Chapter Eleven: Still the Better Lion

Scar walked back to Pride Rock the next morning, fighting to hide his smirk. The pride was sad and quiet as he walked up to his brother, who sat alone on the ledge. Sarabi stayed back with the other lionesses, a few of them sniffing and crying.

"What's happened?" he asked.

"The hyenas attacked last night," Mufasa answered in an emotionless voice. "After you left."

"What!"

His brother nodded. "Father's dead."

"Oh, no . . ."

"I know he was never close to you, Miru, I mean, Scar, but . . . But I think he loved you all the same."

Scar shook his head. I know that's a lie. "This must really be hurting you, brother. I'm so sorry for your loss. Why did the hyenas come in the first place?"

"All they asked for was Father. They said they had an order to get him."

Scar smiled inwardly. Good, they didn't let it slip. "I see. Are there ceremonies to be held?"

"Yes, I believe so. One for Father's passing and one for . . ."

"The king's crowning," Zazu finished as he landed gracefully between the two. "I do sympathize for your loss, Sire, but there must be a king to keep the pride in proper order. Even in time of sorrow, we must keep pushing ourselves ahead."

"Will you be more sensitive?" Scar snapped. "He has just lost his father."

Zazu eyed him angrily. "You have as well, sir, but I have yet to see you show any emotion whatsoever, except perhaps . . . happiness."

"You think I'm happy my father is dead?"

"Yes, frankly, I do."

"You don't what you're talking about, bird. I think you make a better side dish than a friend, or messenger, for that matter."

"You have been nothing but a burden since you arrived here! And I find it quite unusual that the king's death should fall right around the time you have returned . . ."

"Are you actually accusing me of having part in this?"

"I've accused you of nothing, Scar, but it seems you are incriminating yourself right now."

"Open that beak again and I swear with all antelopes in these Pridelands . . ."

Mufasa roared loudly, causing both of them to stop.

"Enough!" he ordered. "Stop this senseless bickering! A great lion is dead and all you can do is argue about it? Both of you should be ashamed!"

Scar hung his head, silently cursing his brother and his annoying bird all the while. Zazu held his head up, but cast a deadly glare in the lion's direction, obviously not caring if Mufasa noticed.

"Now, please," Mufasa sighed after shouting at them for about a minute. "Let us give our respects to the departed and go about our business."

Zazu bowed respectfully, stretching his wings out. Scar bowed his head and stood. He turned to walk away, but Mufasa's voice stopped him.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"My place isn't here, dear brother," Scar answered. "I'll allow all of you to say goodbye to Father properly. I'll be back when you are crowned."

"Are you sure, Scar?"

"Yes, King, I am certain. I'll be back, Cub's honor."

Mufasa smiled weakly. "All right. Thank you, Scar."

Scar had to hold back his bile as he said, "Cub's honor." It was a small joke he and his brother had as cubs. It meant they swore by their blood, their brotherhood, to be there for each other when they needed it. He knew it would amuse his brother.

He walked past the lionesses, trying to catch Sarabi's eye. She looked at him quickly and turned away. He scowled and walked faster. He then ran off, away from the pride that he knew he would never belong to. But they would pay. He knew his day would come . . .

He stood in the back of the mass of animals at the crowning ceremony. Rafiki stood beside his brother with his arm wrapped around his neck. It seemed an eternity before Zazu finally called across the lands.

"And now, loyal creatures of the Pridelands, I give you . . . King Mufasa!"

The animals cheered loudly. Scar rolled his eyes and sighed. Even after his father rid of his father, Mufasa was still the better lion. He stood up and turned away from the explosion of cheers. He was stopped abruptly when something grabbed his tail. He whirled around angrily, about to yell at the buffoon that did it. His eyes widened as Sarabi let go of his tail.

She laughed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"You didn't scare me," he answered, rather defensively. "I just . . . didn't expect it to be you."

"Come on, let's leave Mufasa to bask in the praising for now. May I walk with you?"

"If you insist, I suppose."

They walked side by side. Sarabi smiled widely.

"What?" Scar asked, noticing she was staring at him.

"Admit it," she said. "You were scared."

"I used to be. Not anymore."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Let's just say . . . maybe it's best you're with Mufasa. I've changed a lot since I left."

"You grew up, Miru. All of us did."

He nodded and didn't answer.

"Miru, I'm sorry you had to hear about Mufasa and me after what you told me. I really was flattered."

"And I was embarrassed."

She laughed. "I know and I'm sorry for that, too. Will you forgive me?"

He looked at her intently. "Anything for you, Sarabi."

"Good. What is it you said to Mufasa? 'Cub's honor'?"

"Yes . . . why?"

"Just swear on Cub's honor."

He sighed heavily. "Fine, Cub's honor. What's so important?"

"I haven't told Mufasa yet, but . . . I'll be expecting a nephew or niece for you soon."

Scar fought to keep his composure. His brother was king, he had the lioness Scar had liked since he was a cub, and now he was expecting an heir! It was ridiculous! Impossible! How could everything work out for Mufasa when he was the one who deserved it more?

"Oh, congratulations," Scar nodded.

"Aren't you excited?" Sarabi laughed.

He attempted a painful smile. "Ecstatic."

"I'm so glad you are. Your Cub's honor is that you'll swear to be a good uncle and watch over your nephew or niece when they're growing up."

He felt an anger growl building in his throat. He swallowed it away. "Cub's honor, Sarabi. I'll keep my promise to you."

She rubbed her head against his neck fur quickly. "Thank you. I'll see you later."

She turned around and went back to Pride Rock. Scar watched the animals still praising the great King Mufasa. The very thought of it made his blood boil. He walked off toward the Elephant Graveyard, growling to himself the whole way.

A/N: I think this one's my favorite chapter in the whole story. It shows that Mufasa, like the chapter title says, still the better lion. Even after everything Scar did to even the score, he would never get what he wanted. Well, until a little later! Lol. Read and review and let me know what everyone thinks!