Author's Note: I got the chance to see The Lion King Musical On Tour this weekend when it stopped by a city close to home, and it was absolutely incredible! The music, the songs, the emotion, the acting, there's nothing negative to be said about it. It inspired me to continue writing this story, so as long as my work load isn't too harsh, it should be done by the end of the week. Anyway, here's Chapter Seven. Enjoy!

Chapter Seven

The Trap

Kiara swatted halfheartedly at the butterfly, which promptly fluttered up and out of her reach. She sighed and stopped walking, watching the insect fly away into the cloudy afternoon with a glum expression on her face.

Ever since Kopa and Vitani had split up, Kiara and Kovu had been unable to agree on anything. It was as though the older lions' enmity was contagious. For no apparent reason, she and Kovu simply couldn't get along anymore. A shame, really, because she'd enjoyed spending long days with her best friend and playmate. Now it looked unlikely that the two of them would ever speak to each other, let alone play and have fun together, ever again. And as Kovu was the only other cub her age in the pride, that left her with no friends. No one to spend time with, no one to play hide-and-seek or tag with, no one to talk to, no one to confide in…

She heard the sound of thudding paws and looked around. Njama had walked up behind her, a gentle smile on her face. "Hello, Kiara," she said pleasantly. "How are you?"

Kiara wasn't sure why, but she had never truly trusted Njama. Sure, she'd been likeable enough, but there was always something about her, something secretive. Nevertheless, it would have been rude to ignore her, so she replied, "Fine, I guess."

"Where is Kovu?" Njama asked, looking around as though expecting to see him hiding in the brush. "Don't you all usually play together?"

"Not anymore," Kiara said sadly. "Not since Kopa and Vitani got into that fight."

"Oh," said Njama, seeming to understand. "Yes, most of the pride seems to be at odds with each other these days. Don't worry, though. These things always heal in time."

"You think so?" Kiara said hopefully.

"Of course," Njama replied with a smile. "Kovu will come around eventually. Everyone will. Even Kopa and Vitani, I'm sure of it. We just have to give them a little time, that's all."

"I hope you're right," Kiara sighed. "Kovu is my only friend…"

"Now that's not true, Kiara," said Njama, sounding mildly surprised. "Aren't I a friend?"

Kiara looked up at her, startled at the question. "Well…yeah, I guess. But you're older than me. Kovu's my age."

"That's true," Njama conceded. "It is always easier to get along with someone the same age as you, I guess."

There was a moment's pause.

"Tell you what," said Njama suddenly, as if suddenly inspired. "Let's go for a walk, you and me. There's a really cool place I want to show you. I think you'll like it. What do you say?"

Kiara was taken aback, but as she really had nothing better to do, she said, "All right, let's go. So where is this place?"

"Oh, it's a surprise," said Njama, an odd glint in her eyes. "But I promise, you won't want to miss it!"

And so the two lions began to walk away from Pride Rock.

…

Kopa, after his encounter with Njama, had stormed into the den, scowling. The few lionesses that were inside barely glanced up at him. After all, they had taken Vitani's side, and until he came forward with an apology, they wanted nothing to do with him.

He settled in a corner and rested his head on his forepaws. His thoughts centered on Njama. She really had some nerve. Hadn't he already expressed that he wasn't seeking a relationship with her? Hadn't he said that they were friends, but no more than that? Hadn't he told her that he loved Vitani and…

His thoughts came to a grinding halt. Therein lay the problem. He still loved Vitani. He didn't trust her, knew she didn't trust him, and knew that they'd never be able to return to their innocence, but he still loved her. He had never once known love before her, and even now, in the midst of all this turmoil, he still sheltered feelings for her, feelings beyond the simple friendship or crush. He felt as though she had taken up residence in his heart, and now that she was out of it, it had become hollow and empty, aching for something – or a special someone – to fill it. But there was no one else. Only Vitani would ever be able to fill that particular void.

His dark musings were interrupted by Kovu, who came plodding into the den and sat down next to Kopa. "Have you seen Kiara?" he asked. He sounded as though he was pretending not to care one way or the other, but his eyes gave him away.

Kopa sighed. "No, I haven't. Sorry."

Kovu shrugged. "It's okay," he said, trying and failing to sound nonchalant. His eyes betrayed the disappointment he was truly feeling.

Kopa caught movement in the corner of his eye and looked up, only to feel his heart sink like a stone. Vitani had entered the den, home from the afternoon hunt. She glanced once in his direction, and their eyes met for a moment. Kopa felt his insides squirm as he gazed into those dull blue eyes, eyes that had been so bright and vibrant only a few days ago. Now it looked like the life had been drained from them.

Then she looked away, and Kopa looked down at the kill they'd brought in. He'd barely seen that it was a gazelle before he turned his gaze to the floor; he wasn't really hungry.

He groaned softly, closed his eyes, and shook his head. No, it wasn't supposed to be like this. He was supposed to be up there, congratulating her on her excellent hunting, nuzzling her, taking in the sight of her beautiful face. The entire pride was supposed to be eating contentedly, easily satisfied by the plentiful meat. Kovu and Kiara were supposed to be playing nearby, not a care in the world. Things were supposed to be so much better. Not like this. Not at all like this…

"Kopa!"

The sound of Njama's voice did not improve his mood, but when he looked up and saw her face, his heart missed several beats. Her face was etched with fear. He knew without having to ask that something was wrong.

"What is it, Njama?" he asked, standing up. "What's happened? Njama, talk to me, what's wrong?"

"Kopa, it…it's Kiara," Njama stammered. "We were walking out by the gorge, and a rogue lion attacked us. I just managed to get away, but…Kopa, he has Kiara!"

Kopa felt his stomach dissolve.

The entire pride had fallen silent at Njama's approach, and now Simba came forward, his eyes alert and fearful. "Some rogue has my daughter at the gorge!" he said, his voice strained.

Njama nodded.

"Take us to her!" he commanded, and Njama spun around and darted from the cave, followed by Simba, Nala, Kopa, Vitani, and Sarabi. "Nala!" Simba said, skidding to a stop as he realized his mate and the others were with him. "Mother! Kopa! All of you, get back to the den! I'll handle this!"

"Not a chance, Simba," Nala said fiercely as they also halted. "Kiara's my daughter too! I'm not staying here without knowing if she's all right!"

Simba glanced around. It was clear that the others were not about to be persuaded either. Their faces were set in determination, eyes glinting with resolve. He sighed and said, "Okay, but be careful, all of you!"

They bounded down the stone steps of Pride Rock and began to run toward the gorge. No one said a word as they ran, but all of them were thinking along the same lines. Who was this rogue? What was his purpose? Why was he holding Kiara captive? What did he have planned…?

Images, unwelcome, crept into Kopa's mind, and he shook them away. No, he told himself, Kiara's gonna be fine! We're all gonna be fine!

They continued running for several minutes until they finally reached the gorge. Simba came to a stop a few feet from the edge, eyeing it apprehensively. The memories of the stampede that had killed his father were obviously still fresh in his mind. But the gorge was no longer dry and barren; the recent rains had filled it with water so that a swift, flowing river ran through the spot where the Great King Mufasa had died. Sarabi too had a sad expression in her eyes as she remembered her beloved mate and how he'd met his tragic end…

But there was no time for that. They had to find Kiara. Kopa looked around, careful not to catch Vitani's eyes as he did. "Where are they?" he asked, not seeing another soul. They were surrounded by a thick growth of brush, but nothing else. "Njama, where is Kiara? Njama?"

He turned so that his back was turned to the cliffs. Njama was standing a few feet away, and she was smiling. Kopa had only seen that smile on one other lioness, and the memory made his blood run cold.

"Njama!" Simba barked. "What is the meaning of this?"

A cold voice answered, but it didn't come from Njama. "Ah, Simba! Yes, you fell for the bait perfectly. Wonderful job, Njama. Just as we planned."

From the bushes and undergrowth around them emerged a band of skinny, filthy lionesses, about fifteen total. Their eyes were all agleam with malice and glee at their catch. One of them was holding Kiara by the nape of her neck. She looked terrified. "Daddy…" she whimpered.

But Simba's eyes – and those of the others as well – were all directed at one lioness in particular, who had walked over to where Njama was standing, in the center of the group. She was grinning malevolently, as though what she saw amused her greatly. Her red eyes were shining with delight, and her skinny sides heaved in anticipation. Kopa noticed the hole in her right ear.

Zira.

Author's Note: Bet you didn't see that coming. I'll try to update this as soon as possible. I should, God and time willing, be able to finish this story by the weekend. If not then, then by the end of next week for sure. Please leave a review! I want to know what you all are thinking!