Scar returned to Pride Rock with his mind buzzing. The Outlanders were in motion now, stronger than ever. Zira had control of the new pride, and with the buffalo providing the strength they needed, there was no stopping them. The Outlanders were on the rise, and soon they would be a force to be reckoned with.
He made his way toward the summit of Pride Rock, where Mufasa stood, looking out over the land. The air was crisp, and the day was slowly fading into evening. Scar's presence made Mufasa tense, but there was no room for hesitation now.
Mufasa turned when he heard Scar approach. His face was unreadable, though there was a quiet weariness in his eyes. "So, Scar. Have you found a place for them?"
Scar's gaze met Mufasa's, unwavering. "Yes. The Outlanders have settled down, but not in the Pride Lands. I took over another pride. It was small, with only a few lionesses, and it was perfect for what we needed."
Mufasa's brow furrowed slightly. "You took over another pride?" His voice held a note of surprise and concern. "That was quick. Why didn't you bring them here, to the Pride Lands?"
Scar nodded slightly, understanding Mufasa's reaction. "The Pride Lands... are not welcoming to them. Not to the Outlanders. The other animals here do not trust them, and you have made it clear that you do not either. So I found a place for them elsewhere. Zira now leads them. She'll make them stronger."
Mufasa blinked, clearly processing what Scar was saying. "Zira?" His voice was filled with hesitation. "You've put her in charge of an entire pride already?"
Scar's voice was calm, almost reassuring. "Zira has proven herself. She's loyal and ambitious, and under her leadership, the Outlanders will grow. They will be stronger than before."
Mufasa was quiet for a moment, his eyes scanning the horizon as though weighing Scar's words. Finally, he spoke again, his voice a little softer. "I suppose... I overreacted when the Outlanders first arrived. I just... don't trust them. I still don't trust them."
Scar didn't flinch. "I understand, Mufasa. Trust is earned, and the Outlanders will need to prove themselves. But I believe in Zira. She will lead them wisely. In time, they will become a part of this land."
Mufasa nodded slowly, though his concern remained. "I hope you're right, Scar. I truly do. But this will not be easy. You've seen how the animals of the Pride Lands are—they're not quick to accept outsiders."
Scar looked at him with something like amusement. "And that's why I did what I did. The Outlanders will be stronger in their own land, Mufasa. But they won't be a threat to you. Not if I can help it."
Before Mufasa could respond, a small voice interrupted their conversation.
"Uncle Scar, is everything okay now?" Simba came running up to them, his young face filled with curiosity. His eyes were wide as he looked from Mufasa to Scar. "You and Dad look like you were talking about something serious."
Mufasa's face softened as he turned to Simba. He gave his son a small, reassuring smile. "Yes, Simba. Everything is fine now."
Simba's eyes darted between the two of them, sensing the tension that had been in the air just moments ago. But then he grinned, clearly relieved. "So... does that mean we're all friends now? Uncle Scar and the Outlanders?"
Scar's lips curled into a faint smile as he looked down at Simba. "Yes, Simba. I think we're all on the same side now. But you'll have to be patient. Things take time, you know?"
Simba nodded eagerly, though his curiosity was far from satisfied. "That's cool," he said. "I think it's really great that everyone's working together now."
Mufasa chuckled softly at his son's optimism. "It is, Simba. It is. But we must never forget that peace takes work."
Scar gave a small, knowing nod. "And sometimes, it takes sacrifice."
Mufasa turned to Scar, his eyes still searching, trying to understand. "I'll take your word for it, Scar. Just... be careful. Don't push too far. We all have a part to play in keeping this land safe."
"I understand, Mufasa," Scar said quietly. "I won't let things get out of hand."
Mufasa didn't reply immediately, but his eyes softened, and for a moment, Scar could see the slightest flicker of trust in them. It was enough for now. Time would tell if that trust would grow, or if it would be shattered once again.
As Simba bounced around them, eager to move on to something else, Scar and Mufasa shared one last, brief glance. The future was uncertain, but for now, things seemed to be on a precarious path toward peace.