Two Worlds
Prologue
Antarctica- The Savage Land
Friendship.
What is friendship?
Is it trust between two beings?
Is it an unbreakable bond that is formed between them?
Is it something more?
Something that could potentially develop into something greater?
Is it a connection based on strong emotional feelings?
I have never known friendship.
I was born in fire, the fire of a scarred world, but I survived.
I quickly learned that only the strong survived.
I became the Killer of Killers.
I became the strongest one there is.
My home-world of Sakaar is no more, but even here in the Savage Land, I'm still the strongest one there is.
Pain is my past.
Anger is my legacy.
I am a monster.
I am savage.
I am Skaar, Son of Hulk.
And I don't know the meaning of friendship... and I don't care.
Skaar ran through the vast jungles of the Savage Land, his immense size betraying his great speed and agility that he possessed as he effortlessly passed even the fastest of dinosaurs, his majestic power and grace equal to that of both of his parents. No creature dared to attack him, not even the most ferocious of carnivorous dinosaurs, for many of them have felt the painful consequences of attacking Skaar, their cracked bones and shattered teeth were testaments of the Son of Hulk's might. Still, there was a few that were either brave enough or foolish enough to attack Skaar, but none of those gigantic carnivores were anywhere near, which was a good thing because Skaar was in no mood to be trifled with.
With a great running leap, Skaar soared through the air, covering many miles with just a single bound as he traveled across the dangerous jungles of the Savage Land. With a few more great leaps, Skaar finally came to a stop, slamming his feet into the earth as he landed with a thunderous impact that created a small crater in his wake. It was at this particular location that Skaar could always go to in order for him to have some peace and to allow himself to look out over the vast jungles that covered the Savage Land, but the main reason he would visit this spot regularly was so that he could calm his mind and clear away any troubling thoughts that may have caused him some distress.
It was also here that he could focus his Old Power, enabling him to sense every creature that dwells within the Savage Land, hearing their every footstep, call, and breath that they would take. Skaar inherited his Old Power from his deceased mother, Caiera the Oldstrong, which allowed Skaar to tap into the very tectonic energy and lifeforce of the planet itself. It was well known that Skaar would only use his Old Power abilities if there was a major threat, for the incredibly limitless power of the Old Power could quite easily tear planets apart if one did not know how to control it.
However, Skaar knew how to control the Old Power, easily mastering it to his whim whenever the need for this incredible power would be needed in combat. The Old Power granted Skaar many abilities, including the ability to transform his skin into a stone-like density that is comparable to diamond, unleashing limitless amounts of Old Power energy, manipulating the very planet and every form of earth to his desired wish, and heightened senses that could detect every life-form on the planet. Not to mention that the Old Power could also enhance his already limitless strength, which Skaar inherited from his infamous father, the Incredible Hulk.
It is this deadly combination of both of his parents' powers and abilities that made Skaar into one of the most powerful beings on the entire planet, for it is a fact that he has never met his match in terms of sheer power and unbridled savagery and ferocity. Taking a deep breath, Skaar rested himself on the ground, his eyes looking out over the Savage Land as he summoned his Old Power. It was here, in the prehistoric landscape that was the Savage Land, that Skaar was not only the strongest one there is, but where he was truly king of all he surveyed.
Closing his eyes, Skaar allowed the blue-white Old Power energies to course through his body, his eyes snapping open to reveal that they too were now a electric blue-white in color. Few could even begin to comprehend the immense power that the Old Power possessed, and even fewer could master it, for the throughout the vast Universe, there was only so many Oldstrong left who could wield such power. But none of them could compare to Skaar, whose control over the Old Power was greater than any Oldstrong that has ever existed.
Just as soon as he began summoning his Old Power, Skaar stopped, his eyes returning to their normal jungle green color once again. Looking out over the vast jungles of the Savage Land, Skaar couldn't shake off the small shred of loneliness that entered his heart, his thoughts becoming focused on his family. His mother Caiera was dead and gone, her spirit destroyed once Galactus consumed Sakaar as he watched on helplessly. While Skaar may have settled his differences with his father, he couldn't help but feel that he failed to save his beloved mother's spirit, and in doing so, Skaar felt that he also failed himself.
It was then that Skaar began to recall every moment of his existence, both on his homeworld of Sakaar and his new home on Earth. He recalled his battles against Axman Bone and the Silver Surfer on Sakaar, his brutal planet shattering confrontation with the Hulk, and his recent battles against the demons and gods before and after the Chaos King attempted to destroy all of reality. All of his life, from the very beginning to now, Skaar had to fight to survive and prove his might. But even after displaying his dominance and might, a small part of him longed for someone whom he could connect with on a level that nobody else could.
A Secret Antarctic Base
Dr. Drakken's Newest Lair
Friendship?
Hah!
Never had it.
Heck, I never had a real loyal friend to begin with.
And you know what?
I don't need any!
What about my family?
I hate them and don't need them!
Besides, they never trusted me or treated me as an equal, because all I was to them was a tool to further their own goals of superhero stardom.
What about Dr. Drakken?
I hate him just as much... if not more!
He treats me like dirt, degrades and mocks me, and would betray me without so much as a second thought.
I've learned quite a bit from my experiences after being replaced by Warmonga and after the Lorwardian Invasion.
In other words, I don't need Dr. D either!
Why do I stay and work for him?
Because of the paycheck and the free trips to the spa resort... not to mention that I get to bash Kimmie's face in!
Am I going to quit working for this blue skinned idiot that is Drew Lipsky?
Yes, because I've had enough of dealing with his annoying rants and stupid schemes!
This is my last day working for him!
Then I'll never have to look at his ugly mug again!
Do I know what friendship is?
Do I even care?
Who am I?
I'm a former heroine turned mercenary for hire.
Who am I?
I am Shego.
I have no friends... and I don't need any!
Shego was seated in a chair, reading another sales issue of Club Banana, refusing to listen to Drakken's annoying ranting any longer. In all honesty, she was bored out of her mind, and was surprisingly wishing that Kim Possible would soon show up. At least then she wouldn't have to listen to her employer any longer and so that she could get on with her life, or rather what life she did have left, because she really had nobody to comfort her nor to call her friend.
It wasn't easy being a deadly female mercenary loner, not that she cared to socialize with anyone anyways, and visiting her family wasn't an option either. Her reputation as a dangerous villain, short tempered personality, and her unusual pale green skin tone made people avoid her like the plague. It was a lonely existence, but nobody said that being green was easy, and she doubt that anyone could understand what it was like.
Shego was disturbed from her thoughts as Dr. Drakken finally finished one of the longest rants that she had ever had the displeasure of hearing, causing her to set down her magazine and roll her eyes in irritation. She could easily guess why her employer was glaring at her, for it became a regular outcome during whenever he would require her fighting skills in his attempts to conquer the world. Despite becoming tired of his antics, Shego let the annoying Drew Lipsky continue with his ranting, if only to keep him busy until Kimmie arrived.
"What is it now, Dr. D?", Shego asked in a bored tone of voice.
"Shego! Have you've heard anything I've said?", Drakken shouted, clenching his tiny gloved hands into fists.
"Yeah, I heard ya.", Shego responded in a bored tone.
"Then would you care to explain what I intend to do with the Ultra Plasma Dis-Charger Ray?", Drakken challenged, crossing his arms over his chest as he stared at the villainess as she remained seated.
"Let me get this straight. You built this Plasma Dis-Charger whatever you call it machine to melt the South Pole, which will cause massive floods all over the planet, that is unless the world surrenders to you. Is that about right, Dr. D?", Shego answered, letting out an annoyed sigh of exasperation.
"Okay, I guess you were paying attention for once. Anyways, this plan can't possibly fail!", Drakken shouted triumphantly, rushing over to the machine as he cackled.
"Oh, yeah. It's brilliant.", Shego remarked in a dry sarcastic tone of voice, returning her attention back to her magazine.
Just when I thought that his plans couldn't get any more stupid. I mean, using a giant ray gun to melt the South Pole? Really? That's got "doomed to failure" written all over it! I knew I should have taken one of those job offers from the Olympus Group, even if it is run by a seventeen year old teenager. True, I wouldn't get to smash Kimmie's face in, but at least I wouldn't have to put up with Drew's moronic plans, which are doomed for failure anyway. It doesn't matter, because after this, I'm going to be strictly freelance from here on out. Shego mused to herself, glancing through her Club Banana magazine once again.
"Soon, in a matter of two minutes to be precise, I'll unleash the power of the Ultra Plasma Discharger Ray! And the world shall be mine!", Drakken shouted to the rafters, laughing in maniacal triumph.
"Whatever.", Shego muttered, not even paying attention to her employer.
It was just mere moments after Drakken's exclamation of world domination that a large explosion bursts open the large metal doors, revealing not only Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable, but Ms. Dr. Betty Director as well. It was quite a surprise to see the leader of Global Justice here, not to mention on a mission with Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable, which was the last place anyone would expect to see the leader of a crime fighting organization. Still, it was amusing to see Dr. Director once again, at least for Shego, because their last confrontation ended with Shego nearly dislocating Ms. Director's jaw during a interrogation. The memory of that event brought a smirk to Shego's face, because if there was one person who she would like to beat to a bloody pulp, other than Kim Possible, it would have to be none other than Dr. Betty Director.
"It's over, Drakken!", Kim proclaimed with fierce determination.
"Kim Possible!", Drakken shouted in surprise.
"You're surprised?", Shego groaned in exasperation, briefly rolling her eyes before settling on the the three individuals.
"Surrender now and no harm will come to you.", Dr. Director ordered, narrowing her one eye upon a certain pale green skinned villainess.
"Yeah, what she said!", Ron added, getting into his Monkey Kung Fu fighting pose.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in. How's the jaw, Betty?", Shego sneered as she ignited her hands in emerald green plasma.
"Are you going to talk us to death or actually fight us, Ms. Go?", Dr. Director taunted as she got into a fighting stance alongside Kim.
"With pleasure, witch!", Shego responded, leaping forward and lashing out at both Dr. Director and Kim Possible.
While Shego engaged Dr. Director and Kim in fierce mortal combat, Ron went about to stopping Drakken from activating the ray, which was easier said than done considering he had two synthodrones protecting him and the controls. Thinking quickly, Ron summons the Lotus Blade, plunging the mystical blade through the first synthodrone's chest, causing the automation to collapse to the flooring as yellow-green goo poured out of its form. Not wasting any time, Ron quickly slashed the second synthodrone's right leg off before delivering a strong kick to its chest, knocking the automation to the floor. Rushing over to the controls, Ron's eyes widened as Drakken held a laser gun in his right hand that was aimed right at him, while his left hand was held over a large button that activated the Ultra Plasma Dis-Charger Ray.
"You're too late, buffoon! Once I press this button, the Ultra Plasma Dis-Charger Ray will be fired, and the entire South Pole will be melted!", Drakken mocked, laughing maniacally as he pressed the button.
However, once Drakken pushed the button, it didn't unleash the plasma based energy of destruction as he expected. Instead, the Ultra Plasma Dis-Charger Ray exploded, killing Drakken instantly as he was vaporized in the blinding explosion in a matter of mere moments. The force of the explosion sends Ron soaring back, crashing into Kim and Dr. Director, who were managing to match Shego in physical combat.
With an amused smirk, Shego looked upon the three heroes as they struggled to regain their composure, delighting in the fact that not only was her enemies down, but also that her employer finally was out of her life permanently. She always knew that one day or another he would mess up on one of his weapons and that it'd be the cause of his demise. She didn't mean to take pleasure in it, but she couldn't help but find the irony of the situation amusing.
"Well, I'll admit that it took longer than I expected, but I always knew that that's how Dr. D would eventually bite the dust.", Shego remarked in cold amusement.
Ron, Shego, and Dr. Director stood back up to their feet, once again getting to their individual fighting stances. Shego couldn't resist a chance to take out some aggression on the three heroes, if only to amuse herself before she would make her escape, thus leaving the heroes with a bittersweet victory. Keeping her hands ignited in emerald green plasma, Shego got into her fighting stance once again, ready to inflict serious harm upon the three individuals who have hunted her for most of her villainous career.
"Now this makes it almost even... almost.", Shego sneered confidently, glaring at her three opponents.
"A little bit too over confident, aren't we, Shego?", Kim responded with a smirk.
Warning! Self-Destruction in T-Minus one minute and counting!
It would seem as if fate had other plans, for the announcement of that alarm instantly caused Shego to extinguish the plasma that encased her hands, her response to the redhead's remark fading from her lips. It would seem that not only did the explosion of the Ultra Plasma Dis-Charger Ray kill Dr. Drakken and turned the villainous madman to ash, but it also activated the lair defense systems self-destruction, which meant that they were all going to have to get out of the lair quickly! Without another thought, Shego raced off towards the section of the lair that contained the Hovercraft, which Shego always kept close by in cases such as this.
"See ya later, losers! I've got places to go!", Shego shouted back to the heroes as she continued racing for the part of the lair that contained the Hovercraft.
Kim, Ron, and Dr. Director quickly made their exit from the base, running at their most accelerated speed, clearing the base in just enough time. They watched as Shego soared off into the distance in the Hovercraft, her exit from the base just seconds before an explosion of vast proportions consumed it in flames, causing the heroes to temporarily shield their eyes. Once the explosions subsided, the three heroes looked off to the direction that Shego escaped, knowing that the villainess had escaped their grasp once again.
"Well, it looks like Shego got away again, KP.", Ron stated dryly.
"Yeah, she got away this time, Ron. This time.", Kim responded, clenching her gloved hands into fists.
"Not quite, Kimberly.", Dr. Director remarked, a smirk appearing on her features.
"What do you mean, Ms. Director?", Kim asked, raising a questioning eyebrow at her mentor.
"Just in case either Drakken or Shego would escape, I've deployed two F-22 Raptors to stand by until they would be needed.", Dr. Director replied, allowing a smile to grace her features.
"Oh, yeah! Boo-yah! Smart move, Ms. Director!", Ron shouted in celebration.
"Boo-yah!", Rufus squeaked as he popped out of Ron's left pants pocket, wearing a miniature blue coat that matched his owner's own.
Shego soared off into the distance, sitting comfortably in the pilot's seat of the Hovercraft, her hands firmly grasped on the controls as she steered the aircraft smoothly along the skyline. She was seemingly unaware of the two F-22 Raptor aircraft fighters that approached from the sides, or at least until her sensors picked up on the two jets, causing Shego to let out a snarl of rage. Just when she thought she was in the clear, Global Justice just had to complicate matters for her.
"Figures that Betty would have a back-up plan.", Shego muttered to herself, pressing a few buttons along the controls, which increased the speed of her aircraft.
She moved her Hovercraft swiftly, trying to lose her pursuers by any means necessary, using all of her experience to try to escape from the military based aircrafts. Moving through the arctic clouds at supersonic speeds, Shego piloted the Hovercraft with a agility and grace that few pilots could ever hope to match, managing to gain a slight distance away from her pursuers. Noticing that their target was getting away, the two pilots locked on to the Hovercraft, each F-22 Raptor firing a missile that was locked onto Shego's Hovercraft.
Shego avoided the two missiles, using her talented piloted techniques to cause the missiles to strike one another, exploding harmlessly as she continued her escape. Shego began to increase her Hovercraft's distance from the two F-22 Raptors, a victorious smirk appearing across her features as she began gaining further distance from her pursuers. Unknown to Shego, one of the pilots managed to get a lock-on for another missile attack, launching the explosive weapon with the intent of crippling their intended target. Just when Shego finally lost the two F-22 Raptors, the missile exploded against her Hovercraft, crippling it and sending it spiraling down towards the earth below!
"Damn it! Nothing is ever easy!", Shego cursed, getting out of the pilot's seat and grabbing a parachute.
Shego strapped the parachute to her back, opening the door and peering out of the Hovercraft as it continued its slow descent, flames consuming a good portion of the aircraft. Without so much as a second thought, Shego leaps out of the Hovercraft, her eyes looking towards the earth below to notice that she was descending towards a vast jungle. At first Shego thought she was hallucinating, for why would a jungle be located in the middle of Antarctica?
Before she could register more thought to this strange setting, her Hovercraft exploded no more than possibly one thousand feet above her, raining debris down upon the land far below. Just when Shego pulled the cord that caused her parachute to flow free, a piece of metal from her demolished hovercraft fell from the sky and violently struck her skull, its impact leaving a large gash upon her forehead as her vision began to blur as she faded into unconsciousness. Shego's form began to slowly descend to the jungles below, but her presence and the explosion of her Hovercraft did not go unnoticed.
Far away, looking out over the jungles of the Savage Land, Skaar noticed the aircraft that had exploded. But it wasn't the aircraft that caught the Son of Hulk's attention, for it was instead the parachute and the person it was attached to that caught his immediate attention. With his curiosity intrigued, Skaar leaped off in the direction of the jungle where the parachute descended, knowing that he would soon be there within a few great leaps. Despite his curiosity, Skaar also had to make sure that this person, whoever it may be, wasn't going to be a threat to his adopted home.
This was the Savage Land, where Skaar is the undisputed king, and the strongest one there is! If any force or being dared to threaten these jungles and their inhabitants, they were going to have to deal with one savage powerhouse. Little did Skaar know that this individual, this deadly femme fatale, would eventually bring out unexpected emotions from the otherwise savage son of Hulk and Caiera.
Author's Notes
I've been planning to write a story focusing on Skaar, for he truly is one of my favorite Marvel characters, right up there with the Hulk at my #1 spot. He's just got so much power and potential in him. I mean, his past alone makes him a very intriguing being, for how many beings were born in molten fire and raised by monsters? It only made sense that I would eventually write a story involving Skaar. By the way, I suggest that all of you readers check out Skaar: King of the Savage Land, for its a great comic mini-series. It definitely gave me inspiration, as did almost every comic that features Skaar as one of the main characters.
So expect more chapters soon!
Until then... see ya later!