Scar's paws beat against the rocky path as he made his way through the gorge, the air thick with dust and tension. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—plans, strategies, and calculations. He wasn't Scar anymore. Not in the way everyone knew him. But this body, this name, it still had power. And with that power, he could change things.
But first, he needed to ensure that he had the strength to survive whatever came next. Mufasa had been saved, but that didn't mean Scar was safe. No, Mufasa would always be a threat as long as he was alive, especially if he ever suspected the truth. That was why Scar had to keep the pieces moving, keep everyone in the dark, and control everything around him.
He reached the hyenas' den, a dark, musty place hidden in the shadows of the canyon. As he entered, he could feel the eyes of the pack on him—curious, wary, and eager.
"Scar," Shenzi called, her voice skeptical as always. "What are you doing here? Thought you were too busy playing hero."
Scar ignored the jab and let his voice drop low, the command clear in his tone. "I've got something bigger in mind now. It's time for a change. I need you to find the Outlanders. Specifically, their leader—Zera."
The hyenas exchanged confused glances, but the tension in the air was palpable. Shenzi cocked her head, unsure. "Zera? What do you want with her? That one's dangerous. She's got her own plans."
Scar stepped closer, his eyes narrowed in determination. "I'm not asking for a favor. I'm telling you to find her. When you do, tell her to meet me at Pride Rock. We'll make our move then. I need her loyalty, and she knows how to fight."
The hyenas looked at each other, unsure but intrigued. Finally, Banzai stepped forward, his face twisted with doubt.
"Why do you need her? And why not just take out Mufasa when you had the chance?" he asked, his voice dripping with suspicion. "You had the perfect opportunity, Scar. What's stopping you from finishing the job?"
Scar's mind raced. The hyenas had always been eager to kill, to tear things apart—but this wasn't the time to show his cards. He needed them to trust him, to believe that he wasn't just another failed villain.
He looked at Banzai, his eyes cold but composed. "Mufasa's death would have been... too obvious. If I killed him, questions would be raised. His death wouldn't have been as clean as you might think. If I want the throne, I need to be patient. I need to make it look like a natural progression, not a sudden change."
Banzai snorted but still seemed unconvinced. "So, you just want to let Mufasa live? Just like that?"
Scar's lip curled slightly. "For now," he said, his tone dripping with something darker. "But once I have Zera and the Outlanders at my side... things will be very different."
The hyenas were quiet, processing his words. Scar could see their hunger, their need for power, and he knew it would take little more than a few promises to make them fall in line.
"I'll get Zera," Shenzi said, nodding slowly. "But you better have a good plan, Scar. If we're doing this, we need to move fast. The Outlanders are no joke."
"Just find her," Scar repeated, his voice sharp. "Tell her to come to Pride Rock. And when you do, we'll have the strength to challenge everything."
As the hyenas dispersed to carry out their mission, Scar turned his thoughts inward, his mind calculating. He had a plan, and it was already beginning to unfold. But one thing still gnawed at him.
Why hadn't I killed Mufasa?
The answer wasn't clear—not yet. But one thing was certain: if Mufasa found out what he truly was, what he had become, he'd be a threat to everything. Scar would need to be careful—so careful—that he didn't let even the slightest hint of his rebirth slip.
But if he could align himself with Zera, and use the Outlanders as his army, he could have the strength to fight off anyone, including Mufasa. Simba, though... Simba was another issue entirely. The cub was still too young, too innocent. But someday, he might be just as dangerous.
No matter, Scar thought. One thing at a time.
With the hyenas off to find Zera, he set his sights on Pride Rock. There, he would wait. Wait for the Outlanders. Wait for his next move. And wait for the moment when he would finally be in control.