Two Worlds
Chapter Three- Survivors of Planet Sakaar
The Savage Land
Morning light once again washed over the jungles of the Savage Land, signaling the sign of a brand new day to all living things that inhabited this secret land. It was then that Skaar awakened from his sleep, his eyes slowly opening before scanning his surroundings, his jungle green hued orbs eventually settling on Shego's sleeping form. Skaar continued to stare at Shego, seemingly unaware of the fact that Devil Dinosaur had awoken from his peaceful slumber, the gigantic red Tyrannosaur's massive jaws opening to release a long yawn. Moon-Boy quickly followed, releasing a low yawn as he stretched his body before rubbing his eyes with his hands, trying to wipe the last remnants of sleep away.
It was then that Devil Dinosaur's eyes noticed that Skaar was looking directly at Shego, who rested peacefully on the grassy earth, her body still covered by the large leafs that she used as a blanket for the previous night. Devil Dinosaur lowered his snout down to Shego's sleeping form, gently nudging her with his snout in an attempt to gain her attention or perhaps awaken her from her rest. Shego let out a low moan as she rolled over to her side, remaining asleep despite Devil Dinosaur's attempts to awaken her by using his snout to nuzzle against her form. Devil Dinosaur tried once again, nudging his muzzle gently against Shego, allowing a low rumbling sound to escape his throat as his large amber hued eyes stared at her.
"Go back to sleep, Mr. Cuddles.", Shego mumbled in her sleep, unconsciously reaching up and petting Devil Dinosaur's snout, causing the red Tyrannosaur to release a low rumbling purr.
Despite a part of him being slightly amused by what he was witnessing, Skaar lets a low growl escape his throat as he rolled his eyes, rising from the ground as he did so. Skaar walked over to Shego's body, kneeling down and scooping her up within his large muscular arms, which did not go unnoticed by both Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy who watched on with an intrigued interest. Skaar seemed to notice this, causing him to turn and glare at his two primitive traveling companions, seemingly unaware of the fact that Shego was snuggling closer to him as she rested her head against his chest.
"I'm just carrying her so that we can get to the village faster. Nothing more, nothing less!", Skaar growled lowly at Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy, who didn't seem convinced by Skaar's reasoning.
"Why am I even talking to you two? You can't understand me anyway.", Skaar remarked before proceeding to walk away with Shego in his arms.
It was then that Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy began following Skaar, managing to keep some distance between themselves and the Son of Hulk, who kept on walking onward without so much as a glance back at his two traveling companions. Never would they have guessed that Skaar would find a mate, especially finding a woman that would be brave enough to stand up to him and face the savage Son of Hulk and Caiera, whose savage rage could instill fear into the most deadliest of predators that existed in the Savage Land. It was quite certain that both Moon-Boy and Devil Dinosaur believed that Skaar & Shego had developed a connection with one another; Devil Dinosaur especially could sense a connection that was shared between Skaar and Shego, for it would seem that in this case that the intelligent saurian could sense something that most beings could not.
"It would seem that Skaar is eager to return to the village with his mate. Do you think that there will be a wedding ceremony? What do you think, Devil?", Moon-Boy chattered to his saurian friend, who let out a low rumbling growl in response to his simian friend's question.
"Yes, it would be good for Skaar to have a wife. Ka-Zar has Shanna as his mate, so it would only make sense if the pale green-skin woman would be Skaar's mate. Why else do you think Skaar watches her like he does?", Moon-Boy reasoned with Devil Dinosaur, causing the red Tyrannosaur to growl in agreement.
Skaar didn't bother listening to Moon-Boy's chattering, for he couldn't understand the conversation that went on between the little simian and the red Tyrannosaur anyways, not that he really cared to begin with. The only thing that he wanted to do was get Shego to the village as soon as possible, if only so that he wouldn't have to keep an eye on her or put up with her attitude, which Skaar barely managed to tolerate. Despite this, Skaar couldn't help but feel a hint of admiration towards Shego, for he couldn't recall the last person who would willingly challenge him without backing down or running for their lives. Skaar would never admit it, but her strong personality and defiance towards him was one of the things that he greatly admired about her, not to mention her exotic beauty that instantly caught his attention when they first met as well.
Even as Skaar carried Shego in his arms, he couldn't help but spare a glance down at her sleeping form, noticing that her head was resting against his massive chest as she continued to sleep peacefully. Tearing his gaze away from her form, Skaar continued to march onward, with his traveling companions Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy following close behind. A few hours pass as the morning soon gave way to afternoon, the sun rising high into the sky, its brilliant waves of light washing over this prehistoric paradise that is the Savage Land. Skaar, Devil Dinosaur, and Moon-Boy covered a lot of ground in the few hours that they traveled, with each step that they would take, they kept getting closer to their intended destination.
Once they finished climbing to the top of a grassy hill, it was then that Shego began to stir in her sleep, which did not go unnoticed by Skaar as he held her in his massive arms. Releasing a small yawn, Shego stretched her arms before rubbing her eyes, allowing time for her eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight of the afternoon. It was then that she realized that she was being held off the ground, her body resting in a pair of massive familiar muscular green arms, which immediately caused her to fix her gaze up to the face of her protector. It came to no surprise to Shego that it was Skaar who held her in his arms, his gaze not focused on her but rather the landscape that could be seen from this high hilltop.
Despite being comfortable in Skaar's arms, Shego couldn't help but feel her blood boil as she became enraged, because not only did Skaar touch her without her consent, but he was also carrying her around like some helpless damsel who couldn't walk! She wasn't weak, she didn't need to be carried, and she didn't need anyone, not even the savage Son of Hulk! It was enough to infuriate her beyond comprehension, causing her to clench her hands tightly into fists as she narrowed her emerald green eyes up at Skaar's face. She didn't care if Skaar did save her life, she wasn't going to allow him to get away with this... not by a long shot!
"Hey! Put me down now!", Shego ordered with a shout, struggling in Skaar's arms.
"Take it easy, Shego! I was just carrying you so that we could get to the village faster!", Skaar snarled in response, focusing his gaze down into the face of the female mercenary.
"I don't need to be carried! Put... me... down... now!", Shego shouted, narrowing her eyes as her gaze locked onto Skaar's own.
"You want down? Fine.", Skaar replied with a smirk, releasing Shego from his arms, who crashed to the grassy earth with a thud.
Shego let out a short shout of surprise as she landed hard on the ground, rage once again boiling through her veins as she glared up at Skaar, who merely smirked at her in amusement. If it wasn't for the fact that Skaar saved her life and that he knew the location of the village, Shego would have been tempted to blast him full force with her fiery green plasma. Despite her short temper and the temptation of beating Skaar to a pulp, Shego managed to calm the rage that dwelled with her, releasing a short heavy sigh as she got back up to her feet. She kept her gaze on Skaar, whose jungle green eyes locked onto her own emerald green irises, not breaking contact as they stared at one another.
"I'm starting to really hate you.", Shego remarked, continuing to glare up into Skaar's eyes, despite the fact that she really didn't mean it.
"Just starting? I thought that we were a little further than that.", Skaar responded in a sarcastic tone, much to Shego's chagrin.
"Very funny. Since you know so much about this place, isn't there a quicker way to the village?", Shego questioned, temporarily resting her hands on her hips.
"Nope.", Skaar answered before turning and walking down the slope of the hill.
"Are you sure? Isn't there any way to get there faster?", Shego inquired, quickly catching up with Skaar down the grassy slope of the hill.
"Well, I could get us there in one leap. But that would mean that I would have to carry you.", Skaar answered nonchalantly.
"Forget it! There is no way that I'm being carried by anyone, not even you!", Shego stated firmly, standing atop a large boulder, which stood taller than Skaar himself.
"What's wrong? I'm not good enough for you, Shego?", Skaar demanded, looking up at Shego as she stood on the boulder.
"No, it's just that I don't want anyone touching me! Besides, why do you care? You're the one who claims to be the strongest one there is and doesn't need anyone, aren't you?", Shego challenged, looking down at Skaar as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"What are you getting at, Shego? You make it sound like you like me or something!", Skaar replied, crossing his arms over his vast chest.
"Me! Oh, no! You're the one making the accusation here, Skaar. You think that I like you, not me thinking that you like me!", Shego exclaimed, pointing her index finger directly at the Son of Hulk.
"So you do like me?", Skaar asked in confusion, raising a questioning eyebrow.
"Yes... I mean, no... what I mean to say is... just forget! You don't like me, I don't like you. Let's leave it at that!", Shego exclaimed, frustration and embarrassment setting in.
Unknown to Shego, Devil Dinosaur quietly approached her, and with one nudge of his snout, the red Tyrannosaur sends Shego off-balance and falling off the boulder. Acting quickly, Skaar rushes forward and catches Shego in his arms, his large hands gently grasping her waist as he caught her, while her hands came to rest upon his vast chest. It was then that both Skaar and Shego's eyes locked onto each other, their faces just a few inches apart, which only seemed to add to the closeness that they now shared. Shego couldn't suppress the blush that colored her pale cheeks as an awkward smile briefly graced her features, while Skaar looked away as he bit his lower lip. Slowly, Skaar gently sets Shego on the ground, releasing his hands from her waist.
Shego began to fiddle with her hands, sparing brief glances at Skaar, who seemed to stare at her with a look that appeared to be a mixture of understanding and curiosity. Once again, Shego found herself staring into Skaar's eyes, getting lost in the sea of green that was his jungle green hued irises. It was then that Shego remembered the first day she came into contact with the Son of Hulk, recalling a very familiar scene where they stared into each others eyes, which was not unlike what was happening right now. Shego managed to turn away, attempting to hide the blush that colored her pale cheeks. She didn't understand why she was acting this way towards Skaar, for it wasn't like she thought of him as something more than a friend... or did she?
"Thanks. So... can you escort me to the village now?", Shego asked uneasily, trying not lock eyes with Skaar.
"If that's what you want, Shego. Follow me.", Skaar responded nonchalantly before turning and walking down the remainder of the hill until his feet set upon the flat grasslands that leads to more jungle.
Shego made sure that Skaar put enough distance between them before she turned, her emerald eyes settling on the red Tyrannosaur known as Devil Dinosaur and the small ape-like creature known as Moon-Boy, who was seated atop the gigantic saurian. She glared at Devil Dinosaur for a moment before stepping closer, raising her right hand and gesturing the massive saurian to come closer with the gesture of her index finger, which the saurian immediatly complied without so much as a second thought. Shego had to admit that, for a gigantic red dinosaur, Devil Dinosaur was certainly more intelligent than she ever expected a supposedly extinct creature should be. Shego looked directly at Devil Dinosaur, whose snout was just ten feet away from where she stood, his amber hued eyes looking directly at her without breaking contact.
"Okay, I know you did that on purpose. I don't know if you can understand me, but just in case that you do, I know what you and that little furball of a friend of yours are thinking. You think I like Skaar, don't you? Well, I don't. Not in the least! I mean, even if I was attracted to him in that sort of way, which I'm not, I don't think it's wise for you two to get involved. Besides, he isn't even interested in a friendship with me, let alone a romantic relationship. So, let's recap here for a second. Skaar doesn't like me... and I don't like him. Got it?", Shego explained in arguably the most one-sided conversation that she would most likely ever take part in.
The only response that Shego received was that of Devil Dinosaur nudging her with his snout, obviously wanting some attention from her rather than agreeing or even understanding what she told him. Shego let out a low sigh as she gently caressed Devil Dinosaur's snout with her gloved hands, a light smile making its way onto her face as she listened to the Tyrannosaur's low rumbling purr, who enjoyed every second of Shego's soothing touch. As she gently caressed Devil Dinosaur's snout, Shego's thoughts became focused on Skaar once again, her mind unable to block him out of her thoughts as she began contemplating everything that had happened between herself and Skaar during these past three days. Despite everything that had happened in the last few days, she had come to see Skaar as the closest person to a friend that she ever had throughout her life, despite that she still didn't know much about him or his past, which an ever growing part of her wanted to learn.
"If you want to get to the village before nightfall, I suggest that you stop talking to the red lizard, and follow me.", Skaar remarked, disturbing Shego from her thoughts as she turned to see the Son of Hulk standing a hundred feet away from where she herself stood.
"Lead the way, Skaar.", Shego replied nonchalantly, quickly keeping pace with the Son of Hulk as she walked beside him, while Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy followed close behind.
Throughout the rest of the day, Skaar and Shego traveled through the jungles and across the grasslands of the Savage Land, neither of them speaking to one another after the events that followed several hours earlier. It was late evening when they finally arrived to the village, their arrival not going unnoticed by all who dwelled there, their curiosity intrigued by the presence of Shego into their home. The red skinned people of Sakaar looked on at Skaar and Shego as they walked through the village, whispers and gossip already spreading like wildfire amongst the people that dwelled there, which eventually reached the ears of Ka-Zar and his wife Shanna the She-Devil. It also wasn't long before this news reached that of Korg, No-Name the Brood, and Elloe, otherwise known as the Warbound, who arrived to Earth when Skaar's father, the Hulk, declared war on the heroes and the entire planet.
As she walked alongside Skaar through the village, Shego couldn't help but scan the surroundings, noticing that the adults were talking and whispering among themselves as the children laughed and played cheerfully, seemingly unaware of the pale green skinned female that walked among them. It was a peaceful setting, one which she didn't expect to exist in such a dangerous place as the Savage Land, considering the fact that giant carnivores still existed and stalked the surrounding jungles. She noticed that Devil Dinosaur remained at the edge of the village, most likely due to the fact that his size could unintentionally destroy any of the nearby huts that the people made as their homes. She looked at Skaar, who glanced at her briefly, his eyes locking onto her own for a few seconds as they continued to walk through the village, slowly making their way to the very center.
It was when they arrived at the center of the village that they were greeted by five certain individuals, who were already informed of their arrival since the very moment that they set foot into the peaceful village. The first two that Shego noticed were an adult Caucasian man with long blond hair and a blond haired Caucasian female, both wearing loincloths and the usual Tarzan-like clothing, which didn't come to much of a surprise to Shego. Upon taking a closer look at the two, Shego noticed that both of them had brilliant blue eyes, which sparkled like some azure gems that she recalled stealing at one particular time of her career.
It was then that she noticed that the blond female, known as Shanna, was staring at her and Skaar with a gentle yet knowing smile. Shego didn't know why she was smiling, but she had a feeling that it was something regarding her and Skaar arriving together at the village, which could only mean that they assumed that they were a couple, which didn't help ease the rush of blood that she felt entering her pale cheeks. Without saying a word, Ka-Zar and Shanna approached Skaar and Shego, a warm greeting smile on both of their faces.
"Welcome back, Skaar.", Ka-Zar greeted, his six foot two tall muscular stature seeming small in comparison to the Son of Hulk's gigantic form.
"Figures. I should of known that you two would be the first to show your faces.", Skaar scowled, glaring down at both Ka-Zar and Shanna.
"Glad to see that you're still in a good mood.", Shanna remarked in a sarcastic tone of voice, her comment causing Shego to smirk in amusement.
"Watch your tongue, Shanna. I just might cut it out!", Skaar snarled in a threatening tone.
"Please, spare me your threats, Son of Hulk. They're getting old and you've already threatened to slaughter me more times than I can actually count. Besides, shouldn't you be introducing your female friend to us?", Shanna asked, her blue eyes settling on Shego, who was watching on in amusement.
"Shego, this is Shanna and Ka-Zar. They've lived here in the Savage Land for most of their lives.", Skaar informed, narrowing his eyes at the two humans.
"Nice to meet you, Shego.", Shanna formally greeted, extending her hand to the female mercenary.
"Likewise, Shanna.", Shego replied, grasping Shanna's hand before giving it a brief shake.
"Word has reached our ears that it was Skaar who found you. Is that right?", Ka-Zar questioned, briefly shaking Shego's hand before releasing it from his grasp.
"Yeah, that's right. He's the one who found me.", Shego confirmed, pointing her index finger directly at the towering Oldstrong that stood beside her.
"Yeah, and I'm starting to wish I didn't.", Skaar remarked coldly, causing Shego to advert her gaze towards him.
"Hey! I didn't ask you to save me, ya know. You're the one who had to act all heroic and watch over me!", Shego said in her own defense.
"If I didn't watch over you, you would have ended up dead! So, yes, I had to watch over you until I got you to the village!", Skaar retorted in a snarl, his gaze focusing on Shego's own.
"Why should you care? You said that you didn't trust me, that I wasn't your friend, so why should it bother you if I would have got lost in the jungle?", Shego demanded, crossing her arms over her chest as she stared defiantly into Skaar's eyes.
"It matters to me because I wanted to keep you safe, Shego!", Skaar exclaimed.
"Why?", Shego probed, her curiosity intrigued.
"That's none of your concern!", Skaar growled in a low voice.
"Why isn't it? What are you hiding from me?", Shego questioned, staring into the Son of Hulk's green irises.
Skaar did not respond to Shego's question, instead he chose to advert his gaze away from her own, but not before Shego noticed a certain look that he held within those jungle green eyes of his. It was the same look that she had seen before when she asked Skaar why he returned to protect her during her first encounter with Devil Dinosaur. She could see that Skaar was hiding something from her, but whether it concerned his tragic past or his feelings for her, she couldn't be sure. Despite herself, Shego wanted to know what it was that was causing Skaar to react this way regarding her, if only that she could understand him and her own feelings she had developed for him in the past three days.
Shego knew that Skaar wasn't about to tell her or even admit this, but she had to somehow try to make him drop his guard, which was a task easier said than done. Ka-Zar and Shanna merely watched on, neither willing to get involved in this conversation between Shego and Skaar, though they couldn't help but sense some kind of connection that had been formed between the two green skinned beings. Shanna especially sensed something stirring within Shego, which she could only determine to be her feelings regarding Skaar. Needless to say, this intrigued Shanna, for all the time she had known Skaar, she'd never seen him act this way regarding another being. She could definitely sense a connection, perhaps even an attraction, that Skaar and Shego shared for one another.
"You care about me, don't you, Skaar?", Shego asked straight forwardly, an amused and touched smirk making its way onto her features.
"I... I don't!", Skaar denied, not daring to look upon Shego.
"Then why aren't you looking at me?", Shego demanded, knowing that the Son of Hulk was lying to her, for the fact that he refused to lock eyes with her alone was more than enough to prove her point.
"Shut up! You don't know what you're talking about... and you don't know me!", Skaar snarled before walking away, not even daring a glance back at Shego.
"Once again, he pushes me away. Why do I even bother?", Shego asked herself, not expecting a reply.
"Because you care about him and wish to understand him.", Shanna answered, resting a gentle hand on Shego's shoulder.
"Yeah, I guess.", Shego said before releasing a heavy sigh.
"Come now, Shego. We'll introduce you to the others.", Shanna responded in a gentle tone.
"Others?", Shego asked in confusion, raising a questioning eyebrow.
"The Warbound.", Ka-Zar informed. Shego was then escorted to a campfire by Shanna and Ka-Zar, where three figures were seated, their attention focusing on Shego as she approached.
The first one that Shego noticed was a beautiful red skinned female with short black hair, who seemed to be the most curious regarding Shego's presence in the village, and even moreso of Shego's relationship with Skaar. She was born on Planet Sakaar after the Spike War, long before the Hulk arrived on the planet. Her name is Elloe Kaifi, daughter of Ronan Kaifi, and member of the Hulk's Warbound that came to Earth to avenge the death of all those they cared about. Shego noticed the curious look in Elloe's eyes, which she could only guess was a result of her showing up with Skaar.
The next one that caught Shego's immediate attention was a creature that could only be an alien, for the creature's insect-like body and crest looked like nothing that existed on the planet, but rather something that one would expect to see in a James Cameron movie. The female creature was not a native of Sakaar, for the female creature was born on her homeworld known as Broodworld. The female insect-like creature was nameless, which is why she is called No-Name the Brood. Shego couldn't help but feel a little unnerved by the creepy alien bug, noticing the long sharp teeth and creepy gleam in the alien's yellow eyes.
Shego adverted her gaze away from the insect-like Brood, her eyes settling on the third and final member of the Warbound, who sat motionlessly on the ground as his hazel colored eyes glanced up at her. He was an organism that was completely made of living stone, his great size and girth comparable to that of Skaar's own, his shoulders and waist covered with gladiator armor. His name is Korg, and he too is not a native of Sakaar, for he is a Kronan from the planet Ria. It was on the planet of Sakaar that Korg and his brothers crashed, and after some time after their landing on Sakaar, Korg became apart of the Hulk's Warbound in the Red King's Gladiator Arena. Like the others, he fought with the Hulk to end the Red King's bloody reign, and after that Korg joined the Hulk in his quest for revenge against those who banished him and destroyed all that the Green Goliath loved.
The three members of the Warbound continued to watch Shego, their eyes remaining on the female mercenary that stood before them. Shego couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable with all the silence that seemed to surround her, despite that she wasn't alone here in the village. Suddenly, Shego heard a low animalistic growl, which caused her to look in the direction that it came from, her eyes widening briefly as they came to settle upon a Sabre-Tooth Tiger. The lion sized jungle cat slowly approached Shego, who immediately took a step back, only for the beast to advance even closer to her.
"Nice kitty... nice kitty... don't make me turn you to ash.", Shego warned with an uneasy smile.
"It's okay, Shego. This is Zabu. He won't harm you.", Ka-Zar assured.
"You sure about that?", Shego asked skeptically.
Shego got her answer in the form of Zabu nuzzling against her legs, releasing purrs and soft growls as he did, taking Shego by surprise. With a light smile coming across her face, Shego kneels down and begins scratching Zabu around the ears, causing the large jungle cat to growl and purr in pleasure as he soon rested on the ground. It was amusing to know that she had this kind of affect on creatures like Devil Dinosaur and Zabu, for it was nice to know that at least someone enjoyed her company, which brought back memories of when she was child relaxing with her beloved mother and her black cat Mr. Cuddles. Never would she had ever thought that a red Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Sabre-Tooth Tiger would remind her so much of the adorable housecat that she grown up with as a child.
"It would seem you've made another friend, Shego. Now, let's introduce you to the others.", Ka-Zar suggested, causing Shego to stop scratching Zabu, who let out a low growl of disappointment.
"Everyone! This is Shego. She's new to the Savage Land, so treat her like one of your own. She's a friend of Skaar's, so I'd suggest that you make sure that she stays safe and feels welcome.", Ka-Zar announced as Shego took a seat near the fire next to Elloe, who smiled warmly at her.
"Greetings, Shego. I am No-Name the Brood, from Broodworld. We've been expecting you.", Brood hissed lowly in greeting.
"Nice to meet you too, bug.", Shego replied, causing Elloe and Korg to chuckle in amusement.
"So who are you, stony?", Shego asked, pointing her index finger at the massive rock-man.
"My name is Korg.", Korg answered calmly.
"My name is Elloe Kaifi. It's nice to meet you, Shego.", Elloe greeted, firmly grasping Shego's hand and giving it a quick shake.
"Likewise, Elloe.", Shego replied with a smirk.
"We heard that Skaar found you. How did you arrive to the Savage Land?", Korg asked.
"Well, since you've asked, I guess I could tell you. You see, my plane got damaged and I had to bail out, so I did. What I didn't count on was getting smacked in the head by a chunk of metal that hit me when my hovercraft exploded. Not to mention the fact that I landed in a secret jungle hidden in the Antarctic.", Shego answered, giving them the abbreviated version of her landing.
"Then what happened?", Brood asked with a hiss.
"Well, the piece of metal that smashed against my skull knocked me out. When I finally managed to wake up, the next thing I realized was that I was being held in Skaar's arms. He rescued me and healed my cut with his Old Power or whatever. Long story short, I traveled with Skaar for three days, met a red Tyrannosaur and his little furball side-kick, and now I'm here talking to all of you.", Shego answered, once again giving them the abbreviated story of her travels with the Son of Hulk.
"So... is it true?", Elloe asked, handing Shego some fruit and a bowel of water, which she instantly accepted.
"What is?", Shego questioned, taking a bite out of some fruit before washing it down with a sip of water.
"That you're Skaar's mate.", Elloe answered with a mischievious smirk, causing Shego to spew water from her mouth.
"What?", Shego exclaimed, her eyes becoming as wide as dinner plates as she looked incredulously at Elloe.
"It's a simple question. Are you the woman that has won Skaar's love and heart or not?", Elloe stated as she giggled in amusement.
"Uh... No... I mean, I've only known him for a few days! Not to mention the fact that we don't exactly get along too well. We argue, we fight, we insult each other, and when I do try to get to know him, he always keeps pushing me away!", Shego responded, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Interesting. Ya know, Shego, I think Skaar might be fond of you.", Elloe remarked, taking a bite out of a piece of fruit.
"Oh, yeah? What makes you say that?", Shego demanded, narrowing her eyes at the red skinned female Imperial.
"Skaar doesn't like anyone. He only barely tolerates us. Skaar wouldn't have saved you or healed you if he didn't care about you. He protects us and the rest of the villagers because we're all that's left of his homeworld of Sakaar. But with you, Shego, its something else. I don't know what exactly, but I do know that there must be something about you that Skaar admires, for why else would he protect you from harm for the past three days?", Elloe responded, offering a very compelling argument.
"That still doesn't explain why he argues with me, threatens me, insults me, and keeps pushing me away when I do try to actually have a decent conversation with him! It's like he's hiding something from me or something!", Shego stated with a hint of frustration.
"Skaar's parents, the Hulk and Caiera the Oldstrong, didn't always see eye-to-eye either. They argued, fought, and even tried to kill each other before they realized their true feelings for one another. We should know, because we were all there on Sakaar to witness it. It could be the same between you and Skaar, Shego.", Korg remarked, a light chuckle escaping his throat.
"Elloe and Korg have a point, pale green-skin. Skaar is more savage than even his father, and yet he's protected you ever since you arrived, which is very unlike him. That could only mean that Skaar is attracted to you, Shego.", Brood added with a low hiss.
"So do you like Skaar, Shego?", Elloe asked gently with a smile.
"Yes... No... I mean... I don't know! He saved my life and protected me, but I don't know if I like him. I don't know him, he doesn't know me... It's complicated, okay!", Shego shouted as she ignited her hands in fiery emerald plasma.
"Easy there, pale green-skin.", Korg said calmly, raising his stony hands up in defense.
"It's okay. You just need some time to think it through. But remember this, Shego. If you follow your heart, it will not lead you astray.", Elloe responded in comforting tone.
Shego released a heavy sigh, extinguishing the fiery green plasma that encased her hands before temporarily resting her head in the palms of her hands. Once again, she began contemplating all that had happened between her and Skaar within these last three days, her mind recalling every single detail of those events. She admitted that she was indeed curious about Skaar and wanted to know more about him, and despite herself, she hoped that he would allow her to get close enough so that he could connect with her on some level. But when she thought about her connection to Skaar, whether as a friend or something more, her feelings for Skaar and the conflict within her made her mind and heart ache. She needed time to think this through, to sort out these feelings and the connection that she had for Skaar, but for now she would put these thoughts aside.
"Yeah, I suppose I have some thinking to do.", Shego remarked, letting out a low sigh as she began to relax.
"Yes, but for now, you must rest and eat.", Elloe replied, offering Shego another piece of fruit.
In the background, hidden in the shadows, Shanna and Ka-Zar watched as Shego interacted with the Warbound. It would appear that Shego was quickly accepted into the group, which was a good sign for all that dwelled within the village. So immersed was Shanna and Ka-Zar in watching the interaction between Shego and the Warbound, that neither of them sensed the approached of a certain Oldstrong, who also had been watching the scene just as intently. His jungle green eyes locked onto Shego, watching her every move as they took in ever detail of her exotic beauty.
"What are we gonna do about Shego?", Skaar demanded, narrowing his eyes at both Shanna and Ka-Zar, who were caught off guard by the Son of Hulk's sudden appearance.
"Well, you found her, so that means that she's your responsibility.", Shanna answered with a smirk.
"What?", Skaar exclaimed, baring his teeth in a snarl as his eyes glowed azure-white with the Old Power.
"You've kept her safe for the past three days, and she's comfortable with you, so it only makes sense that it should be you that looks out for her.", Ka-Zar reasoned, standing firmly before the enraged Oldstrong.
"And besides, I think she likes you, Skaar.", Shanna added teasingly, much to the Son of Hulk's chagrin.
"Hmp! Like I care!", Skaar snorted, turning and walking away, leaving Shanna and Ka-Zar to watch Shego interact with the Warbound.
"He's conflicted, but he'll come around.", Shanna remarked reassuringly.
"Yes, it would seem so. After all, he is his father's son.", Ka-Zar replied, a light smile gracing his features as he embraced his wife before walking off with quickly joining Zabu by their side.
The last rays of sunlight disappeared as the sun set over the horizon, fading away as the darkness of night replaced it, the moon rising high into the star covered heavens. As the hours passed on into the night, sleep soon claimed all who dwelled within the village, all but with the exception of one certain Oldstrong. Shego was resting in a peaceful sleep near the campfire, the other members of the Warbound scattered all around her, all seemingly unaware of the approaching Son of Hulk.
Skaar stopped directly in front of Shego's sleeping form, his eyes briefly scanning the surroundings to make sure that nobody was awake before dropping down to the ground on his knees, his jungle green eyes refocusing on Shego's sleeping form. For what seemed like an eternity, Skaar gazed at Shego, admiring her beauty as he tenderly caressed her pale cheeks with his large fingertips. With such gentle care, Skaar cupped Shego's right cheek with his left hand, which surprisingly caused to smile in her sleep. Unknown to Skaar, Elloe was actually awake, her eyes focused on the touching scene that was unfolding across the campfire, an affectionate and understanding smile coming to the red skinned Imperial's face as she continued to watch on. Just when Skaar was about to leave, Shego's hands rested against his own, keeping his left hand resting against her cheek.
"Skaar, please don't leave.", Shego muttered in her sleep.
Despite being surprised by Shego's plead, Skaar let a small gentle smile form across his features, his eyes remaining focused on Shego's still sleeping form. Skaar gently pulled his left hand free, caressing her cheek one more time before rising back up to his feet, scanning the surroundings once more before walking away. Elloe spared at brief glance at Skaar before glancing at Shego, who rested peacefully on the ground, covered by a blanket made of mammoth fur that Skaar had placed over her body. With one last glance at Shego's face, which still retained her smile, Elloe closed her eyes and drifted off into a peaceful slumber of her own. It would appear that her sense of the connection between Skaar and Shego was proven right on this very night in the village within the Savage Land.
Author's Notes
It would seem that both Skaar and Shego are conflicted by the feelings that they have for one another. It is also evident in the fact that the Warbound, as well as Ka-Zar and Shanna, sense this as well. There is definitely something going on within the minds, and possibly the hearts, of both Skaar and Shego. But the question is, what will bring about these revelations? Is friendship possible for them... or maybe something even greater? Only time will tell.