew about the incident from three days ago. And how much he had to do with it. As the young lion thought more and more about it, he felt his legs get heavier and heavier with each step he ascended.
But eventually, he made it to the entrance of the den. And what he was greeted with the angry roar of the King. "FOR THE LAST TIME: NO!" Scar's voice was intimidating when it was raised, which was a rarity for the dark king. The distinct whimper of a hyena sounded as a result, and Mtoto knew it was Shenzi and Adui who were being screamed at. He wondered how the force of Scar's roar didn't knock them down, but it was enough to send them scurrying away in a hurry.
The two leaders of the hyena clan had clearly outstayed their welcome, but Mtoto hoped that Scar's bad mood didn't persist as he hissed out his summons for his next visitor. I've got to stop shaking! He might be the Lion King, but I am bigger and likely stronger than him, for crying out loud! Mtoto thought as he sauntered into the den.
And then he saw it. Scar had closed his eyes and taken a deep breath, but he still appeared to have a regal air about him. Right beside him was his Queen, Zira, and on the seats just below and to the right of the royal throne was the Chancellor Kumari and his mate Sina. And seated on the opposite (yet visually equal) side of those two was Chumvi and Lana. The Fiercest Lion in the Pridelands, and the Princess of the Kuatan Jungle, sitting beside one another, made Mtoto just a little jealous even though he was fully aware that Lana was not looking for a relationship at all at this point. Still, he found himself staring right at her violet eyes as despite himself, which only made him even more nervous.
"Ah… Mtoto. Just the lion I wanted to see." Scar said, as though seeing an old friend for the first time. Mtoto might have thought that, if not for the fire in Scar's emerald eyes. The brown lion had no clue if he should believe that fierceness in his eyes or the syrupy calmness of the King's body language, but he was not going to falter now. The young lion noticed that Scar had definitely gained weight and simply looked healthier and stronger. This, if he remembered his adopted mother's words correctly, was probably the result of being allowed to once again eat with the Pride after becoming king.
"Sit down, let me look at you." Scar said, and the younger lion did as he was told. As he did, this allowed the others present to do the same as well, but it was Lana's purple eyes that Mtoto stared into the most, hoping to read her expression.
Of course, Scar's words tore him right out of his thoughts. "Good. Good… I see Kirrin has been taking good care of you. Just splendid. Your mane has grown in nicely, as has your overall musculature. Zira's huntresses have obviously been doing their job…" It wasn't lost on Chumvi, Lana and Mtoto that Scar had put so much emphasis on the fact that it was Zira's delegates that tended to get the most consistent results. "Say, how has Ni been doing?" Scar continued, and it was then that Lana, Chumvi and Mtoto all perked up at the same time.
"Oh, Ni. Well, as you know, he said that he was going return to the Riverlands and claim his birthright. I don't know if that's what's going to happen, but I have confidence in…" And Scar cut him off. "I know he's going to do well. And, from what I hear, you'll be 3 years old soon; a legal adult. " Scar said, and Mtoto spoke up again. "Why, yes. I will be… I've been practicing for my first solo hunt and-" Scar cut him off once again, and this earned a raised eyebrow from the younger males present.
"I know you have been. However, this brings me to what I want to ask you. As you know, there was an incident involving the hyenas and Sarabi's Pride. What do you know about it?" Scar said, his tone still casual and friendly, yet this was exactly what cause Mtoto the most discomfort. Yes, this was even considering the hardened gazes of Kumari and Chumvi, both of whom seemed to possess the exact same piercing green eyes as Scar. Not helping Mtoto's peace of mind was the vicious aura that Zira emanated from her crimson eyes and harsh features, and perhaps that alone could intimidate even an experienced and powerful lion.
Yet, it was Lana's soft, pleading gaze originating from her very inviting purple eyes that ultimately led Mtoto to tell the truth.
The whole, entire truth.
Late Afternoon
Scar traveled to the den that was used for high ranking guests. It was considered one of the best dens on Pride Rock, next to the Kings own. Originally, this had been the den designated for Mufasa's surviving mate and Pride, but that privilege had since been revoked. And in their place, he had the den designated as Chumvi's private den much to the rage of Sarabi and her lackeys. It had been three days since the incident and Chumvi began to spend most of his off-hours in this den.
Chumvi opened his eyes to yell at whoever was trying to get him to leave the den, until he saw it was Scar. Then he closed his mouth and tried to ignore Scar, which just could not be done due to the fact that the king lied right next to him. "I failed to protect the Pridelands; I was played like a fool so easily. I don't want to be reprimanded by you." Whispered Chumvi.
"I have not come for that, I need you to follow me once more, I am going to judge the hyenas and lions that caused the incident. I will also plan to show that your actions were in fact not of some power-hungry monster. That you were acting in the Kingdom's best interest. Above all, you were simply upholding the law set forth by the King." Said Scar.
With a heavy heart Chumvi followed Scar to the bottom of Pride-Rock. On one side sat Sarabi and her faction. And on the other stood the hyenas, unified against their feline adversaries but not much more beyond that. "Normally, a king would just pass out judgment and be done with it. However, today I will explain the logic behind my verdicts." Scar said, and looked directly at the young huntress who's twin sister had been murdered.
"Lieneth, I am so sorry for your loss. Such should never have to happen, and over such a trivial folly as hunting rights, too. This is part of the reason that you will be allowed to go free." Lieneth was practically floored at this judgment, because she was absolutely expecting something more harsh than the sentence levied upon her.
And then, Scar continued. "The main reason, however, concerns Sarabi. Now, in respect of my dead brother and his son, I will not have you executed and turned into a martyr. Nor will I exiled you to become a target for every rogue that happens to know of Mufasa and his reign." Scar had started with the good news, but Sarabi knew full well why he did this. And his words confirmed it.
"That said, I now have all of the evidence that I need to formally accuse you of treason. You, Mheetu and Zazu have all colluded with a foreign king in an attempt to undermine and overthrow my monarchy, and part of your plan was to get the Lion Guard to kill off the leaders of the hyenas loyal to me. A cunning, smart plan, if only Delia hadn't sacrificed herself in her sister's stead. I may not execute or exile you, but you will wish that I did. From now on, Sarabi, you no longer have the right to hunt for yourself, let alone lead a hunting party. All of your titles will be revoked, and you are no longer even considered a Huntress. The only food you will be allowed to eat is any meat that is hunted or gathered by the hyenas, and only what they bring you to eat." Sarabi's face fell at that decree, which caused Scar to bask in the irony of his judgment. But this wasn't to say that he was going to allow the hyenas to get off scot-free, as his green eyes hardened once again as he looked to the hyenas. Shenzi, specifically.
"Shenzi, because of your lack of self-control, valuable assets were lost. Now, I am aware that you are with pup, so here's what will happen. You and your party will be supervised by a lion when you hunt. Oh but not just any lion, however. The lion who decides when and if you can hunt…" Scar slammed his clawed paw on the rock he was standing on, the signal for his delegate to step forward. Chumvi almost laughed at the look on the faces Sarabi and her lionesses when they saw Mtoto walk out and stand beside Scar's platform.
…Is the lion who has displayed loyalty to his King and has proven himself a trustworthy part of this Pride. Shenzi, If any harm comes to him, accident or not, you forfeit your life and that of ten of your pack." Scar stated coldly, yet with such a force that could not be denied or disputed. Not that Shenzi wasn't going to silently challenge that decree at this moment, and perhaps even plan to openly do so at a more opportune moment.
"Now, to all of you who say that Chumvi should lose his place and be killed for the death of that lioness. I am not happy that she died. However, the blame is not on Chumvi and it will never be. It isn't his fault that she jumped in front of what she knew to be certain death. It was a sad death, however it was also an entirely preventable death on her part. This is my judgment, now leave this place." Scar said, adjourning the trial with his roar.