The Lion Guard: The Northern Crocodile

Chapter 3

The sun was setting, its bright blue sky transitioning toward mottled shades of orange and pink. The young at play were now being rounded-up by their parents. They protested, but the adults would hear none of it. While the animals settled down for the coming night, a very much appreciated silence fell upon the travelers. That is, until someone decided to ask a question.

"So, Talib, what kind of bird are you?" Ono asked. "It's just, I haven't...I mean...we haven't seen a bird like you in the Pridelands before."

Talib took a moment to shoot Ono a sideways glance before returning his gaze back to looking at the landscape in front of him.

"I'm surprised that you haven't seen my kind before, since we are quite common, but if you must know, I am a hoopoe," Talib answered, and due to his tone of voice, no one bothered to ask him another question.

As the group continued onward, Makuu felt the aches and pains in his body subside and resurface, again and again, but they weren't what he was most worried about. As if on cue, Makuu flinched and lifted his leg as he felt a sharp pain shoot through his shoulder. He was well aware of the fact that the longer he walked on his injured leg, the worse the pain would become.

"You doing okay, Makuu?"

Makuu looked up from where he stopped and spotted Masika waiting for him many tail lengths ahead; Talib, Kion, and the guard were further past her.

{Oh, sure, of course I'm the one who's slowing everyone down! Isn't that just perfect?}

Makuu was already having enough trouble trying to keep up with everyone, and only because his shoulder hurts as he walks. The best he can do is resort to a limp. And by the time Makuu reaches Masika, he is even more tired than he was before. Not only that, but he can barely support himself on his three perfectly normal working legs.

"Lean on me," Masika said, startling Makuu.

"Excuse me?" Makuu breathed.

"I said lean on me. If you do, I'll be able to take some of your weight, and that way, you don't have to tire yourself out limping all the way back home."

"Oh. Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Um, thank you, Masika."

"No problem, Makuu."

Makuu accepted Masika's offer and leaned against her side, allowing her take some of his weight. And as soon as he did just that, he felt a brief rush of heat flow through him.

{What was that?}

Makuu looked at Masika, who was currently avoiding eye contact with him, and noticed that her blue/green eyes were shining like gemstones as the rays of the setting sun hit them. A sudden thought came to Makuu's mind.

{Could it be because I'm next to Masika? No. That's absolutely ridiculous! Although, she does look kinda pretty during a sunset.}

"Are you ready?" Masika asked.

"Yeah, let's go," Makuu replied.

Now that both crocodiles were sorted out, the animals continued on their way to Makuu's float, hoping to make it back to the watering hole before nightfall. Unfortunately, that would not be the case, as the animals soon realize at least an hour later as the sun sets over the horizon, leaving dusk in its wake. Makuu could feel the heat leave his scales and the stinging pain of his shoulder wound as a cool breeze swept across the savanna. At least he didn't have to walk on his leg as much anymore, not with Masika keeping him supported and all. Makuu looked at Masika and noticed that her dark-tinted scales were starting to blend in with the dimming light.

{With those scales, she would be perfectly camouflaged in the dark. I bet no one would be able to find her at night.}

"Why are you staring at me?" Masika asked, breaking Makuu from his thoughts. "Is there something wrong, or do you have a question and this is just your way of getting someone to notice that you want to ask them something?"