Chapter Four: Scar

That same night, Miru went off to the tree where Rafiki, the old baboon healer, stayed. He stayed with the monkey for the months he needed to heal. He knew his father would offer no help to him . . .

His eye slowly returned to normal. But as it healed, his soul hardened. The hatred he held of his father burned within him, eating away any softness he once had. His mother was the only creature that cared for her and now she was dead . . .

"All right, young one," Rafiki said one day. "It is time."

He reached out and touched the mass of herbs and clay that was over Miru's eye. He carefully pulled it away. Miru winced only slightly as the clay pulled away some of the fur around his eye. Rafiki inspected it, occasionally touching the skin around the injury.

"Well done, cub," he laughed. "I have never seen such an injury heal so quickly! There is a small change, but nothing critical."

"Let me see," Miru said.

"Patience, child. Are you certain?"

"It's my face, Rafiki. Of course I want to see it."

Rafiki nodded and reached for a coconut shell filled with clear water. He held it out and allowed Miru to gaze inside. He stared at the suddenly unfamiliar reflection. It was his face, but his eyes . . . They were the same color, but they looked so . . . empty. A thick, pale scar ran down his right eyelid, no fur growing over it.

"I am afraid I cannot repair scars," Rafiki explained apologetically.

"It's okay," Miru said. "I just don't want to forget."

He stood up and walked over to a break in the tree's canopy. He stared out into the darkening Pridelands, the moon slowly raising in front of him. Rafiki stayed back, watching the young lion.

"It was not your fault, Miru," the baboon attempted. "It was written in the stars for ages."

"Don't use your monkey logic on me, okay, Rafiki?" Miru sighed. "I just . . . don't want to think about it right now."

"Your father is a stubborn creature. He knows not of what a lion you have become. He would be proud."

"I'm not going back. Not anymore."

Rafiki sat in stunned silence for a time. "You are not going back? But, that is your home."

"It was Miru's home."

"I am afraid I do not understand."

The lion chuckled. "That's unusual for you, Rafiki. I'm no longer Miru. That was a name chosen by my father. He claims that I am dead to him, then Miru will be."

"Then what will you go by?"

He thought about it for a time. "Scar."

"Scar?"

"Yes. My name is Scar. I live to it quite well."

Rafiki was silent as Miru laughed at his own joke. The monkey walked over to a wall of exposed wood and ran his fingers across old, worn drawings that he had made. One was a crude sketch of a hyena beside the queen. Next to her were her two boys, Miru and Mufasa. One had bald spots over and under his right eye.

"Scar," the baboon whispered.

The lion nodded, but noticed Rafiki was not speaking to him, but to himself.

"What's the matter?" Miru asked, standing up and stopping behind him.

Rafiki whirled around and struck him squarely on the head with his cane.

"Ow!" Miru snapped. "What was that for?"

"I hope it will give you the knowledge you need, Miru," he answered. "This is the last I will see of the little cub I watched grow. You are now Scar. But do not allow your unhappiness consume you."

"What are you—?"

"Your life is going to change, unfortunately not for the better. Just remember that your brother will always be there when you need someone. He will always love you, even if your father does not."

Scar raised an eyebrow as he watched him. "Okay. I'm ready to go."

Rafiki snapped out of it and returned to himself. "And where will you go?"

"I'm not quite sure yet, but I'll find my way. If Mufasa comes out here, tell him to stop worrying and stay at Pride Rock. I can make it on my own."

The baboon wrapped his arms around his neck tightly. "Take care, Scar."

"Thank you for all of your help," the lion said as he broke away from his grasp. "Goodbye, Rafiki."

He hopped down from the tree and began to walk away into the night. Rafiki watched him until he disappeared in the lack of light.

"Goodbye is certain," he sighed. "For now only evil will have your once gentle soul. May the kings protect your father and brother. You will be their end."