A/N:
A day late, but I've had to do quite a bit. Out of state traveling.
Definitely building up to more in this chapter. There is a timeskip as well about mid way through.
s-s-l: Well, that did happen. No redemption or disaster, only that which lies in between. Neither really has gotten any closure, so at some point things will come to a complete head.
Kovu might not see her in the best of lights anymore. I'll say that much at least. Thank you for reviewing too.
At any rate, I'm expecting the next chapter to be done and out by around the 29th to the 31st of this month.
So till then, read and review.
Scar swore angrily as he and his nephew walked hastily back to Priderock. Zira and her infantile tendencies were something he was rapidly growing weary of. Harassing Nuka for such foolish notions and reasoning. Naturally she'd vanished only moments before he and Simba arrived. So very typical of her.
Not that he wasn't the king of foolish acts. That was the one thing he could still claim dominion over. But it at least offered him the chance to look and see things from a better vantage point.
"What am I going to do with that insufferable creature?" That came out so strongly that Simba wasn't sure how to respond. It didn't please him that he'd had to delay discussions with the pride. Especially not for something she was doing. Nuka didn't deserve such treatment either. One of the few good things was that at least his young cousin wasn't harmed. At least not physically. Mentally as well as emotionally...perhaps that was another story entirely.
"I'd say take her out and knock some sense into her...but I don't think things work that way."
For a moment the thought was considered. Of course Scar knew those methods wouldn't work. Not one someone like Zira. "A shame that wouldn't suffice, since a quick solution would be preferable. She is...more disturbed than I wanted to admit...although...I don't view her as a direct threat...just that she ought to be watched. Carefully as well as closely. I'll continue to stand by what I said before when I think she can still be a potent ally."
"I'm sure then that you'd take you're share of responsibility if she causes any problems for anyone." Simba gave a stern glance to his uncle, who nodded.
"Good. Now then. I think we should prepare ourselves for what our pride has to say."
A raised eyebrow. "Our pride?" The words felt foreign on his tongue. "Been a long time since then for me. I haven't felt like I was really one of them in over half a decade. Cross our claws that we won't be walking into a riled up lynch mob...out for my blood."
"No way I could get that lucky." Scar simply sneered at the other lion's comment.
Chaka couldn't help but mull over those little details. What he wanted Nuka's role to be in the kingdom later on. How he would go about ruling. Of what direction the monarchy would be heading in.
He was young to be thinking these things. Far too young. Every now and then the idea occurred to him that at some point he would want to select a queen. His choice on the matter. There were some ideas floating around in the back of his mind on who...it was just that he didn't know how to approach the idea...much less actually delve into the issue in any detail.
Sitting underneath one of the small trees near Priderock, he took a minute to look at the sky. The moon was nearly full...lighting up the moisture laden savanah in a reflective glow.
A branch rustled in the tree, but not something that would startle him.
Instead he moved to the side, right as a spotted cub landed where he just stood.
"Almost got me that time Ani." He laughed when she stuck her tongue out at him.
Nearly pitch black out. The final rays of sunlight were fading fast.
Shwari, looking a bit more flustered than before, gave a quick smirk of satisfaction. "Well. You'd be glad to know that we've all reached an agreement."
Sarabi walked next to her. "Sure was quite the ordeal. But we think this will actually work. And be for the betterment of not just our pride, but the entire kingdom."
"Well. I suppose that would be nice, to hear what you've agreed on...whether it's to the gallows or otherwise." Scar laughed sardonically.
"Well, I was expecting the king to answer her, but that's fine." the smaller lioness huffed slightly. Him making his usual comments wasn't going to help win him any support. "As long as you keep quiet for a moment I think you'll find this agreeable...and more than fair for you...Scar."
Simba was interested in what that was going to be. "Well, let us hear then. Shouldn't be that bad, right uncle?" he jabbed Scar in the ribs, earning an annoyed grunt from the other lion.
"Out of all of us...seventeen lionesses...seven voted in favor...and six outright against. The didn't think they could trust you, and I don't blame them. I was the one to break that tie."
"That's only thirteen." mumbled Simba. Truth be told he wasn't surprised by how polarizing the issue was. Only that as many seemed in favor. He'd expected more to be outright opposed.
"Yes, and while I'm proud of your ability to count to such a staggeringly high number...seems a few might not have been able to come to a clear decision." Scar glanced at a small pebble before flicking the thing absentmindedly. Like a compulsion by this point for him to take a jab at someone.
Scar saw the lioness nod. "I managed to negotiate with a few that hold you in the most contempt...and with a few added conditions...they agreed to abstain from casting either a yes or no. So that makes seven yes, six no...one unsure...with the three that declined to vote; that brings the count to seventeen."
Moto knew it was time for her to speak, as she walked next to Shwari. "We...and by that I mean Samaha...we especially agreed to cast aside our no vote...on one condition. That Simba appoint a small group to regulate Scar...to evaluate any actions he might take in your stead...and to deem fit a proper punishment if he is found to be in grave error."
"And who would that group consist of?" He knew he probably wasn't going to like her answer much. For a fact was better than he deserved at this point. By no means would he be silent about such a thing.
"We haven't decided entirely who, or if it should even be all from members of the pride." Shwari wasn't sure how that would go over. "I'm not saying that we should have a hyena or anything-"
Simba coughed, interrupting her. Probably his most audacious idea yet. Since becoming king. Something about the thought stuck in his mind.
"Or...maybe we should. And think I know the perfect one...don't you Scar?" Simba gave a deep smirk.
Over the course of a few days most of the members had been decided upon. A council of sorts that Scar would be accountable to.
It included three members from the pride...and two of completely different species. They didn't have any official say, but they would be able to review any major actions Scar undertook. Whether or not they were deemed correct would be a key factor.
Of course from Scar's point of view such drivel was all in name only. He'd already been doing a great deal to earn his keep...so all this did was make things official. And put him on a metaphorical leash.
He'd be lying through his teeth if he said he didn't mind how this was being done. And especially with a few members on the council...at least one of which held a large grudge against him. Whether any would try to use that to their advantage, time would tell. Scar had a nasty suspicion that there was a good chance a few of them would.
Another three moons passed by. Largely uneventful.
Nuka had hardly seen Zira during that time, by and large he felt relieved because of that. Having to see his mother was frustrating to him. He was glad she was alive, but that didn't mean Nuka was all that welcoming towards her. Her treatment of him in the past was more than a good enough reason.
Things seemed to be changing. Not long ago, both both of his younger cousins were just newborns. Now they were each young adolescents. Hard to believe that so much time had passed by so quickly.
"Hey Nuka!" he didn't like being crept up on. But unlike in the past, he wasn't so easy to startle. At least not visibly. Plus it was his sister. Someone whom he could talk to easier than most. "Still out here moping around?"
"I'm just thinking again. Got a lot on my mind." he gave a couple scratches to his thin mane.
Vitani laughed. "That's a good one. All that empty space...'bout time you found something to put there."
"Right." There was a strong wind starting to blow. The dry season was nearly over, with dark clouds hanging on the horizon. "I'm thinking about how so much has changed...with how our father is Simba's adviser...and where that leaves all of us." She spent a moment thinking on that.
"Really surprised me when I heard about him granting our father those things. I think that it's actually good that Simba is so forgiving. I can't imagine doing the same."
Nuka rubbed his chin. "Think that had something to do with his own father. Simba has said several times that his father spoke to him...that might have had something to do with how quickly he's wanting to move on."
Which was hard to believe. "Or he's crazy." Completely deadpan. Vitani saw no reason to sugarcoat her words. "Good for all of us either way whether that really did happen or not. I'm surprised on one thing...aside from that...you turning down Chaka's offer...what made you do something so damn stupid?"
His gaze hardened. "I'd say I have my reasons...then you'd just try to beat them out of me." She nodded. He knew her well. "Not that you'd succeed, I just don't want to go through the trouble of fighting you."
"Coward."
Nuka ignored the comment. "I turned the idea down because for one, because I-I didn't think think that was the right time for him to even consider that. I still don't. Believe it or not, I really don't have any obsession for ruling...and you know she would have had Kovu rule...or made you queen over me."
Of course he was bitter over that. How could he not be. Vitani sympathized with him. And she normally didn't feel sympathy for anyone. " I don't think dad would have allowed things to happen in that way."
"Doesn't matter." His words came out sharp. "Either way my future wasn't certain to begin with, and Chaka would be the next rightful king. I don't know how well the pride or anyone would taken that either, with me being a king too. Not everyone really likes or trusts our dad...someone could easily thought Chaka was manipulated into doing so by one of us." A deep breath. "Finally...I don't want to be pitied...even if Chaka didn't mean it that way that isn't how I saw things. Being king is more than just being handed the title...I haven't done anything to earn any sort of position like that...I would need to prove myself his equal in both my eyes and the eyes of everyone else to consider the offer at all."
"Now you're making more sense. For once I understand you. Not wanting to be given a title..." Yet there was something amusing about that. "Funny...because that is how the tradition works...the king gives his brat the right to rule...on and on down..."
"When you put things like that..." he shook his head. "...still...Chaka seems like he will be a good king. Simba is teaching him well..."
His sister snorted."Only because our father is helping. He wouldn't be half the king he is otherwise."
Of course then she realized the implications of her words. "Well...in more ways than one...Simba definitely wouldn't be the same...probably would've ended up a spoiled, pompous ass.
Still...I could never say Simba deserved what our dad did to him...or that this was how things should have ended up...nothing would make something like that right. I hate being so sentimental...but I'm glad that Simba and him are trying to make their peace...at least he knows when to not hold on to a grudge."
A bitter smile. "Mother could learn a lot from both of them on that...I wish she'd let go all of her hate...I'm still afraid that it might destroy her one day."
"Tell me about it." A yawn. "Enough of all this depressing crap. I think we should talk about something else."
He wasn't quite sure what to think. "Like?"
"Like when you plan on making your move on Shaka." His expression immediately after brought Vitani great amusement. "Don't make excuses either. We both know you like her."
Her brother slammed his face down into the grass. "This again-"
"I think she's figured everything out as well. You are pretty obvious."
Nuka was about to tell her off, before realizing something. Vitani could be so transparent at times. "Trying to goad me into a fight, aren't you little sister?"
A quick roll of the eyes. "Well, I was actually trying to help you out...but yes...that too."
"I almost always win. You must be a glutton for punishment or something."
Vitani gave a sour look. "That would be Kovu. Remember the last few fights he's picked with us?" she gave a soft laugh.
"Yeah. Didn't do well for him...pinned him to the ground in a few seconds. In fact...I heard that he almost lost to Chaka the other day." Nuka had to suppress a snort of laughter. "Probably why he's been trying to hard to prove himself...know what though...I was going to try to get out of it...but since you did try to make me feel better by talking...I'll give you what you want."
"Now that is the brother I know."
They started circling each other. Both trying to spot possible weaknesses. At the same time the two juveniles saw what they perceived as an opening and lunged forward.
With the time that had passed, Simba was hoping that this really was the right way to go.
Most of the pride tolerated Scar before. Now that he had an official presence again things seemed a bit more tense. Sure his uncle tried to be fair. Most of the time Scar didn't need to do much directly. His work was largely behind the scenes. More along the lines of negotiating with other species, predator and prey alike.
That was where a few of the issues came up. Scar wasn't popular, and he had been of the receiving end of a lot of built up ire. Frustrations that they'd been afraid to really act on before were quickly vented on the dark lion. Sometimes he handled it well.
Other times he'd nearly fly into a furry. There were still pieces of the tyrant alive in Scar. His tone and mannerisms suggested that he was struggling with that aspect of himself. Of course during those episodes he had managed to reign himself in. There was no other choice that would end with a good outcome. The council had a great deal of say so, and with a good enough majority could in theory strip him of his title and even try to impose exile.
Simba knew he could override that. But if things really came to that it would be a bad show of faith. To appoint them as figureheads would breed a lot of discontent within the kingdom. To just waive away any concerns or decisions could cause animosity. Two things that needed to be avoided at all costs. His kingdom needed unity along with stability.
And so long as his uncle could behave himself those things would remain. Contact had been consistent with Malka to the south. Nothing too unusual. The only odd thing was the other king mentioning a strange rogue. Pressing the issue Simba found out that it was a female.
She was odd in more ways than one. Malka knew of her actions...mostly poaching... but turned a blind eye. She was harmless and that was that. Simba remained curious but let the issue drop for the time being. No sense in being paranoid enough to damage relations with the nearby kingdom, or his tentative friendship with Malka. He would follow in the pawprints of his father and Taka...not the lion Taka became. Scar.
This was quite the development. So far his ruse was working out splendidly. The little mixed breed female seemed to be falling for every line he delivered. The newest piece of information only made things that much more savory.
There was more to that ability than he'd ever thought possible. All he'd wanted was the means to keep a small, unwaveringly loyal army alive and mobile for as long as possible. What it turned into...most unexpected. Convalescent powers were mean for healing...yet to his delight they were as corruptible and malleable as anything else in this world.
Treading such a fine line between life and death, they could make the perfect puppets. Of course like any tool they would need the proper conditioning to make sure they did as intended...along with the proper sharpening...to insure they stayed as lethal as possible for the greatest amount of time.
Sure he 'should' have reservations. Most would call his actions evil, decry him and his methods as wicked. The thought was both amusing and absurd. As if such words could ever dissuade or serve to hinder him. They were not insults in the least.
In fact he took them as flattery. Never was his intention to be good. What he did was for no greater good nor noble pursuit. He wanted this place to be a reflection of what was within. Who he was should be spread to every corner under the heavens...and to them themselves. Seeing the world burn...himself perched at the top of it all. Such a wonderful dream.
A quick laugh. Yes...there would be time for that too...that was something of a fantasy...standing tall and proud at the top of that great rock...in mocking defiance of the former rulers...indeed. He, Vazio would stand to see it all turn to ash.
Currently he was still recovering. His body was only starting to heal. Normally minor injuries like he had would have taken a week to mend. His grandiose display was what did it. Sapped him of every bit of his reserves. So demeaning of an ability that he had to briefly redirect his life force to sustain it. Times like these he almost cursed his need for some theatrics.
Truly a bit of an oversight. One that he knew that was going to be annoying. Come hell or a raging storm he would figure a way around the problem. That was a talent of his.
Time was drawing short. He'd sent her out, after playing the weak and injured card, so that she might acquire them a meal. Poached straight from the Southern Kingdom. A place he hadn't the slightest interest in. Yet.
Of course he could easily hunt...only the thing was that it was so much more amusing to see what would happen to her. Only a small perk. The real point of all that was to give him some time. To meet with his long surviving associate. A useful tool. One that he'd almost hate to see be broken when the time came.
As he surveyed the land he spotted him. Best thing of all, was that there were more pieces to play with.
