Damn, just when a month's worth of controlled assessments are over… they throw like five more at you. At least Geography's nearly done, but next week is Spanish writing, and then I have all three science practicals coming my way pretty soon… STRESS!

Oh yes, we've hit the 50 review mark! Thanks so much everyone! It truly means a lot to get feedback. (Congrats to Simbah who holds the honour of being the 50th reviewer)

And, while I'm here, Ni isn't really an O/C. He appears in one of the TLK books, but I haven't read them, so I don't know what his character is like. Let's say he's half original… ;)

Chapter Thirteen: Mounting Pressure

Arianna was pregnant again. Scar's announcement was met exactly as it had been the first time around: by outrage. Arianna once again stayed silent throughout it all, but the strain all this was having on her young demeanour was visible. She was tired all the time, and suffering from too little food. It was looking as though she could lose these cubs, as well.

She did her best to keep away from Scar as much as possible, but it was difficult. She was almost certain that the loss of her first cub was when he smacked her against the wall. Despite the hatred and fear she felt towards the father, she was desperate to have these cubs. She wanted something to nurture and bring up like so may of the other lionesses had. She decided there and then that she'd do everything she could to protect them from Scar's wrath.

Sneaking out to see Ni was becoming harder and harder. Mufasa knew he was a pivotal part of rescuing Simba from Scar's lair. Without Ni's involvement, the plan was useless. He could not take Scar down on his own, and he didn't know how many of the lionesses would be willing to help him. Since the incident with Mheetu, Scar had decreed that any lioness going against his laws would have their cubs slaughtered on the spot. Mufasa had convinced Zazu to relay messages between them, but meeting face to face would be much better for everyone.

"Mufasa."

He looked up.

"Yes?"

"It's the young lion," said Zazu, "he's at the base of Pride Rock."

Mufasa gasped inwardly.

"What's he doing there? Does he want to be caught?"

"I don't know, but he wants to talk with you."

Then, he added,

"Sire."

"I'm not the king, Zazu."

"Yes you are. You are to me. Scar will never be my king."

Mufasa smiled. He felt touched that Zazu still felt so much allegiance to him. He nodded to the bird, and then quickly crept out into the darkness.

As he descended the stone steps, he looked around. He couldn't see Ni anywhere.

"Mufasa!" someone whispered.

He turned around, and saw two green orbs floating in the darkness. He moved towards them.

"Are you trying to get yourself caught?"

"I know, I know…" Ni said, "But I have to see my cubs. I have to see Sarafina…"

"You can't."

"Why not?"

"Because," Mufasa snapped, "it's too dangerous. Scar says he'll kill the cubs of any lioness breaking the law-"

Ni cut him off.

"If that snake touches my cubs I swear I'll-"

He made to lunge up the steps, a deep growl rumbling in his throat.

"Stop! That won't do anyone any good! He's already got his eye on your son; don't give him an excuse to-"

This pushed Ni over the edge.

"I'll kill him… so help me… I'LL KILL HIM!"

This shout had roused the hyenas, which the lions had forgotten weren't too far away.

"Go," Mufasa said, "we can talk later."

"But-"

"GO, Ni."

Ni, looking as though he really didn't want to, quickly ran off into the darkness. Mufasa briefly watched him go, before silently dashing back up to the den.

Through everything, Simba was still up in Scar's den. For six long and gruelling moons he had been trapped here, without a notion as to what was going on in the life that had been taken from him so suddenly. Despite Scar's abuse dying down slightly, the long hours spent alone with his own thoughts gave him time to think. He had given up hope of ever getting out of here, what was he going to miss? He thought of the Kingdom he would never inherit… the mate and cubs he would never have… how did it feel to bring down a kill, or chase away an intruder? He supposed he would just have to wonder forever.

Every time that Scar entered the den, Simba would back himself as far into the corner of the den as he could, tensed up, ready for a blow. Scar rarely said a word to him, but would lie down and sleep, or even talk to himself sometimes. Simba had stopped listening to Scar's mutterings, mainly because he often repeated himself. They were usually about Arianna or the other lions or retaining his title, but for now, he was silent. As the adult lion lay down, the scraping sound of the rock being moved could be heard. A hyena stood in the entrance.

"What do you want?"

"King Scar," it said, "I have urgent news for you."

"Go on…"

"A rogue lion has been sighted."

Scar's head shot up off of the floor.

"A… a rogue?"

"Yes, sire."

Scar leapt up and charged out of the den. He leapt up onto a boulder and roared to gather the lions together.

"Lions!" he called, "a rogue has been seen in the pride lands."

A great muttering broke out amongst the Pride. A rogue? Could this be the answer to their prayers? Beside her, Sarabi saw Sarafina become suddenly tense.

"This lion will be tracked down and killed," Scar continued, "but if I find out that anyone has been affiliated with him in any way," he looked over at Mufasa, Sarabi and Sarafina, "there will be major consequences."

Scar leapt down from the rock and left the den, with a large group of hyenas following him. Mufasa sprinted over to Zazu.

"Zazu," he panted, "find Ni. Tell him to get out of here, and that I'll send word when it's safe."

"But, Mufasa-"

"Please," he begged, "just do it. Just… find him before they do."

The bird hesitated for a moment before finally flying off.

Despite Ni's muscularity, Scar was much older than him, and had a band of hyenas to back him up. He would never be able to fight them all off. Mufasa's heart beat had quickened. Had all hope of getting Simba back been shot?

He glanced over to where Sarabi was. She was doing her best to comfort a trembling Sarafina.

"It'll be all right, honeytree."

"No… no he won't."

"Mufasa has just sent Zazu out. He'll find him. Please don't worry."

"But," a gasping sob escaped from her, "what if Scar finds him first?"

Tears began to well up in the lioness' eyes.

"He never even got to see his cubs!" she wailed.

"My dear," Sarabi said, as gently as possible, "you need to be quiet. There's still hyenas around."

Sarafina did her best to stifle her cries, until she eventually calmed down.

A few hours later, Scar and his hyenas returned. By the look on Scar's face, they had been unsuccessful in finding Ni. Zazu came back a few moments later, and landed in front of Mufasa.

"He has retreated to the outlands, and awaits further news."

"Thank You, Zazu."

As Zazu hopped away, Mufasa cast a look up to Scar's den, just as he was entering.

Don't worry, Simba, he thought, I'm going to get you out.