Kion and the others were escorting some of the herds into Mizimu Grove-usually animals didn't mind the rain, but a storm this bad was the exception-when a group of different animals approached Beshte. They were exhausted, soaking wet, but overall they looked upset. They claimed Makuu and Kitwana were in danger and needed assistance.

The Guard had splitting opinions: Beshte, Bunga and Kion wanted to go take a look, while Fuli (who was already very wet and didn't want to go back out into the storm) and Ono (who had trouble flying in such downpours) were reluctant to go out. But as the Lion Guard, they had to see for all the animals in the Pride Lands, so they followed Julisha and Umoja.

By the time they entered the Outlands and arrived to the edge of the canyon, the storm had placated for the now, much to Fuli's relief, but the pit was flooded and it seemed as if a river was running through it. Ono was sent up ahead to look for any signs of Makuu and Kitwana, and he took off.

He flew for a few miles until he came to a waterfall formed from the sudden and abrupt change of height in the bottom of the canyon. He narrowed his eyes when he spotted a speck of green, and realized it was the animals he was looking for. He instantly flew back to the rest of the group.

"Did you find them?!" Julisha asked, visibly concerned.

"They are up ahead, but I don't know if they're completely okay. From the looks of it, I think they fell down the waterfall!" Ono replied in distress.

"Ow, that's gotta hurt..." Bunga muttered, rubbing his back.

"Maybe they're hurt and will need help!" Beshte cried out.

"Shouldn't we inform Akina and the crocodile float about this?" Fuli inquired. "I mean, they've been very sad over both their disappearances..."

"I think it's best we first make sure they are both alright," Ono suggested, landing on Beshte's back to recover his breath. "I mean, what if they're NOT okay? I wouldn't like to give Akina false hope."

"He has a good point," Umoja stated with a sigh. "I wouldn't like to do that to her. She's a nice crocodile..." he thought for a moment. "...For a crocodile."

Kion glanced up at Ono. "Ono, lead the way."

With a quick nod, Ono took off once more, this time at a slightly lower pace so the rest of the Guard could follow him. It took a little longer to get there because of this; by the time they arrived, the storm had fully ended and the dark clouds cleared, revealing the night sky.

Ono was the first to fly down into the canyon while the others rushed carefully down a stair-like formation to the side. He landed right next to the crocodile. "Makuu! Are you okay?"

Though surprised by seeing Ono of all animals, Makuu would lie if he said he wasn't happy to see him. "Ono..." he said in a rather weak and sore voice. "What are you doing here?"

"A group of animals said you needed help."

"They weren't completely wrong..."

Despite his exhaustion, Kitwana managed to get back on his feet and reluctantly stepped out from Makuu's embrace to go greet Ono. "Hi..."

"Kitwana? Are you alright? I thought the two-legs had you!" Ono cried out, though he was so relieved he gave the younger chick a wing hug.

"It's a long story..."

Soon after, the rest of the guard joined in, followed by Umoja and Julisha. However, both Makuu and Kitwana were far too exhausted and sore from the recent experience to tell them the whole story. Julisha only wanted to know one thing:

"What happened to the human?"

"What's a human?" Fuli asked.

Rather than answering her question, Makuu and Kitwana exchanged a glance, before the former responded Julisha's. "Gone."

"What do you mean?"

"The river's devoured him, and I'll leave it like that." Makuu decided to change the subject before they asked him to go into details. "How's my float? And Akina?"

"Is Dalila alright?" Kitwana added.

"Your float is alright. Though given that nobody wanted to take your place, King Simba asked Pua to lead the float in your... absence." Beshte said, rather reluctantly.

"He is?" Makuu asked, genuinely surprised. He never thought Pua would ever return to the float. He guessed he'd have to thank him later.

"Dalila is fine too, Kitwana," Ono explained. "She's recovered, though that injury left her a scar. She's worried about you."

"Is she?" Kitwana felt touched.

"You could say she's the only one in the flock who still believes you are alive."

"Well, can we get out of this canyon already?" Makuu growled gently, but as he tried to stand up, his whole body stung with pain, and he had to lie down with grit teeth and a groan of pain. "Damn it!"

"I don't think you'll be able to climb all the way there in your current state." Kion pointed out, looking up at the top of the rocky 'staircase'. "

"I could carry you up there at least." Beshte suggested.

"Nobody can carry a crocodile, Beshte," Makuu stated matter-of-factly. "Besides, I think I'm getting better-ARGH!" He tried and failed one more, again collapsing from the soreness and bruises. "Nevermind."

With no other choice, he accepted Beshte's help to get out of the canyon. The hippo as momentarily overwhelmed by Makuu's weight on his back, but he soon got used to it as he carried him up the rock slope, followed by the rest of the Guard, Umoja and Julisha.

At last, when they got to the top of the canyon unto solid ground, Makuu carefully slid of Beshte's back, insisting he could go the rest of the way.

"When will you tell us how you returned?" Bunga asked once again. "We're dying to know!"

"I don't think now's the moment, Bunga," Kion scolded his friend mildly. "I guess all he wants right now is to return to his float, am I right?"

"That's right, I want to see Akina..." Makuu whispered.

"What about you, Kitwana?" Ono asked the young ibis. "Do you want me to accompany you back to the flock?"

Right. He was part of Bakshi's flock now. He wasn't expected to go back to the float, but Kitwana didn't really want to go back to the flock either.

Makuu spoke before he could answer, "Actually, Ono, even though he is not considered part of my float by law, I consider him part of it myself given that I raised him. Besides, the other crocodiles do think of him as one of us, and I'm certain they were worried about him as much as I was. I don't think Bakshi will mind if I borrow my adoptive son for a while, will she?"

The Lion Guard stared agape at Makuu when he referred to Kitwana as if he were his own, instead of talking about him as a burden like he had done so before his disappearance. Bunga was the first to point it out, "Okay, who are you and what have you done with Makuu?" he inquired suspiciously, crossing his arms.

Though he did roll his eyes, instead of snapping or making a sarcastic comment, Makuu chuckled. "I never thought I'd say this, but I missed your sense of humor, honey badger."

Again, he surprised the guard, but Ono was quick to answer before Bunga said anything that really got him mad. "I'm sure mom will understand, I'll explain it to her. Besides, I think I must let Dalila know too."

"Would you like us to escort you and Kitwana back to Lake Matope?" Kion offered.

"Thank you, Kion, but we can manage from here. Thanks for the offer anyway," he turned to Julisha and Umoja. "I guess you two will go back to your homes?"

Julisha gave a positive snort. "Yes. I've been dying to taste the grass again!"

"And I will look for something to eat," Umoja said, turning to Julisha. "Chill out, I won't hunt any zebras today."

Julisha rolled her eyes, but smiled nonetheless.

With that, the group went their separate ways. Makuu and Kitwana headed towards Lake Matope at a slow pace, but it didn't take them too long to arrive. Though Makuu was dying to see his mate again, he was worried she would also at mad at him for 'worrying her sick', like that time when he got injured saving Balozi from the rock slide. Kitwana had nothing to worry about in that aspect, at least.

Soon they spotted the float in the water near the muddy shore.

The crocodiles hadn't joined the other animals as they went to shelter in Mizimu Grove; for them water was life, and so when it rained like this they wanted to enjoy it before the Dry Season, when they'd hibernate without a single drop of water. Though Akina was still somewhat depressed, she held on more or less. Pua had to do with it as a source of comfort, like a father comforting a daughter.

When the storm ended, most of the crocodiles were still in the water, while others were basking. The nests had hatched a few days ago, so the mothers were particularly... picky and protective. The sight almost made Akina weep.

When the sun started to rise a few moments later, Akina lifted her head from the water and looked around. It was just so calm without Kitwana and... Makuu.

She was about to go back underwater when she saw some movement in the distance; curious, she narrowed her eyes a bit to get a better sight of whoever was coming closer, and managed to notice it was two animals, one big and green, the other small and covered in white and gray plumage, both advancing slowly but sure of themselves.

When they were but a few meters away, she recognized them.

"Makuu..." She whispered silently, wondering if this was real or if it was just a figment of her imagination because she missed her mate so much. But the closer they came, the more she was sure they weren't hallucinations. "MAKUU!" with that, she darted out of the water and towards him, alerting the rest of the float.

When he saw her coming out of the water to greet him, he couldn't contain his joy of seeing her again and rushed to meet her, followed by Kitwana-though the fledgling was momentarily left behind unintentionally.

Animals had their ways of showing affection, and crocodiles were no exception. When the two mates finally came together, their heads touched, Akina's head tucked underneath Makuu's lower jaw, while he rubbed his own head against her. It might not seem much compared to the showier mammal shows of affection, but to crocodiles it was one of the greatest gestures of love.

Sadly, their moment was cut short when the rest of the float-and Kitwana- caught up, most of them in initial disbelief until they were a few feet away; once they realized the both of them were really there, they rushed towards the scene and started to cry out happily.

"Makuu, you're back!"

"I knew it! I knew you'd make it back!"

"Did you kick those two-legs' butts?"

"Little chick! I'm so glad you're back!

Hodari caught up a few seconds later, but the first animal he went to greet first was Kitwana. "Kitwana, you're okay!" he rushed forward and pulled the fledgling into a hug, and noticed he had grown quite some inches. "You've grown taller since the last time I saw you!"

"Hodari, it's been a while!" Kitwana returned the hug.

"I see, you're Kitwana, aren't you?"

Kitwana turned his head towards the elderly-sounding voice, and saw an old crocodile a few feet away. His expression was kind, and he was visibly happy. Kitwana thought he knew who he was. "Pua...?" he inquired.

The old croc nodded.

"Oh! You're the old crocodile leader! You're really cool, I heard you brought the float back to the Pride Lands!"

Though flattered, Pua was naturally modest and never let compliments go to his head. Still, he gave the fledgling a grateful smile. "I only did what a leader should. Think of the welfare of the float."

"You also took care of Makuu after his mama passed, right?"

"I did..." Pua said, this time sighing sadly as he glanced at Makuu, who was still being greeted by the other crocodiles. "He was like my son back then. He still is, even though we have grown distant."

Kitwana wasn't sure if he should tell Pua, but he guessed Makuu wouldn't mind when he was busy catching up. "He's sorry about all those things he did, especially to you. He was-"

"Driven by pain and anger," Pua finished for him. "For the death of his mother and siblings, but deep down he's a good crocodile his own way. Otherwise, perhaps you wouldn't be here today, little one."

"You know about... me?" Kitwana asked curiously.

"News in the Pride Lands spread faster than you think. I was surprised that Makuu would do such an altruistic thing, even if he used whatever excuse he could to deny it, but he neededthis. You helped him come to terms with himself, something not even I could do, and for that I will always be grateful to you, little one." Pua then turned around and started walking away.

"Wait, where are you going?" Kitwana called out.

"Makuu has returned, I'm no longer needed around here," Pua explained. "I assume you know that defeated crocodile leaders are banished from the float."

"Aren't you going to talk to Makuu?"

"I'm not sure he wants to. We haven't been on good terms for some time."

As the old crocodile was about to walk away yet again, he heard his name being called out, this time by the most unexpected animal.

Makuu had seen Pua talking with Kitwana, and once he managed to gently push through the other crocs, he called out to him. "Pua."

His one-time mentor stopped in his tracks, and turned around.

None of the two crocodiles said anything for a while, they merely stared at one another, as if waiting for the other to speak. Kitwana, Hodari and the other crocodiles watched the scene apprehensively.

After what seemed like an eternity, Makuu smiled lightly at Pua. The first smile he had given to the old croc in a long time. "Thank you."

Unsurprisingly, Pua returned the smile, but his was wider. He saw beneath the grateful gesture, Makuu was not only thanking him for looking after the float in his absence; he was thanking him for everything. Although he didn't speak any words, his acknowledging smile let his surrogate son know he was welcome anytime, before he started walking away and eventually disappeared.

Kitwana had no idea of why Pua hadn't replied with 'your welcome', but he guessed it would be some crocodile things he'd never understand fully. Before he could ask Hodari, however, suddenly he was tackled to the ground by a young egret fledgling.

"Kitwana!" Dalila cried happily, hugging him tightly. "You're back!"

"Dalila...!" Kitwana wanted to reply, but her grip was so strong he was running out of air.

"I think you should loosen your grip a bit," Makuu said with a small chuckle. "You're choking him."

"Sorry!" Dalila loosened her grip considerably, but she still didn't let go of Kitwana until a few seconds later. "But...! Kitwana, you're alive! I thought you were gone!"

"I nearly was," Kitwana said, then he looked at her leg, and noted that the wound had healed, though it left a noticeable scar in it. "I'm sorry about your leg..."

"It's okay, Rafiki managed to heal it, though he said it will be permanently scarred."

"Speaking of scars," Ghubari noticed the similar, but bigger, injury near Makuu's shoulder. It was still healing, but in his case it would be on a quicker pace. "What happened to you, Makuu?"

"Just like Kitwana said, it's a long story." Makuu responded, sighing.

"Hey, Kitwana," Dalila spoke up. "There is someone else who wants to talk to you."

She stepped aside, and another egret came forward; it was Bakshi, looking guilty.

Makuu had the feeling she wanted to talk to Kitwana alone. "Well, Kitwana, we'll give you some privacy..."

"Makuu, wait," Bakshi spoke before the crocodile could leave with the float. "This is something you should heard too."

He was reluctant to talk to Bakshi right then, considering the last time they talked he had been anything but friendly, but the sooner they were done with it, the better. Akina wanted to stay with her mate, but she understood Bakshi wanted to talk with the both of them alone, and she led the other crocodiles away, not before sharing another affectionate snout rub with her mate, then leaving with the rest; Dalila did likewise.

Kitwana felt a bit nervous; he had no idea what exactly she wanted to tell him.

She spoke. "Kitwana, I'm glad you're okay," she said with great relief, though the guilt was still there. "I was afraid something had happened to you, I would have never forgiven myself if you had been..." she lowered her head, ashamed. "I'm sorry, Kitwana. I should have been more attentive to you. You were emotionally vulnerable, but I figured you'd eventually get over it, but then it happened... I should have never left you behind when I promised your... father I'd take good care of you..."

"It's alright, Bakshi," Kitwana assured her. "I didn't make things easier for you. You did try to help me, I just didn't appreciate it."

"It still doesn't justify that I left you behind during a dangerous situation. You could have died because I forgot about you in my panic. I did nothing when the rest of the flock shut you out, I did nothing when Mshale teased you endlessly until your breaking point..." Bakshi closed her eyes shut. "I hope you can forgive me one day, Kitwana."

Then she turned to Makuu. "Makuu... I don't even know where to begin. I know I promised you he would be in good wings, but I failed to give him the level of attention he required in such a vulnerable moment, and in the sight of danger I forgot about him... I don't blame you for nearly eating me-"

"Stop."

Bakshi glanced up at Makuu in surprise, and felt a shiver down her spine when she noticed his expression had turned serious.

"Beating yourself over something that has happened and you cannot change won't fix anything, Bakshi. What happened, happened. Believe me, I know it better than anyone," Makuu said with a heavy sigh. "I will not deny it, I'm very disappointed that you didn't keep your promise to us and it will be a long time before I can fully trust you again," his expression softened, "But I forgive you."

Bakshi's eyes widened; she didn't expect this, and judging by Kitwana's own expression he wasn't expecting this either.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I spent who-knows how much time away from my float and my mate, and I'd like to take a long nap." With that, he sulked off towards the lake to look for his mate.

"I forgive you too, Bakshi," Kitwana said. "In a way, thanks to what happened, I finally understood everything, and who I really am. So, thank you..."

Bakshi was close to tears by then. "Kitwana..."

"I guess I have to go back with you to the flock..."

"... Actually, I wouldn't mind if you want to stay with your family for a little longer," she couldn't help but smile a bit when she saw his eyes lit up. "Besides, you've gone through many things these past weeks and the last thing you need is to be overwhelmed by your fans."

Kitwana's expression nearly made her giggle. "Fans?"