[Author's Note]
I meant to get this chapter done way sooner, but as some of you may have noticed, there's a plague going around. Stay safe and wash your hands, my friends.

If I could reach the stars, pull one down for you,
Shine it on my heart, so you could see the truth
That this love I have inside is everything it seems,
But for now I find it's only in my dreams.
—Eric Clapton, "Change the World"

"Focus. Let the details come forth. There's no need to make sense of them just yet."

The patter of heavy rain echoed in Kopa's ears. The sunlight permeating his closed eyelids faded away as he tuned out his surroundings and immersed himself within the memory.

"Relax, Kopa. Recollection is a fragile process. It must appear to you willingly."

Kopa complied, becoming aware that his shoulders were clenched. Slowly, the dark within his consciousness began to form into shapes. One of them drew closer, the silhouette of an angular lioness; something in the way she moved felt unsettlingly familiar. Kopa's breath quickened, his claws digging into the grass he laid upon.

"That's it. Remember, we do not conjure our thoughts but merely observe them. Give in to your memory, let the current carry you."

A flash of lightning sliced through his mind, causing to Kopa recoil as it illuminated the mysterious figure's features—the gleam of her crimson eyes, the bared teeth around her rain-soaked maw, the outstretched claws reaching for him—and with the crash of thunder that followed, he was caught in a raging torrent. As the water rose before him, he instinctively thrust his paws in front of his face—only to feel a pair of furry hands grab hold of his forelegs.

Kopa's eyes snapped open. His heart pounded as his focus returned to reality; the morning rays sifting through the trees above, the soft grass brushing against his belly, the mortified concern Tanzu wore where he sat crouched before him. "I apologize," the old chimp said ruefully. "Unfortunate choice of words on my part."

"No, no, it's fine," Kopa gasped. "I saw something this time. I think I know who she..." His paws trembled in Tanzu's grasp. Solid ground. You're alright. You're safe.

"Deep breaths," Tanzu instructed. His eyes lingered upon the faint but visible scars on Kopa's forelegs before letting go. "Uncertainty reveals our own limitations to us—our perceptions, our truths—and it is not something to be afraid of."

"I'm not afraid," Kopa snapped, sitting up. "She's the one I keep hearing in my nightmares, I know it."

The old chimp tilted his head to one side. "Then if not fear, what is it you feel?"

"I feel like I'm a stranger in my own head. I hate that I still can't figure out what I'm supposed to remember."

"I know, child. But to hate what we can't figure out is a temptation many fall into. I implore you not to make the same mistake." Tanzu placed one hand on Kopa's shoulder. "Our experiences, our thoughts...even our feelings do not make up who we are. We were only made to carry those things, and it is our choices that guide us toward understanding ourselves."

"That's just it," Kopa said in resignation. "I'm not sure I do carry those things—not all of it. Whoever I used to be...what if he isn't in here anymore?" He tapped the side of his head with one paw.

Tanzu took his hand off Kopa's shoulder, stroking his chin in contemplation. "Three years since the river brought you here, and still your past eludes you..."

"Three years, two moons, and eleven days. Most of my life has been spent in this forest."

"Yet you continue to count, every day you're with us."

"It reminds me that I lived a life before this. If I stop counting, I might stop believing it was real."

"And do you still see them in your dreams? Your family?"

"Not for a while now," Kopa admitted. "Their faces get harder to remember the more I try."

"Your mind is telling you to let go," mused Tanzu. "Your heart, however, is not."

"I can't let go, Tanzu," sighed Kopa. "Not until I figure out what happened to me."

"And will you?"

Kopa's gaze fell. "I don't know. Tumaini won't talk to me about it. He gets so angry whenever I bring it up...says my parents don't deserve to know I'm alive. Do you..." He hesitated. "Do you really think they hurt me?"

"Someone did, that much is clear from the injuries you sustained," affirmed Tanzu. "Perhaps the lioness you saw just now. You may never regain your memories, but you can still find answers outside this forest. And if Tumaini does not wish to accompany you—"

"I'm not leaving if he isn't," said Kopa firmly.

Tanzu nodded. "I understand. I suggest you meditate further on this. You could encourage Tumaini to do the same."

A knowing smile appeared on Kopa's face as he got up to leave. "He hates getting in touch with his 'inner self'," he reminded the old chimp. "But I'll do my best."

"That's all I ask," responded Tanzu, returning the smile. "Go forth in peace, my child. Sisi ni sawa...we are one."

Overhead, a number of chimps could be seen swinging between the trees. The sound of their movements faded as Kopa ambled through the Maelewano Forest. He could hear the other inhabitants up and about, and every now and then an animal would appear from the sprawling undergrowth of the forest floor. A few of them exchanged polite nods before going on with their morning activities, albeit while keeping their distance.

Kopa wasn't offended. Although he and Tumaini abided by the forest's no-hunting laws, they weren't about to convert to a non-meat diet like Tanzu's chimps, something the other inhabitants were respectfully aware of. The fact that they didn't run the other way whenever they saw him meant there was trust rather than merely tolerance.

A dirt path split the undergrowth up ahead, and Kopa spotted an okapi named Kiri, who was guiding her calf along the path. He stopped to let them pass. "Morning, Kiri."

"Good morning to you, Kopa," greeted Kiri, ruffling her enormous ears in response. "It's been a while."

"Yeah, I haven't seen you since you were—"

The okapi calf squeaked in terror upon catching sight of Kopa. He scrambled to hide behind Kiri.

"—pregnant. Is this who the fuss was about?" Kopa smiled at the calf, hoping he wasn't showing too much teeth.

"My son, Hofu. I'm showing him how to forage for food, now that he can walk." Kiri gazed over her shoulder at her trembling offspring. "It's okay, Hofu. He's not going to hurt you."

"What is he, mommy?" Hofu stammered, tentatively peeking out from around his mother's striped legs.

"A lion, sweetheart," Kiri told him. "Kopa and his friend live in the forest, just like us."

"D-don't lions...don't they eat other animals?"

"We do," said Kopa. "But not here—we hunt in the mountains, where the other carnivores live."

The calf blinked in confusion. "But those animals have families too...don't they?"

"They do, but..." Kopa faltered, not sure how best to answer this.

Seeing his hesitation, Kiri cleared her throat. "I'll explain when we get home," she promised, "but let's keep moving for now. Say goodbye to Kopa."

"Bye," mumbled Hofu.

"See you." Kopa gingerly held the smile, watching Kiri and her son disappear into the trees before heading the other way down the path. He wondered if his own mother ever stopped thinking about him, wherever she was now.

"You are never far from my sight or my protection..."

Kopa gasped as the words surfaced from the depths of his mind, and he came to a stumbling halt. My mom said that to me. I'm certain it was her. He clasped both paws over his head, slumping against a large rock as he tried to connect a face to the voice.

"Oh no, not again. We found this one first, Kopa, so you can buzz off."

Startled, Kopa looked down and saw several chameleons shimmering into visibility. The lizards sat perched on the rock he was leaning against, and their pointed glares told him they were not keen on sharing. "This isn't your territory," he observed.

"And our rock wasn't yours, but that didn't stop Tumaini from taking it," one of the chameleons snapped back.

That doesn't sound like him. "And why did he want your rock?" asked Kopa curiously.

The chameleon scowled. "Didn't find out, we were too busy trying not to get flattened. It took us all morning to relocate here, now if you'll excuse me I'm about to give Tumaini a piece of my mind."

"No, I'll handle it," Kopa said in resignation. "I'm sure it was a misunderstanding...you guys blend in too well sometimes."

He hurried off, following the sound of the Zuberi River's gentle trickle amidst the chatter and bustle in the forest. It soon came into view up ahead, glittering with sunlight where the trees ended on both sides. Being near the river set his mind at ease, in ways that were at odds with its terrifying presence in his nightmares. Tanzu once said the river was named after a great lion king. The first king of a place called the Serengeti Pride Lands.

"The river can be fierce and unrelenting, much like a lion," the old chimp had told him. "But it also fosters a gentle and giving side. And like the river, I believe you have a place in this forest—if you are willing to seek peace within yourself. The Zuberi's true nature remains unchanged by the storms it encountered, see?"

It was not long before Kopa was met by the familiar sight of the small stone den by the stretch of riverbank. The tall black-maned lion atop the elephant-sized rock was unmistakably Tumaini, although Kopa's attention was caught by the long trench leading from the mouth of their den to the water. Tumaini was jumping on top of the rock repeatedly, driving it firmly into the ground; he looked up as the younger lion approached.

"You know, you always told me not to take what didn't belong to me," Kopa remarked as he took in his friend's handiwork.

"If it already belongs to someone else," Tumaini corrected, hopping down into the trench. "This was just sitting on top of a hill when I found it." He strained to push the rock toward the river, lengthening the trench from where it was dug in.

Kopa pressed one paw against the rock's other side, prompting a questioning look from Tumaini. "And let me guess, you rolled it off the side of the hill?" surmised the brown-maned lion.

Tumaini stopped what he was doing to give him a quizzical look. "Why, what's wrong?"

Kopa shook his head in exasperation. "Nothing we can't fix between the two of us. We should be able to roll it back up there...right?"

•••

"Kupatana community,
One day for unity
Gather together in peace,
Our Kupatana community."

Having finished the song, the choir stepped off the slab of stone they were performing on. They dispersed into the crowd of animals while Zazu, their conductor, flew up to join the lions who appeared atop the sloping rock behind the stage.

Simba, standing in the middle, smiled as he took in the sight of the animals gathered in Mizimu Grove. "Welcome to the Kupatana Celebration," the king greeted warmly. "It's good to see new faces among us, and many familiar ones who have travelled a long way to share this day of peace with us. We are honoured to be joined by Queen Dhahabu of the Back Lands."

The animals cheered for the golden zebra, who beamed graciously from where she stood.

Nala stepped forward so that she was beside Simba. "We would also like to thank Ma Tembo and her herd for their aid in restoring Mizimu Grove, which has thrived since it was claimed by a terrible fire more than a year ago."

Ma Tembo and her elephants bowed their heads modestly as the animals broke into more cheers. Simba's smile broadened. "A lot has changed since then," he continued, "and I can see many of you are curious about the rumours you've heard these last few moons. And while we will address them officially in the upcoming summit, there's no reason to keep you in the dark, especially today of all days."

"Is that why the hyenas are here?" asked Swala, a gazelle leader. Her tone was level but noticeably sharp. A ripple of murmurs passed through the animals, many of whom stared at the small number of hyenas gathered together. Simba saw Madoa, the clan matriarch, exchange nervous glances with Janja; Jasiri, however, appeared completely unfazed.

"Madoa's clan is here on our invitation," Simba attested. "They have been our allies ever since they fought beside the Pridelanders at Scar's volcano. And Jasiri, the first Overseer of the Outlands, is a trusted friend of Kion's."

"It is our hope that more Outlanders will accept our invitation to attend the next Kupatana gathering," added Nala.

"Where is Kion, anyway?" demanded Mjomba, an aardwolf. "No one's seen him or his Lion Guard in ages."

Simba faltered. He caught Nala's eye, and she gave him a nod of encouragement. Clearing his throat, he responded. "Kion and his friends left the Pride Lands on a journey of a...personal nature. He has found his calling at a faraway place called the Tree of Life, where he now rules alongside its queen."

The animals looked confounded, particularly the ones who hadn't been present at Kion's coronation.

"But rest assured," Simba went on, "the Pride Lands have not been left undefended. And to those from the outermost reaches of our borders, I'd like to introduce you to our new Lion Guard, and its leader, Vitani."

•••

To Vitani's surprise, she recognized a fair number of animals in the crowd. They were among those reacting favourably as she and the Lion Guard stepped into view behind the royal family; the rest, however, had fallen into a hush. She could see more than a few wary looks and even fearful ones among the animals.

"As many of you are aware, the union of Princess Kiara and Prince Kovu has made our pride whole again," said Simba. "When my daughter called to end the conflict, Vitani was the first to mend the rift between us."

"And how do we know she can be trusted with the Roar of the Elders?" challenged Tumbili, the aging colobus leader. The other animals murmur, some in agreement.

Behind Vitani, the Lion Guard whispered among themselves. "Quiet," she hissed to her team without averting her forward gaze.

"Before returning to the Tree of Life, Kion wanted to ensure that Vitani could put the needs of the Pride Lands before her own," Nala explained. "He told us that she challenged him to a Mashindano without the Roar, and declared that she didn't need it to lead the Lion Guard."

Among the crocodiles, a rumbling chuckle was heard from Makuu. "Not something you witness every day." He looked Vitani directly in the eye. "You've got backbone, I'll give you that."

The other animals looked taken aback at Makuu's endorsement; even Simba seemed impressed as he turned back to the crowd. "For six moons, Vitani's team has tirelessly performed their duties all over the Pride Lands. It is a testament to their devotion that many of you have not even needed to call for their help. If anyone is a worthy successor to my son, I believe it is indeed Vitani."

No one was more surprised than Vitani, however, when Simba turned around to address the Lion Guard directly.

"Kion trusts you to protect the Pride Lands, Lion Guard," the king proclaimed solemnly, "and so do I."

If Vitani was supposed to respond, she was spared from having to as something else caught the animals' attention. The baobab trees were shedding their flowers, and many of the newcomers were entranced by the sight of the leaves shimmering in the afternoon sun. "Thank you for coming, everyone," said Nala. "Enjoy the festivities."

As the crowd broke off to mingle and eat the baobab flowers, Vitani saw Kiara leading Kovu toward the animals in attendance and made to follow them. "Stay close," she muttered to the others.

"Lion Guard, a moment?" Simba called. Vitani looked uncertainly from him to Kovu, who gave her a reassuring nod.

"It's alright, Vitani," Kiara told her. "I'm just going to introduce Kovu to some people."

"At least take Tazama with you," implored Vitani.

"We'll be fine, sis," Kovu insisted. "Go have some fun."

"'Fun'," muttered Vitani, watching them hop off the sloped stone together. She turned and rejoined the Lion Guard, following Simba through the grove.

"It must be strange, seeing all the animals getting along like this," the king remarked.

Vitani scoffed. "That's an understatement. A few of them were at each other's throats just yesterday."

"Yes, but we put all of that aside out of respect for our traditions. It's why the carnivores are forbidden from hunting today." Simba glanced back at the five of them. "You aren't hungry, are you? The fast ends at sunrise tomorrow..."

"It's fine," said Kasi tersely. "We've gone longer without food before."

Vitani suppressed a smirk as Simba winced, clearly having realized what he just said. "Right, well, erm," he uttered, chastened, "I hope you don't take the animals' misgivings personally."

"Couldn't care less," muttered Imara. "We're here to do our jobs, not make friends."

"You could do both," Simba proposed. "I'm sure they'll come around if they got to know you better."

Vitani stepped to the forefront of the Lion Guard. "With all due respect, Simba, making friends leads to self-interest; self-interest leads to mistakes, and unlike Kion, we don't have the luxury of making mistakes."

"Be that as it may, I believe you should be here for reasons other than obligation," said Simba firmly. "It is Kupatana and I want you spending it as more than Kovu's escort."

"There was one Kupatana I remember, the only one I went to before Mufasa..." Shabaha trailed off as everyone turned to stare at her. Simba was astounded, clearly having not expected to hear his father's name. "We were cubs, Simba, and you probably don't recall me being there. But I can still remember how he brought you around to meet everyone. Everyone talking about him and Sarabi too—how they were so in love, free of the misery his parents had endured. You were the envy of every animal there—not because you were royalty, but because you were a family."

Simba glanced in the direction of Sarabi, who was speaking to the elephants nearby, as he turned about to face the Lion Guard. "I see a family here too. The bond that you share pulled you through the toughest times." The king sighed heavily, and guilt entered his expression. "Our history has been an uneasy one, Lion Guard, but I meant what I said; Kion was right to put his faith in you."

Tazama gave him a quizzical look. "You put your faith in us, even before he did. Why?"

"Because when you turned your backs on Zira, that was the first time I saw you for what you really were. Your loyalty doesn't lie with any individual but with your conscience. You aren't afraid to question anyone—not me, not Kion, not Zira—and that's what I'm counting on."

"Simba?" Nala appeared from between the trees. "Jasiri wants to discuss something with us."

"The Outlands restoration project," realized Simba. "It's ready to start."

Nala grinned. "Sure is. Zazu's giving her the rundown on resources right now."

"I'll be right there," he said eagerly. To the Lion Guard, he implored, "Give yourselves the chance to enjoy this, that's all I want."

Silence fell over the Lion Guard as Simba hurried off with Nala. Vitani caught the others' blank stares. "You heard the king. Talk to some strangers."

"We're supposed to be keeping an eye on things," scowled Tazama.

"And we'll do that better if we split up," Vitani pointed out. "Go on, have some fun."

The Lion Guard branched out into Mizimu Grove, leaving Vitani to look for someone she wouldn't have to make small talk with. She spotted a young dark-maned lion nearby and moved to join him when a cream-furred lioness stepped in front of her. "Hi, Tani."

"Hey, Tumika," Vitani said, immediately recognizing her half-sister. "I thought your mother didn't want you talking to me."

Tumika rolled her eyes good-naturedly. They had the same blue eyes, though their pelts were distinctively different from one another. "She never treats me like I'm an adult. It's Kupatana, and seeing as it's your first time attending, how about I show you around Mizimu Grove?"

"I—actually, yeah, that sounds great."

Vitani fell into step beside Tumika, who grinned as she led them between the groups of animals. "Did you know Kion let a bunch of jackals into the Pride Lands on his first Kupatana?" she asked. "I like jackals, but those ones were really disruptive."

"I think I know who you're talking about," Vitani muttered, remembering her own troubles with Reirei's pack in the Outlands. "Probably best that they're not here."

"Simba was not happy about them trying to eat the other animals." Tumika recounted. "Kion took full responsibility."

Vitani smirked, picturing Kion scrambling to fix the mess he made. "Now that's something I wish I could have seen."

"He means well. I always liked that about him."

"His kindness can be taken for weakness, he doesn't always realize that."

"I find some people are worth taking the leap for." Her half-sister suddenly blanched; Vitani followed her gaze and spotted Tumika's mother Tama straight ahead; she was talking to one of the animals, and Tumika sharply guided Vitani into turning left. She waited until they were well into the crowd before speaking again. "What are you doing tomorrow?"

"Patrolling, keeping an ear out for trouble," Vitani replied, glancing over her shoulder to make sure Tama hadn't seen them.

"And if there isn't any?"

"Then I'll be in the Lair with the Lion Guard, for when we're needed."

"When, or if?" probed Tumika.

"'If' is something I have to be ready for," reminded Vitani. "That's part of the job."

"I know, it's just…" Tumika sighed. "How long are you going to sit in that cave, Tani? You take your duty as seriously as Kion does, but he still found time for himself."

"I don't have anything else I'd want to do. This is what I'm good at."

"But it's not the only thing you're good at. Kiara's leading a hunt tomorrow afternoon—you and the Guard should join us after your patrol."

Vitani snorted. "With those pampered snobs Tiifu and Zuri? No thanks."

"At least talk it over with the Guard. You don't have to come if you don't want to, but the offer's there. Besides," Tumika added with a grin, "you and your team could show Tiifu and Zuri how it's done."

Vitani couldn't help but return the grin.

"Think about it, alright?" pressed Tumika.

"Alright, Mika."

A wistful look crossed the cream-furred lioness' face. It was then that Vitani realized she hadn't referred to her as "Mika" since they were cubs.

"We lost so much time we can't get back, you know," murmured Tumika. "I just don't want you to miss out any longer."

•••

Kopa slumped against the side of the rock, panting from rolling it up the short but sizable hill. Tumaini, equally exhausted, pushed himself up on his paws as the chameleons joined them.

"I am so sorry, I really should have checked under the rock first," said the black-maned lion profusely. "Was anyone hurt?"

"No, some of my kids are still a bit rattled but we got out of the way in time," replied the chameleon leader. Kopa sat up, watching as the other chameleons scuttled under the opening between the rock and the ground.

"I'm such an idiot," Tumaini grumbled. "You guys want to join us in the pool I'm making?"

The other chameleons hissed in protest. The leader scowled. "I'm starting to think you are trying to kill us, Tumaini. No hard feelings about the rock, alright? Now get outta here."

Tumaini opened his mouth, presumably to apologize yet again, but Kopa, tired of baking under the sun, got up and said, "Come on, let's get back to the den."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Tumaini give the chameleons a sheepish smile before hurrying after him. "Thanks for helping me," he said, eyeing the slope ahead. "You didn't have to, you know." The two of them dashed down the hillside, delving into the trees at a decent sprint.

"Course I did," replied Kopa. "What are friends for?"

"You weren't the one who took the rock," Tumaini noted.

"No, but it's not like you could have gotten it back up the hill without me. Now stop moping, no harm no foul, right?"

"I suppose. Looks like we're gonna have to dig the rest of the trench the hard way."

"That's okay, it'll be worth it. This heat is getting to me."

Kopa and Tumaini slowed to a trot as the den came into view. The trench was already completed, surprisingly enough, with a dozen rabbits digging extra passages to mitigate the flow of the water; a steady stream flowed into the opening of the den, and Kopa recognized Sungura, the alpha, as he approached. By the trench, his mate Sauti waved in greeting.

"Good afternoon, lads," said Sungura. "We came to see what you've been up to all morning. Hope you don't mind but we thought we'd lend a paw."

Tumaini laughed in relief. "Mind? You guys are amazing!"

The rabbits closed off the trench, and the water trickled to a stop. They rushed into the den with Kopa and Tumaini, eagerly hopping into the pool one after another.

Sauti eased into the cold water with a content sigh. "Brilliant idea, you two. The blasted heat is inescapable even in our burrows."

Kopa smirked. "It was all Tumaini. He has a way of making our lives more exciting than we'd like."

Tumaini splashed a pawful of water at him. "Like you haven't taken years off my life since I found you," he retorted. To Sauti and Sungura, he asked, "How do you take care of all these kits? I can barely put up with having one mouth to feed besides my own."

"That's why you find someone to split the responsibility with, my friend," replied Sungura cheerfully. "That way your fur won't go grey nearly as fast."

Kopa peered down at the water they were sitting in, having realized something. "Tumaini, this is where we normally sleep."

Sauti and Sungura shared a quiet chuckle as Tumaini's gaze turned downward as well. He was silent for a moment. "Well...it looks like we're sleeping outside tonight."

[Author's Note]
Yeah, that was a lot of characters, most of whom I snagged from The Lion Guard and aren't even mine. No, you don't have to remember most of them or their names.