A/N: Again, I didn't like what happened last chapter, but that was what the whole plot basically revolves around. (Obviously, I had to put it in.) Everything will get better, I promise.

Chapter 7 – Imprisoned Soul

Sarabi's old ears pricked at a barely audible sound from the direction of Pride Rock. She opened her eyes as a hot wind swept the dry grass and barely made out Nala's shadowy form.

"Nala, are you alright?" she called in a raspy voice; her throat was parched from the air.

The younger lioness stumbled toward her and Sarabi grew more worried with every step she took. She remembered having laid down with the other lionesses as it grew dark, but Nala had never returned from Scar's lair.

As she came closer, Sarabi could hear and also visibly see the sobs wracking her body. She rushed to nuzzle her in comfort and Nala collapsed against her shoulder.

"What happened?" Sarabi asked urgently. "Why did it take you so long?"

Nala bit her tongue to slow the sobs but could not look Sarabi in the face.

Sarabi began to lead her back to their circle beneath Rafiki's tree, but Nala veered off in the direction of the water hole.

"Where are you going? The water's dried up!" Sarabi doubled after her.

Nala didn't seem to hear, but leapt into the indentation in the ground anyway. She rolled against the eroded wall as if trying to drown herself.

She's delirious, Sarabi thought.

She jumped in after Nala, avoiding a slow trickle of water that was still filtering through the wasteland.

"Nala, what happened?"

Nala shook her head, and her wild eyes found the thin stream.

She bent her head, savoring the cool, clean feeling against her tongue.

When she had had enough, she straightened up.

"I have to get out of here."

Sarabi gave her a sympathetic look. "We all have to get out of here."

Nala turned violently. "You don't understand! I have to get out of here… But I can't… I CAN'T!" she yelled to the sky.

Sarabi jumped at her outburst. Nala had always been quiet, not one to let emotions get in the way many times.

"Tell me what happened," she urged gently.

Nala heaved a shuddering breath and shook herself.

"He… he… I went in and told him about the hyenas and he didn't seem to care… he was staring at me like, like he could see right through me… he told me… he told me he killed my mother because… she wouldn't be his mate."

Rage and disgust filled Sarabi's eyes. She loathed Scar with a passion, but this was crossing the line.

Nala continued. "So… he said since you wouldn't consent… he'd have me—

She turned and retched violently.

Sarabi's eyes widened. And she'd thought killing Sarafina was below the belt…

"So now, he says I'll have his cubs, no matter what." Nala clawed at the rock-hard earth. "And that's why I can't leave… I have to see if I'm going to actually have the cub first."

An ominous weight descended in Sarabi's chest and she realized that she was terrified for Nala. "You can still leave," she said quietly. Nala looked up.

"You can go," Sarabi continued. And you should – get as far away from here as you can. "Leave… you can have the cub and leave it to die, or kill it. It's your decision."

Nala looked horrified. "I wish… but I can't! I could never really abandon a cub, even if it is," her teeth clenched, "his."

Resigned, Sarabi sat down.

"And I could never get through having it without you," Nala added. She flicked her tail in disgust. "I don't believe this… I'm imprisoned in my own home. What else can I do?"

Sarabi nuzzled her. "We'll get through this," she whispered. "All of us, together."

Nala began to sob again as they headed back to their refuge beneath the tree.

"I still think it was a dream," she cried. "How could he have done that? To me? How could he use me for his sick indulgences? How could he target me for his twisted desires?"

Sarabi said nothing. Still a hot breeze whipped around them, and Nala glanced up to see Scar's outline in the entrance of Pride Rock, his mane waving in the wind.

'Twill get better, promise. It feels like I've said that a lot lately. Also: I apologize for not updating lately, I've had a LOT of inspiration in the Phantom-fic department. If any of you LK readers are into that, I urge you to check out my stories, I love reviews.