Simba's heart pounded as he watched the gathered lions and lionesses—each side tense, each pair of eyes watching the other. He still couldn't fully grasp what was happening. Scar had spoken of peace, of unity, and Simba wanted to believe it. But something about the whole situation felt off. Was this really possible? Could the Outlanders live with them peacefully?
Before anyone could speak, the familiar call of Zazu broke the tension in the air. "Mufasa! Scar!" The hornbill appeared, flying overhead before landing gracefully near Mufasa. His feathers ruffled as he looked at the gathered lions, clearly unsettled by the situation. "What's going on here? I thought you said the Outlanders were nothing but trouble!"
Mufasa gave him a long look, his expression grim. "They were, Zazu. But it seems Scar has a different idea now."
Zazu fluttered his wings in frustration. "Well, I don't trust it, sire. You can't just let these lions wander in, even if they're hungry. They've always been a problem, and I doubt they've changed." He eyed Zira, his gaze sharp and unyielding.
Zira, standing tall, met Zazu's gaze with equal intensity. "If you have a problem, Zazu, I suggest you keep it to yourself. I'm here to talk peace, not conflict."
Before Zazu could respond, one of the lionesses from the Outlander pride spoke up, her voice cutting through the conversation. "Mufasa," she said, her tone calm but firm, "you know the truth. We've been starving out there. If we fought, who knows who would win? The strength of your pride is considerable, but we Outlanders have fought through worse. The question is not who would win, but who will lead us if we are to live together in peace."
Mufasa's eyes flickered toward the lioness, then to Scar, his expression conflicted. He seemed to understand the point she was making, but his voice was still heavy with the weight of leadership. "I cannot deny that," he said slowly. "But the question remains... who leads?"
Scar stepped forward, his gaze steady and confident. "Zira," he said, his voice firm and unflinching. "Zira is a strong leader. She's loyal, capable, and she knows how to bring her pride together. She will lead them here, just as I will stand by her side." Scar turned to Mufasa then, his eyes softening slightly. "It's not about domination, Mufasa. It's about survival. It's about bringing together those who are willing to live in peace."
Mufasa remained silent for a moment, processing Scar's words. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and serious. "I can't allow them to live on Pride Rock, Scar. The Pride Lands will not become a divided kingdom. There needs to be a place for them, but not here. Not on our land."
Scar's gaze hardened, but his tone remained steady. "I understand, Mufasa. I agree. We won't take Pride Rock from you. But I will find a place for them. A new home. A place where we can all live—separately, yes, but in peace." Scar paused, then glanced at Zira and the other Outlanders. "I will make sure they have the space they need to thrive. I promise you this."
Zira nodded in agreement, her sharp eyes flicking toward Mufasa with a knowing expression. "I appreciate that, Scar. I knew you would do what's best for all of us."
Simba, standing quietly at Mufasa's side, was still trying to digest everything. He had never expected things to turn out this way. Peace between the Pride Lands and the Outlanders? Could it work? Was Scar really capable of making it happen?
Mufasa sighed, the weight of leadership clearly bearing down on him. "We will see, Scar. But know this: if any of your lions break the peace, if they threaten my pride or my family, I will not hesitate to act. Understand?"
Scar nodded, his expression serious. "I understand, Mufasa. I would expect no less from you."
Mufasa gave a short nod, his gaze shifting to the horizon. "Then go. Find them a place. But be careful, Scar. If you fail, we will be forced to take action."
Scar dipped his head in acknowledgment. "I will, Mufasa. I won't fail you."
Turning to the gathered lions and lionesses, Scar gave a sharp command. "We're moving out. Follow me."
Zira and the Outlanders fell into line, their eyes sharp, their movements calculated. As they began to move toward the Outlands, Scar turned back briefly, his gaze meeting Mufasa's. "I'll take care of it, Mufasa. You have my word."
Mufasa's face remained impassive, but Simba could see the small flicker of doubt in his eyes. Still, he said nothing as Scar and Zira led their pride away.
As Scar moved toward the edge of Pride Rock, he looked back at Simba, offering a small, reassuring smile. "It's going to be alright, Simba. You'll see. This is the way forward."
Simba wasn't so sure, but he nodded nonetheless, following his father's lead as the lionesses and lions continued their careful watch over the Pride Lands.