AN: Yo! We've reached 1000 hits today! XD
TMNTT lover - well, I don't know. I did write stories about his repentance in the past. And the show does seem to imply that the real source of his evil was merely the venom of the snake that bit him.
ExGeneration35 - the name Taka implied that Scar's father was an abusive jerk. However, naming his son Askari actually implies that Scar was not raised in an evil environment. I just think that's a way better backstory, which is just shocking to see coming from The Lion Guard.
Willian - yes, Scar is a master of manipulation. But is it possible that he would one of these days decide to use his skills for good?
Jzak98 - well, I won't tell you if your worries are justified... but I will tell you that I'll do my best to surprise you even more.
Chapter 5 – The Tree of Death
Kovu was confused. He felt the fumes of the volcano slowly poisoning him, the lack of oxygen made his head spin. In a daze, he did the only thing that he still though was rational right now- he demanded that Scar tell him where Simba was.
The dark spirit was forced to apologize. He did not know that exactly, he was not omniscient. But what he did promise Kovu was that if he watched Kion close enough, he would find the king, eventually, and that Scar would send out his own spies out to find him, as well. The spirit also adjured the one he called his 'son' to keep extra caution, and to return to him once he had gathered enough evidence.
Kovu left the volcano in haste, right before dawn. And as the rays of the sun cleared his vision, he felt as if all of this had only been one of his old nightmares… But whenever he turned around, the sight of the smoking volcano reminded him of the gruesome truth.
He returned to Pride Rock, promising himself that he would never be like Scar. What he did not understand, however, was why Scar was so unlike himself right now. Could the old murderer really be reformed, or at least trusted with regard to what he said about Kion? That was the question which did not allow him to rest.
In the morning, barely conscious, Kovu received his daily number of petitioners, exercising his royal duty swiftly and absentmindedly. Only the sight of the ancient mandrill Rafiki finally caused him to sober up.
He feared that perhaps the simian had not been completely asleep the previous night after all, or that he had sensed his scent on top of the baobab. The shaman, however, did not mention either of these things at all. He merely complained to the king that his bakora staff had been stolen, and that in order to make a new one, he needed to leave the Pridelands for a while. Thus, the purpose of his visit was merely to ask permission to do so.
Relieved, Kovu did just that, and with a bow, Rafiki thanked him. Before he departed, however, the old mandrill turned to the lion with a warning. He said that he sensed evil in the air, one he was unable to name directly. The fact that the Outlands volcano was active again only confirmed his suspicions. As the Royal Mjuzi, he advised Kovu to maintain the highest level of vigilance.
That, however, was exactly what the lion already intended to do. Dismissing the rest of the applicants, he decided to check up on Kion. And though he was mad with himself for following Scar's instructions, he considered it wise to keep caution simply for the sake of the kingdom's security.
He began his search for the young lion by visiting the lair of the Lion Guard, which he found empty, though the sent was still relatively strong. He was able to find the guardians' tracks and distinguish Kion's pawprints among the others, which meant that they all went out together. That would make locating him much easier.
Kovu followed the tracks through the plains of the Pridelands, receiving half-hearted greetings from his subjects- something that was beginning to strongly irritate him. Finally, approaching a small grove, he was able to pick up some voices. And the temperature of his blood rose even more when he recognized those sounds to be laughter.
He hid among the foliage like an angry predator, stalking his prey from the distance. Venturing through the bushes, setting his paws carefully, the lurking lion finally came to a clearing through which he could poke his nose out, and see what was going on.
The females were all there with Kion, except for Vitani. Their sight made him clench his teeth almost to the point where it hurt. Shabaha, the bravest, blue-eyed and adventurous, she always thought at the front of Zira's army. Tazama, the keenest of sight, whom their old leader would have undoubtedly chosen as the top scout instead of his sister if it weren't for the fact that Vitani was her own daughter. Kasi, the fastest, whose slim figure and purple eyes Kovu always admired, with whom he only won one race in his life, and that only because Nuka had distracted her. Finally, Imara, the strongest… Zira had beaten fierceness into that once frail cub until it was her name that became feared throughout the Outlands. She was now on the ground, wrestling with Kion who outgrew her by almost a half, holding her own with ease. The others stood around, cheering, as Imara and Simba's son rolled in the mud, enjoying themselves far too much for Kovu's liking.
He remembered what Zira had once promised him. That when he finally became king, all of them, each and every one, were to become him mates.
He had no idea why he thought of that now. That notion had never crossed his mind since the day he married Kiara. In these strange circumstances, however, it seemed that even his own thoughts now surprised him.
Kovu remained hidden, watching, shrouding his anger in the shade of the leaves… Just as if he wasn't there, and as if he thought that everybody else believed he wasn't there…
When the attack came, he was ready. Springing from the ground, he promptly evaded the lioness' claws, making a rapid turn and landing his own blow on her back. The startled female had barely enough time to growl, when she found herself immobilized, pinned beneath the weight of the larger lion.
-Grr… shut up! Shut up! – he calmed his writhing, raving sister down, trying to indicate to her that he did not wish the others to hear them.
Vitani submitted, and relaxed. Soon, the sounds coming from the grove proved to her and Kovu that they had not been discovered.
-That was terrible – whispered the brother.
-Oh yeah? I disagree, wise guy. Half a second later, and you'd 've been dead meat – retorted the sister.
He let her go, allowing her to stand. Vitani could see he wasn't in a very good mood.
-What are you doing here? – Kovu inquired dryly.
-What do you think? Protecting my Lion Guard from beasts lurking in the bushes!
-No – he said abruptly, expressing more and more irritation. – That's not what I meant. How do you explain this?
Vitani saw Kovu pointing his paw toward where her companions were having the time of their life along with Kion. She frowned, felling a pinch of embarrassment. After all, it was her who promised her brother that she would have the guardians continue the search for Simba daily, from dawn until dusk. And the sun was still very high in the sky.
Reluctant to force herself to look the king in the face, Vitani sat on her rump, letting out a sigh.
-Yeah, I know… It's just that… To be honest, we've sick and tired of searching for Simba. We've turned over every rock, every stinkin' pile of samadi. We're all so bored with it we're losing our minds over here!
Kovu kept his head tilted toward the other guardians, his expression as grave as during a funeral.
-And whose idea it was to suspend the search? Huh?
Without warning, he gazed straight into his sister's blue eyes, making them go as wide as saucers.
-Kion's! – she reported without hesitation, stiffening. – It was only supposed to be today. He said he just finished his investigation with Jasiri's pack, and that it led nowhere. He was so ticked off he said he needed a distraction. He looked completely bummed out, so… we agreed. You just caught us during a break, honest. Guy's just lost both his parents, cut him some slack.
Again, Kovu looked toward Kion, narrowing his eyes. The king of the Night Pride was still wrestling with Imara, though by now it was evident that the lioness had tired him out completely.
-Does he even still believe that his father can be found? – Kovu said in a lowered tone, and he realized that what he was actually doing was interrogating his sister.
-He does… I don't – Vitani confessed to him in complete honesty, fixing her hair casually so that it wouldn't block her sight.
Her brother remained silent for a while, meditating. Still, the sound of giggling lionesses did not allow him to put together a single coherent thought.
-I don't like the fact that he sleeps in the lair of the Lion Guard with the five of you… - he said finally, his head turned away from his sister.
Vitani had to hold in a burst of laughter.
-What are you suggesting? – she jeered, standing up to look Kovu in the face. – Are you… jealous?
-You don't wanna know what I think – he snapped back at her all of a sudden, and rising up, brushed her side as he went past.
Then, turning around briefly, he added-
-Watch him. And get back to work!
The king then walked away, but he could still hear Vitani's raspy, sarcastic voice behind him, saying-
-Affirmative, your majesty.
He returned to Pride Rock petulant and exacerbated, wishing to see his mate as soon as possible. At least now that Kion was so busy with the other females, Kiara and he could be alone. The pregnant young queen still carried her mournful air of grief after the death of her mother, yet Kovu rejoiced to at least see her in good health. She smiled as soon she lay her beautiful eyes at him, a sight which always dispelled all his dark thoughts in a flash.
-My queen – he said, nuzzling Kiara, habitually resting his eyes at her growing belly.
-I'm still not used to being called that. Feels kind of strange. Remember when you wanted to run away, and start a pride of our own?
-I do. Ah, that was so long ago…
His mate could see the shadow clouding Kovu's appearance, filling his voice with bitterness. When she asked him about that, he replied evasively, putting the blame on the pressures of ruling a kingdom. But he could keep nothing secret from her. Kiara inquired for details, snd the lion frowned, his stare blank and absent.
-Do you think that a bad lion could reform? You know, become good?
-Of course! But you're not talking about… yourself, are you?
He took a moment to think it over.
-The animals still see evil in me. They remind me of my origin. Of my mother… Of my… father…
The lioness turned to him in shock, a fearful shiver bristling her fur.
-Kovu! You can't be serious! Scar never was your father, and you've been free from Zira's influence for a long time! Is that what the others are really saying? Well, they're wrong, and you shouldn't pay attention to their crap!
She held him close. She felt he needed it.
-They'll see, don't worry. You have a kind, brave heart. Just don't let the past cloud your mind, and I'm sure the others will see it, too.
Kovu knew she wanted good for him. But he was distracted, unable to listen. His own worries seemed to outshout her words of comfort.
-Do you think… a good lion can turn evil again? – he mumbled.
Kiara moved her head back, her look puzzled, no answer appearing on her lips. Finally, Kovu revealed what he truly wanted to say to her, but it seemed so sudden and harsh that the lioness couldn't comprehend why he would say such a thing.
-I don't know if I will be able to find Simba.
Yes, she'd thought that that might be the case. Nevertheless, she pushed that thought as far away as possible. But when her own mate said the same thing… Her eyes watered, and she needed a moment before she was able to speak without crying.
-Kion will help you – her broken voice signified that the light of hope had indeed dimmed within her.
-Kion, Kion… - Kovu repeated the name in irritation. - Kion hasn't had much success, either.
-Give him time. He is pretty devastated after our mother's death… I know he hides it well, so maybe even you haven't noticed it. But that's all he ever talks about… That's why he doesn't want to go back to his own pride. He feels he owes this to mom. To keep searching.
Once again the lion looked her way, and his expression signified surprise. Kion was devastated…?
Concluding that this conversation was too much for him, Kovu simply laid his head on his mate's warm back. His temples were beginning to ache again. He had become suspicious, and he knew that it was Scar who had planted the seed of doubt inside him.
What is going on with me? – his soul was filled with an internal groan.
Though thinking of Scar still made him nauseous, he observed his brother-in-law closely for the next few days. He watched Kion as he was being honored by the Pridelanders, referred to as 'king', lord of the famous, mythical land where the Tree of Life grew, bringing happiness to all. His old friends and acquaintances greeted him with bursts of joy, promising to help him in his mission in whatever way they could. They shared their food and water with him, invited him to rest in their company… herbivores, carnivores, Makuu's crocodiles, Ma Tembo's elephants… He remembered those same animals sneering and snapping at him once, when Simba exiled him from the kingdom. He remembered their unbent resistance at his coronation.
Suddenly, Kovu realized something. If Kion wished to start an insurgence, he'd be able to do so in a matter of days. Perhaps he wasn't searching for his father, after all, but rounding up followers…?
These were the types of thought that robbed the young king of his sleep. Until, finally, he couldn't take it anymore.
Kovu needed proof. His anger raged more violent than the flames below, and he wouldn't leave without his demand being met. Standing before the ghost of Scar, he curbed his disgust and suspended his judgement, once again wishing to squeeze another drop of truth from this most unreliable source. If he did not receive it this time, he would know that he had summoned the dark spirit in vain.
But Scar was silent, dimmed, thoughtful. He failed to answer questions directly, and instead the flames in his eyes burned like smoldering embers in a dying fire.
-Kion, Kion… - he whispered the name as the volcano's walls reflected his low mumbling. - Kion had once shown me the light. His forgiveness, it touched my heart. Everything changed after that… Now, however, he also had slipped down the steep slope, straight into the grasp of darkness. The mighty have fallen once more… and history repeats itself in a most tragic manner.
The specter spoke as if Kovu wasn't even there, arousing the young lion's impatience viciously. Finally, Scar rested his sight on him, and the glow about him brightened.
-I remember how the venom took hold of me day by day, giving birth to rage, to unsatiated hate. I imagine this is how my grand-nephew must feel now, deep in his heart. But you've never had any venom in you, Kovu, unlike Kion and I… This is why you never submitted to Zira's will. This applies to Vitani, as well. I can only trust that she will not give in to the Roar's curse… And I repeat- the same cannot, unfortunately, be said of Simba's son.
Kovu furrowed the stone pavement underneath him with his claws.
-Words… nothing more. And words can easily be false. Especially yours.
The spirit's scarred eye narrowed, as if in close consideration. This time, the glow within it assumed a sapphire hue, emitting a trail of smoke which lifted toward the night sky.
-Very well – Scar said, agreeing. - I shall show you how severe is Kion's corruption. Perhaps then you will stop him from going even deeper… all the way to damnation.
The bright green glow issuing from Scar's visage now filled the whole crater, turning the flames and smoke into a venomous, vert explosion. Kovu stumbled, stricken by the complete lack of oxygen and the poison fumes clouding his mind. He attempted to run away, or even move at all, but he completely lost control of his muscles. The last thing he remembered was Scar's flawed, emerald eye, staring into his soul.
He felt his head hurt as if compressed by vices, and the blood in his veins burned like it was mixed with magma. The pulsating pain in his left eye was almost unbearable, much more intense than after Zira had cut him. He could barely see anything, but the blurred images assured him that he was no longer in the Pridelands. His fur was now golden-brown, and he was surrounded by animals he did not recognize. He couldn't move his body. Instead, it was as if he was seeing things through another's eyes.
And he realized that those were the eyes of Kion.
This is what happened not so long ago - Kovu heard Scar's distant voice speaking in his mind. – This is what the one you think you know so well is now.
He beheld the distorted image of a young female mandrill, standing before him in great concern. He knew her name was Makini. A dark-furred lioness approached her from behind, yet Kion was too dazed by the pain to see her as much more than just a brown blur.
-He's been like that since yesterday – the lioness explained, pained, making the mandrill frown. – He didn't get a single hour of sleep last night.
Gripping her staff, Makini approached, attempting to touch him.
He growled back, turning away from her abruptly.
-Kion, your scar! It looks inflamed! Please, let me take a look, or else it's only going to get worse!
-Get away from me!
The pain intensified, and the blurry vision became blood-red.
Prompted by the lioness, Makini reached into her pouch and took out a bunch of leaves. Medicine.
-Kion, I have some tuliza with me. Remember? It used to help you calm down when you were first sick like this. Take it, it'll make you feel better.
She attempted to give him the medicine, but she took a step too far.
-I said get away!
He swung his paw, hitting her outstretched arm. The leaves fell to the ground, and the mandrill tumbled back. She would have collapsed, if it weren't for the lioness standing behind her. The two looked at Kion, heartbroken.
The lion raised his head toward the sky and roared ferociously. Amongst the sound a deafening howl, everything was swallowed up by a blurry void.
As if through a thick mist, Kion now heard himself speaking to someone. More specifically, he was arguing with the one he knew was his mate, the queen of the Tree of Life.
-… you don't know what you're saying! You're not being yourself! – the lioness pleaded, almost reduced to tears.
-You've no idea what I think! – he yelled back, the pain in his eye still causing him to clench his fangs.
The female named Rani wept.
-Kion! You have to let us help you! You're sick, I can see that you're suffering! Please, what would your father think if he saw you like this… Think of your friends from the Lion Guard…
He tried to concentrate on what she was saying, but it seemed like each of her words only caused him more pain.
-Rah! My father… was a fool! And you can forget about the Lion Guard! They're all gone… It's better that way. It was always a stupid idea, anyway… Running around, poking our noses into other people's business… We were only wasting time!
Tears running down her cheeks, Rani attempted to come closer, but he pushed her aside. With his nose to the ground, he left.
He found himself standing by the enormous, sprawling Tree of Life, observing the animals that were gathered there. Though all of them were calm, all he felt was anger… and hunger.
Running at them suddenly, he opened his jaws to bite and kill. The terrified shrieks filled his mind, and along with the pain and the scent of blood, made everything blur into one chaotic mess. All he could think of was to satisfy his vicious desire to feed. He was endlessly mad that he had not done so earlier. All those rules and regulations that he was taught to obey… all useless, completely stupid. But he would not follow them anymore.
He woke up under the branches of the tree, in the midst of a circle of death. Two lions stood before him, in shock- Surak, the older one, and Baliyo, the younger. When their eyes met, he could see their expressions changing instantly from sorrowful to furious.
Splattered with blood, Kion stood up to confront them. A fire burned behind his injured eye, but his thought were much more clear now. The lions started talking to him, but he did not listen.
He roared, making the ground shake. Surak and Baliyo were knocked back violently, and fell to their doom. The bright face of the sun became veiled, and everything was swallowed up by darkness.
Kion stood before his mate, and Rani was crying. He was mad with her, but all she could feel was sadness. He wanted to destroy her, as well- punish her for her betrayal… But it was impossible. He could no longer summon the power he'd once possessed, and the other lions from the Night Pride would not allow him to get close to their queen. He saw the blank patch of fur on his right shoulder, where the emblem which he himself had carried once was. It was gone.
He was being exiled. And though he had to leave, he promised that he would return again, to exact his vengeance. With an army of his own, which he would obtain after capturing his father's throne…
It was hard to tell how much time had passed. Kovu realized that he was beginning to return to his senses finally, and he could not describe what great of a relief it was. He wished to be out of Kion's mind. It was like being stuck in a cesspool- in a bog filled with anger and hate, hidden beneath a faint layer of deceit.
He understood now. And though he was tempted to feel a rage just as vicious as Kion's, still Scar's voice kept calling out to him, pleading.
Save him! Save him! Save him!
Coming to, the lion found himself on the rock ledge within the crater. The flames had subsided, and all that shone at him from the steamy darkness were the emerald eyes of his stepfather's ghost.
A shiver ran down Kovu's back. He thought that they were alone, but behind his back, he now heard a faint gasp. His head tilted that way with lightning speed, sensing danger…
And then, Kovu saw his sister.
Vitani stood petrified, as if she'd been hiding just a while ago, yet the horror of what she observed made her step forward in order to make sure that what she was witnessing was more than just some insane mirage. Now, however, clearly able to recognize her brother in the presence of the spirit of Scar, the demon-lion of the Pridelands, the one-time commander of Zira's army and the leader of the Lion Guard felt completely demolished, horrified, and speechless.
Kovu had never seen her like this. Vitani was never afraid. It was her who calmed him after Simba had banished them to the Outlands, it was her who consoled him after Zira's death. She never shed a tear. Though he'd never admit it openly, he knew it was Vitani who was the stronger one of them. Now, however, he saw her broken, her face hideously disfigured by an amalgamation of boundless sorrow and raging anger. A single drop flashed in the corner of his sister's blue eye…
… and then she turned on the heel, and ran off.
Kovu was terrified. Without thinking, he rushed in pursuit… But then was halted by the powerful, demanding voice behind his back.
That of Scar.
-Wait!
The desperate lion, knowing his time was short, stood there torn between his sister and the ghost.
-I have to follow her… - he yelped.
Scar, however, was much more sure of what really had to be done right now.
-Indeed, you must stop your sister before she reached Pride Rock. But listen to me carefully, Kovu. How will you keep her from informing your pride that you are a traitor?
-I… I don't know… - the lion mumbled, barely able to put words together in his mind. – I have to tell her the truth! About Kion, about you… about everything!
He felt himself slipping into panic. He had lost so much already, he could not afford to also lose his sister.
But Scar spoke calmly, with unbent, solid surety.
-She will not believe you. But I know a way in which you can convince her to listen…
-W-what is that? – Kovu stammered, feeling the crushing weight of the passing time.
-Tell her – began the specter – that if she agrees to suspend her judgement for now, I shall allow her to do the one thing she had been dreaming of for months, night after night, thinking that it is impossible.
Scar's eyes were now lit up like two green suns in the midst of endless night.
-I shall allow her to speak with your mother.
AN: Woo-hoo, the plot thickens.
I consider the fact that Kion made Vitani the leader of the Lion Guard one of the best things about the show. Not only does it give due honor to her character, it also creates a lot of room for interesting storytelling. Or, at least, I hope you find it as interesting as me…
Anyway, I'm going to make Vitani an important character here. You can expect the next chapter to be told from her perspective. Stay tuned! I don't know if I am able to publish regularly, but I'll do my best not to make you wait too long ;)