//------------------------------//
// Episode 3: Let Sleeping Crocs Lie 
// Story: The Pony Guard (Season 5) 
// by MXCDarkHorse2020 
//------------------------------//


Episode 3:



Let Sleeping Crocs Lie


It wasn’t too long ago, when the Pride Landers have moved back to their homes after being forced out when Scar took over. All but one group, the crocodiles who all are now currently residing in the big lake in Ponyville.

Ever since having to relocate from Diamond Valley, they took up residence in the local lake since it was the largest source of water with Makku leading occasional trips to the rivers in the Everfree Forest in order to for the float to spread out more for breathing room in terms of swimming around for excerise and finding their fill in fish.

Naturally, back in the Pride Lands since it’s still the dry season there it would more fitting if they were all hibernating there just when it was all beginning. But of course because Scar chose that very day to take over the Pride Lands, they all had the burden of being disturbed from their seasonal slumber by the royal sisters to avoid getting burned to death.

Even though Makuu was more understanding and reasonable than he was since he first took control of the float, he still was not a happy croc in the matter. But was none of the less still willing to compromise for the sake of the kindness and generosity both princesses have provided for him and his float to ensure that they were all well accommodated.

Although not all crocs were happy about the situation with some even voicing that they want to go back to the Pride Lands with one of those crocs in particular being Kiburi. A croc with very dark shadows under his eyes and a small beard under the chin of his neck, that looked like a little fuzz underneath.

Throughout his time living under Makku’s leadership, he grew accustomed to his old ways in life, taking what they pleased when it suits them at the expense of others, in addition, looking out for themselves whenever things go wrong.

If any day, the crocs sure picked a good day to complain when they managed to get themselves into trouble as far as the Ponyville residents are concerned because today was the day they’ve racked up complaints from them big time. The matter itself was serious to the point Mayor Mare had to personally summon the Lion and Pony Guard over to quell the matter.

“Okay, okay, everypony calm down!” Twilight urged the angry mob in front of her.

“Everyone please!” Kion repeated seeing that everyone is talking over each other. “One at a time!”

But it still wasn’t getting them to calm down and listen.

Frustrated and left with no choice, Twilight flew up and shouted in her Royal Canterlot Voice. “EVERYPONY QUIET!”

It worked thankfully.

“About time.”

“You said it.”

Both Bunga and Fuli remarked after getting annoyed by all of their non-stop talking mouths.

“Okay…” Kion then said calmly trying to understand why everyone is all getting upset like this. “…now, what in the Pride Lands is going on? What happened?”

“Your crocodile friends happened?” Lyra angrily remarked before directing their attention to the wrecked trees in the Everfree Forest. “They caused a rampage and destroyed the roof of my home, my bed, and my special cake for my best friend!” For further proof she pulled up the broken remains of her pillow and cake.

“Not only that, they ate my entire fish supply and my wheelbarrow.” A pony displayed his empty and said chewed up wheelbarrow.

“They ate my student’s homework!” Cheerlie cried while the Cutie Mark Crusaders winked at them and hooves up to her in response.

“They ate my muffins! And they didn’t even apologize for it!” Derpy complained while displaying the croc’s teeth marks on the broken plates.

Next up is Cranky Doodle with bandages covering his flank with the love of his life by his side. “Do I need to say it?” He grumpily asked while gesturing to the injuries he’s just obtained.

“Don’t ask Bunga…” Fuli whispered to the honey badger ready to open his mouth. “…don’t ask.”

Bunga literally zipped his lips and tossed aside the zipper in response.

Sweetie Drops then exclaimed in angered concern. “How are we going to protect ourselves?!”

“I got it!” Snips shouted as he presented everyone a cart of steaming hot burgers that his partner is standing beside. “Let’s all buy a hay burger!”

“Five bits each.” Snails added.

No one was even amused or enlightened as everyone in the crowd all booed and threw condiment bottles right at them forcing them to retreat.

“I told you we should have started at two bits each!”

“Hey! Getting meat nowadays is expensive!”

The two argued as they ran away.

With that little distraction aside, the crowd all turned to both leaders of the Guard along with their mayor with expected resolutions to the rising issue on hoof.

“Anyways…” Kion said while rolling his eyes at their antics moving refocusing. “…we understand that you’re upset and we’re sorry that this all happened. We had no idea that they were going to do this.”

“Sure speaks volume…” Cranky uttered out loud while glaring at the pony with the scar on her face. “…too bad you couldn’t piece together of what your friend was going to do after she was crowned a princess and she’s still a princess.

“Cranky!” Matilda chastised. “Now is not the time for blame games!”

“Well what else can we do unless she by miracle has a perfect resolution to the matter other than pulling a knife to our backs when we least expect it?!”

“We could at least listen to her considering she’s the reason we’re all standing here today with freedom.” Filthy Rich argued in her defense. “Without her we wouldn’t even be having this conversation right now.”

“Try telling that to her had she decided not to go through with it all.” Cranky still muttered under her breath to which did not go unheard by everyone

Meanwhile Twilight just looks on with an annoyed frown while the others standing by her side look worried wondering how she is really feeling about all of this being said right in front of her. After letting them air their grievances once more, she moved to speak up.

“If everyone is done voicing complainants, I might have an idea of how to resolve this.” She calmly proposed, and once she saw that everyone was listening she continued. “Me and Kion will go to Makku and get an explanation for what happened. If anything else we’ll go to King Simba and Princess Celestia about this. If all goes well then none of you will have to worry about them causing trouble…” She then specifically locked eyes at Cranky. “…anymore.” He looked aside with a heartless snort some regret for being too hard on her. She then turned back to everyone. “No matter what happens I can promise that this will be dealt with, as peacefully as possible.”

“Of course, Princess Twilight.” Mayor Mare nodded in response having faith in her then turned to her best friend. “You too, Prince Kion.”

Without another word, Twilight flew over the crowd and made her way towards the lake where the crocs are currently residing with Kion and the rest of the Guard following after her.

While flying over there while still looking on serious as always while on a mission, she nearly felt the urge to cry from Cranky’s hurtful remarks. Sure they were true, but still hurt considering of how much she’s put into in ensuring no one suffered a fate they didn’t deserve.





On the way on land, some of the members got a chance to express their thoughts about what happened from the emergency meeting at City Hall.

“So…” Bunga awkwardly started. “…is she okay?”

“She will be.” Kion said as he flew close by personal choice since he is still getting used to flying.

“Are you sure? She didn’t seem completely there when that grumpy donkey said all of those mean things about her.”

“He said that she will be.” Rarity asserted the prince’s certainty on the matter as she ran beside him. “Clearly, it’s going to take time for everyone to cool down and let bygones be bygones in the matter.”

Pinkie then chimed in. “And I’m sure Cranky was just being cranky when he said all of that. I mean being trapped inside a crowded stadium with many ponies and Pride Landers is a sure way to work up some nerves of other ponies and most Pride Landers in this case.”

“And an honest pony can tell that it’s going to take some time for everyone to get settled on the matter.” Applejack added. “And not everyone here is the kindest kindred spirit around and with every Pride Lander even more so after what happened at the Crystal Empire.”

“I know but…you would think she’s suffered enough since she beat the meanest lion in the Pride Lands and reclaimed it in Simba’s name?”

“Truthfully yes, but since Twilight has hardly shown the courage to them that she’s repentant for what she did to them it’s very hard for the least kindest of the bunch for them to see that…” Fluttershy added in with her input on the matter. “…especially when some parts of her fearful self still remain inside of her.”

“I guess…” Bunga reluctantly accepted knowing that it’s the truth. But even still he didn’t completely agree with how little respect they were giving her but didn’t have further time to pursue the matter when they heard the Pony Guard leader’s voice call out to them.

“Girls, guys!” She called out to them to make sure they were keeping before moving to speak with Makku.

“Coming!” Kion called out on behalf of the team before whispering to his other best friend. “We’ll talk more later.”

Just when the rest of the Guard was catching up to where Twilight is standing, she was already meeting up face to face with Makku ready to talk to him.

“Makku.”

“Twilight.”

They both casually greeted like its professional business between them.

“We need to talk.”

“And let me guess…” Makuu said dryly like he expected this while rolling his eyes in annoyance. “…does this have anything to do with my float again?”

“Yes it does.” She politely greeted. “It’s just that we just received a few complaints from everyone in Ponyville again. All of them were saying that some crocs from your float have created destruction during their rampage across town.”

“Crocodiles…” He muttered to himself while turning towards the direction to his left behind him. 

“Would you happen to know who if it wasn’t you?” Kion asked trying not to put him on the spot.

“I do.” He calmly answered before moving to shout out towards someone. “Kiburi!”

Said croc appeared by his side. “What?”

“Did you go behind my back and tell my float to go all around and trash Ponyville?!” He demanded.

“Yeah. So what?” Kiburi did not understand why his leader is clearly angered for he just admitted to.

“The problem is that you are encouraging them to cause trouble and by far peeving off the entire town!”

Fluttershy gasped in response. “Makku! Language!”

“Fluttershy…” Rainbow said to her in a “not now.” tone.

Despite being told how serious his offense was, Kiburi still didn’t care. “Big deal.”

“Kiburi…” Makku was now starting to lose his patience with him. “…I get that you’re used to how it was back when I first took over but things are different now. And since it’s still the dry season in the Pride Lands we have to take up residence here and you’re threatening to ruin it for everyone by trying to get us kicked out a place that’s providing us plenty of water. Normally we’d sleep through it, but we can’t this time around.”

“You’re right about that.” Kiburi agreed though with disdain directed at the alicorn princess. “We were sleeping.” He then approached her face to face. “We were sleeping. But now, thanks to the Lion and Pony Guard, we're all wide awake! So whaddaya gonna do about it, huh?”

Fuli was quick to leap in between them and get face to face with him for his approach. “Take it easy, Kiburi.”

Bunga could not believe that he is still going on about it. “Sheesh! Somebody still got up on the wrong side of the cave.”

“You can't blame him for bein' upset.” Beshte sympathized. 

“After all, the princesses did wake 'em up.” Applejack added in agreement.

“And crocodiles usually spend the whole dry season in deep sleep. But once they're awake, they can't go back to their deep sleep!” Ono further added.

Pinkie tried to think otherwise. “Oh come on! No way that's not true!” She giggled.

“But it is.” Makku stated with a hardened frown in the pony’s direction who flinched upon seeing it. “We crocodiles need a whole lot of water to survive. Since there isn't enough to go around in the dry season, we sleep through it.”

“Never mind.” She said while moving to wisely stop talking on the matter.

“And since Twilight is the reason we’re awake…” Kiburi then stated while moving to bare his teeth in her direction. “…I say we deal with her the crocodile way!”

“Really?” Twilight asked feeling unimpressed while stepping aside from Fuli so he can see her in full view. “You want to go that way?” She returned a serious glare in his direction along with having her horn flare and wings spread out ready for the fight should he proceed to go through with it.

“Oh no.”

“Hapana.”

Both Fluttershy and Ono whimpered seeing this is starting to escalate when Twilight started to move menacingly towards Kiburi.

Kion was quick to run up beside along with Fuli who both moved to hold her back before it could get really bad. 

“Oh, no, you don't!” Kion boldly stated in his friend’s defense.

Makuu was also quick to order his stubborn follower to back off. “Kiburi! Control yourself! I'll handle this.”

“Yes, Makuu.” He reluctantly obliged with a bow at the same time Twilight folded her wings and canceled the glowing aura on her horn.

Turning his attention back to both Kion and Twilight who took a deep breath to calm herself down, Makuu then tried to figure a way for both sides to satisfied. “That being said, I think it might be in our best interest to find water in the Pride Lands if we want to be able to at least spend time back there.”

“Are you sure, Makuu?” Kion didn’t feel so sure about that idea. “Even though it means enduring the dry season awake there half the time?”

Crocodiles usually sleep during the dry season and they already have a cozy arrangement with living in the Ponyville, but at the same time they too would like to be able to have a way they can return home even if it means listening to their body’s needs. “I’m sure.”

“Okay…” Kion accepted his choice. “…then we’ll go to my dad along with the other princesses.”

“Your dad? And the princesses?” Kiburi scoffed once more.

“Kiburi...” Makuu threateningly scolded for his blatant disrespect towards them.

“Yeah. My dad.” 

“And the princesses.”

Both Kion and Twilight asserted.

“He makes sure everyone has enough water in the dry season. And I’m sure with good behavior both Princess Celestia and Luna will ensure that your stay in the Pride Lands will be just as comfortable as everyone and everypony in Ponyville.”

Her words were met with small skepticism from the crocodile leader. “Everyone?”

“I know they'll take care of you and your float, Makuu.” She assured.

“They'd better.” Makuu is trusting and holding his breath on their word here. With that decision made he turned to everyone in his float for instructions during his temporary absence. “I'm going to speak to King Simba, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna. Stay here until I come back.”

Even still Kiburi can’t keep his protesting mouth shut. “Stay here? But...” Makuu once more shot a threatening glare and growl in his direction to force him to stay in line. “…Yeah, okay, Makuu. Whatever you say. You're the leader.”

“And don't you forget it.” He warned once more before leaving alongside the Guard so he can meet up with them.

As they both were leaving Twilight and Kiburi scowled at each other once more before going their separate ways and turning their backs from each other.

Deep down she knows what’s going to happen after they leave and it could not be truer as her perks an ear up with her magic so she hear the croc’s true intention once everyone else was out of earshot.

“Okay, they're gone. Now, this is how it's going down. We're leaving this rule-restricted lake and finding us some water in the Pride Lands!”

One crocodile, Tamaka, was confused. “But you just said...”

“Never mind what I said!” He asserted still preferring Makuu’s old methods better. “Listen to what I'm saying! We're crocodiles! We don't wait around for other animals to tell us what to do! We take what we want! Just like Makuu before he turned into Mr. Nice Guy!”

He got support from others who actually did like Makuu the way he was before he turned a new leaf.

“Yeah! He's right!”

“Yeah, we do!”

Kiburi confidentially smirked seeing this support. “So I say we don't stay here! I say we spread out and get ourselves some water! Are you with me?”

“Yeah!”

“Then let's go!”

As everyone sets out away from the lake, the skinks both Shupavu and Njano are currently watching unnoticed from the nearest trees.

“Hmm-mmm.” The red skink noted. “Crocs on the rampage. Both Princess Twilight and Kiburi are both at their breaking points.” She turned to her partner. “Ushari will want to hear about this. And so will Scar along with Starlight!”

The two spies moved to scurry their way on over to the Volcano in the Outlands where they both relied of what had just transpired to the unicorn and cobra along with the lion / alicorn hybird’s spirit waiting for them.





“Interesting.” Starlight slyly smiled after taking in this new news.

“Very interesting.” Scar agreed before turning his attention to the cobra who recommended his new eyes for both worlds. “Your spies have done well, Ushari. This is very good news indeed.” The fiery spirit complimented with this in light. “Crocodiles detest the dry season. And they won't easily forgive both Celestia and Luna for waking them especially as far as where Twilight is concerned. It could give us an opportunity.”

“Yes.” Ushari sinisterly agreed. “That's what I thought, too.”

“A very great opportunity, indeed.” Starlight chimed in sharing the cobra’s eager excitement to pounce upon it.

“Have your skinks keep an eye on the situation especially on Twilight. Tell me immediately if anything changes.” He then instructed.

“You heard that?” Ushari asked of the two after turning his head towards them.

“Yes, sir.”

Both Shupavu and Njano set out to carry out this task leaving Ushari and Starlight alone with Scar.

“The Princesses mistake could prove most fortuitous for us. Perhaps it will even lead to the end of Simba, Celestia, and Luna's reign.” He then said with optimism with what he knows so far.

“Don’t forget Twilight.” Starlight reminded.

“And that we reptiles will rule the Pride Lands!” Scar looks on unimpressed while raising his left brow sternly in response. “Uh…” He quickly realized his mistake. “… under your leadership, of course. Right, Scar?”

“Of course, Ushari.” He gently assured. “Of course.” He repeated though somewhat insincerely. He then turned to Starlight. “And as for Twilight, I haven’t forgotten about her, not after what she just did to take away my powers. Even with every prisoner in Tartarus giving me their magic, I still have yet fully charge my strength and get back to what I had before our last battle.” He then frowned with slight resentment of how lucky she got just when he had her on the ropes before evilly smiling again. “With practice and a new grand plan, I’ll return stronger than before and I will get back what is rightfully mine. And soon, Twilight’s life will once again come crashing down harder than before.” He then laughed manically before his spirit disappeared while his physical body can resume his personal training so he can build back up to what he once had two months ago.





Meanwhile at Pride Rock, Makuu is currently meeting up with Simba, Celestia, and Luna so he can personally negotiate a way for his float to be able at least spend half of their time in the Pride Lands.

“It really is a matter of our survival and ensuring peace between the two worlds, Your Majesties.” He said to them while the Lion and Pony Guard watch from the sidelines with their leaders close by the princesses and lion king conversing with Makuu leader to leader.

“They sure have been talking awhile.” Beshte quietly commented to the others.

“No kidding.” Applejack commented back in agreement.

“What do you think they’re talking about?” Fluttershy wondered.

“I'm pretty sure they're talking about how and where the crocs are gonna live for the rest of the dry season.” Fuli replied.

“Of course but what if something happens to them?” The yellow Pegasus fearfully wondered. “They could get sunburn, or dehydrated, or even starve to death with not enough fish to last the whole dry season!”

“Easy, Fluttershy.” Beshte eased the trembling pony. “None of that's gonna happen. Like they said it’ll be a half and half sort of thing.”

“ Yeah, you heard Kion and Twilight.” Rainbow chimed in. “You got nothin' to worry about! They’ll be fine!”

“Ono! Come over here.”

“Rainbow! You too!”

Both their leaders called upon them.

“But then again, I could be wrong.” Rainbow then said feeling slightly worried herself along with Ono.

“Oh, no...”

“Perhaps, you don't understand how much water crocodiles need, sire.” Makuu said to the three.

“We do, Makuu.” 

“And I'll see that you have it.”

Both Simba and Celestia reassured.

“Dad?” Kion spoke up with an idea. “What if Ono and Rainbow look out over the Pride Lands to see which watering hole is least crowded? Then maybe that one can go to the crocodiles.”

His father approved of it. “Excellent idea, Kion. Ono? Rainbow Dash?”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” 

“It'd be our pleasure!”

The two bowed before flying off together.

“I'm sure we can find a place for your float, Makuu.” Simba said with a smile knowing that this can be dealt without any disputes.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Makuu returned with gratitude. “I want to settle this peacefully for both the Pride Lands and all of Equestria.”

“Hopefully with this you all will at least be able to take turns up until the end of the dry season.” The white alicorn further assured.

Upon flying the skies the two fliers came across something alarming.

“What the…?”

“Hapana!”

Just then both flyers came right back to Pride Rock.

“Kion! Twilight! Your Majesties! The crocodiles are everywhere!” 

“They've moved in to watering holes all over the Pride Lands!”

They urgently reported.

Makuu was highly surprised to hear of this since he didn’t give them the order. “Crocodiles?”

“What is the meaning of this, Makuu?” Luna sternly asked of him quick to demand an explanation. “I thought you said you wanted to settle this peacefully.”

The crocodile leader was quick to assert his innocence. “I do! I do! Whoever is doing this, they're defying a direct order! We'll have to finish this later. I need to deal with my float.” He moved to leave before being intercepted the eldest alicorn princess.

“Makuu, wait. We are very close to a solution.” She gently implored of him. “Let the Lion and Pony Guard handle this.”

“Mmm.” While initially reluctant on something he can do himself, he relented. “Very well.”

“We need to split up to gather them all.” Twilight instructed everyone while taking the lead. “Till the Pride Lands and Equestria’s end...”

“Lion and Pony Guard defend!”





At the watering hole where the Impalas are currently residing in is where Kiburi is making them leave by force by making a surprise appearance in tail slapping one of them away when it least expected it.

“That was a warning.” Kiburi threateningly said to the frightened herd. “This is our watering hole now! We say when you can drink! And if you don't listen...” He approaches one just inches away from one’s face. “Lemme show you what'll happen.”

“Stop right there, Kiburi!” Kion shouted from above with both Twilight and Rainbow flying over from above his head. “This watering hole is not your place!“

“Leave the impalas alone!” Rainbow added while pounced her fists together.

“Or else you WILL pay dearly!” Twilight also added heavily and darkly with her horn lit up.

“It's our place now Kion. And I'm gonna teach 'em who's boss and there is nothing you can do to stop me Twilight!”

Kiburi continued to carry out his assault on the impala, leaving the others no choice but to pursue and stop him from doing so.

Kion moved to tackle and jumped onto his snout forcing him to back off. In response Kiburi shook him off on dry land and attempted to pin him down with his bare teeth.

“Okay, fine. I'll teach you instead.” He said when the lion cub pushed him off and back into the water.

In retaliation, he attempted to chomp his jaws onto him only to be greeted with a super-fast punch and kick from Rainbow Dash flying in with her super speed.

“Oof! Aah! What the…?”

POW!

The rebel croc was knocked hard backwards by another punch by Rainbow Dash.

Now feeling pushed to his limit, he charged back and tail whacked the Pegasus hard in the face and moved to do the same to Kion when he moved to attack shocking Twilight greatly upon seeing the deep cuts they endured to the faces.

With the two both lying down on the ground and water, Kiburi moved to approach them ready to finish them off when the alicorn vocally made herself clear to him…

“Don’t even think about it!” She warned while planting herself in between them with her horn flaring up.

Kiburi smugly smiled scoffed at her is just is barely keeping her rage in check before moving to taunt her. “Or what, Scarface? You’ll beat me up?! What’s the matter? Afraid of a little blood?”

At this point, Twilight snapped and snarled right back at him with her eyes glowing green with black and purple smoke coming out them while charging at him. With murderous intent black tendrils appeared from her eyes as she ensnares the now frighten croc with them.

“What? What? What is going on? No! No! Stop, you win, I surrender!”

But it has all fallen on deaf ears, as he finds out too late of how much of a bad idea it is to provoke the former Princess of Darkness. Next thing he knows he finds himself getting slammed around into the ground and into the nearby trees. During this vicious beat down, Twilight viciously smiled in his direction while speaking in a rather demonic tone of voice.

“What’s the matter? Afraid of a little beating?”

“I surrender! NOOOOOOOOO!” He screamed as he finds himself forced head deep underwater and slowly suffocating as a result.

While Rainbow Dash was loving every second of this scene, Kion however was horrified from seeing this along with the Impalas that are all wisely standing huddled together from a safe distance.

Just then Celestia along with Simba and Makuu had arrived on the scene.

“Twilight! STOP!” Celestia called out to her before he murders the crocodile she’s now torturing.

Instantly, Twilight snapped out of it. Her eyes returned to normal as she gasped sharply before canceling her use of dark magic allowing Kiburi to emerge and regain his breath.

As soon as Kiburi recovered, Makuu wasted no time in chewing him out for his insubordination.  “Kiburi! What are you doing?”

“What you should have told us to do!” He retorted as he still takes in deep breaths while acting like whatever trauma he took in never happened. “I'm takin' the water we need!”

“Against my orders! You knew I was talking to King Simba along with Princess Celestia to get help.”

“Yes. And together we have found a watering hole that you can have for your own.” Simba further added with a stern tone to which was met with another disgruntled scoff from the croc.

“Hmph!”

“Kion, will you and the Lion and Pony Guard escort Makuu and the crocodiles to their dry season home?” The lion king asked of his son.

“Sure, Dad.”

Kion moved ahead to do so with Makuu personally leading Kiburi on over there to ensure that he doesn’t try anything else and cause more harm than it’s worth.

Speaking of that, Twilight who was about to fly off after them, found herself stopping on the king’s command.

“Hold on, Twilight!”

“Huh?”

“I need you to hang back on this one because we need to talk.” While calm and understanding of the situation he had to be firm with her here. “Twilight…its fair that you have reason to strongly dislike Kiburi and his most recent behavior and want to take him down personally. Believe from past experience in regards to Scar after learning the truth about my father. But I have to advise you to show a little more restrain with your enemies. Just look at who’s afraid of you now.” He gestured to the startled herd of Impala still looking on like deer in headlights at the sight of what they just saw. 

“But Simba…” Twilight tried to say in her defense. “…he was hurting my friends and was willing to hurt the impala over it.” She briefly looked aside with regret over further frightening them accidentally. “I was just trying to protect everyone.” Was all she could say with all said and done.

“I know you were and I’m not saying that’s a bad thing.” He again assured still trying to be firm but fair here. “I’m just saying you need to keep your emotions and powers under control going forward because others aren’t going see it that way. I mean you’ve heard of how some others are still giving you a hard time?”

“Yes.” She answered knowing exactly what he’s talking about with her ears and eyes lowered down with shame for losing control over herself.

“Twilight…” Celestia chimed in so she can console her as she floated over to them. “…it's okay. And if this is about those who are still giving you a hard time, then don't let it get to you. They're just having a really hard time cooling down from the stress they’ve endured during their captivity.” Twilight failed to remain convinced until she added in a motherly tone with a smile to match while using her wing to get her to look at her. “Just give them some more time and I’m sure whatever missions you and the rest of your friends will face will turn that all around.” She moved to bring her in for a hug.

Twilight felt better with her warm motherly words already but had this to ask of her friend’s father of his parental guidance. “So…as long as I behave myself, we’re all good?”

“Yes, Twilight...” The lion king nodded before gently warning. “…But if I hear word of you causing terror again, then you can expect mandatory and much needed time off from your duties as leader of the Pony Guard coming your way.”

“Okay.” Twilight moved to break apart from her mentor’s hug before moving on towards to where Makuu, Kiburi and the others crocs had gone all while every scene of what had happened been seen and monitored by the skinks.





By the time she caught up with them, the crocs have all settled in their new dry season residence.

“See, Fluttershy?” Beshte said to the previously worried Pegasus. “Now the crocs have their own watering hole. Everything's gonna be fine. Just like Kion said.”

“Oh…” Fluttershy calmed down after seeing and being reminded of this. “Maybe this isn’t such a disaster after all.”

“This is a disaster!” Kiburi once more complained thus reigniting Fluttershy’s previous concerns.

“Oh...”

Beshte was quick to try to nicely assure him otherwise. “I know it's crowded, Kiburi. But it really is a good spot.”

“My dad says there's enough water and fish to last you the whole dry season.” Kion added.

“Oh, really? "Your dad" says so?”

“Hey! "His dad" is your King.” Fuli quickly reminded in response to his disrespectful attitude.

“And let’s not forget that applies to both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.” Rarity added in the same disgusted and scolding tone as the cheetah. “Since they were kind and generous enough to provide you all a way for you to still live in Ponyville should you run out.”

“Yeah. And besides, there's tons of water!” Bunga added before moving to leap into the water to prove it. “I'll show ya! Zuka zama!” He winds up landed on one of the crocidle’s back instead. “Ha! That's some hard water.”

“At least you get to be close to all your friends.” Beshte said still trying to get them to look at the bright side of things.

“And you’re not completely committed to suffering through the dreadful heat.” Rarity added.

“Yeah. Really close!” Bunga repeated. “See? I didn't even get my feet wet!”

Yet Kiburi still can’t take the hint to back off giving attitude. “The honey badger can't even get his feet wet! What kind of watering hole is this?”

Once more, Makuu asserted his pragmatic reasons for accepting this. “I know it's not perfect. But it's the best way to get our float through the dry season along with being able to live in Ponyville when needed. It's a compromise.”

“Compromise? Since when is that the crocodile way?”

“Kiburi…” Makuu said trying really hard to keep his cool in the face of the words coming out of his mouth. “…the dry season is dry. There's not much water anywhere in the Pride Lands. This is our share.”

“Share? We're crocodiles, Makuu!” Kiburi moved to turn his back from Makuu. “We deserve better!”

“This is the best we can get.” Makuu firmly stated. “If you don't like it, you can try your luck in the Outlands!”

But Kiburi preferred to take the third option. “Or I can call for a Mashindano!”

All of the crocodiles gasped in shock in response as the Lion and Pony Guard looked on equally shocked too.

“A Mashindano?” Kion questioned in shock at his bold challenge while Fluttershy fainted.

“Oh my…”

She fell backwards only to be quickly caught by both Rarity and Pinkie who also could not believe what they are hearing.

“A Mashindano!”

“The horribly dreaded and brutal crocodile duel!”

“So now you want to fight me for leadership of the crocodiles, huh?” Makuu questioned seeing what his attitude is coming too as they get face to face with each other.

“It's the crocodile way.” Kiburi asserted with his decision before eyeing Twilight once more. “And only that, the same applies to the alicorn princess.”

“What?!”

“Seriously?!”

Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash questioned like he has lost his mind now just when the alicorn raised her hoof to assert she handle this as she flies down to the ground.

“Really?” Twilight asked to make sure she is serious about this. “Even after terrifying you just minutes ago?”

“That’s right and without magic!” He asserted. “Think you can handle that?”

“If that’s want you want, then I accept.” She calmly replied.

“Me too.” Makuu nodded in agreement. “Lake Matope at sunset.”

“I know the tradition, Makuu.” Kiburi said as he smugly smirked. “Let's see if you still know how to fight and be able to defend your pretty pony friend too.” He then turned back to Twilight. “And let’s hope you can still fend for yourself without your powers, because you’re going to need it.”

“Don’t get your hopes up.” Twilight retorted unconvinced as both pony and croc went their separate ways to prep up for that upcoming fight.

“Twilight, wait!” Kion cried after her as he chased after her trying to talk her out of it with little luck from the soon to be attempt.

While this was going on, the skinks who just watch Kiburi walk by closely, both smiled before reporting their recent findings back to Scar, Ushari, and Starlight back at the volcano.





Upon hearing the news himself Scar cackled in delight. “A Mashindano?”

“At sunset. Tonight.” Shupavu confirmed.

“ You have brought me valuable information. Well done, Skinks.” Scar complimented to the two who bowed before leaving. “Tell me, Ushari. Does the Mashindano still attract large crowds of Pride Landers?”

“Yes. Yes, it does.”

“Some things never change.” Scar commented feeling very pleased to hear this. “And even the royal family attends the Mashindano. Correct?”

“Yes!”

“So, it's the perfect time to get rid of King Simba along with Princess Celestia.”

Ushari had question marks raised with that proposal. “How are we going to do that?”

“Especially when I have remained hidden until the time is right?” Starlight added finding it quite problematic.

“We needn't do much at all.” He calmly explained. “Kiburi and his crocs will do the dirty work for us. You'd be surprised what can be done while everyone else is distracted by the Mashindano.”

“Really?” Starlight was intrigued. “Like what?”

“Something that I’ll explain another time.” He assured before focusing on the more important matter. “In the meantime, Starlight, Ushari, I need you two to trick Kiburi into thinking he can rule the Pride Lands and Equestria.”

Ushari was still confused. “He'll rule the Pride Lands and Equestria?”

“Of course not!” Starlight corrected. “He couldn’t even beat Twilight without her magic. But that’s what we want him to think so he’ll do what we want.”

“Well said, Starlight.” Scar agreed with the notion he couldn’t have said it better himself.

It was there Ushari now understood of how this works to their advantage. “Yes! Of course!”

Scar smiled in response before giving the duo their instructions. “Now...Here's the plan I want you two to plant in Kiburi's tiny little brain.”

“We’re listening…” Starlight said with both ears open and ready.





Meanwhile back in Ponyville, Kion has arrived at the town’s fitness center where he has found the Princess of Friendship currently at work, vigorously punching and kicking punching bags.

“Twilight…” Kion called out to her.

“Yes, Kion.” She returned while blowing the stuffing out of the last bag before moving to square off with Applejack’s big brother Big Macintosh in the ring. “Ready?” She called out to him.

“Yep!” He replied nonchalantly as usual.

The two proceeded to wrestle it out on the octagon where the two ponies took turns trying to out-muscle each other.

“Why are you doing this?”

“Doing what?” She asked while grunting and pushing through the exercise.

“Giving into Kiburi’s challenge, in front of every Pride Lander?”

“To send a clear message that challenging an alicorn prince / princess is never a good idea.” She answered just when the muscular red pony moved to try to push and pin her down to the mat.

“Is that what you’re really trying to do, or are you trying to make everyone more afraid of you then before?”

“I’m pretty sure the former.” She replied back just when she managed to push Big Mac off of her and moved to charge and tackle him.

“But what about what happened back with the Impalas?” He reminded. “You really scared them back there. And me too.”

“Huh?” She then expressed surprise for a second before reminding herself that she is currently in an ongoing fight and can’t afford to drop her guard before ensuring that Big Mac’s attempted rolling her over to reverse the spin is irreversible. 

Upon firmly pinning the large stallion down to the ground, he tapped her arm to signal that he has given up. After doing so, Twilight let him go and moved to help him up before turning to give Kion his full attention while grabbing a towel to wipe the sweat from her forehead along with a bottle of water so she can re-hydrate.

“Did I?” She asked while recalling the brief glimpse of the memory as the cub nodded in response. It was like her breaking speech moment at Diamond Valley that left him breaking down in tears along with placing him in a position where she would have killed him if it weren’t for his honest and sincere apology. “Oh…” She realized before truly pondering her friend’s concerns. “…right. I have forgotten about that. Nor did I forget your father’s concerns towards me. That being said I can honestly say that I am not doing it out for the sake of revenge towards someone who pushed me into blowing a fuse but more to put Kiburi in his place. I mean you saw what happened back there even after provoking me the guy still has the nerve to challenge me but only without magic.”

“But how I can be sure…?” Kion still unsure whether to believe her or not.

“You can start by having faith in me.” She simply and calmly said as she took a sip from her water bottle hoisted up by her magic. “Like you did back when it seemed hope was lost not too long ago.” She gestured to his wings as a reminder of that.

Kion gave it some thought and after hearing that reminder he decided to give in. “All right.” He replied with a smile leading to the two to hug it out although the uncertainty of what’s come still remains. “Just try to be careful.”

“Of course.” She smiled. “Anything else?”

“Um, actually, yes…” Kion hesitantly said drawing the mare’s curiosity of where he is going with this. “…are you also worried that Makku is still mad at you for waking him up?”

Twilight’s smile faded before replying. “No…but I wouldn’t be surprise if that was the case.”

“Right…” Kion said understanding of why while trying to mentally think of how to approach this. “…because of why he and his float are awake.”

“Uh-huh.”

“But you were able to talk to him no problem. Nothing else happened?”

“Nope. It was just business leader to leader as usual.” She replied trying to act like it’s no big deal.

Kion could tell that his friend is truthfully not feeling satisfied with it even if things seem all good between them to the point they can cooperate with each other just fine. “For what it’s worth, if Makuu isn’t showing any hostility towards you then I’m sure he has forgiven you and knows the true circumstances behind what happened back then.” He then said with his best words of encouragement and wisdom. “And if it really bothers you, you can always talk to him yourself and ensure there are no hard feelings. Again, your choice, and nobody and nopony would look at you any differently.”

Twilight pondered his advice before turning back to her next training exercise which involves sparing off against a robot dummy of Kiburi courtesy of the town’s pony inventor. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

She then moved away from her conversation before beginning her sparring session with the robot as a final preparation of how to fight the challenger without using her magic while Kion watches on unsure of what she’ll do next as she increases the intensity of her quick and strong attacks on the robot.





At Lake Matophe where the sun is currently setting everyone from the Pride Lands with some known ponies from Ponyville have gathered together all awaiting for the big mashindano between the two crocs with Kiburi even challenging the youngest alicorn princess to fight with without her magic. Hearing this had both alicorn sisters along with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor present to ensure that she will be okay.

“Oh, boy…” Shining Armor muttered as Celestia resisted the urge to nervously pace around in public. “…please tell me you know what you’re getting yourself into this time, Twily…”

“Now, now…” His future wife assured. “…I’m sure she does.” Though she silently prayed to herself knowing that what her future sister-in-law is doing is risky as far as her life and what the fate of the two worlds is concerned.

“My guess is that our dear friend Twilight has mastered hoof-to-hoof combat well enough that she doesn’t need her magic in order to firmly put that egotistical crocodile for good.” Luna figured as she voiced her thoughts to the nervous couple though her look of feeling cautious and ready for anything that might happen did not fade.

Elsewhere amongst the crowd where the Lion and Pony Guard are standing all but one notable pony...

“You think Kiburi can win?” Fuli whisper asked Beshte.

“I hope not.” He honestly shared not wanting to make a losing bet.

“Of course not.” Rainbow scoffed the very idea. “This is Twilight we’re talking about here. If she can terrorize that arrogant croc down then she can do it with anti-magic metal on her horn.”

“If you say so.” Applejack said while urging her friend not to be too sure. “Just try not to over-sell, okay because I don’t ever recall Twilight ever having fought without her magic before.”

“Guess we’ll have to find out ourselves.” Rarity commented as she awaits for her friend’s appearance. “Hopefully she’s picked up enough insight of my karate skills to actually know how to deliver the hurt on that brute.”

“Yes.” Fluttershy weakly said while being comforted by an equally nervous Spike at the thought of her parent-like figure participating in a dangerous fight. “Hopefully she’ll be okay.”

“Couldn’t have said it better, Fluttershy. But knowing her and how she’s been fighting alongside Scar and against recently, I think she’ll have the wing power needed to take him on. And so will Makuu since he’s greatly matured since the last Mashindano.”

“Yeah.” Kion agreed. “Makuu's become a good leader and so has Twilight.”

“But where is she?” Fluttershy asked.

“Probably waiting until it’s actually starting so she can make an entrance.” Bunga guessed earning him unsure looks from the others. “What? It’s possible.” He defensively stated.

Meanwhile from the nearby bushes out of sight from the crowd both Starlight and Ushari are secretly conserving with the croc who has now been given the motivation to carry out Scar’s plan.

“And you've discussed the plan with your crocs?” Ushari asked of him.

“Yeah, yeah. They know what to do. You're a smart snake, Ushari. And you Starlight, you’re pretty smart yourself. I like how you both think.”

“Thanks. Means a lot to here from a smart croc himself.” 

“And not mention how much I just want to be on the winning side.”

The two returned as they made their leave.

“And you will be!”

“Kiburi!” Tamka, one his followers called. “It's time for the Mashindano!”

“Great.” Kiburi said as he turned to his loyal accomplices. “You three know what to do while I'm fighting, right?”

“Oh, yeah! He'll never see us coming.”

Satisfied, he turns towards the crowd where the two opponents. “Good. Once I defeat Makuu and Twilight, not only will I rule the float, but we crocs will rule the whole Pride Lands and all of Equestria!” He laughed to himself while the other crocs joined in feeling victorious before anything has even been settled.

Like before many Pride Landers were all chanting just when the duelers have met face to face at the very center.

“Mah-shin-dah-no! Mah-shin-dah-no!”

“Here they come.”

“It's starting!”

“This is it.”

Ono, Fuli, and Kyoga all commented upon seeing Makuu and Kiburi approach each other just when Rarity regrouped with her friends. By then Twilight had arrived approaching her arrogant opponent wearing a purple leotard, pink sweatbands on her forehead and legs along with dark purple sleeveless gloves on her fore hoofs.

“All right, Kiburi. You wanted this Mashindano…” Makuu began. 

“…Let's see what you got.” Twilight finished while motioning her hoof in her and Makuu’s direction to get their opponent to come and try to make the first move to which he gladly attempted to do.

Kiburi moved to bite her jaws right at her along with trying to trip him by swinging his tail right at her. Twilight was able to swiftly dodge these attacks before returning a powerful kick to the face nearly punching the teeth out of him from the attack.

When Kiburi tried to retaliate, Makuu leaped up forcing the other croc into a deadlock tussle leading to the many spectators to wince at the sight as Kiburi managed to shove Makuu away and tried to slam him hard into the ground.

“Ooh!”

While wincing at the sight, the others still watched on with caution even with their friend getting off to a great start.

At the same time Tamka decided now was the perfect time to carry out the plan. “Okay. Split up and meet at the targets. Then we'll take them down!” He instructed the others before they all slinked away from the crowd.

Makuu was able to free himself before resuming their tussle with Kiburi knocking him aside when he tried to tackle him once more.

“You think that's enough to beat me, Kiburi?”

He then charged and brutally slammed and pinned Kiburi to the ground with Twilight zooming in to deliver a powerful punch and elbow to the ribs to her opponent sending him crashing back first into a tree which broke and fell backwards upon impact.

Once more everyone watching winced at the sight. “Ooh!”

Although it was more than what both Fluttershy and Ono can tolerate.

“Ugh! Crocodile violence! I don't want to watch this.” 

“Me neither.”

Both flyers moved to the skies so they can take a breather.

“Good thing Twilight allowed us to be able to do this, right Ono…Ono?”

Ono was however distracted when his keen sight picked up Tamaka sneaking away. “Huh. That's strange.” 

“A crocodile leaving the Mashindano?” Fluttershy commented upon noticing. 

“Wait a tick... What are you guys up to?” Ono muttered as he picked two other crocs doing the same.

“We better tell Kion!” Fluttershy stated in alarm. 

“Affirmative. I’ll be right back.” Ono said to her before flying back down towards the others. “Kion, I just saw three crocodiles leaving the Mashindano.”

“Three crocodiles?” Kion asked to make sure he heard him right.

“Yes. And nothing's more important to the crocodiles than the Mashindano. It doesn't make sense.”

“It doesn't make sense.” Kion agreed. “Keep an eye on 'em along with Fluttershy.”

“Affirmative.”

With that he alerted the rest of his team. “Fuli, Rainbow, Beshte, Applejack, Bunga, Pinkie, Rarity, Kyoga.”

“What’s up?”

“What's the kerbubble, Kion?”

Both the Strongest members of the Guard asked.

“Something's up with the crocs…” He explained. “…but I'm not sure what. We'll need to be careful. There's a lot of animals here. We don't want to scare them and start a stampede. Come on!”

While Kion led the others quietly away, Ono managed to catch up to Fluttershy and quickly came to the same conclusion just as his keen sight saw the three crocodiles sneaking up behind the Royal Family.

“Oh, no!”

“Hapana!” Ono quickly flew down to report this. “Kion! I've figured it out! The crocs! They're sneaking up on your dad!

“My dad?”

“Not only that, Princess Celestia! And I think they're going to attack them!” Fluttershy added.

“Hevi kabisa!”

“Of course.” Fuli realized. “They're using the Mashindano as a distraction!”

“The nerve of those ungrateful scoundrels!” Rarity remarked in angered disgust.

“Go around the crowd! They're moving to ambush him from behind.” Ono instructed before everyone followed after them and Fluttershy so they can stop this from even happening.

“Let's go!” Kion stated while taking the lead from the ground.

By then, they were ready to execute the plan.

“It's just like Kiburi said.” Tamaka chuckled upon seeing how easy it was to get around unnoticed. “Now, let's do this.”

Right when the three moved to lunge and them, suddenly both a speeding Rainbow Dash slammed into them followed by Beshte slamming into them to keep them a safe distance from the Royal Family.

“If you're smart, you'll stop right now.” Kion warned.

“Well, we're not smart! So get out of our way.” Tamaka retorted before he and the others lunged at those who dared to intervene.

Predictably, this goes down in just mere seconds. Kion and Kyoga managed to tackle the first one with the latter moving to pin his back legs down so Kion can get a firm grasp on top of his head. 

Kion growled to which Simba and Celestia had both heard from nearby.

“Wait here…” Celestia whispered to her sister who nodded as she continued watching Twilight in action.

“Kion? Kion!” Simba called out to his son. 

“What is going on here?” Celestia seriously asked.

“Nothing now, Dad, Celestia.” Kion assured with a smile as they both saw the restrained crocs.

“They were trying to ambush us.” Celestia deduced.

“And use the Mashindano for cover.” Kion added. “But Ono and Fluttershy saw it coming.”

“Hmmm.” Simba moved to examine Tamaka and the others. “I know these crocodiles. They wouldn't have come up with this themselves.”

“So that means…” Celestia added just when their attention was drawn back to the mashindano where both Makuu and Twilight have placed Kiburi into an unbreakable hold with him grunting in pain and unable to break free this time around.

“What's the matter, Kiburi?” 

“Can't move?”

He grunted as he looked ahead to see that Simba is nowhere in sight. "Simba's gone." He said to himself feeling the plan was succuessful. "Fine." He relented and tap both opponents on the shoulder to tap out.

"Makuu! Makuu! Makuu!" The crocs chanted while the ponies all cheered for the alicorn princess. During which Shining Armor sighed in relief upon seeing his little sister made it out with a scratch. 

Just then Kiburi smugly smiled as he made an announcement to everyone. “Ha! This Mashindano means nothing. While you were all watching us fight, my loyal crocodiles took down King Simba and Princess Celestia! Yeah. Yeah, you heard me! And with the Lion King gone and Alicorn Queen, all of you answer to us crocodiles!”

“Really?” 

“Is that how it works?”

The two stated with clearly furious and stern expressions as he turned his head towards them and realized that the attempted ambush failed.

“What?” Kiburi was shocked to see this. “But how...”

“The Lion Guard…!” Kion began.

“…And the Pony Guard! That's how!” Twilight finished.

Upon hearing this Makuu quickly moved to assert his innocence. “Your Majesty. I assure you, I had no knowledge of this scheme.”

“I know. This was came from Kiburi.” The lion king acknowledged. “But since you are the crocodile leader, I will defer his punishment to you.”

“Kiburi lost the Mashindano.” He firmly reminded. “He and his followers are no longer welcome in my float. Now, do with him what you both see fit.”

“Very well...” Simba proceeded to approach those who had just committed treason. “Kiburi. You and your followers are banished from the Pride Lands.” Kiburi’s jaws opened in shock by that declaration. 

“And not only that…” Celestia added with her wings spread out with a very icy cold tone. “…the same applies to you four in Equestria. Leave now, and never come back.”

“But...” His attempt to protest was firmly with a fierce glare from both Simba and Celestia.

“I said, now.” The former coldly stated as they got face to face.

That combined with Twilight sporting him a vicious growl while briefly sporting her dark magic fueled eyes of anger forced the defiant croc to back down from protesting any further. “Fine.” He barked his jaws in the king’s face before turning away. “But you haven't heard the last of me!”

Kiburi then lead himself and his followers all out of the Pride Lands in disgrace while the Royal Family and the Lion and Pony Guard all shot disgusted and angry looks in their direction for the attempted treason. Twilight herself who was the most furious had to resist the urge to forcibly throw them out of the Pride Lands because of the lion king’s and eldest alicorn princess’s warning.





Upon arriving in the Outlands, Kiburi spotted both Starlight and Ushari waiting for them out of sight from the Pride Lands kingdom. “ You!” Kiburi exclaimed thus waking the cobra up just in time for him to get face to face with them. “You said if we attacked Simba, I could rule the whole Pride Lands! Now what have I got? Nothin'!”

“Yes. It's too bad you lost the Mashindano.”

“A real shame too. Even when one of your opponents was holding back.”

The two said in response.

“"Too bad?" Is that all you got to say about it?” Kiburi angrily questioned still feeling this to be one major life-changing loss.

“One battle doesn't lose a war, my reptile friend.”

“Especially when this is only the beginning.”

The two calmly assured.

“Now you're callin' me a reptile?” Kiburi asked feeling offended by the former’s response. “Gimme one reason I shouldn't eat you two right now.”

“We can give you all the reasons in the Pride Lands.” Ushari answered once more. “But first let us show you something very...Very...Special.” He said with great emphasis on special.

“What kinda special?” He curiously yet suspiciously asked.

“You'll have to see it to believe it.” Starlight replied before she and Ushari led them away. “This way...”





By the time Starlight and Ushari have led Kiburi and his float on over to inside the caldera of the Outlands Volcano it was already nighttime.

“So what's this great thing I'm supposed to see?” He asked upon arriving towards the center of the lava pit. “A volcano?”

Just then Scar’s fiery spirit appeared when the lava boiled with fire appearing right before his very eyes. “I am much more than a volcano!“

To say Kiburi was completely shocked would be an understatement. “Wha... What?

“Welcome to the Outlands, Kiburi.” He greeted just when Janja and his pack made their appearances well-known.

“Yeah. Welcome!” Janja greeted with a sinister cackle.

“What's going on here?”

“Don't worry, Kiburi, we're all friends here.” Scar reassured. 

But Kiburi still had mind-boggling questions to ask about all of this. “But I don’t understand! How are you here? I thought you were in jail and stripped of your magic.”

Scar smirked in response. “Let’s just say some friends I made in Tartarus provided me means to make my escape. And while I’m still regaining my strength with every passing day, I’m still not out of the picture yet. I have plans for you and your crocodiles. Big plans indeed! Especially with what’s soon to come…” He evilly laughed just when Janja joins by Kiburi, Ushari, and Starlight’s side as they all watch as Scar ceases his laugh showing them with his magic of what’s to come to which had Kiburi smiling and on board with the fiery demon’s new master plan…





The next day, the Lion and Pony Guard along with the lion king and alicorn sisters have came to check up on Makuu and his float where they are currently staying during the day just when Twilight arrives.

“Twilight…” Kion knows why she is here even with the stoic look on her face when she flew over. “…you sure you feel comfortable with doing this? You know you don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“Yeah.” Beshte agreed. “Everyone knows what happened back then.”

“I’m sure.” She calmly replied with her back turned before making her way over to the crocodile leader just finishing having a conversation with the three royals. After taking a deep breath just like her former foalsitter had taught her, she spoke up to get his attention by clearing her throat. “Makuu?”

He turned around with an expression that looks threatening yet spoke in a calm tone. “Yes?”

Twilight kept her steely composure as she continued. “Listen, I’m sure you know that it’s my fault that you and your crocs are all awake during the dry season due to my decision to work with Scar.”

“It is, isn't it?” His expression and tone didn’t change thus worrying Fluttershy and Ono.

“Hapana…” Ono gulped while sweating nervously.

“Oh, no…” She whimpered under Rarity and Spike’s comfort who look on equally worried for their friend owning up to her mistake.

Twilight still remained expressionless in the face of “Yes, yes it is. And I just wanted to say I'm sorry.

“I see.” Makuu moved closer towards her as she calmly accepts whatever punishment he has in store for her all without flinching or moving a muscle. “Then, as leader of the crocodiles, I need to make an example of you.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

Both Ono and Fluttershy covered their eyes as Twilight closed her eyes as Makuu gets up to her face as he prepares to pass on judgement to her.

After a moment he then says with a friendly smile. “I forgive you.”

Twilight opened her eyes in astonishment to hear this as she truthfully was not expecting that. “Really? You do?”

“Yep. You heard me.” Makuu simply replied as he moved to get in his new watering hole since today it is his turn along with the other half of the crocs to reside in the Pride Lands.

As Twilight looked on still wide-eyed at this heartfelt gesture Kion walked up to her friend to explain why. “I told Makuu how your keen foresight in sending Ono and Fluttershy to the sky ended up foiling Kiburi's plan. Not only that he told me he was impressed with how handled Kiburi during the mashindano.”

In addition Princess Celestia had some encouraging words to offer to her. “We all make mistakes, Twilight.” She then leaned in for a “Just Between You and Me moment with her wing briefly draped around her back to say this. “Even I’m not immune to doing them myself.” 

“But you also proved yourself invaluable today.” Luna further commended as she approached Twilight with a hoof on her shoulder. “And you proved to them that you have you redeemed yourself in their eyes.”

Simba joined in so he could hug the mare. “You’re learning well.”

“Wow…” She then said now touched by what had just happened as she looks around to her surroundings filled with proud and friendly smiles from everyone around her. “Thank you all.”

“So, Makuu…” Simba called out to him who turned his head towards him in response. “…is this the new "crocodile way?"

“Perhaps it is, Simba. Perhaps it is.” He replied with a small smile before resuming his swimming and relaxing.

“If you ask me, it's a crocodile way I could get used to!” Applejack commented whole-heartedly.

Both Fluttershy and Ono couldn’t agree more than anyone else.

“Me too.”

“A-ffirmative.”