Little brother rested on his throne. Little brother was now king. He was unmoving, frail looking even, but his presence was that of greatness. His thick black mane engulfed his lean shoulders, making him look more the power than he really was.

Those who knew him were aware that disturbing him during his slumber would lead to a firm pawing across the hide. Even the face. Banishment for those who were really idiotic in their approach. But he dared not kill one of them. He loved the power too much. A hundred hyenas against one lion were not good odds.

His chest would rise and fall. His ears would flinch if the flies got too close, but other than this, he remained silent. Still. Static. The hyenas knew better than to wake him. But there was news afoot. Big news. The price was alive.

"Do we really have to tell him now?" One asked eyeing the two lionesses behind him. Shenzi caught her gaze and ran for the lions; telling the lot to mind their own business unless they wanted the king involved. They padded off.

"Let the fool sleep. Personally I like my pelt in present condition," replied one on the sentries. "We can tell him tomorrow."

"It would be anarchy if Sarabi found out." Shenzi piped in, returning. "What do we do? Sweat it out even longer than we already have? The royal snot survived. It's our job to right the wrong."

"But Shenzi--"

"Look. We were lucky enough to put the baboon away for a while. He have him in his tree afraid for his life. If this news had reached Mufasa's lionesses there would have been hell to pay for all of us." She raised her head, flicking her ears to make sure noone was eavesdropping.

"He's not exactly easy on the eyes, but the lion has brains. He'll know what to do," Banzai finally offered. Ed remained blank, shaking his head in agreement. The five hyenas stared a one another for a while, apprehension dragging their brows further down.

Obi the sentry sighed, "So we tell him now?"

"We tell him now." Shenzi whispered.

"We tell him what?" came a cool voice from behind the group. Her claws always bared like that of her mate's, ready for anyone and anything that crossed her path. The sentries took a few steps back in fear of their life. It was the queen. What in God's name would she do to them for such a botched job? Ed, in his blank state ran and hid behind the Obi and Zuri. "You three are dismissed. Have a good evening." She smiled. The three breathed a sigh of relief and walked away.

Banzai continued to stand his ground. Shenzi knew better than to be afraid like he idiot of a brother Ed. She padded up to the golden lioness.

"You're old playmate, you're highness." She said bowing, "News from the monkey came today to our border patrol of the west. He is alive. A rouge but alive."

"We can't have him coming back now can we?" Nala asked, her green eyes gleaming in the now present moonlight. "The queen mother would be thrilled but..." she trailed off. "What have you done with Rafiki?"

"He's being held at his tree." Banzai replied. "We have guards there. He's afraid to even speak. Word won't reach the other lionesses."

"Good." She sat in thought.

"If he were to come back your highness, he would probably win," Shenzi offered, a sympathetic tone for Scar's own weaknesses in her voice.

"Indeed." She said. "I always liked Simba."

"Your highness?"

"It's such a shame that we have to destroy him now. He cannot come here and ruin my husband's happiness, and mine. We have to get to him before he gets to us." She spoke, "It's true my husband has a madness to him but I have always been taken care of. My mother is still here and always has been, and my husband gave me the kingdom when I thought my betrothal to Simba and the power of queen died with him. The God's know I loved him and Mufasa, but I also know of the pain Ahadi put Taka through and what can I say..." She trailed off a bit, she, Shenzi and Banzai walking towards the innards of Pride Rock. "What goes around comes around."

Banzai looked at Shenzi and mouthed the words, "She's mad."

Once the queen was inside the two hyenas started off to their own special spot right below the rock. It was cool and musty, a reminder of their old home at the graveyard.

Banzai repeated himself again, "He's made her as mad as he is."

"What's it to you?" She spat. "We're back in the Pridelands aren't we? We have food in our bellies and a lion king as a protector. So what if we have to kill the prince?"

He sighed and lay his head down. "Dare I say I have a conscience about best friends killing one another."