Chapter Eight: Sarabi

Scar walked out of the cave alone. Mufasa was conversing with some lionesses in the cave, laughing occasionally. Scar cringed every time it drifted from the cavern. That laugh was the falsest he had ever heard, it reminded Scar of his father.

He sat down on the ledge of Pride Rock and looked up to the sky. Dark clouds were gathering overhead. Another storm was brewing. That would be reassuring to the lands and its creatures. A scorching drought had left the land around them parched and ill. Scar couldn't help smiling. The rain was exactly the kind of sign he had been waiting for. Waiting was all he needed to do . . .

"Miru?" a soft voice asked behind him.

He turned to see a pale-furred lioness smiling at him as she walked up toward the cave. He stared at her for a moment before recognizing her.

"Sarabi?" he asked, surprised.

She nodded, laughing slightly. "Wow, we all thought you disappeared . . ."

"I think I did for a while, just had a lot to think about, I suppose. How have you been?"

"Oh, fine, just spending time with your brother."

Scar's insides burned with jealousy and hatred, leaving a sour taste in his mouth. His voice remained steady as he smiled at her. "Oh, I see."

She walked up and sat beside him. "He's been worrying about you so much. I have, too. Mufasa was starting to think you would never come back."

"I didn't think I would, either. I'm flattered that you were worried about me."

"We grew up together, Miru. Of course I was worried about you. After losing your mother . . . I don't know, you sort of changed."

Scar remained silent, looking out over the Pridelands. He sighed and turned to look at Sarabi. "I know I must sound like a fool, but I had a crush on you when we were young. You were one of my few friends."

Sarabi looked away, embarrassed. "Now I'm flattered, really, but . . . I guess no one told you when you came back. Mufasa must've been so excited he forgot to mention that . . ."

"What?"

"Oh, Sarabi, there you are," Mufasa said, making both of them jump slightly.

Sarabi smiled sweetly. "Hello, Mufasa."

"I see you've already discovered our old pride member."

"Yes." She looked to Scar. "And I couldn't be happier that he's back."

"Sarabi was about to tell me something important," Scar said, not looking away from her.

"Oh, I see," Mufasa nodded. "I'm afraid I forgot to tell you when you returned."

"Tell me what?"

Sarabi broke his gaze, staring at the rock at her paws. "Mufasa and I are to be married after he is declared king."

Scar stared at the two of them, stunned. The hatred now boiled just beneath the surface of his skin. He wanted to tear his brother limb from limb and leave him for dead. What a gift that would be to his father! His precious boy in bits on this ledge . . . Scar exhaled heavily, controlling himself.

"Well, congratulations again, dear brother," he said, standing. "It seems your life is set before you, isn't it? If you'll excuse me, I think I'll leave you two alone for now. Be happy together."

"You'll come back, won't you?" Sarabi asked as he began to walk away.

"I'll always be close, I promise."

He disappeared from Pride Rock, leaving the future king and queen together. He ran off through the tall grass, roaring in anger. Birds flew out of their nesting places, frightened of his rampage.

He stopped only when he reached his destination. He skidded to a stop outside of the elephant graveyard. Heavy raindrops soaked him through, his mane weighing heavily on his neck. He ignored the weather. He had only one focus . . .

"ANZA!" he cried out.

The hyena soon appeared in front of him.

"Yeah, Scar?" she asked.

"Call them out," he ordered, his breath raising in a white cloud.

Anza laughed loudly. "All right! Fall in, guys!"

The army of hyenas appeared before him. Scar looked at them with blazing eyes. He no longer kept his emotions in check. He was ready to take the consequences for what he was to do.

"What do we gotta do, boss?" Banzi, a younger hyena, asked in the ranks.

"Kill him," Scar ordered evenly.

The hyenas laughed gleefully and ran off toward Pride Rock. Scar and Anza watched them splashing through mud puddles and laughing maniacally as they drifted away.

"You coming along?" Anza asked.

"No, I have some unfinished business to take care of," Scar answered. "Anza, make sure they don't fail."

"I'll try, boss."

"You better, or it's you for their next meal."

He walked off quietly, leaving Anza alone frozen with fear.

A/N: All right, now to the good part, y'all! I can't wait! I'll post hopefully on Monday, so keep reading. Thanks for all my reviewers. I appreciateyour enthusiasim.