Chapter 7: A Death in the Family

I panted like a dog as I attempted to keep up with Mufasa and Simba in this scorching heat, all the while carrying a sack containing what I assumed were our weapons.

I'll never understand how they manage to pull through, but I think these kinds of living conditions were so hard to deal with since I used to live inside a house where food and AC were at my disposal. Mufasa stopped me and Simba in our tracks, he pointed ahead where a group of zebras were grazing. He stealthily guided us over to a rock, big enough for us to hide behind.

I set down the sack, Mufasa handing me and Simba our own makeshift bows. They were made up of some kind of rough wood, a thick string tied to both ends. The bows appeared to be constructed of the same material, a sharp stone that looked like it could cut through flesh like butter placed at the front.

"So, what's the first step?", I whispered. We peeked over the rock and Mufasa almost immediately singled out an elderly looking Zebra, it's once black stripes now a shade of grey.

"That one right there, remember we always seek out the ones that'll have the most trouble getting away, preferably the more older ones.", Mufasa explained before looking at me. "I'll let you go first Jason, when you go to shoot, keep your feet firmly placed on the ground and keep your breaths steady. Simba, have your bow ready just in case."

I quietly stood up and aimed my bow directly at my target. My breaths were slow and I stood still. I pulled back the bow and let go. Within a blink of an eye, the arrow went straight through the zebra's stomach, as it lost its balance as it attempted to escape, it's fight or flight response going into overdrive.

"Simba, quickly!", Mufasa called. Right on command, Simba shot an arrow straight through its head. It's body went completely limp and collapsed onto the hard dirt ground, dust kicking up from the impact. I gotta admit, the kid is more skilled at this than I apparently am.

"Well done boys.", Mufasa congratulated with a hearty laugh. He then grabbed the zebra carcass by the legs and brought it over his shoulder to carry it back home.

"We did great for our first time, Simba. Though, I think you're more skilled at this than me.", I stated. I could tell my praise was putting him in a much better mood, that cocky little grin of his creeping up on his face.

"It was nothing, but we did it together and that's all that matters.", Simba added to which I simply nodded.

"Yeah, that's right.", I muttered before playfully ruffling the fur on his head.

-Pride Rock-

I was seated on a nearby rock and observed Mufusa, Simba, Sarabi, Sarafina, Nala, and a bunch of Lionesses gathered around the carcass, ripping and tearing into its flesh. Watching them eat was so unsettling but it was taking a lot for my twelve year old mind to get used to, especially knowing that could've been me if Mufusa wasn't so hospitable.

Sarafina separated from the crowd and began walking towards me, a crimson hue staining her muzzle.

"What aren't you eating with us Jason?", Sarafina asked, licking the blood from around her lips.

"Not hungry.", I dryly stated examining a dagger I clutched tightly in my hands.

The look on her face told me that she didn't believe that was entirely the case. I did have a lot on my mind, but I was too busy surviving and trying to adapt that I couldn't contemplate how I was truly feeling about all of this. Sarafina sat beside me, comforting me.

"You can talk to me about it, if you're comfortable with that of course.", Sarafina clarified. We both sat in silence for a bit until I found the right words and started stalking.

"Do you think I belong here?", I asked. Sarafina answered almost immediately.

"I'll be honest, I wasn't entirely sure what to think about Mufasa allowing taking you in. But this past week, you've proved to be a kind and loyal boy whose willing to put others before himself. Sarabi told me about how you saved Simba and Nala from the hyenas, and I'm grateful that you were there to protect them. So I will say, that you do belong here with us."

Her kind words touched me, and really threw any doubts I previously had before. I lost control of myself for a moment and embraced the lioness and she returned the gesture, soft purrs emitting from her. While hugging her I then got a glance at an interesting sight.

Scar, who I'd rarely seen the past day or two, was leaving Pride Rock, with Simba following right behind him and he looked excited about something. Something wasn't right.

"I have a question though, what do you think about Scar?", I asked.

Sarafina looked confused and awkwardly looked away from me for a moment. I really hoped I didn't make her uncomfortable. She then turned to face me again and sighed.

"I don't know what to think of him anymore, ever since Taka got his Scar he's become more...cold and he's isolated himself from us.", Sarafina answered.

"Taka?", I raised an eyebrow.

"That's Scar's real name.", Sarafina muttered. "Back when the pridelands were still under the rule of King Ahadi and Queen Uru, Scar and Mufusa's parents, Taka didn't have the best childhood and not many friends. From what I saw back then, Scar was neglected by Ahadi but Mufusa on the other hand was his favorite and as you could probably guess, that deeply hurt Scar."

"Geez, now I feel sorry for him.", I said before allowing Sarafina to continue the story.

"One particular year we had a very bad drought, so it was very hard for Ahadi to balance his kingly duties along with teaching Mufusa. The year before that he'd previously promised to take them hunting, but unfortunately he postponed their trip so he could continue to mentor Mufusa. That of course didn't sit well with Scar."

Damn, was all I could think. Their father sounded like a real piece of work. If there's anything I've learned from my parents is that you should love your kids all the same. Surprisingly I actually found myself starting to feel sympathy for Scar.

"So one day Scar started a stampede and it went horribly wrong. After he and Mufusa were saved by Ahadi, Scar got into a heated argument with his father, and that resulted in his father clawing him across the face which resulted in him getting his scar. Along with his new name, Scar", Sarafina finished with a worried look. "We all used to be close, Me, Sarabi, Mufusa, and Taka. But ever since then he hasn't been the same kind hearted lion I once knew."

I started to consider perhaps cutting Scar some slack, he's had it real rough. He grew up with a father that barely respected or awknowledged him, didn't have many friends except for Sarafina, Sarabi, and Mufusa, and got stuck with a very cruel nickname. Of course the guy creeped me the hell out sometimes, but I guess he's become more cold and dark due to his upbringing. Yet, some part of me deep down is still telling me not to trust him.

"At least it all makes sense now. I kinda feel bad for him now.", I affirmed with a yawn. Now my eyes felt heavy and swollen, I guess the story made me sleepy. I felt Sarafina wrap and arm around me, bringing me closer. Her soft and warm fur felt like heaven.

"You don't mind?"

"Of course not.", Sarafina smiled.

I quickly got comfortable and grinned to myself as my eyes shut, I let out a sigh of relief as I drifted off into dreamland.

My eyes fluttered open as I found myself on the ground and drooling. I wiped the saliva from my cheek and stared off into the distance. I didn't know how long I was asleep, but it must've been awhile since it was now sunset. There was a silent but barely audible commotion in the distance as I noticed the rest of the lionesses were gathered in front of Pride Rock.

Was I missing something important?

I got to my feet and sped off in their direction until some of the lioness noticed me. I'd found Sarabi, Sarafina, and Nala, they all looked nervous to say the least.

"What's going on?", I asked them.

"We're not sure yet.", Sarabi answered anxiously. "While you were asleep Mufusa went to go help Scar save Simba from a stampede in the gorge, but...neither one of them came back."

That's when I noticed Scar standing atop of Pride Rock, instead of Mufasa preparing to give some kind of speech or announcement. What was going on?

"It truly pains me to inform you all that, Mufusa and Simba are dead.", Scar announced which made my heart stop and my breaths quicken.

The rest of lionesses broke out in sobs, Sarafina did her best to comfort a crying Nala while I brought Sarabi into a tight hug not letting go.

"I-I can't believe it...Mufasa...Simba…", Sarabi trembled in disbelief while we cried onto each other.

"No…t-this can't be happening.", I whimpered, warm tears now running down my cheeks. My whole world had shattered, and I lost a father, again and not only that, but a little brother.

"Mufasa's death, is a terrible tragedy. But for Simba, who had barely begun to live. That for me, is a deep personal loss.", Scar spoke his emotionless demeanor unwavering. It almost made it seem like his words didn't truly describe how he felt. "But it is with a heavy heart, that I assume the throne. Yet, from out of the ashes of this tradgedy, we shall rise to greet the dawning of a new era. In which lion and hyena come together, in a great and glorious future!"

We all gasped in horror as eerie and maniacal laughter filled the air, hyenas suddenly came from all directions into Pride Rock. I didn't understand, this was all too much to handle. I sprinted away from everything, even though I could hear Sarabi and Sarafina calling me to come back, I just...ran until I was out of breath. I dropped to my knees and yelled to the top of my lungs.

I looked up to the sky, cursing any god that was out there responsible for taking family away from me once again. Now Scar is the new king, the hyenas are allowed back in the pridelands somehow and…

What now?