FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Another day. Another hot afternoon under the blistering sun. But that never stopped Mufasa from committing to his daily patrol around the Pridelands. Unlike many of his patrols in the past, though, he didn't make the journey alone anymore. Ever since reuniting with his long-lost friend and brother, Khan, he offered him to join in on the patrols. At first, the tiger hesitated the first few times, preferring to stay behind and hold the fort. Savanna heat was harsher than rainforest heat, and it took him some time to adjust. After some convincing, though, Khan joined Mufasa on his patrols. Over time, he learned the route and how to watch for intruders. In the long-run, this helped Mufasa spend more time with his family and the pride, especially with Sarabi, as he needed to produce an heir for his kingdom.

Khan and Mufasa sparred often, teaching each other their respective fighting styles: Khan being a grappler, and Mufasa being a striker. Naturally, they became stronger and more dexterous, and their respect for each other grew more and more too.

Fighting off intruders was never a problem for either of them. In fact, their fight after Khan's return was the toughest one either of them have had yet. It wasn't a daily occurrence when they had to fight off intruders. But when they had to, they dealt with them quickly and painfully when patrolling on their own. When they're together, though, their fights with intruders end up...different.

The two, muscular cats walked through the tall grass of the savanna, keeping a sharp eye out for anything suspicious. Both wore simple loincloths and nothing else; Mufasa omitted his royal jewelry whenever he went on patrol. Naturally, these showed off their strong bodies to intimidate intruders and give each other some eye candy. Every so often, they'd lock eyes for a moment, smile at each other, hold each other's paw, or give each other a quick rub down. But they kept these little moments to a minimum as they patrolled...or tried to, at least.

Out of nowhere, Khan gave Mufasa a quick kiss on the lips as they shared one of these tender moments. "You're so handsome, my King," he said, rubbing the lion's cheek.

"You're handsome too, my love." He too returned the favor. "But we should keep going. I've heard several reports of a couple lions stalking the edges of the Pridelands."

"Of course," he replied as his ears splayed a little, though he still smiled at Mufasa.

Mufasa groped the tiger's firm ass cheek, pressing himself close so their chests rubbed against each other. "Later, my sexy kitty," he growled softly in the tiger's ear, feeling both of their cocks poke out of their sheaths.

Khan chuffed as Mufasa teased him and hugged him tight, closing his eyes to drink in the close, intimate sensation. But when he opened them, he squinted at something that caught his eye: a shaggy, dark-brown figure twitched among the grasses. He couldn't make out the shape or size, nor was he certain if it was just a bush or something else.

"Hey, um, hun?"

"Yes, Khan?"

"You might want to look at this."

As soon as he said that, Mufasa let go of Khan and spun around to where he looked. He, too, squinted to try and make out what it was. Finding it was too far to determine, he crouched low and waved a paw for Khan to do the same.

He complied, though never liked how much of a disadvantage he had compared to his mate. Mufasa's lighter fur coat and reddish mane blended much better in the tall grasslands. While the zebra of the Pridelands had black stripes like him, their white coat blended better with the environment than his orange coat. While he didn't mind this so much if he patrolled on his own, it was why he rarely participated in the pride's hunts.

With both of them crouched and stalking the mysterious object, they drifted apart to set up their go-to flanking maneuver. Mufasa would keep a relatively straight path to their prey while Khan kept his distance and positioned himself from the rear. Both cats kept their patience, only advancing on their target little by little. The object in question twitched and twitched, then shifted sideways as if it was trying to get a lead on them for an escape.

As they got closer and closer, it became clear what, or rather who, they were stalking.

It was a rouge lion.

Both of them have fought these one-on-one, and the results were similar to fighting off a band of hyenas. However, hyenas knew when to give up the fight to live another day.

These rouges weren't as built as the two cats or as much as the rest of the pride; they've even come across a few who appeared malnourished. But their drive to fight and win burned just as hot, and both Mufasa and Khan tend to leave these battles with a few cuts and bruises. Still, these rouges weren't hard to take down, and the two cats knew tag-teaming against just one would be quick and easy.

Or so they thought.

The rouge lion they were stalking kept darting from one side to the other, either in a panic or trying to outsmart Mufasa. It hadn't noticed Khan creeping closer and closer from behind.

It was here Mufasa began slowly drifting to one side as Khan drifted to the other. The rouge lion seemed to panic more and more, though favored creeping away in the opposite direction of Mufasa.

Mufasa approached faster, almost standing up fully and sprinting after the rouge. This got the other lion to make a run for it. Unfortunately for him, Khan was in a full sprint towards the lion. He easily tackled the rogue from the side, crushing the smaller cat with his bulk as they fell in the dirt. He quickly got on his knees and pinned the rouge on his stomach, grabbing an arm and cranking it back in a hammerlock.

Though while all this was going on, Mufasa got tripped up by another rogue lion that came out of nowhere. As soon as Mufasa fell to the ground and the smaller lion jumped on top of him, it was clear how inexperienced these rogues were. The rogue made an attempt to put Mufasa in a headlock or a sleeper, but the hold had little power behind it and its execution hardly cut off his windpipe.

"Ha! I admire your courage, little one," he taunted.

The rouge growled, trying to cut off Mufasa's wind pipe by putting more power behind it. "This 'little one' is gonna put a big pussy to sleep!"

"Oh shit! He's...actually doing it...a little." Mufasa grabbed at the twig-like arms around him and began to stand up. The rogue lion hung on for dear life around his neck rather than trying to choke him out.

Once Mufasa stood up, he reached around to try and hook the rogue lion's legs as if he was giving him a piggy back ride instead. The rouge kicked at those larger paws grabbing at his legs, but he couldn't do much once they were locked in. "You...ack...ready?"

"Ready for what!? I'm still gonna put you to sleep no matter what!"

"I'll take that as a 'yes.'" Right as he said this, Mufasa fell backwards, crushing the smaller lion between his back and the dirt.

The rogue immediately went limp as his arms fell off Mufasa's neck and his legs splayed open. He laid there wheezing, twitching, trying to get back any air in this dry heat. His ribs and back felt broken after that fall, even more so with Mufasa's weight still on top of him.

He rolled off of the lion and brushed what dirt and grass he could off his back, looking down at his dazed attacker. "Tsk. You rouges need to find your own land and not resort to the ways of the hyenas."

The smaller lion laid there and groaned. He struggled to get up as he heaved under the hot sun, feeling almost every bone and muscle sting.

Mufasa was going to check up on Khan to see if he needed any help, but quickly found there was no need. The larger tiger still had the other rogue pinned under his knees and in the hammer lock. The only thing the rogue lion could do was swing his free arm back at Khan and kick his legs to try and wiggle out.

"I'm not letting you go until you promise you'll never return!" Khan yelled.

"Why should...why should I listen to you?" The rogue replied, gasping for air as much as he could. "You...aggh...you don't even belong here."

Khan growled as he put more pressure on the lion. "Yeah? And why is that?"

The rogue groaned loudly once Khan pressed on him more. "You're...gah...not even blood to him or...agh...Scar."

He growled and took the lions arm, extending it upwards and twisting it in an arm bar. "Why should that matter to you!? You're the ones who don't belong here!"

The lion screamed as his arm was twisted. His head fell forward as he gripped on the ground with his free paw, heaving as he struggled to find a way out of this.

Khan twisted that arm more, pulling it further sideways against the shoulder joint. "I will break this if you don't submit!"

The lion squirmed and screamed some more, banging his fist as the pain shot through his whole arm and back. He heaved and looked back at the tiger. A sly, wicked grin formed on his face. "I dare you..."

Right as soon as he said that, the tiger yanked the lion's arm hard enough that there was an audible *POP* from his shoulder.

He screamed as his arm went numb, falling to the ground once Khan let go of it. He crawled and tried to get up, but anytime he would, he'd fall on his stomach. He wasn't sure where his partner was, but he hoped he wasn't too far so they could make a break for it.

Khan stood after his scuffle, noticing Mufasa was watching. He smiled when he noticed that his mate seemed pleased with how he handled the situation, though couldn't help but dwell on what the rogue was taunting him about.

Mufasa placed a paw on Khan's shoulder. He knew exactly what Khan wanted to ask and talk about. It wasn't a topic they discussed at all, though; neither of them felt they needed to. Placing his other paw under Khan's chin to gently raise his head up, he gave him a quick kiss on the lips.

"Don't listen to a damn thing these rogues say. You don't need to be a blood relative to be part of my pride, love."

Khan looked into those golden eyes and smiled. He then hugged the lion tight, though not in his usual, playful, aggressive way. Mufasa did the same in return.

"You've done...so much for me. I can't begin to think of how to repay you."

"You willing to leave your homeland to live here; being a part of my life is more than enough."

Khan slowly began to push against Mufasa, stepping forward as the lion stepped back. Eventually, both of them lost their balance and fell. Mufasa giggled as Khan laid on top of him, scratching the back of his ear. "For someone who's so fierce and aggressive, you sure are cute, kitty."

The tiger looked up at Mufasa and smiled. "Only for you, handsome." He then kissed the lion, sliding his paws up and down that muscular, golden torso. He felt Mufasa's paws rubbing his strong back and tight ass, letting out a mewl when the lion spanked his butt cheek. This also made him grind a bit against the stud, making their growing manhoods slip out from their loincloths. Khan then sat upright over Mufasa's length, rubbing his ass against it and moaning a little.

Mufasa reached upward and rubbed the tiger's strong pecs and abs as he swayed his hips. "God, you look amazing. And flexible too."

Khan rubbed the lion's chest and abs as well, then leaned forward to kiss him again. "And you have so much power behind these amazing muscles."

"Awwww, come here, kitty."

The two felines made out like this for a while, letting out a few moans as they did so. Mufasa purred as they made out and as Khan rubbed his naked butt against the lion's growing length. Eventually, Khan was the one who broke the kiss, stroking Mufasa's mane. He had a lustful, almost desperate look in his eyes.

"Please...fuck me, my king."

The lion grinned and began to lean up. "Lay on your back then. I want to see that handsome face of yours," he cooed, stroking the tiger's cheek.

Khan smiled and climbed off Mufasa, then laid on his back next to him. As if right on queue, Mufasa didn't hesitate rolling on top of Khan. He nuzzled his lover before moving back on his knees, lifting and spreading those strong, stripy legs. He licked and spat in his paw, stroking his feline cock for a moment. When he did the same to lube and loosen up Khan's tailhole, the tiger growled and hissed at first from that initial pain.

"Just relax, kitty; I know it's been some time since we've done this."

"Of course," he panted, trying to slow his breath to help him relax easier. Soon enough, that initial pain became more and more pleasurable. While he knew Mufasa had a good-sized dick, he at least had more length than girth, which made taking it much easier.

Once Mufasa got the tip in, he grabbed his hard shaft and gently pressed against the tiger's pucker. He started gentle at first, making sure the head was in fully.

"I'll go slow, kitty."

The rogue lions they defeated were long gone by now; they did not want to stick around while the two big cats screwed each other.

Mufasa made love to Khan among the tall grass. It was much slower and intimate than how they usually pegged each other, but still just as intense. The two cats roared and moaned right when Mufasa slammed his cock all the way inside Khan as he came. He hardly felt the tiger's claws digging into his back as he fucked him, though hoped no blood was drawn.

He left his cock in for a while before pulling out, then flopped next to the tiger. They both panted for a bit to catch their breath, holding each other's paws as they looked up at the bright, clear sky.

After a few moments of rest, Khan turned to the lion. "Hey, hun?"

"Yes, my love?" He replied as he looked at Khan.

He traced a finger along those tight, golden muscles and smirked. "May I pleasure my king further?"

"Mmm, how so?"

"Oh, you know..." Khan reached down and pulled out his hard, leaking shaft. He stroked it and slapped it against his white furred abs.

Mufasa chuckled. "Surprised you haven't blown yet?"

"I...wanted to save it for you."

"Well, in that case," he began, stroking the tiger's cock, "How would you like to pleasure your king with such a gift?"

"Roll over so I can see that cute, golden tush," he ordered.

Mufasa did as Khan commanded. His tail swayed gently in the air as he flexed his glutes. "Like this, sweetie?"

Khan just smirked and immediately climbed on top. His thick tiger cock rubbed between the lion's ass cheeks as he nuzzled him.

"Perfect," he whispered with a hint of a growl in his ear.

Khan lubed up his cock the same way Mufasa did. But when he went to lube up his tail hole, it took more effort and patience for him to get used to the sensation. Being the Alpha lion, Mufasa was exclusively dominant, never submitting to any other males or females. Khan and Sarabi were the only exceptions to this, as he loved and trusted them the most.

It took some time, but Khan managed to get Mufasa to relax and open up. He laid on top of him, lifting his hips and positioning his cock so it would slide in easier.

"I'll try not to go too hard, okay?"

Mufasa nudged the tiger's cheek with his head. "I trust you, love."

Khan buried his muzzle in the lion's mane as he felt his way towards the lion's pucker. Once he found it, he slowly prodded until he could comfortably fit his thicker cock head in. This made the lion growl and hiss loudly as he clawed at the ground, which in turn made Khan stop a few times. However, he made sure his cock remained inside.

"Just relax, sweetie," he whispered, "I know you're not used to this like I am."

Mufasa huffed and groaned for a while, struggling to get used to having a thick cock in his ass. After some time passed and some more encouragement from Khan, that burning pain went away. As Khan slowly slid his cock back and forth in his tail hole, he purred and moaned softly. He even raised his butt up and spread his legs to make it easier for Khan to take him.

Khan kept his pace slow but sweet. He so wanted to just pound the lion's ass into the ground, but he knew Mufasa could only handle so much. They both moaned and growled as they made love a second time, and Khan nibbled on the lion's neck as he did so. Any passersby who happened to see them quickly averted their gaze and left the area once they noticed what the two cats were doing. Even Zazu happened to pass over them to deliver a message to Mufasa, but he too flew back to Pride Rock and decided to wait for their return.

Eventually, Khan reached his peak and did the same thing as Mufasa did when he orgasmed. But not only did he bury his cock in his ass, he also bit down harder on his neck. Khan loved playing rough, especially with his King, but he knew Sarabi would not be pleased at seeing his fresh marks all over her mate.

Once both were satisfied, Mufasa wanted Khan to leave his cock inside so he could get used to the sensation more. Of course, the tiger didn't oppose to this. He even wrapped his arms as best as he could around Mufasa and let go of his neck to catch his breath.

They cuddled for a few moments, hidden by the tall, savanna grass. Spent. Exhausted. Yet satisfied.

* * *

Scar lounged beneath an overhang behind Pride Rock, waiting until Mufasa and Khan returned. He woke up from his half-asleep state by the ruffling and flapping of wings, followed by a familiar, posh, uptight voice.

"Good afternoon, Scar," the voice said halfheartedly, "I see you're right where the King left you."

Scar sighed, already annoyed with the hornbill's presence. "What do you want, Zazu?"

"I'm here to inform you that your brother and his...eh, friend, are due to arrive soon. So you better have a good reason why you didn't help with the hunting."

The darker lion yawned, stretching his arms and legs, then turned himself away from Zazu. Like everyone else, he too wore a loincloth, though he wasn't decorated with traditional jewelry like many in the Pride. He was also less built and thinner than even some of the lionesses, but he did have some physical strength and definition.

Zazu crossed his blue, feathered arms, scowling at the lazy lion in front of him. "Well?"

He turned his head back around and shrugged. "Must've forgot."

He shook his head and sighed. "Of course you did," he murmured as he opened his winged arms. "Well, don't come crying to me if the King threatens to have you instead of antelope for lunch." With that, Zazu took flight to continue scouting his usual route.

When Scar glanced back around and noticed the bird was gone, he rolled on his back and stretched his limbs. "Let's get the scolding over with," he yawned. He stood up and slumped out of his hiding spot to greet the King and his so-called 'friend.'

* * *

The sun began to set by the time Mufasa and Khan returned to Pride Rock. They held paws and chatted as they walked, but as soon as they saw Scar leaning against a wall near the base, they both scowled at him. Khan advanced towards him, but Mufasa grabbed him by the shoulder to keep him back.

"I'll handle this, hun," he murmured, "Can you check if the lionesses are back for me, please."

Khan snorted, not once taking his eyes off Scar as he left to do as the King requested.

Mufasa made sure Khan was far enough away before turning his attention to his brother. He crossed his bigger, tighter arms over his wide chest. "Well?"

Scar looked around, acting confused. "Well what?"

He sighed, rubbing his temples with his fingertips. "You know damn well 'what.'"

"Pfft. Please. We both know how this is going to end, so why waste your time." He started walking away from the situation, but was suddenly pinned against the rocky wall with a giant, golden paw clenching his chest.

He growled. "I ought to kill you right here, right now. You contribute nothing to the Pride and you constantly run off with those...hyenas." He gagged at that last word. "You're nothing but a lazy, incompetent, traitor!"

"If you really wanted to kill me, why haven't you done so already?" A wicked grin spread across his face.

Mufasa began to speak, but he struggled to form the words. He hated to admit it, but Scar was right. Why hasn't he killed his only brother yet, despite knowing how useless and untrustworthy he is? He has Khan to help out now, and the tiger has proven time and time again he can be trusted. He loves Khan just as much as he loves Sarabi. But when it came to his brother, he never knew how to feel about him. The many counseling sessions with Rafiki only helped so much.

Scar chuckled, looking straight up at his brother's confused, frustrated look on his face. "That's what I thought." He noticed an orange speck in his peripherals and glanced over. "Looks like your boyfriend is having a bit of lady trouble."

Mufasa growled, grabbing his brother by the chest and shoved him against the rock wall before letting go. "...I'll deal with you later." He then marched off in a huff to where Khan and the lionesses were.

Scar began to slink back to his hiding spot, but couldn't help but give one last look at Khan in the distance. A sly grin spread across his face. He knew Khan would be too distracted by the lionesses to notice him eyeing his strong back and ass. Even though he only saw the tiger from afar, he licked his chops as he admired those black stripes caressing those broad shoulders and hugging those firm glutes. With that image planted in his mind, Scar hid himself away again.

As Mufasa marched down the hill, the scowl he gave his brother the whole time now faded into that of worry. His gait became less forceful and more his usual, casual stride the closer he arrived to the fiasco. As much as he wished Khan and Scar would get along, he'd rather keep them separated as much as possible; it always hurt him to act as mediator between his mate and his only brother.

* * *

"Ladies. Ladies! Please! I need to get back to the King to--"

"Your boyfriend can wait, handsome," cooed one of the lionesses. She and a few others were rubbing right up against Khan, feeling up his muscles as they all looked at him with lust-filled eyes.

"It's not every day we get a chance to have a little fun with a tiger," cooed another that was rubbing him down.

Sarabi oversaw what was happening, but she, too, couldn't help but tease Khan. She slowly walked towards him, putting a little extra sway in her hips and a coy smile on her face. The other lionesses surrounding him moved aside, though didn't take their paws off the tiger. They watched as Sarabi placed a paw on Khan's cheek and began to pet him.

Khan flinched but didn't try to fight any of them off, especially Sarabi. He wanted to keep his good reputation in the Pride, even if that meant letting a bunch of lionesses in heat swoon all over him.

"You know that invite is still open, Shere Khan," she cooed, rubbing his chest and letting her paw slide down his torso.

"That was...what, again?"

Looking right in his eyes, her paw slipped right under his loincloth and groped his white, fuzzy sheath. "You, me, and the King having a little...fun together." She began to fondle his junk as she said this, not once looking away from him.

"Ooooooo!" Jeered the rest of the lionesses.

"It's really fun!" Cried one of the lionesses watching this all happen.

"Yeah!"

"I remember my first time!"

"You should do it! They've never had another male join them, especially one so...exotic like you."

"Isn't that because Scar is the only other male in our pride?"

"Oh yeah! That'd be weird and awkward."

"He's not much to look at, hone--"

"Girls! Girls!" Ordered Sarabi as she looked back at the other lionesses. Despite this, though, she never loosened her grip from Khan's junk. "I'm sure my husband's boyfriend gets the idea." She turned her attention back to Khan. "Well? Handsome?"

"I-I'll think about it..." It was his usual response whenever this happened. He had no attraction to any of the lionesses, though he admit they'd all make fine lovers and mates. But his heart had always been set on Mufasa and only Mufasa.

"Just remember..." Sarabi's coy smile turned into a wicked, toothy grin as she gave his orbs a firm squeeze, getting a soft mewl from Khan. Her voice lowered so only he could hear her. "I'm in charge when it comes to mating."

"Gahh, of-f c-course, fuck." His voice became shaky as Sarabi kept manhandling his junk.

"Good kitty." She slowly licked the underside of his neck before letting him go. However, the lionesses that were all over him earlier never backed off and kept wooing him and rubbing him down. She then happen to glace over and noticed who stood at the nearby hilltop. "Oh, hi Mufasa," she greeted bluntly.

"Are you ladies giving my right hand man a hard time again?" He called out as he headed down.

"Yes...mmmm, yes they are." Khan replied as he rubbed his slightly sore balls while trying to shoo away the other lionesses.

Mufasa laughed. "I think I should send you alone with them more often."

"Hun. No."

"I'm kidding. I'm kidding." He clapped a paw on Khan's back and pulled him into a side hug, followed by a kiss on the tiger's head. "Now. Where's that fresh antelope you saved for me?"

* * *

The sun began to set and was just past the horizon, casting a faint orange and purple glow over the savanna under a dark blue and black sky. On the less-traversed side of Pride Rock, Scar was returning from his own hunting trip, separate from the rest of the Pride. He only made it part-way when he decided to rest under an acacia tree; he was in no hurry to get back, not that he'd want to. Any time he would travel into hyena territory, he considered staying there instead. But he knew he'd be branded a traitor, and he didn't want that to happen.

At least, not yet.

As he heard footsteps brushing and trampling the tall grass, Scar opened one eye then both. He grinned at what he saw.

"Must be your turn for the nightly patrol," he said to himself, licking his lips as he ogled the buff tiger. He took in Khan's buff, masculine figure that appeared as a silhouette against the fading sunlight. He couldn't help but reach into his loincloth and fondle himself a little, but he'd rather keep quiet until Khan noticed him.

Scar watched and waited, keeping both eyes locked on the tiger until he looked his way.

But he didn't. And Khan was already well on his way to scan the next section of his patrol route.

Scar frowned and let out a whine. "Guess I'll have to get you myself," he pouted.

But as he stood up, Khan stopped in his tracks and turned his head part-way behind him. "I knew you were there the whole time, Scar," he called out, "You're no threat to me."

He crossed his arms and frowned, holding out a paw to check his claws. "I was never gifted with intimidation like my brother."

"Even Mufasa doesn't scare me," he retorted, "Nothing does." He took a step forward to continue his patrol. "I have to get going. You take care now."

Once Khan continued, Scar waited until he took several more paces before following him, though still kept his distance. He eyed the tiger's strong back again, thankful to get a closer look this time. It was here he noticed how strong those legs and ass of his looked, like they had a lot of power inside those muscles.

With how often he's seen Khan lately, he considered changing his plans. Rather than trying to get Khan on his side to overthrow the King, he could just steal him from Mufasa and run away with him.

Of course, why not combine both plans?

Khan stopped again and looked behind him. "Clearly you want something from me, Scar."

Scar stopped as soon as Khan did. "Clearly," he replied with a wicked grin.

He sighed and turned around, crossing his buff arms over his meaty chest. "Make it quick." It was clear he was not pleased.

"I make no such promises," he said, strutting towards Khan, getting right up to him and trying to look into his eyes and sulking a bit. "Even when you're upset, you still manage to look handsome."

Though right as Scar made his attempt to swoon the tiger, Khan took a step back, nudging Scar back. "That may work on other men, but not on me."

He smirked. "I was just curious how you'd react." He then clasped his paws behind his back, standing more upright now. "So..." He began, pacing around Khan. "Clearly you've been here long enough and have cavorted about with my brother for years. You must know everything about everyone around the Pridelands, correct?"

"That's partially correct, yes." Khan glanced and turned his head wherever he heard Scar's voice, though kept still with his arms crossed.

"You're aware of the borders and who is allowed within the territory?"

"Yes, of course."

"And who might those be?"

"Well...hyenas, rogues, and intruders are the three groups Mufasa tells me to watch out for."

Scar stopped his pacing. "Has he not told you about anyone else to look out for?"

"I don't believe so. No."

"Interesting..." Scar continued his pacing around the tiger. "There's more than just hyenas, rogues, and intruders who roam within our borders, you know."

Khan raised his eyebrow. "Really."

"Oh, yes. Completely undetectable, no less. Right under the King's muzzle!" He exaggerated.

"I'm sure Mufasa would've found them out by now."

He stopped next to Khan's side and put an arm around his broad shoulders. "*Tsk. Tsk* You poor kitty."

Khan's eyes went wide in shock as he looked down at Scar, though didn't move a muscle...yet.

Despite the tiger's silent threat, Scar continued. "Do you not understand how much of a meathead my brother is? How ignorant and oblivious he can be?"

"But my mate has a good heart for his people."

"Except for one person," he said, holding up a finger right in Khan's face.

Khan sighed. "Let me guess...it's you?"

"Precisely."

"Maybe if you contributed more and--"

"Oh, please!" He exclaimed, waving a paw. He still had his arm around Khan's shoulders and didn't back off at all, despite Khan's threatening look. "Even if I did try to be part of this...family, no one would accept me."

"Then leave the Pridelands. Find another pride that will take you in."

Scar growled and released the tiger. "Do you not understand? Has my brother showed you what's beyond our borders?"

Khan grimaced and looked away for a moment, then back at Scar. "Yes...he didn't need to show me at all."

He raised his eyebrow and crossed his arms this time. "I'm listening."

"Before settling here...I had to traverse unknown jungles, deserts, mountains, travel along coastlines by sea...it'd take me weeks to arrive here to spend time with Mufasa. Finding fresh water or getting a fresh kill was always difficult in the desert or at sea...I almost died...too many times to count just because of that."

He took in a breath to keep his calm but serious composure. "So you understand why I can't leave."

Khan nodded in response. "It's prosperous here. I know the dry seasons makes things tough for everyone, but other than that..."

"It's as if this is a paradise."

He grinned as he felt his heart beating a little faster, though he wasn't sure why. He almost felt bad for seeing and treating Scar as Mufasa's lazy, good-for-nothing brother. But Scar would have to prove himself to show that he does have a good side first.

Scar continued, "I hope you understand my plight, Khan. We aren't too dissimilar, you and I."

"No I'm certain we are quite different," Khan retorted, crossing his arms again.

"Oh come now, you damn well know we're quite alike. I assume you've been inches from death many times, is that correct?

Khan nodded.

"And you've been attacked by someone who sees you as a threat but don't have to guts to finish you off?"

"I...think?"

Scar grinned as he looked straight into Khan's eyes. "And I know for a fact, you were just as conniving, sneaky, threatening as me."

Khan glared back at him. "Not anymore."

He chuckled. "In his excitement and stupidity, my brother has told me everything about you."

His eyes widened, then he shook his head. "No...No that can't be true. I may tell him everything, but that doesn't give him permission to spread the news about me."

"I'm sure you do, but he clearly hasn't honored that unspoken oath."

"Then...what did he tell you?"

He chuckled again, though he drew it out a bit longer. "You have blood on your paws, Khan."

Immediately, flashbacks of his many...many kills snapped in his mind, one right after the other: every killing blow, every trap, every throw off a cliff or tree or on his victims' heads, every and any method he used to murder anyone who stood in his way. His knees began to shake as he buckled to a knee, holding his head and shutting his eyes tight. The sounds of their screams suddenly silenced, his claws tearing through their flesh, their bones breaking and making their bodies contort, it all made Khan cry out into the night.

"That's not me! That's not ME!! I'm NOT like that ANYMORE!!!"

"Don't deny your past, Shere Khan! You're just as much of a threat to this kingdom as I am!"

Khan looked right up at Scar, slowly standing back up. "What...did you say?"

"You heard me," he replied with a wicked grin.

Without any hint or hesitation, Khan lashed out and sucker punched Scar right across the jaw, instantly knocking him down.

"Ow! Now you didn't need to--gah!"

Khan pounced on him, pinning him down, and began just wailing down punches on Scar's face.

Even though Scar wasn't much of a fighter, he did learn a thing or two from the hyenas and Mufasa when they were cubs. All he did was put his arms over his face and pray to the gods Khan won't kill him right here, right now. He did manage to block some of the blows, but his arms weren't the strongest and he eventually took a brutal beating right to his face.

The assault only lasted seconds, but it was enough to leave Scar's face and arms bruised and bloodied. Khan sat there, fists clenched tight and stained with the lion's blood as he heaved. He wanted so bad to continue beating on Scar to the point of death. He's been nothing but a nuisance and a looming threat to the Pridelands; it didn't matter if he was Mufasa's brother.

"Come on...kitten," Scar teased with a cough, "Finish me off...I know you want to do it." Despite his face all bloodied and bruised, he still managed a wicked grin.

Khan was frozen for a moment, slowly getting his breathing back to normal as his fists relaxed. He closed his eyes tight to try and remove the tears forming.

"I'm waiting..."

Khan just growled in response. He then got off of Scar, stomped down right on his abs, then ran into the darkness of the savanna.

Scar groaned as he held his abs and just laid there in the dry grass under the moonlight. Despite all the pain he felt in his head, arms, and face, he still managed to let out a cackle at Khan's response to everything he said.

"Coward."

* * *

Morning came. Mufasa was fast asleep with his arm around Sarabi as she snuggled up next to him in their den. Those outside went about their usual morning business, not knowing what had occurred the night before.

Except for the King's personal messenger bird.

Zazu timidly entered the den after landing outside. He always hated interrupting the King's slumber or walking in on his private activities with Sarabi or Khan. But he knew Mufasa paid no mind if it was of great importance or an emergency.

He cleared his throat. "Sire?"

Not a single movement from either lion.

He cleared his throat again, though exaggerated it this time. "Sire!"

Mufasa stuck his head up with a clear indication of bed head. "Mmmm...what is it Zazu?" He yawned.

"Shere Khan wishes to speak with you immediately."

He yawned again. "Have him come in then."

"He said it's a private matter. He also...to be quite blunt, looked terrible when he spoke with me."

"What do you mean?" He asked, suddenly becoming more alert and awake.

"Like he hasn't slept all night...must've had a scuffle last night too."

He growled. "I told him to nap when he could during night patrols," he murmured. "Did he tell you what happened?"

"Not a word. Only to speak with you immediately."

He sighed, glancing over to Sarabi for solace, who also woke at Zazu's presence.

"Go take care of your mate," she said, "He needs you more than anyone right now."

She then gently rubbed his back and shoulders for a while until he stood up. He only wore his loincloth when he slept and would normally put on his jewelry first thing in the morning. But this instance was an exception; his best friend, his lover, needed him right now.

"Thank you, Sarabi," he said, bending down to give her a quick kiss. He then turned to Zazu. "Take me to him."

Zazu stood to the side and extended a wing arm until Mufasa passed him. He then lead him to the rocky edge and pointed down to where Khan waited. The tiger was resting his back against the rock support under the peninsula right outside their den; he looked like he could hardly stand on his legs. Mufasa noticed some deep crimson staining his knuckles. He sighed.

"Thank you, Zazu," he said as he put a paw on the bird's shoulder.

"Good luck...Sire," he said before flying away.

As Mufasa made his way down, it became clear how rough of a night Khan had. Not only did he get a better look at his knuckles, but he also noticed some of his fur looked matted or stuck upward. He noticed how his eyelids sagged and that his eyes looked somewhat bloodshot. Yet it seemed like Khan wasn't dozing off at all; in fact, he appeared wide awake.

Khan jerked his head towards Mufasa as he approached, pushing himself off the rock with a slight sway in his stance. "I apologize if I've disturbed you."

"Not at all." When he looked Khan up and down close up, his heart sank. "Sweetie...what...happened to you?"

He took in a deep breath, though he choked on it from holding back his emotions. "Let's talk elsewhere. I don't want anyone else to hear what happened." He began to take a step, but stopped for a moment, jamming a finger at Mufasa. "Oh, and you better not fucking tell anyone. Understand?"

"Hun, why would I share what we keep between us?"

Khan waved a paw for the lion to follow. "Come. I'll tell you why when we get away from here."

Mufasa nodded and followed, though not without a bit of hesitation. As much as he loved and cared about Khan, he still intimidates him from time to time, but only when he's angry about something. And when Khan did get angry, it always started off cold and direct; thankfully, he's only experienced this a handful of times during their friendship. However, there was only one other time Khan was directly angry at him before today. He never liked it then, and he didn't like it now.

Not a word was spoken as the two walked along the savanna. Some of the King's subjects noticed them and either waved, bowed, or nodded as they passed. Mufasa just gave them a warm smile in return; Khan didn't acknowledge them. Mufasa glanced behind him every so often, noticing the majesty of Pride Rock becoming smaller and smaller in the distance.

"Where are you taking us..."

* * *

After walking for what felt like hours, Mufasa noticed how much his legs ached despite how well-built he was. But that didn't entirely stop him from seeing Khan's condition worsen until they finally stopped.

During their journey, Khan took heavier and heavier steps and struggled to keep himself upright. He would let out a wheeze or a hard, forced breath once in a while too. Yet he seemed to press on towards wherever it was he decided to take them for this so-called "talk."

When they did stop, Khan stumbled and nearly collapsed. Mufasa acted quickly to keep him upright and steady. Even though he knew how much the tiger was angry at him, he never protested.

"I guess you're not entirely angry at me."

Holding Khan upright and hugging him, Mufasa tried to console him.

"Hun, I don't know why you're acting like this all of a sudden. And I don't know why you decided to drag us all the way out here with no sleep." He tried not to shout at him, though it always frustrated him when Khan acted like this.

Khan never said a word. He never acknowledged the lion holding onto him.

He looked around. They were far from Pride Rock, sure, though the savanna grasses appeared just the same as they did back home, along with sparse foliage. But when he noticed a heard of wildebeest grazing out in the distance ahead of them, he knew exactly where they were.

"Khan...is there a reason you lead us all the way to the Gorge?"

He still didn't reply. The tiger just sighed and hung his head; he didn't want anyone else to see him in this weak state. He knew the wildebeest were too stupid to process what was going on between the two.

"You need to rest," he growled, "Now come on, lay down an--"

"I don't need rest."

"Khan! You'll die if you don't--"

"I don't. Need. Rest!"

He growled. "Then I won't let you go until you tell me what the hell is going on!"

"You sure you want to do that?" He asked, acknowledging the lion for the first time since they left Pride Rock.

"Yes. I care about you way to--"

Khan shoved off the lion and growled, staggering a bit.

Mufasa didn't protest. He refused to fight his mate over an argument, especially in the condition he's in.

He stumbled a bit, trying to keep his balance. He looked straight at his mate with piercing, yellow eyes filled with a quiet, growing fury ready to explode. "Why did you tell him?"

"Khan, what are you talking about?"

"You damn well know what I'm talking about!" He was not going to hold back any longer. "I'll ask you again! Why did you tell him?"

He gave Khan a slight snarl, getting himself part-way into a fighting stance. "Khan, I have no idea what or who you're talking about. But I damn well know you're not thinking straight."

Khan still struggled to stand up, but the burning rage inside him gave him all the energy he needed. "Of course! I have to spell it out for you! As usual!"

"Then spit it out!"

"Scar! Your brother! You told him about how I was a murder before I came here, didn't you!" Despite the piercing, yellow gaze, Mufasa noticed Khan's eyes welling up.

He looked down for a moment, letting out an inaudible curse before bringing his attention back to Khan. "Then I'm sorry, Khan...it's true..."

"Then why did you?" He growled, taking a hobbling step forward.

Mufasa dropped his half-stance; he refused to fight Khan like this. "I was young. Naive. Filled up with that warm feeling of having someone that close to me. Do you not recall we became mates before I took interest in Sarabi?"

"I do. But do you not recall I told you to never tell anyone about my life in the jungle? That it was a secret only to be kept between us!?" He took another, lumbering step forward.

Mufasa noticed this, but didn't get back in a stance. "Khan, if you think I'm going to fight you about this, I won't."

"No, I think we should!" He then charged right at the lion to try and tackle him, but only fell face-first in the ground as Mufasa spun to the side.

He still kept an upright posture, not at all readying up to fight his mate. He stood back some and watched as Khan struggled to stand back up.

"I've always admired your tenacity."

Khan only roared and swung a bloodied fist right for Mufasa's face, only for it to be caught mid-swing. Mufasa then twisted the tiger's arm in an armbar, looking right at him with nothing but sadness and pain.

As he screamed at the pain and numbness shooting through his arm, he tried to reverse it, but couldn't. Mufasa had his arm locked in under his armpit and twisted around.

"I'll hold you like this all damn day, Khan!"

"Coward!" He tried swinging the other fist at Mufasa, but was just out of reach and only put more strain on his joints and muscles.

He roared and quickly bent that arm back behind the tiger in a hammerlock, shoving him to the ground with ease and immediately sitting on top of him.

Khan just growled and wheezed as he laid there, swinging his free arm behind him, not caring how much additional pain he'll feel after all this. He managed to get a few good hits to the lion's thigh, but that arm also got grabbed and bent behind him.

"That's enough!" He roared, pressing his weight on the tiger's back, despite him squirming underneath. "We can talk this out later! Right now, you need to calm down!"

He growled and wheezed a bit, though gave up on trying to wiggle his way out from under Mufasa. Between last night, this morning, and this scuffle, his body began shutting down. All that heated anger, the same he kept ever since his encounter with Scar, subsided. Those hot, forced breaths soon became heavy sobs as he buried his face in the ground.

As soon as Mufasa took notice, he immediately let go of his arms but still sat on top of him. He could feel himself shake with how hard Khan wept as he gave a gentle scritch on top of the tiger's head. "Now. Are you going to be okay, kitty?"

He turned his head a moment to reply. "Could you get off me, please?" He choked.

"Promise me you'll not attack me right away and I will."

"I promise."

Mufasa stood right back up, but stepped over Khan so he could kneel next to him. When he did, he petted the tiger's back and head, giving him long, continuous strokes along the length of his body. Just like the other time Khan was this angry at him, it ended exactly like this. He wished his mate would learn to handle his anger better and how to be reasonable without getting emotional.

Khan sniffed, though didn't look directly at Mufasa anymore. "I'm sorry hun..."

"It's alright, sweetie."

He sighed, choking on his tears a bit as he struggled to get air back in his lungs. "I shouldn't even be in your kingdom in the first place."

"What makes you say that?" He asked, continuing to pet him.

"You damn well know what." Khan lifted his head some, shifting his arms to try and prop himself up if he needed.

"I do, but I'd rather you say it anyway."

His head and arms flopped back down. "...I have blood on my paws. Not...Not just literally."

"Who told you that?"

"...Scar."

"See, now that was your first mistake and rule number one in my kingdom." He paused a moment. "Actually it's rule number...three: Don't listen to Scar."

Khan managed a chuckle. "Then I really should be banished." For the first time, he looked up at Mufasa, not with rage and anger, but with tiredness and guilt. "Kitty?"

"Yes?"

"I know we're far from Pride Rock...but can we rest here for a while?"

He smiled down at him. "Sure, kitty."

"I'm also starving, and those wildebeest over there look tasty." He pointed off in the distance, though couldn't tell where the edges of the gorge were.

Mufasa looked over as well. "I would hunt one for you, but I don't want to risk traversing the Gorge. Once those wildebeest begin stampeding, they don't stop for anything or anyone."

"Oh..."

"I'll keep an eye out for something. Right now, sleep. Heal. I can keep watch since we aren't exactly within the boundaries of my kingdom."

"Okay..." Khan adjusted himself so he could lay more comfortably, then immediately passed out in a deep sleep as Mufasa petted him.

As much as he wanted to snuggle up right next to his mate, doing so outside of his kingdom would be too risky. Not only was the Gorge a common grazing place for wildebeest, but it was also a common hunting and scavenging ground for rogue lions and hyenas. It never bothered him, however; this wasn't the first time he's been to the Gorge, and it won't be the last.