The Lion Guard: The Northern Crocodile

Chapter 18

{What in the world is going on out there?}

Kiburi was attempting to nap the day away, but that didn't last long with Nneka in such a foul mood. For the past few minutes, all Nneka's been doing was yelling at someone. Kiburi was just thankful that he wasn't the one she was mad at.

Soon, the yelling stopped, until it restarted about a minute later. Kiburi tried to listen to what Nneka was saying, but thanks to the walls of the cave, he couldn't make out the words. His curiosity getting the better of him, Kiburi swam over to the entrance to see what was going on, only to be stopped by two crocodiles walking by at the same time.

"Where do you think you're going, Kiburi?" The larger of the two crocodiles asked.

Kiburi immediately recognized the crocodiles as Keyon and Jaz, brothers, and Nneka's most loyal followers. Compared to the rest of the float, they were actually pretty pleasant crocodiles.

"I was just, you know, trying to get a better view of what's happening is all," Kiburi explained. "Speaking of which, do you know what's going on?"

"We'll find out soon enough. Nneka wants all three of us, probably to go find and retrieve Zula."

"Wait, she wants me as well? And who's Zula?"

"Yes, but don't ask me why cause I don't know, and I'll tell you about Zula later. For now, we better stop talking and get moving because Nneka's patience is wearing thin and I don't want to feel the brunt of her rage when she finally snaps. Oh, and I should probably tell you that you might have some company for a while, courtesy of Nneka's disloyal sister."

"Who?"

"Now how the hell do you expect me to know that?"

"I was just wondering."

"Then I highly suggest that you get your tail out here and see for yourself, before Nneka decides to kill us both!"

Kiburi rolled his eyes, but he didn't bother arguing further. He climbed out of the water and into the sunlit clearing. With Keyon in the lead, and his mute brother Jaz off to the side, Kiburi and the two males walked over to where Nneka was standing. Little did Kiburi know that he was in for a surprise.

"Makuu?!" Kiburi gasped.

{But, how? And what the hell happened to him? Keyon said it was courtesy of Nneka's sister. Guess I have her to thank for this inconvenience.}

"Ah, there you three are!" Nneka greeted.

"Of course, Nneka," Keyon replied. "What do you need?"

"I'll let you know in just a second. First things first, Jaz, I would like you to keep an eye on Makuu for me for the time being. You okay with that?"

Jaz nodded his head.

"Thank you, Jaz."

"What about us, Nneka?" Keyon asked, gesturing his snout towards Kiburi.

"That should be obvious, Keyon. I need you to go find Zula before she gets herself into trouble, but since we don't know our way around the Pridelands, I'm having Kiburi go with you."

"What?!" Kiburi and Keyon shouted at the same time.

"This isn't a debate! The two of you are working together, whether you like it or not! Got it?"

"Yes, Nneka," both males groaned.

"Good. Now, I highly suggest that you get going."

***

"Are you sure you know where you're going? It seems like we've been doing nothing but taking detours all over the place. I hope you're not trying to get us lost on purpose."