In Your Reflection, He Lives in You

[kingofthepast]

The New Year | Assassination Attempt

The golden lion hung heavy around his chest, and the crown made his neck ache. Trumpets blared, flags were flown, and an imperious voice announced his arrival. The crowds roared, waving flags and staring attentively at the stage. Mufasa could do it without thinking: chin up, shoulders back, steady steps towards the podium. You walk like a King, Sire. You have since you were small, Zazu had said once long ago. He could speak like one too, and he gave a small smile as he looked over the crowd. 

Standing on the stage in the Disney City Square surrounded by thousands of his citizens made him feel small. It was a strange thing, something he'd never been able to articulate to someone else, but he felt as though with all the fanfare, they were introducing a giant. Someone ten feet tall with an infinite amount of wisdom and strength. Someone unlike him. 

The morning sun was slowly rising in the sky, and he looked fondly at Sarabi who sat beside him. He made the polite salutations, and then began his speech. The City was by far the most cynical part of Disney, so much so that he hadn't been sure if a New Year's speech was anything anyone would really want. But Sarabi insisted that they needed to start the new year right, and let the people know exactly what they'd plan to do to help them. They needed to be inspired. 

He spoke of the new recreation center for at risk youth that would be built that year, of new measures to stop crime and reckless usage of magic. He took a moment to thank the police and even heroes who were unaffiliated with the government for stopping several monster attacks the previous year. Then he told the crowd that they had recently found the lost princess Aurora, and smiled at the wild applause. As he spoke he relaxed, went through each topic accordingly, and really believed in what he was saying. 

"As for our children, I want to make sure that they are all safe and secure wherever we go, and so we will-"

A popping sound. Then another, then one more. Around him people screamed and ducked. He blinked. Sarabi looked down at him, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. How was she above him? Oh, he was on the floor of the stage now: he saw the bottom of the podium, people's feet as they ran. He left his hand to touch his wife's face, but it was so red. Everything so red. His head started to ache, and he closed his eyes. Just for a moment, until the spinning stopped...

[kingofthepast]

Tricks and Treats | Mufasa & Scar [Flashback]

[quiverwithfear]

The boy didn’t have a chance to gasp, before he knew it he was off the ground and able to reach the doorbell. “I can reach!” He pressed the button and grinned to himself as he heard the muffled tune from within the wall. “Put me down!” He laughed, but only slightly. Although he was very pleased to of had his brother there to help, Taka still wasn’t able to do this simple task on his own, therefore proving nothing to himself or his brother.

A man opened the door and smiled down to the two boys, acknowledging both their costumes. “Well, what do we have here? A pirate and little vampire! I bet you two would like some candy!” Taka nodded and hurriedly picked up his sack again, holding it out in front of him, slightly above his own head.

"Trick or treeeat!" He exclaimed in a harmonic tone, the man placed an equal amount of candy in both of their sacks and bid the boys a good night.

Taka jumped down from the porch and grinned, turning to his brother as they walked down the pathway. "That was fun! Where are we going next?"

[kingofthepast]

Mufasa peered in his bag and frowned. "Gummy monkeys?" he said, fishing out a pack of candy from his sack. "I don't even like gummy monkeys. Did you get any chocolate?" he peered inside Taka's bag real quick and shook his head. Well, it was only the first house of the night; they had a chance to get better loot. He reached into his pocket to consult the map again. 

"Okay, now we're going to the house up here, see? The one with the skeletons of the front lawn–"

"Mufasa?"

Mufasa turned around to see some kids he recognized. Immediately he put his finger to his lips. "Shhhhhhh," he said. "We're not supposed to be out here!" he looked down at Taka and smiled. "I'll just be a second okay? Wait right here."

He jogged over to his friends and said hello, showing them the candy they'd gotten and seeing if they could trade for some sugar zebras. 

[kingofthepast]

Tricks and Treats | Mufasa & Scar [Flashback]

[quiverwithfear]

Taka watched as his brother jumped out the window, taking a step back so he was out of any sort of harms way. He caught the sack and put his pair of vampire teeth back in, turning to Mufasa. “Can I be the pirate next year…” He trailed off a bit as they rushed away from their home and discreetly hid in the shadows together. It had always been too easy for Taka to slip through the bars, so he never really understood why Mufasa always seemed to take it as some sort of victory.

Taka turned to his older brother, a little surprised by this suggestion, and nodded his head enthusiastically. “Yeah! Okay, I can do the first house!” He ran off and up the porch of the home ahead, excited to be able to do all of this by himself! It was a little daunting standing there, but Taka knew he had to be brave and prove to Mufasa that he was capable of trick or treating. He reached for the doorbell and… It was too high. He couldn’t reach. The young boy began to feel defeat as he reached up on his tip toes, still unable, although much closer than before. Just not close enough. He didn’t want to call out for his brother, but he knew he had to.

"Mufasa… I can’t… I can’t reach…" Stupid doorbell.

[kingofthepast]

The house was red brick and enormous, and Mufasa had marked it off as their first stop. The two ran towards the porch, with Mufasa looking out at the street just to make sure they weren't being followed by anyone. You couldn't be too careful. 

The moon rose, full and glowing overhead and Mufasa saw a lot more kids were coming out: princesses and dinosaurs and more pirates and vampires. He watched them curiously, trying to see if he could recognize any of them. 

When Taka spoke, Mufasa whipped his head around and his eyes widened. "Ohhh! Ok hold on," he put down his sack and grasped Taka by the legs before his little brother could say anything. He lifted him up towards the doorbell, teetering only slightly. 

"There, how's that?"

[kingofthepast]

Tricks and Treats | Mufasa & Scar [Flashback]

[quiverwithfear]

Taka took a deep breath, trying not to get irritated by this, although then he remembered about the teeth and that they were possibly slurring his speech. He took them out and laughed it off. “No, not snacks! SACKS!! Did you hide the sacks? We need them to put the candy in.” He didn’t want to raise his voice any higher than it was in risk of waking their parents or staff. “Come on, brother, come down already, then you’ll hear me properly.” His neck began to ache from staring up to the window. He held his head downwards and began to search in the nearby bush as he waited for Mufasa to jump down. “There’s nothing here — Ow.” A twig scraped and got caught on his left arm, Taka grabbed it and ripped it away.

"Can we go now?"

[kingofthepast]

"Ohhhhhhhhhhh, sacks. Yeah, hold on!" he raced back to his bed and reached under the mattress. There were two sacks, perfect for filling them up with candy. Then he ran to the window again and leapt out, hitting the ground and rolling. He hopped up and tossed Taka a sack. "Arrrghhh matey, let's go!" he whispered, and they hurried away from the house. 

"Stay in the shadows," he said as they avoided the security lights and cameras that covered the expanse of their lawn. Slowly, steadily, they moved towards the main gate. They were both able to squeeze through the bars and Mufasa pumped his fist in the air once they had made it out. 

"D'you wanna do the first house Taka?" asked Mufasa as they headed down the street. 

[kingofthepast]

Tricks and Treats | Mufasa & Scar [Flashback]

[quiverwithfear]

Halloween had always been a fun holiday for the Kiburi boys, in fact — the same could be said for any of the other times the pair decided to sneak out at night. He waited for his elder brother to turn on the flashlight so he could see what costume he was rummaging into. He tied the cape around his neck and searched for the pair of pointy teeth to go with it. Taka nodded, still in search of the vital piece. He felt something pointy dig into his foot. “Ah—” He looked down and realised it was the teeth he was looking for, the boy narrowed his eyes and picked up the piece, wiping it on the inside of his cape before donning them. He found a pair of black boots and rushed over to the window.

"I’ll go first!" He announced in a whisper. Taka slipped on the boots, laces undone, and tried to push the window further up, in case it wasn’t big enough for the two. He climbed out and jumped down onto the grass below, landing on all fours. "Did you hide the sacks?" He called out to Mufasa, although still trying to be discreet in volume.

[kingofthepast]

Mufasa's grin widened even more when Taka agreed to go first. Sometimes it felt as though he had to do some convincing to get Taka to do things he wasn't supposed to do, but lately he'd been on board with all his stupid schemes. He watched Taka land easily on the ground, thankful that he hadn't accidentally fallen and hurt anything. 

Now all Mufasa had to do was get down, and they'd be on their way. In his pocket Mufasa had a map of all the best places to go for candy his friend Zeus had charted out with him last week. It wouldn't take them long, and even better they wouldn't be recognized with their costume! And then they'd have bags and bags full of candy. 

Mufasa leaned out the window, straining to hear Taka. "What? What snacks? Was I supposed to bring snacks? Taka I don't remember anything about snacks," he whispered back. 

[kingofthepast]

Tricks and Treats | Mufasa & Scar [Flashback]

It hadn't taken too much difficulty: all he had to do was make sure he and Taka had finished their homework, showered, dressed and were tucked in bed by their mother and father. They made sure to yawn for good measure, count the seconds after their parents left until about five minutes had passed, and then they were springing out of their beds and racing to the closet. Mufasa pulled on his pirate costume and shined his flashlight over to Taka so he could see as well (they didn't want to risk turning on the lights in case their parents walked by). 

"This is gonna be so much fun!" whispered Mufasa, shining the light towards Taka. He pulled an eyepatch over his left eye and walked towards the window. Lifting it, he turned back towards Taka and grinned impishly. 

"D'you wanna go down first, or should I?"

[walkonthe-wildside]

That’s tonight?? Yeah, yeah I’ll, um, start packing my stuff. I still have my telescope set up in my room we’re just gonna have to find a way to fit it in the car……

Oh, awesome, dad. I love meat sandwiches. This is gonna be fun

[kingofthepast]

....

Simba? What's wrong? Are you alright? You love watching the stars. What's the matter?

[walkonthe-wildside]

…well this is a new thing. i guess.

[kingofthepast]

Simba? Simba there you are! I was looking all over for you! Are you ready for tonight? Those comets are set to pass over the city at nine, I checked. We'll need to get ready. Do you still have your telescope? I just have one more thing to do and then I'll be all set. 

And your mom packed snacks! Meat sandwiches!!!!!!

[hotshot-hero]

Haha wow!

[hotshot-hero]

Oh — really? Wow that’s… Uh yes, I have been, um, King Mufasa … sir. Enjoying my time here, I mean. Different? Right, right different. I guess I fit right in.

So, um, how is Simba doing… sir? And the rest of your family? Maybe we could have a council family movie night or something soon! Ahahaha…

[kingofthepast]

He's very proud of you, Hercules. Couldn't have asked for a better son. How's that trainer, Phil I believe his name is, how is he?

Simba's being his usual self, full of energy and probably getting into a little trouble. Kiara and Sarabi are fine as well, thank you for asking. Things have been going relatively smoothly lately, I just hope we can keep it up for awhile. Movie night? Well that sounds like fun! I'll talk to Simba and see if I can get him to sit still long enough.

So, killed any monsters lately? You'll have to forgive me, I just got back from out of town and haven't been able to see the news yet.

[hotshot-hero]

Haha wow!

I can’t believe I’ve been here for a full year already. That’s um, that’s a lot of time — hahaha! Yeah…

[kingofthepast]

And I've never seen Zeus happier than in these past few months. I hope you've enjoyed your time here so far. Disney is...different, but soon enough you get used to it.

[kingofthepast]

If I have to listen to a betrothal request about Nala one more time....

[kingofthepast]

I've just sent Zazu off to find Simba

[quiverwithfear]

Or perhaps your son is avoiding you on purpose, brother.

[kingofthepast]

Ha ha ha you're probably right. He's probably off with his sweetheart. I haven't seen Nala around either. 

Oh, those cubs.

[kingofthepast]

I've just sent Zazu off to find Simba

I hope that boy hasn't gone too far...I really need to speak to him. Well, after these meetings with Zeus maybe he'll show up.

[kingofthepast]

Has anyone seen Simba?

[shooting-formyownhand-blog]

Have ya tried lookin’ in a ditch at the side of the road?

Haven’t actually seen him ‘round in a while now, come ta think of it… want me ta keep a wee eye out fer ‘im, Mr. Kiburi? Give ‘im a wallopin’ fer runnin’ off too, if ye like!

[kingofthepast]

Hello Princess Merida. An eye out would be....nice. You'd probably be more helpful than Zazu at this point. Simba always had an easy time getting away from him. I'm sure he'd be happier to see you than Zazu. 

When's the last time you saw him, anyway? 

[kingofthepast]

Has anyone seen Simba?

I swear you take your eyes off of him for a second and he's gone...

[gizaxbuyabo-blog]

Do You Wanna Build and EPIC SNOW FORT?

Nala had a hate-love relationship with the snow. It was far too cold for her taste — she never really liked the cold at all — but it was so fun. So much potential! Snow men and snowball fights and snow angels and snow castles and shoving people into snow drifts and snow forts. So much to do, so little time. Well, actually, considering there was feet of the white stuff, they all probably had more than enough time.

This time, Nala decided to work on a snow fort. The idea was, she would have the whole things ready by the time Simba came out so she could attack him. He wouldn’t stand a chance! 

But first she had to get her walls higher, and avoid all this ice.

With the beginnings of her snow fort in place, Nala picked her way around to gather more snow, as she used up most of the snow near her already, and she needed to be sure she had ammo ready too. Rolling some snow in her hands, she tossed it up and down in her hand to test its weight.

Then, to test its distance, Nala flung the snowball in what she thought was an area free of people. Instead, the snowball smacked right into a passerby.

"Sorry!" Nala grimaced.

[kingofthepast]

The worst blizzard in years-decades even, was finally coming to a close. Yes, there was still snow on the ground, and lots of it, but Mufasa was able to get things under control. Rescue teams had been dispatched, taking care of those who had gotten hurt and lost in the storm. Volunteers went door to door, shoveling driveways and giving out food. Everything had calmed down just in time for Christmas, and the King was pleased with how smoothly everything had gone. 

He decided to take a short break to walk around some, just to clear his head. Budget meetings all morning had tired him, and taking a few minutes outside would prepare him for his next string of meetings about the prisons. 

Mufasa was able to duck out of his office alone, leaving Zazu and his string of bodyguards behind. He thought about searching for Simba, but then decided to leave him be...wherever that boy was. 

Suddenly, a snowball sailed through the air and caught the back of Mufasa's head. He turned around quickly, and recognized Nala just as the shock wore off. 

"Hahaha, you got me!" he yelled, running over to her. "Although Nala, it wasn't quite a fair throw since I wasn't looking, but you do have a strong arm," he smiled. Brushing the snow out of his hair, his eyes trailed over the structure surrounding her. "Building a snow fort eh? You and Simba and Kiara would always build the most elaborate forts. Speaking of which, have you seen Simba anywhere?"

[kingofthepast]

A Meeting in Dunbroch Castle

Through the window, Mufasa could see only white. The snow fell mercilessly. None of the weathermen nor any of the prophets had seen it coming. He had already declared a state of emergency in the capitol city, and Chief Powhatan and King Triton had declared states of emergency in the Hundred Acre Wood and Atlantica. And if the snow continued to fall the way it was here, the Highlands would be in duress soon as well. 

Queen Elinor had done more than enough to make sure he and his son were comfortable during their extended stay in Dunbroch Castle. They had plenty of rooms, and overnight she had turned a spare room into a fine office for Mufasa. This is where he stood now, watching the storm rage on. Simba was somewhere else in the castle with Merida no doubt; it pleased Mufasa to see his son getting along with the princess so well. The Highlanders were important allies. He made a mental note to send King Fergus a gift when this was all over, for their exceptional hospitality. 

"No one is to go anywhere while it snows. It’s too dangerous," he ordered a guard behind him. "Send word to Sergeant Calhoun, Captain Phoebus, the Forest Guard, and Kerchak. The moment the snow stops, they are to carry out the search and rescue plans that I have approved. Women and children first. Hospitals and schools especially."

"Yes Your Majesty," came the reply, and Mufasa turned to look at the guard. 

"And tell my council that tonight I will call a meeting online. And make sure Powhatan understands that he is not to risk any of his warriors’ lives by going out into the storm. And I need to talk to Emilia, the Enchantress. Find her."

"Yes Your Majesty."

Mufasa sighed and tightened his jaw. 

"All right. Bring her in."

The guard bowed and left, and after just a few moments, the doors opened again. This time General Li entered, prisoner in tow. Mufasa’s lips curled into a frown, and he nodded at the general. 

Queen Valentina, ruler of Wonderland and all her surrounding territories, scowled and twisted in her handcuffs. And then, in one fluid motion, her scowl turned into a sickeningly sweet grin. 

"Your Highness," she smiled. "I would bow, but I’m a bit tied up at the moment," she motioned to the cuffs. 

"Release her," said the King, and moments later she was freed. General Li stepped back, just barely out of earshot. Valentina shrugged off her white fur cloak to reveal a blood red dress underneath. She sat down daintily, grinning at him the whole time. 

Mufasa took a piece of paper out of his pocket, and began to read aloud. 

"Oh, uhm Your Majesty," began the Red Queen. "I was thinking that we would have some tea first, or last or in between. It’s good manners you kn-"

"Valentina," said Mufasa flatly, and the queen trailed off. He continued reading.

"…Seventeen accounts of reckless endangerment, a violation of the Treaty of Agrabah, 1958, Page 9, Paragraph 4, Line 13…"

"Ohhhh oh that!" interrupted Valentina. "Terrible business that was, terrible terrible horrendous! I assure you the monsters will never get loose again. Oh, all those poor poor souls…" she took a red silk handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed at her dry eyes. 

"Three hundred and forty four people were slaughtered, Valentina," said Mufasa. "Countless injured," he folded up the paper and put it away. "And they all just happened to be your most prominent political enemies."

"Were they?" sniffed Valentina. "Those poor poor flowers."

Mufasa stared at her for a minute, and though she still kept that smile glued to her face, her eyes betrayed her. They looked dangerous, threatening even. Mad. 

"You have murdered three hundred and forty four innocent people. I’m sending you away. You will abdicate the throne effective immediately."

"wHAT?" Valentina’s eyes flashed, and she stood. "You can’t do that Mufasa," she took a step toward him, and lowered her tone. "You know that each and every one of those sniveling door mice had it coming to them," she began to circle him slowly, like a bird of prey. "They were scheming, all of them. And plotting and planning…Do you really think Wonderland would last if I left? It would crumble and fall, every last looking glass and chess board…And do you think all that madness would stay in Wonderland? Oh no, it will spread all throughout Disney until everything was in ruin. I did what was necessary! I did what had to be done and I will not stand here and be disrespected for my actions I am the rightfUL QUEEN AND YOU CAN’T MAKE ME D-“

"SILENCE!" roared Mufasa, sudden and loud enough to make his guards jump. Immediately, Valentina backed away, as frightened as a child. 

"Y-your Majesty, please, there is no need to get angry," she said timidly. "I was only trying to-I mean I only meant-"

"D’Arqueham. You will stay there indefinitely." Mufasa said blankly. 

The Red Queen shook, tears spilling from her eyes. “The Asylum? N-no, no my lord I beg you please,” she fell at his feet and sobbed. “N-no forgive me please! It-it wasn’t my fault at all it was the Clubs! The Clubs it was those wretched Clubs please forgive me I had nothing to do with it!”

With a single gesture, Mufasa had two guards lift Valentina to her feet. He leaned in and whispered in her ear. 

"The only reason I don’t have you banished and left in the Tung Shao Pass, is that I may have use for you someday," he said fiercely. "But the moment I find that I don’t need you…" he trailed off and stood back. 

"Take her to the dungeons. She’ll stay there until the storm stops. Then General Li will escort her to the asylum," he ordered, and turned back to the window. 

"Mufasa…MUFASA NO WAIT DON’T! PLEASE….DAMN YOU! I’M NEVER GOING TO THAT WRETCHED ASYLUM YOU NEED ME IN WONDERLAND! MUFASA! MUFASA I HOPE EVERY WILD MONSTER IN MY REALM COMES AND DESTROYS YOU! AND YOUR STUPID, STUPID SON! I’LL GET YOU BACK JUST WAIT! OFF WITH HIS HEAD! OFF. WITH. HIS HEAAAD!”

Valentina’s screams echoed all throughout the Dunbroch’s castle as they dragged her away. The snow fell menacingly, and Mufasa sighed. He reminded himself to send King Fergus two gifts when this all was over, for their exceptional hospitality.