Kion walked alongside the rest of the Lion Guard as they headed in the direction of the Tree of Life. He never thought he'd see this moment, when they finally arrived. 

"Is this real?" Kion asked as he gazed at the Tree. Barely a few more pawsteps and they'd be there. "Am I dreaming?"

Fuli purred in amusement as she walked beside him. "You're not dreaming, silly." She gave him a playful shove.

Once they got closer, they saw how big the Tree was. "Poa! The Tree of Life is huge," Beshte said in amazement.

"Yes, it is. Now follow me." Rani looked back at them, then walked into a hole in the Tree that led into a cavern-like space.

Kion gazed at the inside of the Tree. The walls glowed with green mushrooms. "Heyvi kabisa," he said in wonder.

They then stopped at a rock with an elderly lioness resting on it. She blinked open her eyes and raised her head. She smiled at them. Her emerald gaze was warm, welcoming, and filled with wisdom. 

Fuli mentally gasped. This was the lioness from her dream!

Rani approached her. "Grandmother, as requested, I've brought Kion and the Lion Guard." She then turned to the Lion Guard. "Lion Guard, this is Queen Janna, Guardian of the Tree of Life."

Janna smiled at them. "Be welcome here."

The Lion Guard all bowed. "Thank you, You're Majesty. My friend Ono and I have come to be healed," Kion said.

"Step closer, Kion and Ono," Janna told them with an encouraging smile. "You have the Mark of the Guard," the queen observed. "You are from the Pride Lands then?"

"Uh, yeah," Kion said.

"Indeed," agreed Ono.

"And so, the Roar has returned," Janna said, a smile still on her face.

"You know about the Roar?" Kion asked curiously

"Of course, Kion. I take it that Rafiki sent you here?"

"Yes," Kion replied, shocked that the Queen knew so much while also wondering how. "Ono's eyes are hurt. And my scar..." Kion hesitated but didn't trail off, "I can't control the Roar."

"So. I have heard," Janna remarked. "Nirmala?" The adult lioness stepped forward. Nirmala gazed at Kion's scar. He noticed she had blue eyes and wore a flower behind her ear. She then looked closely at Ono's eyes. "Nirmala is a fierce warrior. But she is also a gentle healer," Janna told them calmly.

Nirmala walked to Janna and hopped up onto the rock where the old queen was resting. She whispered something into the queen's ear then they both looked at Kion and Ono.

"Ono, healing your sight will be simple. But the remedy will take a few days to prepare," Janna informed the egret.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Ono thanked her eagerly.

Janna then looked at Kion. "Kion? Your ailements are more complicated. It is more than just a scar." His ears slightly flattened. "Your healing will take time. And patience."

"Then I'd like to start right away," he said.

"I'm sure you would. Nirmala?" Kion looked in the corner of his vision. He saw that Fuli's eyes stretched wide. She seemed like she was forcing a smile... in order to disguise something.

"We'll begin today," Nirmala told him.

"Thank you, You're Majesty." He dipped his head in acknowledgement to the queen.

"This way, Kion." Nirmala hopped off the rock and walked out of the Tree of Life. Kion followed.

Once they were out of the Tree, Kion spoke; "So, where are we going?"

"You'll see in time," Nirmala replied simply.

Kion fell silent. He didn't want to disrespect the lioness who was going to heal his scar. Although he still felt his mind buzzing with questions.

Nirmala glanced at him. "I can see you have many questions, most of which you have not spoken."

Can she read my mind or something? Kion wondered.

"Well, I am Nirmala, healer of the Tree of Life," she introduced herself.

"How'd you become the healer?" Kion asked curiously.

Nirmala chuckled. "Hard work and the right training. But in all seriousness, Queen Janna chose me."

"Why'd she choose you?" Kion asked curiously. Too late, he realized that question might have come off as rude, but Nirmala didn't seem to mind.

"She said she saw it in me when I first arrived at the Tree of Life and joined the Night Pride. She took me under her wing and trained me to be a healer. She did well," Nirmala told him. She then looked ahead. "Oh look, we're here." In front of them was a river with a few trees surrounding it, and a ledge nearby.

"Where is 'here'?" Kion asked.

They walked closer. "This is Dirisha. The River of Patience," Nirmala told him.

"And this is where you'll heal my scar? So I can control the Roar?" Kion asked, pacing along the river as he silently pleaded for a 'yes'.

"This is the first of many steps on your journey to healing," Nirmala told him simply and calmly.

"How long's it gonna take?" Kion asked, walked back to her as his impatience rose.

"That depends on you. As Queen Janna said, you must have patience." She then looked to the ridge. "Look at the top of that ridge. Do see the bright orange flower?"

Kion looked. Sure enough, there was a bright orange flower at the top. "Yeah?"

"I need you to bring it to me," Nirmala told him.

"I'll be right back," Kion said determinedly then began to run, about to dive into the river then climb the ridge towards the flower.

Nirmala nearly had to jump in front of him to stop him. Easy, Kion. Arama karo." She seemed to chuckle for a moment. "You need to follow my instructions. First, you'll need to wait for a log to float past. Hop on to the log, and ride it down the river. Once you reach that sandy bank, jump off. Then take the winding path up to the top of the ridge."

"Wouldn't it be faster just to swim across the river? Then climb the ridge to get to the flower," Kion asked.

"Possibly," she replied. "But the fast way isn't always the best way."

"Where have I heard that before?" He groaned in annoyance, recalling the time when Bunga learned that same lesson when he gave out advice across the Pride Lands, saying things like; 'Quick and easy! That's the way to do it!' And when Fuli told him all about what she learned from Kongwe, an elderly and wise tortoise that lived in the Pride Lands. Kongwe taught Fuli that if she slowed down a bit, she could observe and learn.

He sighed. "Okay. I'll try it you're way." He looked around and noticed there were no logs. "So where are the logs?"

"One will come," Nirmala replied.

"Yeah, but how long is that gonna take?" He asked. "It could be days!"

Nirmala laid down. "Then we wait for days."

Kion sighed exasperatedly. "Fine."

**

Fuli stood in the Tree in shock after Kion left with Nirmala. This can't be. The same Nirmala that Nala told me about? Is this really possible?! And Janna... she was the lioness from my dream! What does this mean?...

"Rani, please show our other guests around," Janna ordered her.

"Show them around?" Rani echoed. "But I-"

"Baliyo and Surak can handle the Night Pride duties for now," Janna assured her. "You must continue to take on the duties that I cannot perform."

Rain sighed. "Yes, of course." She started walking out of the Tree of Life. Fuli and the others followed. While they were walking, Fuli pondered what Nala had said in her head.

Fuli stared at her, mind blown. "Then who is his mother?" She asked softly.

"My old friend, Nirmala," Nala said, her voice breaking. "She was an amazing friend, I'd do anything for her." Nala looked lost in her thoughts as she continued talking. "She had brown fur, pretty blue eyes, and always wore a flower behind her ear."

Fuli grew even more anxious when she recalled Nirmala's brown fur, blue eyes, and the flower behind her ear.

There couldn't be any other explanation. One: Nirmala was a very uncommon name, it would be very hard to find two animals with the name 'Nirmala'. Two: Nala said that Nirmala had brown fur. This Nirmala also had brown fur. Three: Nala said Nirmala had blue eyes. This Nirmala also had blue eyes. Four: Nala said Nirmala always wore a flower behind her ear. THIS Nirmala also did!

Fuli took a deep breath. What do I do?... I've gotta tell him. But she then recalled the fun loving cub who used to play Baobab Ball with Bunga throughout the Pride Lands every day. We've lost that fun loving, playful, kind cub. If we're lucky, we'll get him back when his scar is healed. But if I tell him... that cub might never come back.

Rani's voice cut through her thoughts. "You might wonder what makes the Tree of Life such a special place."

Fuli, now snapped out of her thoughts, realized that they were standing upon a tall cliff overlooking the whole kingdom of the Tree of Life.

"Poa," Beshte said in amazement and wonder.

"Wow," Anga breathed. This was one of the few times when the martial eagle couldn't find words.

"As you can see, the Tree of Life is a home to every kind of habitat," Rani said. They all started walking again, continuing the tour.

[Rani]

Welcome to the Tree of Life 
A wondrous mystic place
We're living life in harmony
It's what we all embrace

So, if you need healing
 Shelter free of sorrow and strife
 You will be welcome
 Welcome to the Tree of Life 

Desert, forest, tundra, plaim
 Are brought together here
 So, animals from near and far
 Live in peace and without fear

So, if you need healing
 Shelter free of sorrow and strife
 You will be welcome
Welcome to the Tree of Life

 Respect for fellow animals
Is all you need to stay (All you need to stay)
But, no one living here
Would want it any other way

So, if you need healing
Shelter free of sorrow and strife 
Know you are welcome
Welcome to the Tree of Life

You know you are welcome
Welcome to the Tree of Life

"All are welcome here, as long as they respect the Circle of Life," Rani told them. They were back at the Tree new, but then Rani led them away. They walked and walked throughout many territories of the kingdom. 

They were walking through what Rani told them was the Snowy Plains, when an owl flew up to them. "Hold up everyone," Rani said. The owl landed on a rock and Rani walked over to it. The owl whispered something in Rani's ear and her eyes widened. "Tour's over. Gotta go," the dark furred lioness said abruptly.

"What was that?" Anga asked when Rani and the owl were gone.

"I don't know," Fuli replied. "But something's up."

"What do ya mean?" Bunga asked. "Everything looks fine to me."

"Not really, Little B," Beshte replied. He looked at Fuli. "Should we go get Kion?"

Fuli shifted her paws. "I don't know. He's healing right now. We don't want to interrupt."

"But if we get Kion, he can tell us what to do because he's a good leader and we won't be stuck in one place discussing what to do for five hours," Bunga explained simply.

Fuli gave him a deadpan glare.

"What?" Bunga shrugged his shoulders in confusion. "Kion's a good leader."

This put Fuli in an even more awkward situation. "Yes, Kion is a good leader, but... well..."

"Not at the moment," Ono told Bunga, finishing Fuli's sentence.

"Okay, if you say so." Bunga shrugged. "But let's still go get him!"

Fuli sighed. "Fine, but after that we will not interrupt Kion's healing."

**

"I could have waited for logs back in the Pride Lands," Kion groaned, pacing while waiting for a log to float past.

"But Rafiki sent you here to be healed," Nirmala pointed out. "Doubtless because Askari first discovered the Roar at Chikha Escarpment, not far from here," she added.

"What? He did?" Kion asked, now intrigued. He turned back and saw a log floating past. "Finally!" He jumped onto the log, but it rolled out from under him, sending him plunging into the chilly water. "Woah!"

The cold water sent chills down his spine. Shock pulsed through him due to his unexpected plunge. He thrashed in the water and panicked. Swim, Kion. Swim! He told himself, but couldn't. His legs churned in the water and his heart began to quicken. Images of the flood flashed through his mind. No, no! I can't drown! Not today! I can't!

He froze, silently praying for Fuli to be here and save him like last time. But she's not here, he reminded himself. You're alone right now! So swim! He forced himself to try to swim. His legs thrashed more and he finally broke the surface of the water. He coughed and sputtered, his heartbeat beginning to calm.

To his surprise, when he looked up he found that Nirmala was smirking at him. "Try again," she told him, amusement clear as day in her voice.

Kion was furious. You didn't even bother to ask if I was okay! UGH! Do you even care about me?! He was about to snap, but stopped himself. 

No, you hyena-brain. I can't disrespect the only animal who can heal my scar, he scolded himself He remembered Jua, Zira, and Scar's cruelty to him whenever he said something they didn't like. Nirmala might have that same cruelty. She didn't look like she did, but Kion wouldn't take that chance.

Kion got out of the water. "And we're waiting. Again," he muttered.

Suddenly, a voice called out, "Nirmala!"

Rani was rushing over to them. "Come quickly. We need you!"

"Do you need me too?" Kion asked.

"Yes. We need you to stay here and focus on your task," Nirmala replied with a deadpan expression.

Kion sighed. He was about to protest, but he stopped himself. You can't, he told himself. Don't risk being punished.

Nirmala and Rani dashed off, leaving Kion alone.

He stared at his reflection, drifting off. He yawned. He was so tired and bored that he started to slip from consciousness.

But when he was on the verge of falling asleep, a voice yelled his name. "Kion!"

His head shot back up. "I'm awake!" He gasped.

"Why are you doing just sitting here?" Bunga asked. The whole Guard was here.

"I'm waiting for a log."

"Sounds fun," Anga said. The sarcasm couldn't be more evident in her voice.

"Oooh, yeah! It does!" Bunga laid down next to Kion and stared at the water.

"It's really not," Kion replied, still bored.

"Something's going on," Fuli told him. "That owl came to get Rani and she just ran off. Think they could use some help?"

Kion perked up. A battle, perhaps? We'd better help. "They might. Come on!" Kion and the Lion Guard started running in the direction of the Pass.

"Wait!" Bunga called out, running after them. "I didn't get to see a log!"

The Lion Guard ran, Kion pushing to run as fast as he could. He panted. Even Beshte was running faster than him! Why?

He pushed himself harder. Fuli slowed down and ran at his pace. "Everything okay?" She asked, her voice low so the others wouldn't hear.

"Yeah," Kion said in-between pants, "I'm fine."

Her eyes flickered with an emotion that Kion couldn't read. She opened her mouth, then closed it. "Yeah, okay. Let's go." Fuli picked up speed. So did the others. Ugh! Why am I having trouble keeping up with everyone?!

Suddenly, he put on a burst of speed and dashed ahead. They came upon the Mountain Pass. They turned around a corner and saw the Night Pride right behind it.

"Heyvi Kabisa!"

The Lion Guard crashed into the Night Pride and they all tumbled across the Pass. Kion looked up. He crashed into Rani! His pelt burned with embarrassment as she glared at him.

"Kion? Lion Guard? What are you doing here?!" Rani yelled.

"We came to help?" Kion said uncertainly.

"That's right!" Bunga agreed. "Where are the bad guys? Let me at 'em!"

"They're gone. Defending the Tree of Life is our job. And we're good at it." 

"But-"

Rani stepped forward, making Kion flinch. "We don't need your help! You came for healing, so stay out of our way, get healed, and go home!"

"Besides, It was just two leopards and a Komodo dragon," Baliyo made an effort to reassure him. "No big deal."

"Two leopards and a Komodo dragon?" Ono echoed fearfully.

"They didn't seem to like each other very much," Nirmala remarked.

"True," Surak agreed. "Perhaps that is why they didn't fight well together."

"I don't know. That big leopard, Makucha? He fought pretty good," Baliyo replied.

"Makucha?" Kion echoed, surprise in his voice. He stepped forward.

"What?" Rani asked, not bothering to hide the annoyance in her voice.

"We know Makucha," Kion explained, "and probably the other two. They must have followed us here."

"They followed you?" Rani echoed, anger rising in her voice. She stepped forward. Kion lifted a paw to take a step back, but stopped himself.

He looked into her chocolate brown gaze. "I'm really sorry. This is all our fault."

Rani glared at him and started to run off. But before long she stopped in her tracks and glared back at him. "You're coming with me," she growled.

Kion's ears flattened. He looked at his team. They all gave reassuring glances at him. He reluctantly followed Rani, praying that the Queen of the Tree of Life wouldn't be too harsh on him.