My Father, Uncle Scar

by Lionesscreator

Scar has killed Mufasa, and his take over plan is in full effect, but he forgot one thing, Simba? He is Mufasa legacy, and true enemy. However, instead of killing the cub, he lets hims live and even trains him to follow in his pawprints. What will happen to a brainwashed Simba, growing up to lionhood under Scar rule? Will this change his family, love life and future?

2. Chapter 2

+ Jem Boy,WriterMoney0626, allamanda29, , Thanks you all for following my new story, it means a lot here's chapter 2!

Chapter 2

That next morning, a young Simba and Nala rose early to beat the great sun. They had made it a plan to find Simba's uncle to…all the power, invested in him, marry the young cub, so Simba could truly be king. Only then would he be able to rule the pride lands, and make his father proud. To the excited duo went about to find the mysterious lion. "C'mon, he's usually on the shadowy side of pride rock, let's go!" eager the pair of cub went bounding to the other side of priderock, and not a moment too soon for the adults of the pride were starting to stir from them deep slumber.

When the cubs reached the normal area where Scar would nap and mope the majority of the day away, they found it empty. "Where is he?" asked Nala puzzled. "You said he'd be here."

"He usually is." Confessed Simba, not knowing where his uncle may be.

"Maybe he went for a walk or something…" asked the blue-eyed cub. As she walked over to look at a pile of old chewed bones. "You're uncle pretty messy, huh."

"Yea, mom hates it when he leaves his bones scattered all over the den."

"hmp." Then walking back over to the red orb cub. "Well where do you think he could be?" the cub shrugged his shoulders, and the young female sighed.

"Hey!" he spoke, with more eagerness. "I bet we can still find him, it's still early. Plus we have to do it for my mom." He chimed, which made the Nala smile thinking of her second mother Sarabi.

"Right, for Sarabi!" Nala echoed. They soon turned tail and heading back the way they came. Perhaps they would have to venture a little farther from pride rock to find the brown male uncle.

As the cubs were off leaving the pridelands, just a few seconds later, a female lioness could be seen exiting the large den and enter the morning light. she stretched, lengthening her long slender, and tone body. She looked back to see the rest of her pride sisters waking up and following her lead. It was then that she noticed the pride was short by two members. Her son and his best friend, the queen automatically thought ' what on earth could her son be doing now?'

"Ah, Good morning, Sarabi." She turned back to see a larger, brown male facing her, just at the bottom of the steps.

"Good morning Scar." She voiced walking down.

"How are you doing?" he voiced, showing concern for his sister in law.

"…I'm managing, and yourself?"

"Same." The lies. Scar walked beside Sarabi. "I came to talking to you, from yesterday." He added. Sarabi stopped just as the Stoney pillars of the priderock met with the thick green grass.

"Yes?" she asked. "What did you want to talk about?"

"I don't want you to think I'm being too pushy, believe me I wouldn't want to force anything on you, especially now and your mental condition." Sarabi raised an eyebrow. Yes, she lost her mate, it was tragic and unexpected and yes, it has been very hard on her…but she's not gone crazy. The way he was speaking made it seem like the queen had gone mad.

" …I appreciate your concern brother. Now what did you want to talk about? I have to leave soon to lead the hunting party."

"Right, I'm sorry. I am just curious, what do you plan to do next? I know it is still too soon to say but-"

"I don't know just yet, actually. I don't know, I went… and I saw his body in the gorge, I was here when the herds came to give their blessing, but it still feels like a dream…a lie. So no, I haven't thought of anything, I don't know what I plan to do next." She paused. "why do you ask?"

"It's just, being the next male in line-"

"Simba, is the next male in line." Sarabi quickly corrected, and scar did not care too much for that. He knew the little brat was next in line, but the cubs not even a year old yet. So, he is clearly out of the picture.

"Right Simba is the next in line. But as his uncle and your brother, I worry about my brother legacy and his family. Mufasa was not only a king, but the pride and your family security and protection… and now that is gone." He gazed out of the corner of his eye to see her reaction and how she was taking in all this. "I do propose this, let me fill in, for Mufasa for now and until young Simba is of ag-"

"No."

"No?" he questioned, did she really just say no?

"No not, no…" Sarabi mind was scattered at the thought of someone ruling that wasn't her husband. Yes, what he proposed was true…but "Scar I can't think of that right now. I'm sorry."

"I understand… but we must talk of this, soon."

"No not soon, we have time to wait on this."

"I know that's what you hope, and trust, I do the same. But the reality of it is, the king is gone. You are a queen with no mate by your side…why it's only a matter of time before other prides hear of this- rouges even. And power can drive a lion to do anything." Hmm, was the male talking about himself in this instance. "You are a mighty queen, but you need protection and I can give it to yo-"

"Good morning your highness!" and not a moment too soon, the blue hornbill landed on his queens shoulder. "How are you Sarabi, I hope you slept well."

"Good morning, Zazu." Sarabi then looked to Scar.

"Good morning Scar." Zazu voiced, not too dryly.

"…Good morning Zazu." Scar, not hiding his dryness at all. He did not like the bird, he always came flapping his wings and beak into everyone business. "Zazu, if you don't mind Sarabi and I were having a conversation."

"oh, what about?" asked the blue bird cheekily. Scar grimaced and growled under his breathe.

"Actually, I was just about to leave. I have to get my day started. We'll talk later." But her tone made it seem like she didn't take what the lion was saying too seriously. And the ' We'll take later' really meant never.

"Yes, my queen." He frowned. As the lion began to turn, she called for her brother in law once more.

"Scar, could you please find cubs. They ran off early this morning, and I want them home while the pride is out."

"will do Sarabi."

"Thank you." She nodded and turned with Zazu on her shoulder to leave with the rest of hunting party. The majordomo, keeping an eye on the brown lion was he felt.

Shortly after Zazu had left the lionesses to scan the pridelands to learn of any new news to give back to his queen. Meanwhile, as the lionesses walked along their territory to find their morning meal. Sarabi found herself extremely distracted about what Scar said just a few moments earlier. Ruling alongside her in Mufasa stead…the possible threat of outsiders wanting to marry her and steal her lands and her pride away from her. Pride rock was her family blood right…

"Sarabi? Is everything okay?" a lighter colored lioness, with concerned blur eyes looked at her good friend. Sarabi did not even notice sarafina was walking next to her.

"what?"

"Is everything okay?" she asked again. "You look worried. What's wrong?"

"I had a conversation with Scar earlier today. he- he was wondering on what I planned to do next."

"Meaning?"

"He wanted to rule alongside me."

"And…be king?" hearing from another lioness mouth it made much more sense.

"Yes." Sarafina face grew concerned.

" what do you think about that? After all Ahadi did chose Mufasa over this older brother for a reason. Scar wasn't fit to rule…and he didn't seem to have to best intention for the pride either."

"I Know, and I remember that day so clearly, when Ahadi said that to everyone in the pride. But he was saying…if others hear of Mufasa death, surely other will be eager to take a claim at the pride, and me, I can't defend the pride by myself."

"You won't, you know we will help you." Voiced sarafina.

"I know, but what if rouges hear of this…and come in numbers to take priderock. How could we defend our cubs Sarafina…they'd be killed." It was a hard pill for the lioness to swallow but this was true, and an unspoken law of the land when it came to lion prides. If there would be a male take over, then the new male could and would kill the cubs of the past king. And not even the best mother could truly protect her cub from the claws of an ambitious male.

"What are you going to do?" she asked.

"I don't know. I want to keep this pride safe. But in doing so…I feel like I would have turned by back on Mufasa…and there's just this part of me that still wary of him, I don't know what to do."

"Think about it first, you're in no rush. You know I and the other are all on your side, with whatever you choose." And that was exactly what the queen intended to do. But for now, she had to put that future plan on the back burner. She had her job for now, and that was to lead the lionesses. She shook the thought out of her mind for that moment, taking a breath she cleared her mind, and went about the rest of her morning.

Meanwhile, somewhere on the opposite side to where his mother was, Simba and Nala were finding themselves in a tricky situation. They were lost. "Simba are you sure this is the right way?"

"Positive, I've seen my uncle here lots of times."

"Like when?"

"like…huh…yesterday." He lied.

"No you didn't, I was with you all day yesterday!" she retorted catching him in his lie.

"Well fine! I don't know where he is okay!"

"So where have you been taking us?" Nala's walking came to a halt.

"um…someone else who can marry us." He answered.

"Like who?" he didn't answer the question. "If its not your uncle, then it's Zazu?"

"not exactly- but someone who was really close to my dad-" not wanting to give away the animal.

"NO!" knowing the animal and coming to the realization, Simba didn't even have to even speak his name. "I'm not doing to the monkey Simba!"

"C'mon Nala, he's all we have!" the orange cub, turned to his friend. She wore a pouting face, with furrowed brows.

"He scares me Simba! With his…his weird face, and creepy laugh…oh and that super pointy stick! No way!"

"Nala Please! You have to do this, you're my best friend and it's for my mom remember! Pleassssssse." She couldn't resist his stupid smile and annoying voice. And that fact that it was for Sarabi. She slowly rolled her eyes. She guessed being a day older than he, makes her automatically more mature.

"Ugh fine!"

"Yes!" he gave her the biggest hug. And she pushed his away, he fell to the ground laughing. "I promise, he's right down here and then we'll be home before anyone even notices!" chimed the cub, again with an eager in his young voice. Nala and Simba aimless walked down the direction of the path, that Simba was sure would lead them to Rafiki. Little did that know, they were not the only ones heading that was as well.

It was just mid noon. The great circle was high in the sky, it's heat radiating vastly. The African heat was now reaching its highest, and with each step the cubs took, the more tried and drained they felt. It had seemed like Simba was leading the two to an endless destination. ".I…I can't move anymore!" said Nala plopping to the ground. "it's too hot and I'm tried."

"But we're almost there-"

"You keep saying that."

"It's true, he's right up there."

" No he's not! You have us going in circle!"

"No I'm not!"

"Yes you are!" the two soon found themselves in a heated face to face screaming match. " You don't know where you're going and you're leading us in circles! We've been walking for hours and I'm hungry!"

"Ugh! Raifki just pass the tall grass!"

"There is no end to the tall grass Simba! Ugh…this never would have happened if you just stopped and ask for directions…" pouted the blue eyes, hungry cub. Simba eye grew wide, he knew where he was going. And for Nala to question him, angered him. Soon the two cubs found themselves in there first couple argument.

"I don't need direction Nala, this IS my kingdom! I know here I'm going!"

"Well apparently, not!"

"Ugh! You get on my nerves!"

"You get on my nerves!" retorted the lioness back.

"I can't believe I wanted you marry you! Girls complain too much!"

"And I can't believe I wanted to marry a lion who won't ask for direction when he needs them!"

"I don't need them!"

"Whatever Simba, I don't care…I don't want to marry you anymore!"

"Good!" the prince stuttered he couldn't let her beat him to the punch. If anyone was calling the marriage off, it would be him. " Because I don't want to marry YOU first!"

"No I don't want to marry you first!"

"No me!"

"No me!"

"No me-"

"Where is the food, when it's time for dinner and a show?" an added voice joined into the mix. It's sudden appearance scared the cubs silent. "AW young love, ain't it cute boys?" soon three spotted hyenas came into view. Sliding their bodies between the tall grass stalks. The cubs backed up and tried to scatter, but soon found themselves surrounded by the three, like last time.

"Wow, well doesn't this seem familiar?" Banzai added. Sticking his teeth out at Nala, he had a liking for the lighter furred female, which needless to say terrified the young cub.

"Yep, but it looks like old Mufasa not here to spoil the fun, huh?" Ed crops his death, and Nala let out a high startled cry. Simba, finding it deep inside his heart to be brave, like his father always was… he challenged the trio of hyenas.

"You can't be here on these lands!"

"Oh, says who?"

"The king."

"King? What king the king is dead…haha bye bye!"

"Me! I'm the new king of priderock and you hyenas are not allowed on my lands!" hysteria filled the air and the lungs of the trio. They tried desperately not to choke on the air, as they rolled all over the floor. One hyena even hitting Simba on the back for the good laugh and it sent the cub stumbling forward. Nala ran over to her fallen friend, with a terrified look on her face, but it was so funny, just too funny for the wild dogs. That this little cub, this little no one, had the nerve to speak to them- when they could just easily scoop him up for dinner. It was a scene to say the least. After the wiping the tears away from their eyes they decided to save they messing with the cubs for another day. They had done their job.

"Ah kid you're hilarious! Keep up the good work for dinner-" the dog patting simba so hard on his back, he flew forward with the hair running right out of him.

"Yea yea! We'll be coming back REAL soon, right Ed?" nodding favorably, the dumb hyena shook his head. "See ya around…Simba." The hyenas left the traumatize cubs, still laughing to themselves all the while. Their chatting and cackling could be hear leaving in the distance, but still leaving a bitter ringing in the cubs hears. Simba and Nala watched on, frozen.

"Why there you two are!-"

"Ahhhhh!" both cubs jumped from the ground, turning quickly in the direction of the new voice. They were met with a very puzzled looking hornbill.

"I've been looking all over for you!" Zazu When cub saw his familiar face, their heart began to slow down. "what...did I miss something here?" questioned the blue feathered majordomo. "You two look like you've seen a ghost." No but something just as terrifying. "what? What is it? tell me Simba." The prince stammered for a moment. Trying to figure out what to say "Well?!"

" We need to get back home Zazu, I have to tell my mom something and fast…" voiced the orange cub, with a serious expression.

As soon as the queen and her pride returned the lionesses were hit with a mouthful of questions, and fears of the returning hyenas. "Wait…what happened?" asked the mother one more time, as she held the two cubs.

" The…the hyenas know dads gone!…and they said they're coming back for dinner! And- and…"

"Shhh calm down Simba, it's okay" chimed Sarabi. Then turning to her majordomo," Zazu did you see any sign of the hyenas?"

"No you highness I did not, I must have spotted the cubs a few moments after." the queen nodded.

" Where was this?" she asked

"Near the tall grasses." Confirmed Nala. The tall grasses, it took the queen a moment to place where the tall grasses were in her mental map of the pridelands, but when she did, the shocked expression could be seen on her and all the other lionesses faces.

"Why on earth were you cubs near the tall grasses?!" and now the moment the of being sorry for the scared cubs was over. Now was time to be mad, they were far from priderock. The tall grasses are no place for tiny cubs to be walking though. They could easily get lost- as Simba did. or they could get stepped on by larger animals who eat there, or even get picked up from sneaky predators! It was no place for unsupervised cubs. "Simba?" she questioned knowing her knuckled headed son had to be the main cause for this. The two cubs looked to each other slowly, should they tell her? It was supposed to be a surprise…

"well…Nala and I were trying to find Rafiki so we could get married." He confessed, all the lionesses plus on small bird wore a confused expression.

"Married?, son why would you do that, you two are only cubs."

"Because Simba is king of pride rock now that Mufasa's gone. And he said he couldn't rule without a queen, but it couldn't be you. So… we agreed I'd be queen, snice I'm his best friend and then you would just tell us what to do…" explained Nala "Plus it would make you really happy… and we want to help you Sarabi" she soon added. Well you couldn't say the cubs weren't being thoughtful, and this did bring a small smile onto the queens face.

"My kings, you two don't have to get married…" she nuzzled both Simba and Nala. "and Simba you don't have to worry about ruling yet. I'm taking care of priderock till then."

"Oh good…because I was second guessing myself. Getting married seemed so hard and NALA was getting on my nerves already!" the female cub mouth dropped.

"ME?! you were getting on my nerves because you wouldn't ask for directions and had us walking in circle!" could you say these two sounded married already?

" I told you Nala, I'm future king I don't need direction in my known kingdom-"

" I don't need direction in my own kingdom…" mocked the cream colored cub, and before the two could continue anymore, Sarabi put a quick stop to it.

"That's enough you two, get washed up and ready to eat." The cubs bite their tongues. "Okay?" she eyed the two trouble makers.

"…okay." Both side in unions. The mother let the cubs go, and watched as they made their way down priderock steps. Sarafina, followed both cubs out of the royal den. As soon as the cubs left, Sarabi wore her true facial expression, worry. Zazu stepped forward to care for his queen. "Zazu.."

"Yes, Sarabi?"

"Find Scar, we need to talk."

"Yes." He turned tail fast, flapping his wings, he took off into the bright light to find the uncle. Sarabi got up and walked towards her lionesses.

"Is everything okay my queen?"

"No, but they will be. Actually I have to tell you all something, and I want your honest opinion." The red orb lioness then went about telling the lioness of the earlier conversation she and Scar had. Sarabi made sure to go into great detail on how she felt about the matter, with her more or less odd, brother in law. Sarabi wanted to know what her pride sisters thought on the matter as well, because this was their home as well. The reviews she got were mixed to say the least. But the queen listen to every lioness, and took to heart what she had to say. She was just about finished talking to the last pride sister when the blue hornbill came flapping in.

"My queen Scar is here." Sarabi nodded to her sisters to dismiss them, as she walked forward to Zazu. "He's outside."

"Prefect." As Sarabi rounded the corner of the rock staircase, scar came into view. He was looking outward at priderock, he didn't even seem to notice her as she approached him. "Scar?"

"Oh, Yes, Sarabi, you called for me?"

"Yes, Scar I told you earlier to find the cubs for me, they got into big trouble!" first thinking about what was on her heart first, which was her son and Nalas safety.

"yes, I know I know…and believe me I did! I tried…but you know as well as I…I don't have the mindset of a cub, I looked everywhere I thought they might be- but everywhere I looked I found nothing! Why want happened to them, are they okay?!" Sarabi furrowed her brows. Scar seemed to be telling the truth- at least he looked like he was. He did seem very concerned for hos nephew.

"Yes, but scar, Simba said hyenas are now in the pridelands."

"What?! Hyenas?!" Sarabi motioned for him t walk with her. "Is the boy and the girl okay?"

"Yes, they are both find…shaken up a but, but fine."

"Where did they run into the hyenas?" questioned the brown lion.

"Near the tall grass."

"The tall grass…why, what were they doing all the way out there?" Sarabi informed her brother of what the cubs plan was.

"They…were going to get married, Simba thinks he's king now and he thought he needed a queen. They thought getting married would help things with me I suppose."

"Well at least we know the boy is smart and knows the game."

"Yes…I suppose." It was still between the two. Scar had a feeling that Sarabi wanted to tell him something, but it was Sarabi who was having a hard time getting the words out. Until finally she did. "Scar…I want to take you up on what you said, about ruling alongside with me."

"Really?"

"Yes, after today- with what could have happened to the cubs…and I wasn't there…you're right I need help. And male help. It's not even been a week and already packs of hyenas are being seen spotted in the pridelands… they could just be the steppingstone to something else, other males. And I will not let my pride or Simba fall into the paws of someone else, I will not lose this pride…Mufasa legacy… that I can assure you, on my life!" her words moved scar, some. And speaking of the matter brought Sarabi to tears, she gathered herself mostly, but scar could see his sister in law was hurting. To her surprise, he brought her into an embrace. And oddly enough, it felt securing.

"Don't worry dear sister, you can depend on me." he rubbed her back slowly. " I know growing up, I was a questionable chose to rule priderock-but now, older, I see what I must do as a leader…I'll be the king that the pridelands truly needs."

"I must say, another job well done, by my companion." A voice came from the shadow, as scar could be seen appearing into the green light of the graveyard. He had just come from priderock, and he had some exciting news to give to his little spotted minions.

"I mean scaring some cubs, is nothing to us Scar." Voiced Shenzi, as if patting herself on the back for a job well done. "Yea, that was pup play."

"Yea! Pup play!" echoed Banzai. The trio had gather around Scar to hear of the new news. "So, are we in?"

"Yes, but not yet... we need another move to secure my position."

"So, what should be do boss?"

" This one needs to be a big number, Sarabi needs to realize she truly needs me… and here how's we going to do it." so here it was, a plot a ploy a plan that that Scar had been planning all along. The poor cubs had no idea they were a piece in the mastermind plan of Scar. But they had done exactly what he expected them to do. He didn't know the cubs had left priderock earlier that day- but once he was told his. He found it was an unmistakable opportunity to get himself closer to his goal as king, but more importantly, closer to Sarabi. If he can find favor in her, there no way he wouldn't be able to scheme his way to the top- and it's not like he and Sarabi were strangers, they did have a history, even if she chooses to forget. He knows the queen well, and knows exactly what to do to get to her good side. And that would be Simba. All he had to do was show Sarabi how much he has matured and changed snice his brother death…show more initiative, and be the leader she needs right now and the shoulder she can cry on if need be.

"Oh, that sounds like a good one, if I do say so myself Scar." Voiced the female spotted hyena.

"Charmed." Voiced Scar as a response. "Now, I must get back to play my part." Mentioning priderock, after all Scar would usually spend his nights away from priderock, because the lion never felt truly welcome there. Alongside his brother, who he loathed so much. To see him walking around proudly with his title, his glory, his family- scar found it best to stay away from his younger brother as much as possible. "Remember, if everyone plays their part we all win in the end… and if not, then, well you know what will happen." He eyed all the dogs he left behind him. They swallowed hard, they knew exactly what he was speaking of- their secret. Which they made sure would stay a secret. They are already the most hated animals in the pridelands, the last thing they needed was a target of king killer on their heads.

That morning the great circle rose and took it's place in the sky. It was met by a new face that decided to rise with it. a truly unfamiliar face to this notion of 'waking up before the bird' for this creature anyway, the black mane lion, Scar. He rose just as the sun did, he walked to the steps of priderock. Scar never made it back to priderock last night, he found himself, sleeping… elsewhere. But that meant nothing, and did not distract from his plan. The brown lion looked around she wasn't here yet, prefect. But as soon as you think of the lioness she appears before you. When his green orbs saw the sight of the queen existing the den to start her rounds of the territory, he made his appearance as well. As Sarabi descended from her home he was surprised to see a brown lion already down the steps…seeming to be stretching like he was preparing for his day early.

"Scar?" Sarabi voiced curiously. " You're up early?" she commented as the lion turned around, surprise to see Sarabi behind him.

"Well yes, I figured Mufasa started his day early, and to be anything like my brother as king, I should probably start my day early as well." Sarabi seemed surprised t hear him say this.

"Oh, okay."

"And actually Sarabi truth is. I want you to teach me my position as king, what I should and shouldn't do. I just wan to be able to help you as much as I can." A smile came to the queen face once she heard this. She was truly impressed with her brother in law.

"Alright, I'll be more than happy to help you Scar-"

"Mom! Mom! Wait for me!" the two adults turned to see Simba flying down the steps of priderock, after his mother.

"Simba? What are you doing up so early?"

"I-I want to help you on rounds today!" he voiced eagerly, trying still to keep some of the sir in his little lungs. "i..i even got up early for you too…" the mothers kissed her little boy on the cheek.

"Thank you Simba, but you're uncle's going to help me today."

"aww man!" pouted the cub, licking his lower lip out.

"Don't worry, I'll take you out and show you around as well."

"…I guess…but I wanna go king stuff mom- not lioness stuff."

"Well hunting it a lot of work mind you little one." She gave her son a look.

"I know, but that's stuff you show Nala not me…"

"Well, a king takes all lesson fully heartedly." She advice. " Now go back to the den, I'll met up with you later."

"mmm okay." She gave him a look, and he knew he couldn't leave without giving her a kiss. He rolled his eyes playfully but came over giving his mother and nuzzle and a kiss. Before turning tail to head back up the steps of priderock. They watched as the cub disappeared back into the den.

"He's just like him." Chimed the uncle.

"yes, he is… everyday I look at his a see alittle more of Mufasa. I only hope I can help him reach that potential I see."

"I'm sure you can…and actually." Scar began. " I don't know how you would feel about it, but, maybe I should take the boy under my wing." She was hesitant, and Scar could see that. Sarabi was extremely protective of Simba and took great consideration to who hung around her son and the influence they might leave on the future leader. " I say this because, you are a lioness and a lioness can not teach a lion how to become a lion, let alone a king." For a moment to queen became defensive and it showed on her face.

"What do you mean by that Scar?"

"I mean nothing to offend you, but when it came to teaching Simba the ways of being a king…it was Mufasa who the boy looked to. a strong, male leader he could follow, he could relate too. I know to mean well but, there are some things a mother can't do. And I want him to have the best opportunity to be the best king he can." She listened to what he had to say. " it's no surprise I haven't been to best leader and influence, but if you help me Sarabi, maybe I can in turn help little Simba as he gets older. After all the young are so impressionable. And with the sudden loss of Mufasa…I feel this could be going good for the both of us. It's just a thought."

"Yes...just a thought." She paused. "Come, we must get started now before the others wake." Scar nodded, as Sarabi began to take lead. The brown lion, slowly followed smiling as he could see the thought of what he said pressed on Sarabi mind.

Later on during that morning, the lionesses had arose. Some were still resting in the den, other walked about outside waking up to the fresh air, and some still decided to get alitte more sleep just until Sarabi had returned from her patrol. Normally the lioness would have left for the morning hunt, sometimes they would have to travel some distance, if the herds had moved during the night. Which is why they would leave the priderock early. But snice Sarabi was now in charge of patrolling the territory as well as lead the hunting party, she was still figuring out the time management of it all. Thankfully her pride sisters were very understanding it didn't made the late hunting, even if it meant hunting during hotter hours.

"Ah good morning ladies!" Zazu came flapping in. the lioness that were still in there, looked over and smiled at the majordomo. "I see I just missed our queen."

"Yes, she headed out a while ago." Voiced sarafina as she groomed her daughter, with her morning bath.

"Patrol, I see. She a true fighter handling it all. If I would have know, I would have left my tree sooner, you know. To help out." Sarafina nodded.

"Man, she could have taken me!" moped Simba, as she hung himself over sarafina back. "I even got up early too!"

"Yea… and everyone body else who was sleeping too." Chimed Nala. Simba stuck his tongue at her.

"Nala…" sarafina chimed.

"What… he was so loud! 'Mom mom!" she teased. If there was anyway to get on Nalas nerves it was to wake her up early and out of a good night sleep. The cub never asks for much, but some peace and quiet when there needs to be. Simba on the other paw, never gets that memo, yes the adult can ignore the young cub- they are use to cub attics, but Nala…nope. The young cub was a very sensitive sleeper.

"cry baby…" whispered Simba.

"Am Not!"

"Am Too!"

"Am not!"

"Cubs?!" the calm mother raised her voice, it was too early for them to be bickering already.

"Sorry mama…"

"Yea…sorry Sarafina…"

"So…" Zazu began, not knowing the cubs Freuds was over. "I'm going to see if I can find Sarabi, hopefully she hasn't travel too far-"

"Take me with you!" chimed Simba jumping up.

"No no no, you stay here."

"But Zazu I want to go!"

"No you shall stay here under the watchful eye of sarafina, thank you." Retorting back.

"But-"

"No!"

"Ugh! That's not fair! Uncle Scar got to go with her!" he pouted, sitting down next to sarafina.

"What do you mean Scar got to go with her?" asked the blue hornbill.

"my mom said Scar was going to help her today…which is so not fair, uncle Scar never helped with anything! And he gets to go on patrol. I'm future king, I think I should be able to go…"

"Well you're still young Simba, you have plenty of time." Voiced Sarafina. "But that is odd how Scar wanted to help with patrol this morning, he never helped with Mufasa?" she looked to Zazu to confirm.

"That be correct, he made it a point, that every time Mufasa and I would show up in the morning to get him, he'd be conveniently fast asleep, or worst not even there. Soon Mufasa just gave up on him. but yes, now that you mentioned this…it is rather odd of him. "

"Well he got to go on patrol and not ME!"

"Haha…who's the crybaby now…" teased Nala. Simba rolled his red orbs.

"I'm sure when she has everything figured out, she'll be asking you to tag along as well." Chimed sarafina.

"I guess…"

"Well learning this new news, I better get on my way." Zazu nodded goodbye to sarafina and the cubs. He then took off, and Simba watched Zazu leave with the big frown he could not hide.

"Don't worry Simba, you get to hang with me!" Nala loved getting on her friends nerves.

"Oh great, girls…"

"What's wrong with girls?" she snapped.

"girls are sooo annoying!"

"I annoy you, because you annoy me!"

"You annoy me first! -"

"Well I'm not annoying young prince, at least I hope not." Added Sarafina. Winking playfully at the orange cub.

"Yea my mama not annoying!" added her daughter, the blue-eyed cub challenged Simba. Her eyes daring him to say, she was.

"No, because your moms older and not annoying like you Nala" the cub shrugged her shoulders. She honestly didn't care, just her dose of annoying Simba made her day. "but if my dad was here I'd be hanging out with him and my mom, and not with uncle Scar or Zazu…it's not fair."

"I know Simba." The mother patted the cub on the back. "It'll all work itself out, soon Sarabi will make all the time in the world for you."

"Really?"

"I'm positive."

Away on the eastside of the pridelands, Sarabi and scar were slowly making their way back to priderock. They had taken longer than expected, because Scar kept asking Sarabi question after question. At first, she thought it was to annoy her, but then she noticed they were rather serious questions. Mainly about the herds, their lands, and other prides they might have alliances with. And she answered all of them. The best she could, some questions she had to really think on, because it was Mufasa who handled things of that nature. It made her realize how much her mate did on an everyday bias. "Thank you Sarabi, for everything, I never realized how much was done to secure the pridelands."

"Yes, and this was just the first round. Mufasa would do two rounds, one in the morning, and one at night. I would usually accompany him on his night ones."

"There's more?" he fearfully added.

"Yes, there's always more Scar." The queen didn't say much for a moment, she thought to herself. " I must say, I am impressed with you Scar. You've really been a big help."

"I figured I must." Scar voiced. "I know I don't speak about him much, but…losing my brother was hard. Harder than I thought, actually. We never did have that brotherly love but…I can see he did a lot, and has left his mark here, truly. This his pride, family, legacy. I truly respect him- and I was serious about what I said earlier with Simba. If I can be of any help when it comes to raising Simba as he grows, I would be honored. He is a Mufasa son and has a huge pawprint to fill."

"That, he does."

"Well anyway, we better keep it moving. I know you have the hunting party to lead, I don't want to keep you any longer." The dark lion began to lead slightly in front of Sarabi, the red eyed lioness stood back some. Thinking, what she was thinking-well considering, actually surprised her, but she figured she'd batter ask Zazu what he thought on the matter first, before making in final decision.

When the two returned priderock, they had parted ways. Sarabi left with the hunting party and Scar just left priderock. He had mention something along the lines of watching the cubs when he returned from his quick run to the waterhole. Sarafina had informed Scar before he left that the cubs were asleep, so now was a good time as ever to make his run, because once they awoke, time for freedom was over. He took what she said in mind, making sure to make his little errand fast and sweet. Until Scar retuned Zazu who be watching the napping cubs. The blue hornbill wouldn't have to wait long, for Scar was not visiting the waterhole for a quick drink, but his good friends at the the elephant graveyard. In fact the what-to-be-king made it plan to meet up with the trio to inform them of what was happening. The brown lion met the spotted dogs at the broader, he could see them waiting for him along the barren field.

"So, what happened boss?" asked Banzai getting up. "Learn something new in the office today haha!"

"what Banzai means is- what's up now?"

"Well like I said, I can see I'm getting closer to Sarabi again. In fact I'm watching the cubs when I return back to priderock."

"Mhmmm what I wouldn't give for a bite of c-OW!" Shenzi had elbow her companion in the stomach. They hadn't eaten in a while, two days in fact. Scar didn't want them to be seen at all- it was all apart of his plan. Of course this mean the dogs couldn't hunt for a while, so the mainly stayed back, eating scarps and bones.

"I remind you my friends, these few days of hunger will be forgotten when you will have months of feasting."

"Man I hope that day coming soon! I'm starving!"

"Aren't we all starving for something?" asked Scar, "You starve for food, I starve for my place as king, we are all starving and once everything is in place…we feast on the riches." A smile grew on his face, just thinking about the power he would possess as king, and the changes he would soon be making to remake his own legacy.

"…I guess." Banzai, just wanting the fast results of the take over, and not wanting to labor though the process of it. "Hey boss you think you can stop by, and drop off some treats to your good pals?!"

"Perhaps, but I want be staying in the pridelands tonight."

"Hey, where does this guy go when he leaves the pridelands?" the male spotted hyenas whispered in the ear of the female. She shrugged, the heck if she knew. Scar moods can barely be read by them, and when he goes off to…wherever he doesn't say when or where, he just tells you when he'll be back.

"Just know it is MY business" voiced Scar hearing everything the hyenas said. "Just know it is another crucial part in securing my reign." That was all the three needed to know. "Everything falling into place, I'll return to you for the next move." He turned tail and left the three before they could even say anything else.

When Sarabi returned from hunting, everything seemed to fall into place as normal. Everything expect for Mufasa absence. When she got moments alone away from her son and the pride. She cried. She cried hard, praying to the kings for strength and asking them, why, why they would take Mufasa from her life. she couldn't understand their reasons their purpose of causing her such great agony. Agony she had to hide from the world, because she could not be seen as anything but strong and together. Or else life would try to beat her down even further. She needed the masks on. For herself, her pride, her son. But it was tough for the new widow to not think of her husband. And live as without him as if nothing had ever happened. She knew could grieve and she sound grieve, but Sarabi knew the grieving for her wouldn't stop, she wouldn't be able to control herself- she would give up, because she left she wouldn't be able to go on, if she gave herself that time to truly grieve him. So she didn't allow herself to.

When she did collect herself, she would return to her pride and to young Simba. Seeing how everything was going with them, she felt better she was kept herself busy, nevertheless it did tire her. Balancing a kingdom, and her family, raising her son, Sarabi head was usually sent in a tossing just thinking about how she wouldn't handle it all. The pridelands queen found herself scared of what the future held for her, then Scar came into the picture, and unlikely lion to look for assurance, but the new Scar was everything the old Scar wasn't and everything Mufasa was and what he was teaching Simba to be. Maybe what he was saying was right, maybe he could be the male influence in Simba life that he could look up too, like he did with his father. Sarabi wanted nothing but the best for Simba. and if that meant having Scar in his life now to complete her sons needs in the future, as a growing male… she would do it.

That evening at dinner, thinking long and hard about it. Sarabi called for Zazu, she had to have a serious discussion with him. The blue hornbill glided over and landed on his queens shoulder. "I need to speak with you about something." Sarabi slowly got up, sneaking away from her distracted family and son. She walked with Zazu down a small pathway the lead to the back of priderock.

"What is it my queen? Is everything okay?" questioned Zazu, with a worried expression.

"I…I've been thinking about something Zazu, and I need your help."

"I'm all ears."

"I want you to hear me out, and have an open mind about this when I say it."

"Okay…"

"I think…I want to make Scar priderock official king, until Simba is ready." To say Zazu was shocked was saying the least, the birds mouth was hanging so low it practically hit the floor.

"…w….why do you say this? And Scar the brown lion…the kings lazy- didn't even show up to his own nephew ceremony?!" Sarabi nodded, yes it did sound weird to her as well. "Why?!"

"Because….as weird as it sounds, I think he deserves it, and it would be the best for the pride. We need a male leader."

"Yes, but Scar…my queen you couldn't think of anyone else besides…Scar."

"I know Zazu,we can't have outside males inside the pride, that too dangerous for the cubs. Besides, the males in Mufasa bloodline are the rightful king. Yes, Scar wasn't the first choice for Ahadi when he saw how Scar acted but…now he's changed. I know that seems hard to believe but, we've talked. And I think, with everything that has happened, it's truly changed him for the better. He goes on and on about Mufasa, and how deep down, he did have respect for him and his legacy. Even with Simba, now he's more concerned and wants to be in his nephew life now."

"Hmp, I'm surprised he even knew he had a nephew the way he acted before." Voiced Zazu. But he could tell Sarabi was serious about what she was saying. "Alright my queen, you really want my opinion?"

"Yes, I do. I'm trying to think what is best for the pridelands and my family…I don't know what I should do. Simba will grow up fast, right before my eyes, he'll need his father more than ever to give him advice and knowledge…I can't. a-and what if outside go come to take claim of priderock…I can't protect him, or my lionesses for that matter." The queen made all valid points that a y lone lioness would have to consider, especially if she had cubs.

"I don't trust it…at least not yet. Yes, maybe he did have a heart to heart change after the incident, but I need to see if for myself first." It wasn't the answer she was hoping for, but it was something the queen needed to hear. " But I know you only want what's best for the pride and the pridelands, and knowing that…whatever your decision is, I'll support it."

"thank you…" of course it wouldn't be her final decision and something she would make overnight. She still needed time, and to also discuss the matter with the lionesses. Though they may not hold a royal title, they were the pride and the Sarabi would be nothing without her sisters. She would ask them for their thoughts and opinions as well. Yes she did make the final call, but, it wasn't just her home, it was everyone home, and everyone would be allowed a say, to see if this would be the best thing for priderock. A queen's life was truly never easy, and hopefully making this decision would make life for Sarabi more bearable for the days to come.