Inspiration Music for Chapter 2: Bastila's Theme – "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" video game; The Secret Academy – "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords" video game.

Songs for Chapter 2: "The Upside" by Lindsey Stirling, feat. Elle King for the first scene; "Underground" by Lindsey Stirling for the second scene

*.*.*

This chapter was tricky to write because my OFC Scar-ra kept going back and forth with me on how this chapter would turn out. The first time I drafted the chapter, it went poorly. So, I made the decision to revise some of it as I was drafting it. Now, hopefully, I got it back on the right track with a full proofread, too. :)

Enjoy! :)

*.*.*

Nine Hours Ago…

Scar-ra looked up at the night sky. It was three o' clock in the morning. She yawned, wanting to go to bed. She had already worn out her welcome at Aster Castle, soon to be called whatever Elijah Molvaro and Ronnie Baggins would re-name it.

She sighed, remembering the arguments she had with Katrina. The fact that Katrina called her demanding, before she took off, upset her. Scar-ra couldn't help it! Yes, she had been demanding, but there was a reason behind it: they had to hide out in the Pride Lands the whole time they were there, because apparently Mufasa would have kicked them out if he knew they were there, if Mufasa had heard what the Talking Animals had called the scarred lions and lionesses the day before they arrived.

The Talking Animals, two decades ago, had called the scarred lions and lionesses evil, like they didn't belong there. It really stressed Scar-ra out! She took out her frustrations on her three sisters. She didn't dare make Tack mad. That time they were in the Pride Lands, Scar-ra took out her anger and frustrations on Tack. At first, Tack was angry, but after Scar-ra apologized, she knew then Tack would return to her someday, hoping to find himself a new mate. She hadn't seen him since.

Tack was one of the first scarred lions to leave their family. Melena left, too, with the idea that she could rally the Wizardry World to their cause. Scar-ra hadn't seen her eldest sister since that time. As for Katrina, Scar-ra couldn't help throwing her frustrations out on her, demanding for her to make things better. It was all this demanding behavior that caused Katrina to leave her out of fear and anger. Scar-ra wondered now how Katrina was doing.

.

Scar-ra sighed, resuming her activities. She stared out from the balcony's stone railing, picturing what life would be like without the Talking Animals' new High King and King. Would it have made any difference? She had her house and her life. What more was there for her?

Still, she transformed into her scarred lioness form, right after she and the hobbit Elijah Molvaro reached the castle. Elijah and Ronnie Baggins' coronation took place at Aster Castle, with the coronation party beginning right after the coronation finished. She couldn't help but wonder how things had changed since the city was now being called the First Base. Would it have made any difference?

She didn't know. She didn't care! She was more than relieved to walk away from the balcony and re-enter the castle's ballroom, if only to slake her lust for power.

She looked on at the couples chatting and dancing to the final slow dance of the night. She looked around, hoping that Gore Holdo, her husband, would turn up. Scar-ra's former name had been Qua'ra Holdo. She remembered this name very well, when she married Gore. They had been on the planet Corellia for a very long time, deciding to lay low and start a family. Now, that their family had grown and had many times great grandchildren, it was hard to say what had become of their children and grandchildren. Even Scar-ra wondered how the other scarred lions and lionesses were doing since they all split up years ago.

As for Katrina, she married a man named Valo Ensi, Valentino he was called, who turned out to be a shapeshifter, too. Scar-ra looked around for Kat'ka's husband, hoping to find him here, before the final dance ended.

She looked around, turning her gaze to one side, as she spotted a man donned in red pirate's garb. His hair was mullet shaped and brown, but it flowed down the back of his head like a wave. It was as if he had become a scarred lion again! His skin was pale and he donned a brown mustache. His eyebrows were brown and thick, while his facial appearance showed ruggedness, as well as a cold, cool appearance. In a way, he was handsome, or so Scar-ra guessed was the reason for Katrina marrying him… wait. It was Valentino! What was he doing here?

Scar-ra watched Valentino with much grief. She saw his high brown boots reach his knees, while he carried a cutlass sword in a brown, leather sheath. Yes, he truly was taking on the persona of a pirate, or so Scar-ra hoped as she neared him.

Maybe he would go easy on her. Maybe he wouldn't. Who knew, right?

"Valo, what brings you here?" Scar-ra asked, joining him a second later.

Valo smirked, enjoying the conversation they were having. "Scar-ra, you look sublime." He said in a gruff, deep voice. He chuckled, his chuckles turning into purrs as he resumed speaking to her. "I trust your sister is well. Man, if only I could see Katrina again."

"Valo, no one's seen Katrina since she stormed out on me," Scar-ra said.

"Then maybe you shouldn't have been so mean," Valo said, seriously. He looked her, his stormy grey eyes turning blue with satisfaction. "Katrina told me. She hated walking out on you. That's why she fled. To give herself some time to think. She knows you're stressed. You didn't need to take out your anger and frustrations on her! She was waiting for you to apologize. You were too demanding, Scar-ra! Everyone knows it! Well, everyone who is a scarred lion and lioness." He smirked, satisfied. He grabbed a green grape, chucking it in his mouth, as he presumed to speak with her. "Ah. Gore is around here somewhere. He's not happy."

"Gore? Gore's here? Did you tell him about me?" Scar-ra asked, cautious.

Valentino raised an eyebrow, suspicious. He said, coyly, "Gore knows what you did. He's aware of the whole matter! He's followed you, since his death and mine. We're very aware of the situation with our family and our friends. It wasn't right what you did. And now you must pay for it."

"Pay? Pay how? With money? My coinage isn't that large," Scar-ra said, seriously.

Valo laughed, loving messing with her mind. "Nonsense! You owe everyone an apology! Katrina, Tack, Gore, me! Well, Tack you already apologized to. So, he's off the list!" He chuckled, knowing that Scar-ra needed to apologize to them and to the scarred lions and lionesses. It was the only way to settle these matters! "You're too demanding, Scar-ra. There's no money needed for this, if that's what you wished. Although, I don't see why not. I thought the name suited you, before you became Qua'ra Holdo." He sighed, telling her, "Gore means the world to you, and you mean a lot to him. Go on and apologize, and then I will help you find your sister and my wife. She can't have gotten far."

Scar-ra nodded silently. She knew Aslan would reincarnate Gore. He already did for Valo—Valentino. Here Valo was talking to her and demanding she apologize to everyone she wronged… which in this case meant the scarred lions and lionesses, too, and maybe the Talking Animals, if that's what they wanted. But where was Gore? Surely, he must be around here somewhere.

She stopped looking around, giving some thought over what Valo meant. Valo wanted her to apologize to him! That meant… no, it couldn't be. Did this mean that Gore would show up after she apologized to Valentino? That made no sense! What was she missing?

"Scar-ra, you all right?" Valo asked, getting her attention. He spoke more seriously this time. "Or should I just call you Qua'ra?" It was a statement more than a question. Scar-ra realized this as she went on with her apology to him:

"No, Scar-ra's fine. I'm…" she paused, not knowing what to say. Finally, the words came out, allowing her to speak. "I'm sorry for what I did to you. I didn't mean to yell at you or my sisters. I'm sorry. I've been too demanding." She looked up at him, asking him now, "In what way did I wrong you?"

Valo huffed, breathing deeply. "You wronged me when you wronged Katrina. I thought you were different! The kind of leader everyone saw you as. But the only way you'll truly allow me to forgive you is if you apologize to Katrina. Now, she won't take it easy on you, like I have." He paused to catch his breath, speaking in a kinder voice, "I'm sorry, but you're the one apologizing. So, go on. Apologize."

Scar-ra took a few minutes to calm down. She hoped this would be easy, but it wasn't. Oh, what was she to do?

Finally, she spoke in a gruff voice, "Well, what was I supposed to say? That Mufasa should let us roam free? We were hiding, Valo. You and Gore were dead, but you still followed us? You could have saved us many times, but you didn't! I was trying to keep the scarred lions and lionesses in check. Some were deserting us. I yelled at some and they retreated, all because I got angry at them.

"And then I got mad at you and Gore, even though you did help us." She paused, shocked to hear herself say this. "I'm sorry. I know you were a spirit. I'm sorry that I hurt you. If there is a way for me to apologize to Katrina, when I should apologize to you, too, I will find that way to do so. Until then, I'm happy to see you again."

He smiled, enjoying this, "Well, I can see why you got mad. There were scarred lions and lionesses deserting us?"

"And some got angry, probably due to my poor leadership skills. How was I supposed to lead them, when you and Gore weren't around? It was back to me and my four siblings. It was awful," Scar-ra admitted. She shook her head, telling him, "I never meant to hurt you. I've missed you and Gore, wherever he is."

Valo looked up, pointing out to Scar-ra where Gore was. "I think he's over by the punch bowl."

"Really? Where?" Scar-ra asked, turning in the direction Valo was pointing.

Scar-ra gazed out at the ballroom. She couldn't get over the white tiled dance floor, the grey and brown stone floors protruding the ballroom, as well as the greyish-brown stone walls that seemed to give off a feeling of ominous resolve. The red banners with the gold crown symbol on both sides didn't help the way Scar-ra felt about the whole scene. The lit iron black torches gave the ballroom an orangish-yellow and orangish-red glow, making them stand out the most in this room.

Here and there, red rugs surrounded the outer parts of the ballroom, while stone pillars garnished the outer edges of the ballroom, making it seem like the room was octagonal in a widened circular space.

Scar-ra couldn't believe or even think of how this whole ballroom, the throne room, and the rest of Aster Castle now belonged to the hobbits, Elijah Molvaro and Ronnie Baggins. Elijah and Ronnie resembled Frodo Baggins in appearance, but not in personalities. They were themselves and Frodo was himself, for he seemed to be enjoying the party as much as everyone else.

Scar-ra's gaze found its way to the punch bowl table, garnished with a white table cover and a white lace runner. There was Gore Holdo, looking regal as ever. He was in his scarred lion form, complete with his own set of scars on his body, head, arms, legs, and tail. Oh, she wanted more than anything to talk to him, apologize for her actions.

Valo whispered in her ear, "Go and talk to him. He's waiting, you know."

Scar'ra glanced at Valo, asking him promptly, "What can I say? I don't think he'll recognize me."

Valo chuckled. "He will. Give him time." He patted her shoulder, causing Scar-ra to jerk forward as she walked towards Gore. Oh, this was not what she expected! She expected Gore to walk away from her. Was this really what they wanted? She hardly knew what to expect as she found her way towards him.

At last! She reached Gore… however, she couldn't help but pause upon meeting his gaze. His yellow eyes looked calm and peaceful, but alert and sensitive when they met her eyes. For a moment, neither party knew what to do, let alone what to say to one another. And this scared her! She was expecting him to say something to make her feel better, not expecting to be dragged into any situation that would make her feel worse.

Still, it was hard to guess what anyone was thinking about at this time. This was their moment, and she would do this right… even at the expense that she would get things wrong.

She sighed, finding a way to draw a deep breath. She was nervous. She could tell when she met his gaze. "Hello Gore. Long time no see?"

"Scar-ra," Gore gulped, shocking himself, "what brings you here?"

Scar-ra lowered her gaze, admitting when she looked up at him again, "Elijah and I, we came to see his coronation. He's as nervous as you are now!"

"Oh! Right. About that," Gore said, drinking some punch from a cup. He set his drink down, informing her, "That punch is sour. You were saying?" He looked up at her, meeting her gaze, as if he was expecting some sort of an apology. Scar-ra felt the same, realizing then that his eyes were telling her the truth. He wanted an apology from her, didn't he?

"Gore, I just want to say that I forgive you for coming here tonight. I'm sorry that I yelled at you and anybody I came across. I couldn't help it. I was so stressed out that I didn't know if I could reach Mufasa. You know the way he treated his brother Scar? It's the same way that I felt would come to the scarred lions and lionesses."

She gulped, continuing with her apology. "I'm sorry, but after what the Talking Animals said about us, I knew we couldn't stay there, at the Pride Lands. Please understand, I was under a lot of stress."

"Valo and I could have helped you," Gore looked at her in understanding, but all seriousness reached his ears when he spoke to her, "You needn't go on alone, doing everything by yourself. That's not what our job is."

"I know, and I forgive you for coming all this way to hear me gripe," Scar-ra said, apologizing for her actions and for disrespecting him.

Gore paused to catch a deep breath, before saying to her, "You know, this isn't your fault. I understand, for why you were upset." He gulped, telling her, "Maybe if I had come sooner, Katrina would still be with us."

"Where is she? Do you know?" Scar-ra asked, curious and concerned.

Gore shook his head, telling her, "Last time anyone's seen Katrina, she was heading for the Galaxy Far, Far Away. No one's seen her since. I haven't seen her since we were in the Portal Realm. Only Melena can tell us, and she's far away."

"Do you know where she is? Melena?" Scar-ra asked, wondering this.

Gore shook his head, saying silently. "Last time I saw her, Melena was sorting out a dispute in the Wizardry World. I don't know where she is or what she's done. I turned back into a human when I reincarnated. It took me years to find this place and you." He sighed, looking into her eyes with such love. "It's good to see you, too, Scar-ra. Truly."

"And you," Scar-ra said, coming closer and hugging him. She sighed, purring as she said, "I've missed you."

Gore smiled, embracing her. He purred, as he said to her, in her ear, "I've missed you, too." He retracted, smiling, "Welcome back to Aster."

"It's good to be back," Scar-ra repeated, hugging him again.

.

Scar-ra released Gore, looking into his eyes with such fondness. There was such passion in those eyes that she nearly forgot herself, nearly forgotten where she was. For a moment, it seemed like they were about to kiss. Gore nearly did kiss her. His paw rested on her cheek, ready for him to dive in and kiss her on the muzzle. He stopped midway, not knowing what else to say.

"Let's find a room to stay at. I'm sure the new High King and King wouldn't mind us spending the night in the castle," Gore spoke too soon, for Scar-ra nearly retracted. The way Scar-ra looked away from him in anguish said enough about the situation. She would have chosen to spend time at the house than spend time in Aster Castle.

He needed her to come and live with him here, while they were still alive. Surely, she understood that.

"What?" Gore asked, getting her attention. "I want you to live comfortably. You are Empress after all."

Scar-ra's eyes widened in terror. She said, out of fear, "You mean the Shadow Empire? That empire's gone! Remember? It died when the planet Zafna turned Teremode on us. Zeena died, before we could get her out," Scar-ra added out of anguish, "If Zeena's alive, if she's reincarnated, then where is she? Is she alive?" She added, "Gore, I wanted you back! I wanted Valo and Zeena back, too! It's been me, Katrina, and Melena for the past two decades. Don't tell me you've forgotten!"

"I haven't." Gore faced her with serious eyes. "I just don't understand. You were waiting for us to come back."

"Yes. Ever since we left Teremode, the scarred lions and lionesses have been in an uproar. We need our leaders back. If the Shadow Empire does return, you're still its Emperor, just as I'm its Empress. You must understand that, Gore. We need you. I need you," Scar-ra said. "So, please come back with us. Please come back with me. I need you, Gore. I need you right now."

Gore paused. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Yes, Scar-ra did want him back, but there was something missing. She was practically choosing to stay at her house, the house that she was given by the Council of Talking Animals. It was a great offer, but he hoped that, since she was still the Empress of the Shadow Empire, and he its Emperor, that they would stay at Aster Castle. It's where their friends and family were. It's what meant the world to her.

He just didn't get why she wasn't getting it first and foremost. He'd try again, hoping to reason with her.

He took a deep breath, asking her, "So, you don't want to live at the castle, here, with me." Scar-ra huffed. She knew he would ask that. Gore didn't give up. He knew he'd win her back! "Scar-ra, you've been given privilege. I think it's time we gave you some more shelter. What do you say? Your friends are here and your family is here, too. Why not make the most of it? Stay with me. We'll move your furniture and treasures here. We can live here for as long as we need to. It's the perfect plan."

"Gore, no! It's perfect for you, but I've got to make sure that nothing goes wrong with the scarred lions and lionesses. They're out there, Gore! They're going to find out that they're free to roam these lands," Scar-ra explained, worried about what might happen to them, how the scarred lions and lionesses might react, if she moved in with Gore. What would they think of her? What would Katrina say, if she found out Valo was living here? Would she become angry? It was hard to say!

Gore huffed. He'd get through to her. "Scar-ra," he wrapped his arms around her, "look, the scarred lions and lionesses will seek us out. They'll find out that they're free to roam these lands. They'll know. They will find out. Then, what will we have to lose?"

He paused, taking in her features. "I want you. I want us to be a family, even if that means we get to stay at this castle." Scar-ra smirked, liking the sound of that. He added, gazing into her eyes, "You'll be fine."

Scar-ra paused, looking at him in anguish. "I hope you're right."

"You know I am," Gore said, kissing her muzzle. He smirked, rubbing noses with her. She giggled, loving it. She sighed, falling into his arms and enjoying the embrace.

She asked him, "Well, I suppose it's time to tell Elijah and Ronnie we're staying. Right Gore?"

Gore nodded, appreciating this. "Right. Let's go tell them." He released her, leading her over to the two hobbits, who were busy conversing with Frodo and his wife Bethany.

Scar-ra couldn't get over how much Elijah had changed. Before, Elijah didn't want to be a part of the coronation taking place at Aster Castle. His coronation with Ronnie Baggins. Now that the coronation was over, something had changed about him. Scar-ra couldn't pin down what it was, but he seemed more noble, like he belonged there.

Then there was Ronnie and Frodo, who happened to be enjoying themselves. Scar-ra wondered what was going on with this group of hobbits. Was it enough that they were here? And the way Frodo's eyes were so mesmerizingly blue, bluer than what she expected them to be. Even Bethany's bluish-green eyes stood out, making them brighter than Scar-ra expected. Were they vampires, per say?

And where was that light red dragonoid, Parker Dooley, and his human wife, Eliza Bowler-Dooley? They should be here!

"Scar-ra," Frodo perked up, getting the scarred lioness' attention. The way he eyed her upset her. Her stomach churned at the way he stared hungrily. What was he doing? Frodo smirked, enjoying this. "Don't you look… scrumptious."

"Positively medieval," Bethany chimed in, her brown curls flowing down her shoulders. She wore a light blue dress, which brightened her irises. Scar-ra feared Bethany and Frodo might want her for lunch. Was she on the menu? Were they vampires? What more did she not know about Parker Dooley and Frodo Baggins? Surely, Parker would have told her something.

"Where's Parker? Parker Dooley? Surely, he must be here," Scar-ra said, frightened now.

"They'll be along," Frodo said, not bothering to look for the light red dragonoid. He smiled hungrily at her, hoping to get a taste of her blood, "My, my Scar-ra, you look absolutely exquisite. And your blood must be… mmm. Tantalizing."

Elijah chuckled, admitting to Scar-ra, "Don't mind Frodo. He and Bethany have been vampires for a day or two. They're new to the whole experience."

"Really?" Scar-ra said, understanding. She eyed Frodo suspiciously, hopeful this meeting with him and his wife wouldn't last long, "Well, I hope you won't be hunting me. I'm a scarred lioness. A talking animal. I don't think you can do any harm to me."

Frodo grinned suspiciously, welcoming the challenge, "You say this now, but remember one thing." He stood up, delighting in frightening her.

Scar-ra took a step back, frightful that Frodo might come after her, "And what is that."

Frodo chuckled, looking around the ballroom's walls and high ceiling, before telling her, "I've fought Parker Dooley and won. I turned him into a vampire. Now, if you don't think that I won't come after you, well…" he chuckled, enjoying this display of power. He looked around again, before meeting Scar-ra's gaze, "…you have another thing coming. Now, did I plan on us meeting? Of course not. I was just waiting for a challenge, the moment when you would best me and I'd win."

Scar-ra chuckled, taking him in. "You challenge me?" She laughed, enjoying this. Frodo laughed, his blue eyes testing her. Scar-ra looked at him now, her smile fading. "Oh, you're serious?" Frodo nodded, prompting Scar-ra to say something else. Scar-ra welcomed the challenge, as best she could. "Frodo, who bit you? A sparkly vampire and his bride? Because if that's what happened, you're doing an impressive job turning everyone vampiric."

Frodo's eyes widened in interest. He hadn't thought of that. It intrigued him. "Everyone? Everyone?" He thought about it, intrigued by the whole idea of turning the kingdom into a vampire haven. "Now, that does sound interesting. Maybe I will, after I'm finished with you."

Scar-ra took a few steps back, as Frodo took a few steps forward, advancing towards her little by little. Scar-ra looked at Elijah and Ronnie, hoping they would do something, but everyone seemed frozen, except for her, Frodo, and Bethany.

"Frodo! think about it. You're dealing with a lioness, who will probably take you down. Do you really want to lose? Because you know a vampire cannot defeat a lioness," Scar-ra said, questioning her ability to flee.

Frodo smirked, enjoying this transaction. "Now, what brings you to that conclusion?" He grinned, licking his chops. "To me, you seem like lunch, a full serving." He gave it some thought, backing away towards his wife. "Then again, maybe not." He looked at Scar-ra, as she trembled. "So, I'm going to enjoy this. Tell you what: I'm going to let you come to me, begging to let me turn you into a vampire. A scarred lioness vampire. And when I'm done, I'm going to attack this whole city, let everyone become vampires."

Frodo shook his head, hoping to see this plan through. He grinned, smirking with delight, "So, when you're ready, come to me and we will begin our plans. It's a future I've been waiting to see." He sat down, waiting for Scar-ra to come to him, begging for him to turn her into a vampire. "I'm going to enjoy this. When you do come to me, we can begin this plan. Right now." He chuckled, enjoying himself.

Frodo blinked, causing Elijah, Ronnie, and everyone else to fall out of the trance. Scar-ra looked at Frodo and his wife Bethany as they stared at her, hungrily. They wanted her to join them. She knew their plan, but she felt sure they wouldn't succeed. She couldn't fall for a vampire. She couldn't! That's not what she wanted!

"Scar-ra," Elijah said, getting Scar-ra's attention, "did you have something you'd like to say … oh my head!" he felt his forehead, feeling a light headache coming on.

Scar-ra glimpsed over at Frodo, who smirked wickedly. Something had changed in him. All this time, she thought he was good. Had being a vampire changed him? She felt sure it did. Why else would he and Bethany be here?

"Scar-ra, what did you have to tell us?" Elijah asked, getting her attention.

"Oh, Gore and I would like a room. It seems we'll be staying here," Scar-ra admitted, turning to Gore who was coming out of his trance.

"Oh, did you say something? I forget," Gore said, noticing Frodo and Bethany leaving the ballroom. Gore turned to Elijah, asking him, "Oh! One room for me and Scar-ra, and another for Valo Ensi."

"We'll get those straightaway," Ronnie said, heading over to the remaining council members.

Scar-ra hoped they were doing the right thing. The last thing she needed was villains running amok. She hoped Frodo and Bethany wouldn't run amok, sucking blood out of everyone in the castle. If they did, Scar-ra feared the worst. But then she hoped she could get the right amount of sleep tonight, while she still could.

*.*.*

References:

Mufasa comes from "The Lion King" trilogy. Frodo Baggins comes from J.R.R. Tolkien's book trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.

.

Well, I bet no one expected Frodo to turn villainous! But here he is, acting villainous. So, will Scar-ra find a way to turn Frodo back from a vampire into a hobbit again? Will Scar-ra resume with apologizing to those she hurt? Find out next time.

Next chapter focuses on Maleficent and the villains. So, there's that to look forward to! :)

Until next time! :)

~Aria Breuer