Author's Note:

I didn't really want to do this because I feel the work should speak for itself but considering that I want to use this as a starting point for any future story I write between this pair I figured it'd be best to share for clarity's sake. First, I wanted to thank the anonymous user named 'Guest' for leaving a review about the confusion they felt towards the last chapter. I was unsure of which reference was confusing so I did a slight update to the last two days of the chapter. I don't usually use movies for references in my stories so this was a little different for me and I appreciate you voicing your opinions and concerns.

So the reference for the overall theme of the story was a reference to Lion King, both the scenes I'll list the dialogue and some context below…

Under the stars - watch here (add this after the main url for youtube, it won't let me show the whole link): watch?v=l1bWSYG3zgo

General Context… Simba and Mufasa are father & son and lions. They are kings of the valley.

Before this scene, Simba was reckless and went exploring in a dangerous area, almost getting him and a friend killed. Mufasa had to rescue them.

"Dad?" - Simba

"Hmm?" - Mufasa

"We're pals, right?" - Simba

"Right." - Mufasa (chuckles)

"And we'll always be together right." - Simba

"Simba. Let me tell you something that my father told me… Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars." - Mufasa

"Really?" - Simba

"Yes. So whenever you feel alone, just remember the great kings of the past will always be there to guide you. And so will I." - Mufasa

Remember Who You Are - watch here (add this after the main url for youtube, it won't let me show the whole link): watch?v=l1bWSYG3zgo&t=146s

Before this scene, Simba ran away after Mufasa died, thinking that he was the cause of his death. He lived a life of leisure while his kingdom fell into ruin.

"Father?" - Simba

"Simba. You have forgotten me." - Mufasa (materialized in the clouds, no longer actually alive)

"No. How could I?" - Simba

"You have forgotten who you are and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the circle of life." - Mufasa

"How can I go back? I'm not who I used to be." - Simba

"Remember who you are. You are my son and the one true king. Remember who you are." - Mufasa (fades away near end)

"No please, don't leave me." - Simba

"Remember." - Mufasa (echoes)

"Father." - Simba

"Remember." - Mufasa (echoes)

"Don't leave me." - Simba

The next reference comes from the movie Patch Adams. This is the main reference used only in chapter five.

Focus on the solution not the problem - watch here (add this after the main url for youtube, it won't let me show the whole link): watch?v=0xXQkFwAwf0

This is from Patch Adams. Basically the premise is this guy wants to bring the idea that people can heal better and faster with laughter, wanting to change the world of medicine. In this scene, the main character Patch has checked himself into a mental asylum after a hard time in his life. Patch is played by the late great Robin Williams. If you haven't watched it, you should. But I loved every one of this man's movies so I'm probably biased.

Alfred lifts Patch's hand in front of him.

"How many do you see?" - Alfred

"There are four fingers, Alfred." - Patch

"No. No. Look at me." - Alfred

Patch looks confused.

"You're focusing on the problem. You focus on the problem, you can't see the solution. Never focus on the problem. Look at me." - Alfred

Patch focuses on the fingers still.

"Look beyond the fingers. How many do you see?" - Alfred

Patch looks at Alfred, and his vision blurs. His fingers appear to multiply.

"Eight." - Patch

"Eight. Eight. Yes. Yes. Eight's a good answer. See what no one else sees. See what everyone else chooses not to see, out of fear, conformity or laziness. See the whole world anew each day. Truth is you're well on the way. Good to see something here besides a crazy." - Alfred

Sorry for those who understood what I was going for and this did nothing for you but again I wanted clarity here so that motivations in future stories are understood. Thanks again to 'Guest'.