A/N: And now fooooooooooooorrrrr chapter seven! But first,some answers to a few questions from confused readers:

Anoymous: Thanks for reading,and,if I answered your question now,I'd spoil the story for everyone else.But, I'll just say that Kiara screamed because she was 'being grabbed'. Go on and read, then tell me if you're still confused.

Now on with the story,folks!

Chapter Seven: The Search Begins

Kiara blinked open her eyes and looked around curiously. She could hardly tell where she was, due to lack of light. Only a small ray of sunlight peeking through a gap in the rocks provided little light.

Rocks? It then hit her. She remembered walking into a dark den. Something sharp grabbed her around her middle and she struggled to get free. She remembered being lifted into the air by that sharp grasp. She wiggled and squirmed as much as she could, then fell hard on the ground. Something heavy swatted her across her head, then, blackness. She couldn't recall anything after that.

As soon as her eyes adjusted to the darkness, Kiara could make out a triangular-shaped entrance that was blocked by a large stone. The gap was very small, so little air came through.

Kiara whimpered and sat up. The ground was hard and cool. She could tell she was completely alone; there were no other sounds around her. She peeked through the gap, hoping to spot someone-anyone-who could help her. But unfortunately, all she could see for miles was short dead grass. She couldn't actually see anyone, but she figured that if she yelled, someone nearby would hear her.

''Is-is anybody out there? Help! Someone please help me!'' she cried. There was no answer.

Over and over again, Kiara called for help, but no one came to her aid. Giving up, she lied on the rigid ground and curled her body into a tight ball. She wished she had never left home and followed Kovu across the perilous river. Yet again, she disobeyed her father and highly regretted it.

As a tear rolled down her cheek, she sniffled, wanting so much to lie between her parents, to feel safe and comfortable.

Nala sat on the summit of Pride Rock, full of devastation. Her only cub was missing and she had no clue to where she could be. All day, she, Simba, and she other lionesses along with Zazu, Timon, and Pumbaa searched for little Kiara. However, they had yet to find her.

Nala scanned the entire view of the Pridelands, for any hint of sign of her. But what was the point of it if she and her whole family already searched on foot?

Kiara, why did you leave us? Nala thought dolefully, as a single tear streamed down her face.

''Nala?''

Nala turned to see Simba approaching her, looking tired and just as depressed. He sat beside her and said, ''I just got back from the Gorge. Obviously, she wasn't there either.''

''But where else could she have gone? We looked everywhere she possibly be!'' Nala exclaimed. Her voice choked and more tears leaked from her eyes.

''Don't cry, we won't give up,'' Simba consoled her, while nuzzling her head.

''I'm just scared that something terrible might've happened to her,'' said Nala, nuzzling back, and purring lightly. If anything did happen to Kiara, she herself would die of desolation.

''I promise we'll find her soon. Either that, or she'll turn up,'' Simba assured her softly. But he wasn't so sure himself. Even so, he still won't stop looking.

''Simba! Nala!'' called Simba's mother, Sarabi, as she ran toward them.''I have good news!'' she said, nearly breathless.

''What is it, Sarabi?'' asked Nala anxiously, her heart in a flutter.

''I've picked up Kiara's scent not too far from here. I followed, and it seemed to trail all the way to the West River,'' Sarabi explained.

''The West River! You mean she crossed it alone?'' Simba exclaimed. He should have known Kiara would've gone there again.

''I'm not sure. Maybe she managed to-which is almost impossible without getting caught by a-'' Sarabi said, but was cut off by Nala.

''Don't say that! Maybe she made it safely across. We have to go to the Outlands on the other side. Maybe she's there.''

''The Outlands is full of hazards. Nala's right. Kiara's probably in great danger. The only way we'll know is if we go there,'' agreed Simba.

''And we have to go now,'' insisted Nala,''....before it's to late.''

A/N: Like it? Lemme know! Oh and when I first started writing this, I completely forgot about Nala's mother, Sarafina.

So now I have to figure out a way to squeeze her into the story!