Author's Note: Alright, the last chapter was all character but now the big event. I've been pondering how I would write this chapter since starting on chapter 13. This has been the most difficult chapter I've ever had to write, so I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 34: Mortal Hindrance

Hesitantly, the sun began to descend in the sky and bring to the city an yellow-ish tint. The bus had just exited from the bridge, and they were on there way to Kilindini Harbour. Melman suddenly became unsettled, "Wait a second..."

"Aw, what is it hon?" Gloria asked.

Melman looked at her wide-eyed, "How do we know we're going the right way. What if we didn't even come from Kilindini Harbour?"

"Preposterous!" Skipper commented, "I may not be able to read much, but I can read a map! Besides, any harbour in Mombasa is an open gateway to the sea. After all, Mombasa itself is an island. The only connection is that bridge which we just happened to cross, so I know where we're going."

Melman looked around, "Sorry..."

This disturbance awoke Julien. The lemur yawned, stretched, and hopped down to Alex's shoulder. "So," he finished yawning, "Where are we headed, now?"

"Well, we got off the bridge, but I'm still going straight," Alex answered.

"Ah yes," Skipper instructed, "Turn right."

"Ok then," Alex acknowledged. He waited for the traffic on the other side to clear and turned onto a thin road.

Marty was still up front, enjoying the scenery. "I guess we won't be seeing many palm trees anymore..." the zebra stated.

"Good," Julien nodded, "I've seen enough, already."

Skipper interrupted, "Alex, you see that diagonal road ahead? Turn right again on it. And remember, if you see water, go closer to it."

Alex turned onto the street and headed towards the horizon of blue waters ahead of him. "Of course I can see water, there's water everywhere," the lion stated.

After a minute or so, they were soon driving along a line of boats next to open ocean waters.

Skipper tapped his chin and looked about, "Right. Now let's find a place to park and get ourselves a boat."

It took a while, but they had finally found a suitable parking lot to fit a bus in. Alex went in sideways, eventually taking up eight parking spaces. "Is this good, Skip?"

Skipper didn't like the name but let it go once more, "Yes, let's get going." Skipper reached into the tangle of wires by the steering control. The engine gave off a few crackles and a loud pop before dying down.

"I didn't like the sound of that," Marty said.

Skipper looked out one of the windows, "Well there's no smoke. Engines weren't made to run off winoki juice, you know," the penguin glanced about the bus, "Alright let's move out!" Alex pulled the lever making the bus door spring open. Sitting on the stairs, Marty was first to exit followed by Julien. Skipper nodded and grabbed his katana before heading out as well. Gloria and Melman followed causing the bus to lean forward as they approached the front. They stepped off and the bus bounced around like a large toy. Making sure everyone was safely off the bus, Alex came out and sealed the door.

"Awaiting orders, Skipper," Kowalski saluted.

Skipper pointed to his right, "Beyond that six feet concrete wall is a ship waiting to be taken to New York. Though we mustn't be seen by the people."

Julien questioned, "How are we going to steal a ship without the knowledge of the people."

"Easy," Skipper smiled, "It's about six o'clock I'm guessing and they're all out to dinner at about this hour."

"I think it's a bit risky," Melman added.

Alex pointed out, "Skipper's plan has worked so far. I think we've got a shot. I can already hear the New York traffic."

Marty suggested, "At any rate, we're getting no where standing in a parking lot filled with people's cars! Let's get moving."

"Rodger, my monochromatic friend," Skipper raised his eyebrows.

Gloria gestured, "Look, theres the gate to the harbour. No lock or anything! Let's get going before some people show up!"

"You heard her, boys," Skipper told the rest, "To the gate!" In a tight cluster the nine companions shuffled to the gate, putting their backs against the cool concrete wall next to the solid wooden, two door gate. Melman bent his head low as not to be seen from the other side. Julien jumped onto Melman's back. Being the closest, Marty readied himself to go through the gate. Suddenly, Alex held his arm out, stopping the zebra in his tracks.

"What is it, Al?" Marty asked.

Alex explained, "I think I should go take a look around first. After all, I promised I'd protect you. I'll go in, make sure it's safe, and find us a boat."

Skipper observed the action and started to feel a strong feeling of respect for the young lion. The bravery, the loyalty, and even the rationality. 'Ever since this trip,' Skipper thought, 'that psychotic lion has really shown his quality... I'm glad to call him a friend.'

Marty's expression softened, "Alright, Alex. Be careful, alright?"

Alex stared back with sincerity reflecting in his deep blue eyes. "You got it, buddy," the lion nodded before advancing to the front of the group. Slowly and surgically, Alex parted the wooden gate doors with his paw. Having made a space, he then poked his head in. He viewed the dock and glanced at every boat in sight. They rocked in a soothing motion as the blue waters beneath them quavered. Seeing no sign of people he then dragged the rest of his body past the gate. The harbour was very silent, with only the sounds of the wind and the lapping of waves against fiberglass boats penetrating the free sea air. The lion then took his first step towards the dock. He glanced from boat to boat, trying to find one that could best suit their needs.

'Aha!' Alex thought as he caught sight of a small party ship. It was just big enough for the nine of them to be comfortable. He turned to the right and walked towards the ship. By now, Marty had put his head through the gate, making sure Alex was alright. The walkway from the dock to the deck was down and Alex ascended it with ease. Ok, he was on the boat, now to make sure it would suffice. Alex quickly went into the control room of the ship and poured over the control panel.

At last, he found what he was looking for: the fuel gauge. The reading was pressing against the 'full' mark. Alex smiled and felt that satisfaction he had on the boat of the cargo ship at the celebration party back on Madagascar. He could even here the lemurs still cheering their names wishing them well wishes. Finally, their moment had come to return. Alex noted to himself, "There'll be no running on empty this time."

Meanwhile, Marty was growing a bit anxious, he hadn't seen Alex for a while now. His fears dissipated as Alex emerged onto the front deck of the grand ship. Alex spotted Marty's head through the gates, "Ok guys! All clear! I found us a ship!"

Suddenly the sounds of confused voices could be heard from the smaller neighboring ship. Two people emerged into the dock of the smaller boat: a man and a boy.

The boy wielded a large rifle.

Alex was about to run, but it was too late.

With a crack, Alex felt a searing pain in his abdomen.

"NO!" Marty yelled.

Slowly, Alex looked down at the wound. This was no tranquilizer dart. Blood poured from the hole in his stomach, but even worse he felt a horribly pain in his back.

Alex began to see spots in his vision, he felt faint.

Staggering backwards, he clutched his stomach. Still backing away, Alex ran into the back bar of the party ship. With this, he lost conciousness and tumbled down from the ship onto the wooden dock below.

And then, everything grew dark... faded... non existent...