by David Morris and Margaret Petrie

LEGAL NOTE: This original copyrighted work is based on Walt Disney's feature film, "The Lion King." Elements taken directly from "The Lion King" are the property of The Walt Disney Company. "Father Knows Best" is distributed free of charge. Quoting passages from our work, writing original pieces based on our work, or using characters we created is fine as long as you secure prior approval. That begins by sending one of us a copy of the work.
Our e-mail addresses are:

David A. Morris: damorris@wilmington.net
Margaret Petrie: sollaris@erols.com

FOREWORD FROM THE AUTHORS:

Surprise! Here's a little something which germinated from an idea put forth by a fellow TLK list member. And with it I go out on a limb and join the ranks of those enamoured authors who put forth their work chapter by chapter....the distinguished Sam Simpson and Dave Braun.

Now...let's go for a little stroll through the Pride Lands again. But keep your eyes open...you may think you know your way around here, but there are a few twists and turns you don't know of yet.

I hope you enjoy it.

David Morris, Wilmington NC.

July 17, 1998.

Dedicated to Lisa Kuselias, IRC Nala, for her inspirational idea, and John Burkitt, without whom I would probably not be doing this.

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CHAPTER 2: BALANCE OF POWER
Sarabi shifted her position on the rocks and sighed, one paw tracing an aimless circle in front of her as she lay sprawled out, awaiting Mufasa's return from his patrol. Her eyes flicked up and noted the low position of the sun; it was almost time to go hunting for heaven's sake, and it was her turn to lead off the advance scouts. She had hoped to share a quick nuzzle and a word with him before leaving, but evidently his duties had demanded his attentions this evening.
And hers were demanding her right now. Reluctantly, she rolled upright and sat up, gathering her legs beneath her and rising to stretch away the lethargy that had settled into her joints. After pausing to groom down an uneven patch of fur, she padded off downslope, wending her way down the path in the rocks to another golden form slumped in blissful repose.
Sarabi blinked at the horrible noise emenating from the lioness, then extended a paw and shook her roughly. "Fini?"
A horrible snorting sound responded. "Huzzah."
"Fini!" Sarabi cuffed the other lioness, eliciting a startled yelp and a baleful glare. "What was THAT for?!"
"You keep making noises like that when you snore, and you'll frighten all the game away before we can catch it."
Sarafina looked miffed. "I never snore."
"No, you just do a terrific imitation of an approaching thunderstorm," Sarabi said agreeably. "Come on, we have to get moving; we're scouting tonight."
"Speaking of thunder, did you hear that ruckus earlier?" Sarafina rose and shook herself thoroughly. "I think it was a stampede."
"Oh really?" Sarabi peered about musingly. "I must have missed it; I was taking a nap in the sun. I suppose that's where Mufasa got off to."
Sarafina shot her an evil look. "And YOU chastize ME about the noise I make when I sleep..."
Sarabi looked away primly. "Queens don't snore."
The other lioness was preparing to retort when a young voice blasted into their conversation. "Mama!" Nala shot over to her, breathless with excitement. "Are you going hunting now?"
"We're getting ready to right now, hon." Sarafina licked her daughter's cheek warmly.
"Can I come? Puhleeeeze?"
"Not yet, hon." The lioness nuzzled her daughter with a grin, giving rise to a bout of giggles. "You go play with Simba."
"I can't find him," Nala pouted. "He's been gone all afternoon."
"What?" Sarabi glanced back. "He should be around here somewhere; I TOLD him about wandering off again."
Nala wilted in embarrassment, but Sarafina looked at her friend with some concern. "Maybe we should go look for him."
Sarabi smiled gratefully. "I'd appreciate the help, Fini. He's probably okay, but you know how he gets..." She heaved a sigh and glanced out at the darkening plains worriedly. "I just wish Mufasa were here."
"I'm afraid that's not quite possible, dear lady."
The three of them looked round in some surprise to see Scar trailing tiredly up the slopes to Pride Rock, a small shape stumbling along beside him--
"SIMBA!" Sarabi ran to her son and covered him with lion kisses, her tongue rasping over his fur and nearly knocking him down. "Oh gods, I'm so glad to see you!"
The cub burst into tears and clutched his mother tightly, hoarse sobs beginning to wrack his tiny frame. Sarabi glanced at him with some concern, then up at Scar, anger glinting in her eyes. "What did you do to him?"
The dark maned lion stared back at her smokily. "Why, you're quite welcome, Sarabi. Your gratitude is touching."
"How DARE you speak to me like that. When Mufasa returns, I--"
"You will do nothing," he said, cutting her off. "Mufasa is dead."
The silence that followed was deafening as the lionesses who had begun to gather for the hunt froze in place. Sarabi stared wide-eyed at Scar, her eyes searching his frantically. "W-What?!"
"He and Simba were exploring in the gorge, when a herd of wildebeests went wild and stampeded. I heard the cries for help, and was able to get Simba out, but Mufasa..." Scar looked up and met her gaze. "There was never a chance, Sarabi. I tried."
Behind them, there was the sharp sound of Nala joining Simba in his grief, along with the low murmur of Sarafina, her voice shaky as she tried to comfort her daughter. Sarabi stood numbly, letting the words roll over her, unable to comprehend the enormous loss which stared her in the face. The thought that the sun would rise one day without her mate lying at her side was ridiculous, so farfetched that she had always refused to entertain it. Grief, bright and terrible, ripped through her and she staggered, catching herself on Scar's shoulder and leaning there, hardly feeling his comforting pat on her forepaw as she stared at the last of the dying sun that now slipped beneath the horizon. It suddenly occured to her that she was not an old lioness, and with care and good luck she might see quite a few sunsets in the years ahead before joining her ancestors in the stars.
Quite a few sunsets indeed. And all of them alone, with only cold stone beside her. What was the point in that?
She felt a distant pressure against her paws and glanced down to see Simba, huddled against her and trying to draw some measure of comfort.
THAT was the point. The focus of her existance now sat hunched between her forepaws, trembling as he licked her nervously and met her gaze. "Mama?"
The sudden paralysis snapped and Sarabi wept, closing her eyes and embracing Simba tightly, shuddering. "Shhh, love."
Sarafina rubbed her shoulder shakily. "Sarabi...what do we do? We have no king." The other lionesses crowded around nervously.
"Yes you do." Scar's voice rolled melodiously out at them from above, and they all turned to see him ascending the promontory. "Have no fear of the night, my friends...I will lead you from this tragedy."
Sarabi's head snapped up and she glared up at him viciously. "My SON is the rightful heir! I won't let you push him aside like this!"
Scar paused and chuckled, the sound low and eerie as the crescent moon arose behind him. "Dear lady...what do you propose? That we let a CUB defend us against our enemies? Do you question my judgement in this matter?"
"No. Only your motives."
"How delightful, to see my efforts appreciated," he said dryly. "Nevertheless, I am already taking steps to ensure the safety of your son, AND our pride." Odd shapes moved behind him, their shadowy forms coalescing into the hunched shapes of hyenas. A glance around them revealed more of the loathsome creatures, their eyes gleaming eldritch in the moonlight.
"Relax, Sarabi. They won't hurt you, or your son. They know not to attack the royal family...especially not my heir."
"What?!"
"You'll find I make a wonderful father, dear Sarabi." Scar smiled malevolently at her. "I intend to hold this kingdom in trust, you see, as regent, until such time as the child of my line is old enough to take my place and rule as king in his own right."
Sarabi drew near him and stared at him coldly. "I'll accept this for his sake, Scar..."
"How gracious of you to give us your approval."
She closed her eyes tightly and continued. "...but remember this: you are NOT his father. And you never will be."
"Father always said I'd never get to be king....funny how perceptions change, isn't it?" Scar patted her cheek. "Now be a good girl and go fetch some zebra, or something, eh? My son and I are hungry."
The hyenas around her snickered, and Sarabi moved away slowly, padding out into the misty darkness of the savanna.

CHAPTER 3: A NEW LESSON
Simba clutched the branch fearfully, the herd thundering under him as their hooves shook the ground, sending vibrations traveling up the bole of the dead tree and making him sway sickeningly. Up ahead, he heard a cry of alarm and saw his father struggling against the living tide of animals towards him. "Hold on, Simba!"
Something struck his ribs and made him lurch alarmingly, his claws flexing in panic as he fought to keep his grip, eyes widening in fear as a soft voice spoke from behind him, unseen.
"It's time, Simba."
Another unseen impact struck him and he began to slide, claws furrowing the old wood as gravity began to pull him down in its implacable grip.
"Dad, HELP ME!!!"
Again he was shaken as the soft voice spoke in his ear, the sound of it following him as he lost his grip and fell through the air, a scream of terror issuing unheard from his mouth as the voice chased him down towards his doom.
"It's time, Simba. It's time. It's time...."
"...for you to get up. Come on, lad, up!"
Simba jerked awake, paws flailing for a moment as he righted himself, his breath coming in great tides of air as he stared into the dim light of dawn that filled the cavern. A huge paw settled before his vision, and he looked up to see Uncle Scar peering down at him intrestedly. The corners of Scar's mouth turned upward, whiskers crinkling in amusement as he looked at the hapless cub. "Bad dream?"
"Yeah."
"Nothing a bit of fresh air won't fix. Come on, get up." Scar arched his head and scratched idly behind an ear. "We've got a lot to do today."
His ears perking in intrest, Simba rose and groomed himself quickly. "What are we doin'?"
Scar smoothed his mane back into place and stretched. "We're going to have a little walk, you and I. Roam about the Pride Lands a bit and spend some quality time together." Scar leered at the cub, chuckling at the grin he recieved in return. "You know, the sort of -"
"Father-son thing?" Simba interjected brightly.
"Yes....that." Scar frowned. "It's not polite to interrupt your elders."
Simba wilted. "Sorry."
The smile returned. "There's a good lad. Always remember your manners." He lifted Simba's downcast face with a paw and motioned away. "Come along, now."
Simba sat up and followed the lion from the cave, pausing as Scar moved toward the path that descended to the ground below. "Uncle Scar?"
Scar stopped short and glanced back. "Simba, I've made it a point to name you as my son. You can call me Father, if you'd like. Or Dad. Even Sire, if you so prefer."
"Oh...okay."
"I'm glad you're so enthused about it," Scar said acerbically. "I just assumed that you might appreciate the fact."
The cub cringed. "I'm sorry...Dad."
Scar smiled. "That's better. Now what was it you wanted to ask?"
"Aren't you s'posed to take Zazu's morning report up there?" Simba motioned to the peak high above. "That's where Da--I mean, umm..."
"That was my brother's custom. He had his way of doing things...and I have mine." Scar flicked his tail absently. "Besides, Simba...I have other ways of getting my information. Now if you don't mind, we have things to do."
"Sure," Simba muttered, falling in obediently behind the older lion as the two wended their way down the rocky slope to the ground. Scar was in one of those moods this morning, and Simba resolved not to irritate him with any more questions; the dark maned lion was cool to hang around, but sometimes he got awful cranky.
A warm breeze buffeted them, tickling Simba's fur and making Scar's mane ripple as they eased through the grass, pausing now and then to sniff and digest the scents that carried on the wind. From the smell of it, they were heading towards the water hole; an odd cacophony of scents that made Simba's nose twitch. The water hole was a pretty okay place to hang out at, but he always had to have an escort; an elephant might not deign to notice him, but zebras and wildebeest were notoriously edgy...
The thought of wildebeest wiped the smile from Simba's face and he continued along quietly, immersed in a cloak of silence so profound even Scar noticed it, carefully checking behind him to make sure the cub was still there. "What's wrong?"
"I was just thinking about the gorge."
"Still?" Scar heaved a sigh. "It's been a couple of days already. I already told you son...it wasn't your fault."
"I know...I just feel bad."
Scar led the cub through a gap in the reeds and padded slowly over to the water's edge, a few zebra pacing quickly out of his way as he moved to drink. "No need to feel bad," Scar said, lapping at the cool water. "Things like that happen to all animals eventually."
"You mean it's like the Circle of Life?" Simba looked at his erstwhile father, astounded. "Dad was supposed to die?"
Scar let the paternal refence go for the moment; the boy was still learning. "In a sense, yes, but not like you think." He lifted his dripping muzzle to look at Simba. "Eventually the lesser animals succumb. The old, the weak, and the foolish. It's the way of things."
"But Dad wasn't--" Simba flattened his ears at Scar's glittering stare. "I mean, Mufasa wasn't old. And he wasn't weak either."
"But he WAS foolish. That was what got him killed."
"He was not!" Simba looked mortified. "He tried to save me!"
"And look what it got him." Scar lifted an eyebrow. "Tell me Simba, why on earth do you think he did such a thing?"
"Because he loved me."
"Love?" Scar snorted. "So you think it's worth killing yourself over an emotional attatchment? That was sheer idiocy."
Simba looked at Scar in shock. "What would you have done?"
"I would have waited until the herd passed and then gotten you out. Common sense, child. You were perfectly safe on that tree limb."
"But it broke! If he hadn't jumped into the gorge to save me, I would have died!"
Scar nodded. "But think on this, Simba: whose idea was it for you to go there in the first place?"
The cub frowned, realization dawning on him. "The surprise..."
"Indeed. It was an insane notion for him to ask you to wait there anyway. You see, lad?" Scar settled down, grooming his forepaws. "Had Mufasa not sent you to the gorge to wait, he wouldn't have HAD to rescue you." He smiled wryly. "I tried to argue against it, but you know how well he listened to my ideas."
Reluctantly, Simba nodded. He was about to ask another question when the grass parted, disgorging three hyenas in a foul temper. Simba shrank back in fear, huddling against Scar's belly and watching wide eyed as they approached.
Scar smiled at the cub, then looked up, all traces of amusement vanishing from his face. "You're late."
Banzai shuffled nervously. "I though we were s'posed to meet on the other end of the water hole."
"You see, Simba? Idiocy in action. The inability to adapt is a sign of low intelligence." Scar yawned hugely, his fangs gleaming in the sun. "It's a wonder he's lived this long."
Simba giggled as the hyena glowered. "Yeah, Mufasa must have beat his brains out in the graveyard that time."
"Hey, smartmouth, I seem to remember a chubby cubby who was whining like a pup at the time," Banzai snarled. "You'd better shut up if you know what's good for you."
Scar whipped a paw out, hooking a claw under the hyena's chin and yanking him close. "And YOU had better treat my son with respect, or else your insides will be decorating my cave."
Banzai swallowed heavily, a trickle of blood oozing from his throat. "Sorry, kid," he rasped.
"That's better." Scar pushed him away. "Now report."
"Everything's goin pretty good, Scar." Shenzi grinned. "Man, we ain't had this much food in months! Even my fleas are havin a good time!"
Scar's mouth made a little moue of distaste. "I'm ecstatic."
Shenzi frowned. "Sorry to hear it."
"Yeah," Banzai said. "Is it contagious?"
The lion rolled his eyes. "Never mind. Anything out of the ordinary happening I ought to know about?"
"That little bluebird of yours is being nosy." Shenzi scratched busily behind an ear. "Pokin around and askin his stupid questions."
"Oh is he now?" Scar raised an eyebrow and looked at Simba, then back to the hyena. "What sort of questions?"
"Stuff like: 'How do you like King Scar? Do you think he's a good king? Did you like Mufasa better?' Stuff like that." Shenzi shrugged, seeing the lion scowl at her. "I dunno, man. I just report the news, I don't make it."
"A fact which I'm sure enthralls us all." Scar stretched, then rose. "Come, Simba. Much as I hate to do it, I'm afraid I'll have to give you your first lesson in how to run a kingdom."
"Coool!" Simba leapt up and followed Scar. "What's it about?"
"A king's primary responsibility." Scar looked at him. "Maintaining order." The two turned and followed the hyenas into the waving grass.

CHAPTER 4: WHAT PRICE LOYALTY?

"Now here is the law of the jungle

As old and as true as the sky

And the wolf that shall keep it will prosper

But the wolf that shall break it must die"


--Rudyard Kipling

Zazu fluffed up his wings in agitation. "Well? What did they have to say about it?"
The gopher spat a clod of dirt away. "Eeech. Well sir, I went and talked to the zebra, like you asked. They're a bit indifferent at this point; they pretty much intend to wait and see how things turn out."
"WHAT??" Zazu uttered an expletive under his breath. "They DO know this is Scar we're talking about?"
"Well sir..." The gopher rubbed his head uncomfortably. "Y'see..."
"Never mind." Zazu sighed. "Anyone else?"
"Well, I did manage to get hold of the wildebeest; they're awfully skittish of late, as they feel responsible for the death of the king--"
"The OLD king, you mean."
The two turned to see Scar appear, the grass parting before him like water from the prow of a dark maned ship. Simba emerged alongside him, a smile on his face. "Hello, Zazu!"
The hornbill bowed deeply. "Young master."
Scar sat down, curling his tail alongside as the hyenas appeared next to him. "Well well, Zazu, how is my most trusted and loyal servant?"
Banzai blinked. "Hey, I though we was--OOF!" He cringed as Shenzi elbowed him in the ribs.
Zazu shifted nervously. "I'm well, Sire, thank you."
"Ahh." Scar nodded. "I was just curious..." He scanned the sky. "You're several hours late with my morning report. Or did you forget?"
"Oh no, of course not Sire. I was just, er..." Zazu looked about uneasily. "I was gathering information so as to present to you an accurate report."
"I see. So you have information on the growing unrest I've been hearing about?"
"Unrest?"
Shenzi sat up and paced around to one side as Scar nodded. "Indeed...it appears there is a growing feeling of dissatisfaction. Apparently, someone's been about spreading rumors. Nasty ones, too."
Zazu glanced shakily at the hyenas as they shifted about restlessly. "I see...I'd not heard such things, Sire...for certain if I had I would have reported them posthaste."
Scar chuckled. "Relax, Zazu...I don't doubt that for a minute...I know your trustworthiness. You see..." The lion bent down close, his breath stirring Zazu's feathers. "I think you've been decieved. it would seem that someone is feeding you disinformation while working to undermine my rule. A terrible, unthinkable crime."
A shriek arose from behind the hornbill and he whirled around to see Banzai lifing the gopher by the scruff of the neck. "Checkit out boss... he was tryin to make a getaway!"
"Ahh, so the guilty one exposes himself." Scar nodded. "You see, Zazu? Right under your beak. Just when you think you can trust someone, they claw you when your back is turned."
"But SIRE!" Zazu squawked in protest. "He's been a loyal servant of the kingdom for years!"
"It would appear that he's changed his loyalties. Oh, traitors can be SOOO clever, don't you see?" Scar flashed his teeth in a grin. "Well well..."
Simba frowned nervously. "Unc--, uh, Dad....what are you gonna do?"
The lion pursed his lips as he studied the squirming prisoner. "Well, Simba...incitement to revolt and such subterfuge are serious crimes. This calls for a serious punishment. Hold him down, Banzai."
The hyena grinned and dropped the gopher to the grass, slapping a heavy paw down on his hindquarters. "Hold still ya lil' rat."
The gopher shrieked again. "Zazu, HELP ME! Sir, I swear, I never told a dishonest fact in my life!" The beady eyes stared at the hornbill pleadingly. "Please!"
Zazu looked up to Scar. "Sire, I beg you, let him go! I vouch for him, on my honor!"
"Poor Zazu...he's decieved you so well. Your loyalty is touching, but misplaced." Scar shook his head. "No...a lesson needs to be taught here." He moved to step forward, then paused. "I have a better idea. You see...my reign is temporary. I simply act as regent until Simba is of an age that he can take over the duties and rule as is his right.
"What he's done does not hurt me so much as it hurts young Simba, who I rule for." Scar stepped away. "I think it's your place, son, to set this example. It's unpleasant duty, but duty nonetheless."
Simba lowered his ears, wide eyed. "W-W-What?"
Scar nodded. "Consider it your first offical act. I want you to show everyone you'll not be cowed by such petty attempts to destroy what is rightfully yours."
Zazu glanced from the frozen cub to Scar. "Oh gods, Scar, please don't do this!"
"Shut up," the lion snarled. "Go ahead, Simba. Punish him for what he's done."
The cub got up slowly and paced over to the now silent gopher. Lifting a shaking paw, he squinted his eyes shut and batted at the tiny form, barely grazing it.
A laugh erupted from Shenzi. "Oh MAN! That had to hurt!"
Ed chuckled wildly as Banzai giggled, feeling the gopher squirm under his paw. "Oh yeah! Simba's gonna make him die from a heart attack! Too cruel!"
Simba looked up to Scar, his expression sick. "Uncle Scar...Dad...I..."
"DO it." Scar glowered at the cub. "Kill him, Simba. He betrayed me. He betrayed YOU. PUNISH HIM!"
"I CAN'T!" Simba cried out, tears shining in his eyes. "I don't wanna hurt him!"
Scar sighed. "I see. All I've done is for naught." He looked down at the cub sternly. "Perhaps I made a mistake, Simba. I thought you were fit to rule this kingdom one day. I made you my son so that no one would dare challenge your right to rule." He sighed deeply. "Ah well... there are other lionesses. Perhaps I'll have my own child to raise and teach... one who will respect the law and order I offer." He glanced down again.
"One who I can truly call my son." He shrugged. "Do as you will Simba. I can offer you nothing more. Go back to your mother and cower at her belly. I don't have time to waste on this foolishness."
"But Dad..."
"I'm not your father. I'm just 'Old Uncle Scar,' remember? Go on. Get out of my sight." Scar turned his back on the cub. "Shenzi, I need you to run a little errand for me--"
Simba quivered, feeling a terrible weight descend on him. He turned back to the wriggling gopher who still lay pinned under Banzai's paw. "Little RAT," he thought. "You little RAT, you've ruined EVERYTHING!" With a wail that made Scar whirl about, the cub sprang forward and sank his tiny teeth into the gopher. Hot blood sprayed his face, making Simba gag as he jerked back, spitting a large clump of hair and flesh away. His stomach roiled as he turned and vomited into the grass, crying bitterly, hating the hot coppery taste that filled his senses.
Banzai looked down in surprise. "Not bad...he wasted the little dude with one shot." The hyena bent down and snapped up the remains.
Scar padded over slowly as Zazu looked on in horror. "Come here, Simba."
"Get away from me!"
The cub shied away in the grass, sobbing as Scar curled a paw about him and nuzzled him gently, a smile tracing his muzzle. "I knew all along you had what it takes, son. I know you'll be a good king."
Simba sniffled and looked pitifully up at the lion, a bead of crimson clinging to the end of one whisker. "You think so? Really?"
"Of course I do. Now everyone will know you are not to be trifled with...and I can assure you there will be no further rubbish about who is the rightful ruler here." Scar looked up at Zazu. "WILL there?"
The hornbill sat in a huddle of feathers. "Yes, Sire," he said tonelessly. "Just as you say."
Scar nodded solemnly. "You see, Simba? Order is restored. It's easy to do if you know the proper way to use your power. Understand?"
Simba flicked his tonue out absently and cleaned the traces of blood from his whiskers and muzzle. "Yeah." He looked up at Scar and smiled tentatively, tongue curling out to dab at a small spot on his chin.
"Yeah...I think I do."