Kopa has declared himself as the king of the Pridelands, the one true heir supported by the majority of the Pride, after the supposed incompetent rule of his predecessor.
The outlanders have been exiled, including the leader of the Lion Guard and the former king, a new reign has began under the legitimate heir and the firstborn son of Simba and Nala.
"We have won Kopa." Scar began, "It is time,"
"We are still getting started" Kopa said "I need Vitani and my sister gone"
"I see..."
"Afua will be the new leader of the Lion Guard and I will make a deal with the Hyenas as me and Asante had an agreement" Kopa began "The Pridelands will remain as the land of the Lions, I will not be doing the same mistake as you"
"Very great idea Kopa but there is one thing you should consider" Scar interjected "Once you achieve all of this you will have to face Kion, you cannot win a war against the Tree of Life"
"My brother will be such a huge obstacle I admit" Kopa noted "But once im done I will be seen as the legitimate ruler, Kion will think twice before starting a mess"
"Indeed, Kion will pose a significant challenge," Scar acknowledged, his tone contemplative. "But once you've solidified your rule, his resistance will falter. However, it's crucial to ensure your grip on power remains firm."
Kopa nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "Exactly. With Vitani and my sister out of the picture, and with Afua leading the Lion Guard, I'll have everything I need. And as for the Tree of Life, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
Scar smirked "With your foresight and my guidance, Kopa, nothing will stand in your way."
Kopa's decree of exile echoed through the crowd. The Royal Family and the Lion Guard, once revered protectors of the Pridelands, now found themselves cast out.
Kopa's supporters remained resolute, emboldened by their newfound allegiance to the new king. Afua's rallying cry echoed through the Pride, reinforcing the narrative of Kopa's legitimacy and the dangers posed by outlanders.
"I hereby announce," Zazu began, his voice ringing out over the tumultuous cheers of the crowd, "Kopa as the new King of the Pridelands."
The Pride erupted in jubilation, their roars of approval echoing through the savannah. Yet amidst the revelry, one mandrill stood apart, his heart heavy with grief as he watched the coronation unfold.
"So is this how the Circle of Life will be destroyed? With the Pride celebrating its end?" Rafiki questioned, his tone heavy with concern and sorrow.
Kopa then met with his hyena friend Asante as he called for the meeting, as the new king he had to set things right.
"Now that I have become king, you can freely hunt in the Pridelands with Afua's guidance so you won't be spotted," Kopa began. "I also found a new home for you near the Pridelands. It will be better than your clan's current condition."
"I see... What's with the change of plans?" Asante asked.
"I'm sorry, but I cannot let you and the rest of the hyenas inside the Pridelands. It's too risky, and I won't repeat the same mistake Scar did," Kopa explained. "As a compromise, you can hunt freely in secret."
"I understand," Asante replied. "I'm glad you've taken what's rightfully yours, Kopa, Your throne... Your birthright that Zira has taken away from you."
"Indeed..." Kopa replied "Thanks a lot for helping me Asante"
After the exile, the Royal Family and the remaining outlanders were forced to leave the Pride Lands. As the Royal Family and the exiled outsiders trekked through the wilderness, Vitani's voice broke the solemn silence.
"We cannot do this!" Vitani began "Kopa was plotting to overthrow you Kovu and I am right!"
"Even if he did then what can we do?!?!" Kovu argued "He wasn't the one who overthrew me it was the pride we were never meant to be the ruler"
"And you're giving up just like that?!" Vitani argued back "He is responsible for Amini's disappearance, your son! And Simba's death"
"I'll ask you again what is your proof Vitani? You accused him with no evidence and it led to this!" Kovu countered "If you haven't then this wouldn't happen!"
"Oh, so now you're blaming me?" Vitani asked "He willingly exiled and took the throne is that not enough proof?"
"Proof or not, we're here now because of your accusations," Kovu said with a heavy sigh. "We need to focus on finding a way forward."
"Enough!" Kiara's voice cut through the tension. "This bickering won't solve anything. We need to focus on finding a way forward. If Kopa truly is responsible for Simba's death and my son's disappearance, then he shall perish. But facing him now would only escalate matters. First let's seek help from the Tree of Life and ask for Kion's help."
"Kiara..." Kovu muttered, his expression troubled.
"Help..." Vitani repeated, her determination clear. "You're right. We need a plan if we're going to reclaim what's rightfully ours."
As Vitani turned to leave, Kovu called out to her, but she dashed off without looking back. She sought solace in a quiet place where she could gather her thoughts, knowing exactly who she has to speak to next.
"Hey!" Vitani's called to the skies. "I know you're watching!"
"Yeah, you!" She persisted. "I need your help, please, just this once! Was I right? It was Kopa, wasn't it?"
A figure began to materialize in the swirling clouds, gradually taking shape until the majestic form of Mufasa stood before Vitani.
"It was Kopa, wasn't it? Answer me!" Vitani demanded, her voice tinged with desperation. "Please, it must be you this time. I can't bear to see my brother's face again!"
Mufasa's ghostly presence shimmered in the night sky as he regarded Vitani with solemnity. "You were right," Mufasa confirmed, his voice carrying the weight of truth. "Kopa has strayed from the path of light since then."
"But there's more to it," Mufasa continued, his voice resonating with wisdom. "It is a cycle that has repeated since the very beginning. Scar overthrew me and unleashed his reign of terror, but everything changed when my son arrived. After that, Zira plotted her revenge against Simba, only to meet her own downfall. Now the cycle continues with Kopa"
"I have to kill him once and for all" Vitani swore "I don't need Kion's help I can put an end to this"
Strong winds started to blow Vitani as a response "No..." Mufasa's voice echoed softly, yet with a commanding presence that halted Vitani in her tracks. The winds seemed to heed his words, calming to a gentle breeze.
"Violence breeds violence, Vitani," Mufasa continued, his tone somber yet filled with compassion. "Killing Kopa will only perpetuate the cycle of darkness and suffering. There is another way."
"What then? What should I do with him?" Vitani inquired, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Spare his life, if you can," Mufasa replied, his tone gentle yet firm. "Trust me, Vitani, resorting to violence will only perpetuate the cycle of suffering. Show mercy, and perhaps there is hope for redemption."
Vitani paused, considering Mufasa's words carefully. Despite her anger and desire for justice, she had to at least try a different path than what she usually takes.
"Thank you, Mufasa,"
Kopa visited his mother Nala at her usual spot, a tranquil cave nestled within the Pride Lands as she seeks comfort on her old age. The sound of gentle winds rustled through the foliage outside, offering a serene backdrop to their meeting.
"Here's your meal, Mom," Kopa said softly, his voice filled with warmth as he approached Nala. He carefully set the food down before her, arranging it with care. "I made sure it's your favorite."
"No, thanks, Kopa," Nala rejected his offer, her tone tinged with bitterness.
"May I know why?" Kopa inquired, his brow furrowing in concern.
"I don't accept meals from traitors!" Nala hissed, her words sharp with accusation. "Don't act so innocent."
"From what? The Pride chose me, Mom!" Kopa argued, his frustration evident. "What Kiara did is her choice."
"We both know you're lying, Kopa," Nala sighed wearily
Kopa's heart sank at his mother's words, feeling the weight of her disappointment.
"I'm not lying, Mom," Kopa insisted, his voice tinged with desperation. "I never wanted things to turn out like this. I never wanted this but Kovu was just... not fit."
Nala remained silent, her eyes betraying a mixture of hurt and skepticism.
"I did what I had to do for the Pride," Kopa continued, his voice pleading. "But I swear, What Vitani is saying those accusations... Are false"
"Kopa, I want to believe you," she began, her voice wavering with emotion. "But there are things... things you haven't told me."
"I did what I had to do for the Pride," Kopa continued, his voice pleading. "But I swear, What Vitani is saying those accusations... Are false"
"I know I've made mistakes," Kopa admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm trying to make things right. Please, Mom, give me a chance to prove myself."
"That you are responsible for your nephew's disappearance and your father's death? Don't lie to me, Kopa. I know what your face looks like when you do!" Nala's voice was laced with accusation and pain.
"I swear, Mom, I had nothing to do with either of those tragedies," Kopa protested, his voice carefully controlled to mask his inner turmoil. "I may have made mistakes, but I would never harm my own family."
Nala studied him intently, her eyes searching his face for any hint of deception. The weight of her scrutiny felt suffocating, as if she could see through his carefully crafted lies to the guilt that lay beneath.
After a long moment, she let out a weary sigh, her features softening slightly.
"I want to believe you, Kopa, I really do" Nala admitted. "But you're just a huge liar"
Kopa's heart pounded in his chest, a gnawing sense of guilt threatening to consume him. He knew that he had deceived his mother, those accusations were true, but he just had to do it... For the greater good.
"Mom I would never do such a thing and you know that" Kopa said softly, his voice tinged with sorrow.
"Just leave, Kopa!" Nala snapped. "I don't want to see you again."
With a heavy heart, Kopa left, knowing that he couldn't change her mind.