The Lion King: Scar's Reign

Morning Report

The previous night, while resting atop his rock, Scar had watched Nala settle herself down. Naturally, he had opted for her presence next to him—side by side and feeling each other's warmth—but since he still had a long way to go gaining her trust, he had permitted her to choose a place within his den herself. The lioness had picked a spot located closer to Zazu's cage than to Scar's rock.

At present, in contrast to last night, Nala observed Scar. The black-maned king remained asleep, which for Nala meant the perfect opportunity to overthink their brief conversation they had shared before they went to sleep. "I don't know if I'm able to sleep with you looming so closely!" Scar, remaining calm, had responded by simply reassuring Nala of her safety. Nala yearned she could fully trust her king, but he had yet to convince her. Her night had been restless, widening her eyes countless times, she had forced herself to remain cautious to see if Scar had kept his word and that there were no hyenas or Zira hiding in the dark corners of the cave. Subtly, Nala had attempted to communicate these worries to Scar.

"If Zira or any hyena were hiding themselves here, I would've smelled their foul odour... I'm not the cruel lion you perceive me to be," Scar had responded, sighing. "Nala, all my actions are for the greater good of our kingdom. We'll address this subject after we both have rested. Night..."

Nala's train of thoughts were abruptly interrupted when she heard Scar hum an eerie song in his sleep. She frowned, glimpsing the lion. Scar's singing remained still imprinted in Nala's memory, yet not for its delightfulness. It was a jarring experience she'd rather forget. Currently, Scar's behaviour reminded Nala of the time she thought she had heard him speak to the dead. What's going on inside his mind?

"No—no, leave!" Scar loudly gasped in his sleep. The king, lying on his side, rapidly twitched his paws as if he ran away from something unseen. At that and at his heavy breathing, Nala frowned upon. She, however, wasn't given further time to observe as the two leading hyenas entered the cave. Nala turned, her expression altering upon spotting Banzai carrying a fresh piece of their latest kill.

"Better wipe ya exciting expression off ya face, girl. This is for Scar," Shenzi spoke hostilely. The rude behaviour of the hyena tempted Nala to correct her, but, after Banzai had aggressively dropped the prey on the floor, a loud yell startled her and drew all the attention of those present.

The source of the loud yell was unmistakable—it was the king himself. Violently awoken from the nightmare he apparently was having, his piercing yell reverberated all around the den's walls. "What was that? Where am I?" Scar scanned the area nervously, yet upon spotting the two hyenas, his facial expression darkened. He narrowed his eyes at Banzai, realising the hyena had been the one who had caused the blast. "Where did you do that for? Were my apologies insufficient?" he spoke in an upsetting tone.

"Uh sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"Nevermind..." Scar frowned, flashing the food the hyenas brought a look. "You're lucky I'm not that hungry. This isn't enough for two. I'm expecting a larger piece tomorrow!" he commanded, casting the two hyenas a strict gaze.

"What?! Ya are looking at the biggest portion!" Shenzi objected. "We can't work miracles! There's just not enough to—"

"Leave," Scar cut the female hyena off, ignoring her complaints. "Before we eat you as well!" Following a clearing of his throat, he quickly gave the two leaving hyenas a sign of gratitude. "Um, thanks a lot, pals..." he said, recalling them expressing their issues with the recent changes the day before. "We appreciate it."

"I notice you seem in better spirits today," Scar said after they both finished eating their breakfast. He had allowed Nala to eat the largest part.

"Despite the circumstances, I am," Nala responded. She sat herself down next to the remains of their breakfast. It had been weeks since Nala had felt so stuffed that she almost couldn't remember the sensation.