Re-Write - A Lion's Scar

New Literatures Re-Write

Spencer Luu

Commentary

This rewrite is a narrative based on the Disney film, “The Lion King” (1994). It is some what of a prequel since I am writing about events that happen prior to the film. The piece is quite lengthy of about 3500 words, however, I could not find anything to take away to decrease the word count without compromising an important event.

The story focuses on a lion named Scar (who is named Taka in the first half of the rewrite). He is the heir to Pride Rock along with his older brother, Mufasa. Their father Ahadi, is the current lion king of the pride lands. Important events unfold during the rewrite which includes a hunting trip, water hole incident and Scar’s meeting with the hyenas. These events slowly change Scar into the character which everyone knows him as in the film – a devious and evil lion. But are bad people (and animals) born bad?

In this rewrite, I try and make the audience sympathize with Scar and tell the story of how he becomes bad. Firstly, Scar has always been known as the minority. His ideals are different than Mufasa’s in the film and also they have a contrast in physical appearance as well. I try my best to highlight these points (mainly the appearance), to show that Scar is subject to oppression. He is constantly pushed to the ground in the story, by his father and other animals (in a literal sense), that it makes Scar seem like the victim. I tried to concentrate on the idea that how many times can one be pushed to the sideline before they break as a person (or in this case, a lion)? In the rewrite, Scar tries his best to right his wrongs, yet, time and time again he is silenced. He is not given a voice, or a chance to truly prove himself. How can he be heard, when no one wants to listen? And what kind of person (lion) does one become when they become voiceless?

A Lion’s Scar

The day had drawn to a close. The stars lit the night like a swarm of fireflies. The moon beamed in a luminescent glow, a wondrous crescent tucked comfortably in the blanket of the sky. Under the beautiful ambience, two adolescent lions take refuge in a pasture of grass, lying there, gazing at the speckled skies.

One of the lions stood up, he was the smaller of the two, slender and sleek, shrouded in a black mane and coated in brown fur. He looked at the other and smiled, “I can’t wait to be king!”

The other chuckled as he rolled around on the grass. This lion was larger, he had broad shoulders and a thick red mane, his fur was golden. He remarked, “No way, Taka! I’m going to be the king!”

Taka smirked, “We’ll see about that, Mufasa.”

The two lions continued to laugh together. They were brothers, princes, heirs to the throne at Pride Rock.

Suddenly from a distance, a deep, commanding voice could be heard.

“Mufasa! Taka!”

The two lions were startled. Standing there was their father, Ahadi, the king of the Pride Lands. He was a large lion, bigger than both his sons in stature. Broad, muscular, and bold, coated in golden fur and a flowing red mane. His son, Mufasa, was almost a spitting image of himself, where as Taka looked completely opposite.

Mufasa sprang up from the grass and addressed Ahadi, “Yes, father!”

Ahadi looked at Taka and shook his head slightly in displeasure.

“You two should not be out this late. Do not forget the hunting trip tomorrow.”

Mufasa nodded his head in excitement, while Taka, dropped his shoulders and nodded also. Ahadi looked at Taka in disappointment.

“I expect great things this time. A prince should be able to hunt with confidence if they expect to be king some day.”

“Yes, father. We won’t let you down! Right, Taka?” said Mufasa as he nudged Taka on the shoulder.

“Yeah, yeah,” mumbled Taka, “I’ll try my best.”

Ahadi shook his head again in displeasure.

“Go rest. We will leave at sun rise.” commanded Ahadi as he walked back towards Pride Rock.

The sun peeked on the horizon. The stars began to fade from the sky one by one and the moon vanished from sight. A new day had arrived.

Taka could be seen playing with rocks on the footsteps of Pride Rock while waiting for his father, Ahadi, and his brother, Mufasa. He thought to himself, today is the day when I prove to father that I have what it takes to be king.

“Taka!”

Taka turned around. It was Mufasa with Ahadi following behind him.

“I hope you are prepared today, Taka.” said Ahadi.

Mufasa giggled, “Yeah, not like last time!”

Taka broke into a sarcastic smirk, “Don’t worry. I feel like a king today.”

Ahadi raised his brow.

“We will see. Let’s go.”

The savannah grass was vast, golden like a lion’s fur. The sun beamed down in glorious heat. The lion’s had been walking through the plains scouting for a suitable hunt for hours. The sun intensified as well as the lions’ hunger.

“Oh man, when are we going to find something to eat.” complained Mufasa.

Ahadi replied, “Have patience, Mufasa.”

“Father, over there!” said Taka.

A zeal of zebra could be seen grazing on a small area close to a withered tree. The lion’s were about twenty metres away from them, hiding quietly inside the savannah grass.

Taka took a step forward with the grass rustling beneath him, he was anxious yet confident.

“Taka, wait,” ordered Ahadi, “Do not be so rash.”

Taka was confused. He was certain he could take down at least one of the zebra.

Mufasa whispered to Taka, “You have to wait for a few to come closer to us. If you pounce on them now, they would outrun you.”

Taka came to his senses and crouched back into stationary position.

“They are beginning to move.” said Ahadi.

Three zebra strayed from the zeal and gathered fifteen metres away from the lions. One was notably smaller than the other two.

“Let me go first, father.” said Taka.

Ahadi was hesitant. He was hungry. He did not want a meal to slip away, not only for him but also his sons and the other lions of the pride. Taka had failed numerous times in the past, what would make today any different, thought Ahadi. However, being a father, he had to give his son a chance.

“Alright, Taka. Remember what I taught you.”

Taka nodded.

Step by step, Taka slithered like a snake weaving through the savannah grass. His preys were oblivious to the silent footsteps of their predator. Fourteen metres, thirteen metres, twelve, Taka drew closer and closer to the zebra. Eleven metres, ten metres, nine, Taka’s heart started to pound faster and faster.

Snap!

The zebra turned their heads.

“Please, no.” whispered Taka. Sweat dripped from his brow. He had stepped on a twig. Ahadi and Mufasa were in the background watching anxiously.

“What was that?” said one zebra.

“Probably a prairie dog.” said another.

The zebra’s shrugged off the abrupt sound and continued to graze. Taka turned back and gave his father and brother a cheeky grin and resumed his stalking position. He had almost blown his cover.

Eight metres, seven metres, six, Taka was nearly there.

The smallest of the three began to move closer to Taka’s position. Five metres, Four, even though Taka’s fur was darker than the grass, he was able to remain hidden.

“Yes, yes. A few more metres closer.” whispered Taka under his breath.

Taka was ready to pounce.

Snap!

The zebra made eye contact with Taka.

“Shoot!”

Taka had stepped on another twig.

“Lion!” wailed the zebra.

Taka panicked and immediately sprung out of the grass. He roared fiercely as he scurried towards the zebra. The zebra were startled and began to scatter.

“Run!” screamed the zebra.

Dust spread beneath Taka’s paws as he ran towards the smallest zebra. His eyes fixated onto his target.

“A few more metres until you’re mine!”

Taka picked up his speed, bared his sharp fangs, and readied his claws. He leapt into the air in feline fashion with paws ready to sink into his target.

“No, you don’t!”

In a swift moment Taka was knocked onto the dusty ground.

A larger zebra had kicked him away from the small zebra. His shifty, green eyes were already locked; he was oblivious to the other zebra. 

“Ouch!” he moaned. He had been kicked in the chest.

“Pathetic.” said the larger zebra as he continued to disperse with the rest of the group into the distance.

Ahadi and Mufasa slowly approached Taka.

Ahadi was thoroughly disappointed.

“Am I a fool for letting you have another chance?” scolded Ahadi, “You are not fit for hunting.”

Taka sulked, “I’m sorry, father.”

Mufasa felt sympathetic towards Taka. However, he remained silent. He knew his father was serious.

“I will try harder next time, father!” pleaded Taka.

“No!” roared Ahadi, “there will be no other chances. You never improve.”

“But father! I…”

Ahadi interrupted, “No, Taka. Just go home. Mufasa, go with him. I will hunt myself.”

Taka was shattered.

“Yes, father.” obeyed Mufasa, “Let’s go, Taka.”

Taka was not happy. He looked at his father but he refused to look back. He knew for a fact that he was not as strong or fast as his father and Mufasa. He had to find a way to compensate for his lack of physical prowess to restore Ahadi’s faith in him.

“I’m sorry, father.”

Ahadi did not respond.

Mufasa nudged Taka and signalled him to move. The two brothers began their journey to return home.  

As they walked through the plains, they were stopped by lioness. It was Naira, a sleek, pale-furred lioness with big, cyan eyes. Her stature was bigger than Taka but smaller than Mufasa. She was also much older than the two and some what of an aunt to the two.

“Hey, Mufasa! Taka!” beckoned Naira, “Aren’t ya kiddies suppose to be hunting with the king?”

Taka sighed, “Yeah…”

Naira analyzed Taka’s face and felt his gloomy vibe. She assumed it was just the usual Taka and shrugged it off.

“Well, tell me if ya guys see him,” said Naira, “There have been complaints at the water hole today.”

Taka raised his brow, “What complaints?”

“Some big, fat, buffalo dummy has been hogging the water,” Naira gave a determined look and continued, “We need the king to give him a bit of a beat down, ya know!”

Mufasa laughed, “Father’s good at that.”

Taka was intrigued. “Okay, Naira. We’ll send the message when we see him.”

“Thanks, kiddos! See ya later!” said Naira as she wandered off.

Mufasa and Taka continued their walk towards Pride Rock. Suddenly, Taka stopped.

“Wait, Mufasa.”

“What is it, Taka?”

Taka broke into a sly grin. Mufasa was confused.

“Let’s go sort out the problem at the water hole for father!” suggested Taka.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” said Mufasa. “Father is going to be angry.”

“Relax, Mufasa!” snickered Taka, “We are princes, and we are more than capable! Besides, this way, father won’t be upset at me anymore.”

Mufasa was reluctant but agreed, “If you put it that way then alright. But you owe me one!”

Taka smiled, “Thanks, Mufasa!”

As they approached the water hole, they could see various animals on the outskirts it – giraffes, zebra, monkeys and more.

“Oh! The princes have come!”

The water hole was occupied by one buffalo, with two of his buffalo friends accompanying as bodyguards, preventing the other animals from drinking the water. Taka walked towards them with Mufasa behind him. He felt glorified by the cheers of the animals as if he were the king himself.

“You there!” shouted Taka as he approached the buffalo.

The head buffalo snorted, “What do you want?”

Taka laughed obnoxiously. He was absorbed in his own ego.

“I’ll give you stinking buffalo a chance,” said Taka, “Leave now, and I won’t harm any of you.”

“What?” The head buffalo was angered, “stinking?”

“Oh. Sorry,” smiled Taka, “fat and stupid too!” He had an unshakable confidence.

The buffalo ruffled their furry bodies and blew steam from their noses. They were furious.

“Look here you scrawny pipsqueak,” said the head buffalo, “The drought has been really bad. There’s not enough water for all of us.”

Taka responded, “Seems to me there’s plenty. Maybe if you all weren’t so fat, there would be enough!”

The head buffalo grunted in rage, “If your father wasn’t such a useless king, we would have located another water source by now!”

The other animals became dead silent.

Taka’s brows sharpened. His green eyes glistened in fury. “What did you say?”

Mufasa placed his paw onto Taka’s shoulder to try and calm him.

“I said your father,” the buffalo paused and smiled, “is a worthless king!”

Taka let out a vicious roar that echoed in the air. He shook off Mufasa’s hold and dashed towards the head buffalo.

“Taka, you idiot!”

Mufasa ran after Taka. He could see the other two buffalo were ready to attack Taka. He quickly positioned himself and head butted the two out of Taka’s way. Mufasa’s strength was no joke. Yet, he could not save Taka from confronting the head buffalo. The other animals stood still in bewilderment.

“How dare you!” roared Taka.

He pounced onto the head buffalo with his claws dug into its skin. The buffalo wailed in pain. Taka readied his jaw to attack the crown of the buffalo.

“You cursed lion!” bellowed the head buffalo. He began to sway furiously to and fro, in attempt to shake off Taka. Taka began to lose balance. He was thrown onto the ground.

The head buffalo began to charge, horns first, straight into Taka’s face. Mufasa reacted quickly and darted towards the buffalo.

“Ah!” cried Taka.

Mufasa had taken down the head buffalo. However, his horns had made contact with Taka’s face. Blood trickled from Taka’s left eye.

“Taka!”

Taka was in pain.

“What is going on here?” A booming voice echoed through the skies. It was the king. Ahadi. An eerie silence was all that filled that air. The buffalo were startled and began to shake in their place.

Taka turned to Mufasa, “I’m sorry, Mufasa. Tell father I am sorry too.”

Taka picked himself up from the ground and immediately ran into the tall, savannah grass.

“Wait, Taka!”

It was too late, Taka was already gone.

Taka walked aimlessly through the plains. His vision blurred by the blood dripping from his left eye. The sun was unrelenting. His frail body could barely handle the exhaustion and heat.

“Is this it?” he thought to himself. Taka collapsed under a withered tree.

Moments later, two hyenas spot Taka under the tree. One named Shenzi, he was a cool and slick hyena, wearing a devious yet charming grin, and had fur on top of his head that resembled hair. The other was named, Banzai, he had menacing eyes that almost looked psychotic, a bit dim-witted and always followed Shenzi as his right hand man. They both had pointy ears, gray fur and pale bellies.

“What do we have here?” said Shenzi as he approached Taka.

“Food?” asked Banzai.

Shenzi nudged Taka with his paw, “Doesn’t look like we can eat this one, too skinny for my taste.”

Taka was unconscious. The blood had dried up from his left eye.

“What is it, Shenzi?”

Shenzi observed the lion, “Looks like a lion,” he then sniffed him, “Ew. Smells like a lion too.”

“Can we eat?” asked the grinning Banzai.

Shenzi rolled his eyes. He noticed the dried blood by Taka’s left eye, it had left a scar. Shenzi proceeded to nudge Taka further to try and wake him up.

“Hey, scar!” Shenzi nudged him harder, “Wake up, ya furball!”

Taka slowly opened his eyes out of unconsciousness, “Ugh… scar? Huh?”

“You’re finally wakin’ up!”

Taka immediately sprung up in confusion.

Taka panicked, “Who are you two? Where am I?”

Banzai cackled, “I’m Banzai. That’s Shenzi. We’re hyenas!”

“What?” Taka took a few steps back, “What are hyenas doing in the pride lands?”

“Whoa! Whoa! Chill out dude!” said Shenzi, “We found you layin’ here nearly half dead. We ain’t plannin’ to eat ya or nothin’!”

Taka suddenly remembered what had happened. He touched his left eye with his paw, “ouch,” he sighed in depression.

“So what’s ya name, scar?” asked Shenzi.

Taka thought carefully about the situation and replied, “Just call me Scar.”

“Scar? Alrighty then,” nodded Shenzi, “you must be starvin’, look at ya, you’re skin and bones!”

Scar’s stomach rumbled.

He smiled awkwardly, “Yeah. I haven’t eaten since yesterday.”

“Well you’re in luck! We’re the best “hunters” in the world!” boasted Shenzi, “we have some food back home. You should come!”

Banzai nodded ecstatically in agreement.

Taka was unsure. He had just met these two, they were practically strangers. Nevertheless, they did not attempt to eat him, seem friendly enough, and some what saved him from dying in the blistering heat.

Taka nodded, “If it’s alright with you.”

“Sure thing, Scar!” smiled Shenzi, “we hyenas don’t discriminate!”

The day had passed and the night began to settle. Taka’s new name, Scar, had stuck with him throughout the evening with the hyenas, it was comforting.

“So Scar, lions must be really good at huntin’ right?” asked Shenzi, “ya seem pretty strong! We should hunt sometime!”

Scar was embarrassed. What did these hyenas see that he could not? Strong? No, he was more fragile than a newborn in comparison to his father and brother. Good at hunting? Only a fool would agree with that statement.

Scar let out a slight smile, “I’m not that good…”

“Hey! No need to be modest!” laughed Shenzi, “So where ya from, Scar buddy boy?”

“I’m…” Scar paused, he wondered for a second if it was a good idea to tell them the truth. The hyenas had given him a meal, made him feel like home, and treated him like a king. Scar smiled and continued, “I’m a prince of Pride Rock, soon to be king.”

Banzai and Shenzi leapt from their positions. They were star struck. Their eyes widened as if they had hit the jackpot.

“You’re jokin’ right?” asked Shenzi, “what were ya doin’ way out of Pride Rock?”

Scar replied, “I was sorting out a problem with the water sources in the pride lands. I had to fight off a twenty buffalo alone to resolve the issue!”

“Wow, twenty!” Banzai began to clap excitedly.

 “And you only received one scar? You’re amazing!” Shenzi was amazed, “So if you’re the prince and soon to be king, you can make orders right?”

“I guess so,” said Scar, “you have a good point, a really good one in fact!”

“My king,” giggled Shenzi, “can I ask for a favour?”

Scar could not contain his joy. It was the first time someone had addressed him as king. He did not feel weak or foolish among his new hyena friends.

“What favour do you ask of?”

“Well, we hyenas are looked at as outsiders and it saddens me,” explained Shenzi, “we just want to hunt in the pride lands. Are we not even allowed a chance?”

Scar sympathized with Shenzi. Chance – a word that has become a thorn in Scar’s head.

Scar responded, “You should be given the chance.”

“You do understand us!” cheered Shenzi, “You feel like an outsider too right, Scar? Well, with your fur all dark and all. Don’t ya feel like the other lions treat ya differently?”

Scar thought deeply about this, it was too true. He had tried to deny it, but he was certain his father favoured Mufasa more. Mufasa looked like Ahadi, strong and golden furred. Scar was different, too different for comfort.

“I will give you that chance!” proclaimed Scar, “Unlike my father, when I become king, everyone will be treated equally!”

Shenzi looked at Banzai and smirked mischievously. He then turned to Scar and said, “Oh thank you, my kind king!”

Scar’s face beamed with a smile.

“Anyway, it’s getting’ late. Let’s sleep! We’ll send ya off back to Pride Rock tomorrow.”

Scar thought about confronting his father the next day and it scared him. Yet, he had to, even though he messed up, he had to regain his rightful place at Pride Rock.

“Alright, Shenzi,” agreed Scar, “Let’s sleep.”

The next day the hyenas accompanied Scar to Pride Rock but waited on the outskirts as they beckoned him farewell.

“See you soon, Scar,” smiled Shenzi, “we can’t wait till you’re king! We will bring our friends to celebrate!”

Scar was content, “Thank you for everything my friends.”

The hyenas walked off into the distance and Scar hurried home.

“Taka!” roared Ahadi, “Where were you? Why were you with those scavengers?”

Scar thought to himself, scavengers? His father could not possibly mean the hyenas.

“They’re my friends, father…”

“Friends?” Ahadi was filled with anger, “You’ve jeopardized my kingdom with your reckless actions yesterday. I’ve had enough!”

Scar was befuddled; his father did not even care that he was safe. There was no worry in Ahadi’s face, only annoyance.

“If you were not my son, I would banish you from Pride Rock for your incompetence,” scowled Ahadi, “Never take things into your own hands when you are not the king.”

“I’m sorry, father. I won’t mess up again, I promise.” pleaded the distressed, Scar.

“Silence!” roared Ahadi, “You will never be king!”

Scar’s world had been shattered. However, instead of feeling miserable, he was filled with another emotion – rage.

“If you didn’t give up on me so easily, maybe I wouldn’t be so useless!” growled Scar, “It is your fault, father, not mine!”

Ahadi was outraged; he raised his paw ready to strike Scar but stopped, “You have no one to blame but yourself, Taka.”

“I am no longer Taka.” Scar’s eyes glowed in fiery green, “I am Scar.”

“What have those hyenas done to you?” Ahadi began to walk away in disgust, “Scar? As you wish.”

Scar was furious. How could his father say he could no longer be king? Scar thought to himself, do I not have a right as an heir?

Years went by and the relationship between Scar and his father grew more distant. Mufasa had been announced as the next king of Pride Rock. Scar could not believe it. Was it because he was not as strong as Mufasa? Was it because he lacked the physical appearance of a king? Scar refused to accept Mufasa as king; he believed he was more suited to the role. Because of this, his resentment towards Ahadi had only grown stronger. Over the following years, he developed a grudge towards Mufasa. How could he be king over me? Darkness brewed inside Scar, an inescapable darkness that would soon consume him.

He became a lion scarred.