A Crocodile's Journey

Chapter 24

Pride Rock was rarely so crowded.

Usually, the animals of the Pride Lands only attended when a new heir was presented, a coronation took place or to hear out royal decrees or announcements.

Today, they gathered to honor the animals who had successfully escaped from the humans, as Kitwana explained later, and returned to the Pride Lands alive. Kitwana and Makuu, in particular, were regarded as the true heroes by the others though, the former for having freed them from their prison and living amongst humans, the latter for risking his life to save a fellow crocodile-omitting that said croc was Kiburi-and then facing against the poacher by himself and managing to defeat him.

The group of animals stood in the peak, where Simba stood in front of them while proudly looking at them. Kalere, Oga, Nurisha and Usian looked shy, while Jafari, Julisha and Umoja looked proud of such honor. Makuu and Kitwana were in the opposite side of the spectrum; don't misinterpret, they were honored, but they had never been the type to hang around big crowds that much.

On the ground, the float was among the front rows, looking up at Makuu and Kitwana beaming with pride; even Pua was there, and he looked very proud of his successor, though he couldn't help but chuckle internally when he saw the dismayed expression on his face.

Bakshi's flock was also among the front rows, with Dalila cheering for Kitwana along with his new fans-the youngest flock members mostly-, while Mshale looked like he'd explode at any moment.

After giving a whole speech about the group as a whole, Simba called Kitwana and Makuu forward. Again, both had similar reactions as they reluctantly stepped forward and into the spotlight.

"The two of you showed great courage by guiding the rest of your group back home safely and standing up to the humans. For that, you have my thanks, and the gratitude of all of the Pride Lands."

"Thank you, your majesty." Makuu said, bowing is head, and Kitwana did the same, if only because he still didn't understand the etiquette; he even jumped when suddenly all the herds cheered loudly.

Soon after, everyone scattered, and the other animals returned to their respective herds, Kitwana even witnessed Oga returning to his grandmother and aunts, who had been very happy to see him. Umoja and Usian were loners, so they merely returned to their own dens. Oddly, though, Makuu had not gone back to his float, which let Simba know he wanted to talk about something else.

Good timing, he also had something he wanted to talk about with the crocodile in private.

"Makuu, Kitwana," Simba started, glancing at both momentarily before sighing. "I owe you both an apology."

Kitwana looked confused. "What for, your majesty?" he inquired. Makuu said nothing, though, he knew why.

"In your case, Kitwana, I'm sorry for taking you away from your family," Simba said sadly. "I was so focused on the bad things you learned from the crocodiles I overlooked the good things; your courage, boldness..."

"Recklessness." Kitwana added quickly.

Simba couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah, recklessness, but who isn't that at your age? Even I was reckless when I was a cub."

Kitwana smiled at Simba kindly. "I have nothing to forgive you for, your majesty. In a way you helped me, even though it took me all of this mess to realize it." With that and a last head bow, Kitwana trotted away to give Simba and Makuu the privacy they wanted before they even asked.

Simba turned to Makuu. "Makuu... I'm sorry for taking decisions about Kitwana without taking you into account."

"You're the King, Simba. You had every right to do what you thought was best for him."