It's the end of an age, as the Prehistoria, er, Prehistory Chapter comes to a close. As you can tell by the sidebar, I got a bit too excited with writing this. And I apologize for not posting this sooner, I was sick for a whole week which put a damper on my writing. Thankfully, that sickness gave me some inspiration when I recovered. But I've taken too much of your time. Give me feedback in Reviews, Follow if you want to know when I post chapters, and Favorite if you like it that much. Without further ado, Sit back, Relax, and LIVE.


Pogo was somewhere entirely new now. He wasn't in the Hunting Grounds chasing mammoths, nor was he in the creepy field of trees with that shiny predator. He was somewhere much more… pleasant. The sun was shining down on him, grass played beneath his feet, and he was surrounded by flowers, something Bel told him about. It was just like how she had described them.

Speaking of Bel, she was standing next to him, smiling as she gazed out at the field of flowers. Her eyes sparkled like the moon as they drifted down to meet Pogo's, her smile growing wider. Pogo awkwardly smiled back, fiddling with a flower stem. He knew this was a dream, but this was pleasant, amazing even. The only way this could be better would be if Gori was here, or if Bel…

The purple-haired girl leaned down to Pogo, lifting his chin to plant a delicate kiss on his cheek. Pogo's face blossomed into red as he nearly leaped back, but Bel's delicate touch firmly kept him still. Her laughs were melodic as she giggled at his embarrassment, and Pogo felt like he was missing out on a joke. He hadn't done anything particularly heroic right now. Why did she kiss him so suddenly?

His question went unanswered as she placed a finger to his lips, shushing him as her other hand scratched under his chin. Pogo sputtered dumbly, his foot tapping repeatedly at the feelings that were flooding his mind. He didn't even want to ask what was happening right now. He never wanted it to end.

Bel moved her finger from his lips to hers slyly, winking to get her message across. Pogo's eyes squinted, the message getting intercepted by his adorable but affable brain. Bel rolled her eyes, wondering what she was even thinking. She was talking to Pogo, she'd have to outright state it. She leaned in and whispered into his ear what he was supposed to do. NOW Pogo seemed to get it, making his face take on a much more vibrant hue. What if he messed up? What if he did something wrong? He had never done it before, what if-

Bel silenced him again, shaking her head. All he had to do was extend his lips. He knew how to do that, right? Pogo, in fact, did not know how to do that. But with Bel putting his faith in him, how could he resist?

After hyping himself up, Pogo valiantly puckered his lips to Bel, with her doing the same with much less exaggeration. Pogo could almost feel the spark connect…before Bel screamed. Not a scream of how much of an amazing kisser he was, more like a scream of…


…A scream for him to wake up and help her! From her cries, Pogo snapped awake, looking to Bel in bewilderment. However, she wasn't where she originally was. Not sleeping by him, but once again tied up in a familiar tying of vines and men holding her captive, now much tighter to restrain her. And a much more familiar man at the head of it all.

Zaki flipped his hair proudly, a trait which infuriated Pogo as he stood up, shouting for Zaki and his cronies to let Bel go. Zaki laughed, shaking his head. Oh, Pogo. Sweet, stupid, ignorant Pogo. Still trying to be the hero and save the girl, eh?

He was damn right he was gonna save Bel, and then put Zaki's head on a stick outside their cave. Zaki laughed again, tapping his temples with his finger. Pogo should know by now that Bel was out of his league. I mean, look at him. Pogo was short, scrawny, and had an awful fashion sense. While he was tall and fit and had an amazing hair care routine. And it was so adorable how hard he tried to woo her. Zaki even saw him make kissy faces in his sleep.

Oh geez, he was doing that while he was sleeping? Stupid dreams making him do things. And Bel definitely heard that by the way her face bloomed a shade of red. Now Pogo was going to lay the absolute smack down on Zaki.

And Zaki would love to see him try. This time, Bel wasn't in the way to pulverize hi-er, he meant interrupt the fight. Now they were able to have an honorable battle. Man on man, 1vs1. The winner takes all.

Pogo wouldn't have it any other way.

Shouting his signature cry, he flung himself at Zaki, before the much older fellow simply side-stepped the attack, flipping his hair again. Pogo lifted his face from the ground, growling as he flipped to face Zaki. He grabbed his favorite bone, wielding it as charged Zaki again. Zaki laughed, taking his own…very strange stance, squatting as he raised a foot. The odd battle demeanor caused Pogo to skid to a stop, marveling at the bizarre stance. As quick as a lighting fire, Zaki reached out and kicked Pogo in the face. Pogo exclaimed in shock, holding a hand to his nose. He had never been kicked before, and it felt so…strange. Feet were for running, fists were for punching, and mouths were for eating…or kissing as he had recently learned.

Pogo didn't even get a chance to attack again before Zaki delivered another kick to his stomach then turned and threw his backside into Pogo's face, knocking him over. Pogo's breath was taken away as his head hit the ground, groaning. Did…had Zaki ever fought before?

Of course he had! How else was he kicking Pogo's ass right now in front of all his men and the girl? He failed to realize Bel was mostly trying to escape and cheering Pogo on the entire time. But Zaki's mind would forever remain an enigma, and Pogo didn't have time to ask him. He was too busy thinking of caving his face in.

He didn't get a chance to attack again, before Zaki leaped and stomped on his face, smushing his visage as he jumped and stomped again.

And again…

And again…

Before he leaped off, laughing haughtily as he called for his men and Bel to gaze at the hero, who was now seeing stars as he groaned in pain. Bel called out to him to wake up before Zaki turned and bolted out of the cave. This called for a temporary retreat! His men dutifully followed, stomping on Pogo's body as they passed before fleeing out the cave. Bel continued to scream as she was lifted away, and Pogo blearly called out that he would save her, he promised!

As soon as these moa's stop flying around his head. But they were really pretty…

Shaking his head, he hopped to his feet and ran towards the mouth of the cave. Pogo couldn't believe it, after Bel had trounced Zaki like a dead synthetoceras, he had decided to come back and face them the cowardly way. Why did the Ku tribe even want Bel? Even she didn't know, so why was Zaki so focused on capturing her? By the way, he was speaking and putting down Pogo…D-DID HE LIKE BEL TOO?!

Of course, that had to be the main and only reason. Pogo realized Zaki was trying to kidnap Bel because he was jealous, it was so obvious. And to keep Bel from having to kiss that guy, Pogo had to save her!

But he couldn't do it alone. Gori was still laid out on the floor unconscious from earlier, and it looked like the tribe and Zaki had used him as a cavemat to wipe their feet. Pogo couldn't blame them, he had an excellent fuzzy complexion for that.

Pogo bopped his bone on Gori's head, before doing it a dozen more times to wake him up. The ape looked around beleaguered before Pogo bopped him again to gain his attention. They had a mission to attend to. Bel had been kidnapped by the Ku Tribe again, and it was Pogo's job to save her. Gori had to come too for moral support.

…Would Gori get meat?

Yeah, Gori would get meat after they save Bel.

Gori gave a thumbs up and a grin. He was so in.

The two sprinted out of the cave, the human boy glancing around for Bel or any sign of the Ku tribe. Damn, there was no sign. They had gone through the entire Wild Lands while hunting, where could the Ku tribe have even come from?

Of course. The nose would know! Sticking his face to the ground and sniffing around, Pogo picked up a familiar scent. Flowery, sweet, and amazing. Pogo could never forget that scent ever. He called for Gori to keep up as he dropped to all fours and bolted across the Wild Land, his best buddy following close behind. Thus, the first rescue mission was created.

It went downhill from there.


Zaki rubbed at his eyes deliriously. How could they be so stupid as to block their entrance? They were supposed to go back through there after taking the girl, and these dolts decided to put a big honking rock right in front of it! Now he had to wait while they chipped away at it. It would have gone faster if Wuganube and his dad helped. Instead, they were off talking in a corner about something. Of course, Zaki could help, but that would mean dirtying his hands. So he would just sit for the time being next to Bel.

He wished they had a vine to tye her mouth because she would just not stop talking. Talking about how Pogo was going to save her, about how she was going to rearrange Zaki's face, and biting her vines to break them. Women, was he right?

After the 9th or so attempt at escape, Zaki figured he would at least get some answers out of the girl. He turned to her and nonchalantly asked just what she saw in Pogo. The vine dropped from her mouth as her face heated up. She sputtered, asking him what he meant. Shrugging, he stated that she hung around that kid like flies to a carcass. He said it earlier; he was short, scrawny, and he couldn't even beat him in a fight. So why did she stay with him? What, did she actually like him?

Bel glared defiantly at Zaki. If he must know, Pogo was handsome, smart in different ways, and had a heart as big as the moon. And she actually liked short guys, thank you very much.

Zaki concluded that Bel was pretty weird if she wanted to smooch Pogo, even when she objected that she did not want to kiss him.

Sure, sister. Whatever she said.

A sudden noise from the entrance of the cave alerted him, glancing toward the mouth. They had placed another convenient boulder near it so any interlopers and their gorilla pal wouldn't interlope. Another noise came from outside, this one sounded like a command for someone to do something. A grunt of confirmation… then a shriek, before the rock blasted apart, sending stone shrapnel everywhere. The cause of the explosion, a familiar green-haired kid, picked himself up and growled at the gorilla that trotted in. Hey, they got into the cave, he did what Pogo told him to do.

Whatever, they had to focus on what was important, like saving Bel from a wimpy red-haired stringy stool.

W-Was he talking about Zaki? Those things were contradictory to everything about his persona. Clearly, Pogo was still stung up about Bel not liking him.

Pogo wouldn't stand for this. He rushed at Zaki, bone held high as he screeched. Bel shouted out to Pogo that it was a trap, but it fell on deaf ears overcome by rage. Before Pogo could reach Zaki, the floor under him gave way, and he toppled downwards into the cave, screaming out. Bel screamed back, kicking her feet to be able to reach him, but it was all for not. She looked up to Gori, yelling at him to help Pogo.

Pogo did say that Gori had to stick close…and he was going to listen to his best buddy. Without a second thought, Gori leaped down the hole after Pogo, Bel's mouth dropping open at the sheer audacity of Gori.

Wow. Zaki didn't think the trap would work that well. Pogo was dealt with, and so was that monkey! Now he could head back and give the Chieftain what he wanted.

As soon as his team broke that rock. That would still take a while.


The shrill screams of Pogo continued down as he fell, further and further. Would this kill him? He couldn't die like this. His Elder said men were supposed to die of old age, or in a mighty battle against beasts. Not falling down a hole. And right in front of Bel too. He would never get a chance to save her, never be able to hear her songs, never get a chance to tell her-

His screaming came to a stop as cold murky water surrounded him and he plunged down. Water flooded into his nose and his limbs scrambled to swim up.

If only he had learned how to swim. He had never even seen a large body of water, and this wasn't like the rainy downpours during the spring season. His arms waved and his feet kicked, but he only continued to sink deeper into the depths. Falling to his death was terrible, but drowning would be even worse. Water continued to fill his lungs, as the surface of the water grew farther and farther away. His vision was growing dim and it felt like the coldest winter imaginable. Now he really would never get the chance to tell Bel how he felt about her. Feeling his breath grow dim, he breathed his feelings about Bel into the water that drifted in the waves, and closed his eyes to wait.

That is, until two strong arms grabbed him under the shoulders and yanked him up out of the water, breaking the surface as Pogo coughed up all the liquid. He looked behind him, Gori giving him the smuggest smile he ever had. If Pogo didn't feel like shit, he would have hit him. How was Gori even able to save him? Gori glanced down at the 5-foot-deep water and shrugged. Gorillas must be expert swimmers.

Pogo ambled himself onto Gori's shoulders, shaking out his hair. Okay, the hole was still up there…just how were they going to get out? It was too far to climb, there didn't look to be any footholds, and it was way too dark to see anything in this cave. Gori stuck out his tongue and blew a raspberry,(whatever that meant, Pogo didn't even know what a berry was) and shrugged. It was up to Pogo to do the thinking now, as he always did when it was just the two of them. Just like old times, before this all happened.

Before he could think of a solution, Gori suddenly screeched and jumped out of the water, landing with a mighty splash. A startled Pogo opened his mouth to ask what the hell that was before another splash came from next to them. He couldn't see the cause, but the faint ripples in the water let him know something was definitely in there with them. He spun his bone, whispering for Gori to be alert as they weren't the only ones in here. Gori gave a thumbs up as he waded through the water, arms pulled into fists and ready to knock out anything.

Inhaling, Pogo held his breath for a few seconds, waiting for anything to come out in the silence. When it never came, he exhaled. Whatever this thing was, it was quiet and didn't want to be found. Which meant Pogo had to unleash his signature weapon.

Taking a huge whiff, he immediately found a scent. For one, it smelled terrible, almost like death itself. And the second…it was right behind them!

A gigantic jaw broke through the water, aiming to snap up Pogo and Gori right in its jaws. The human swiftly jumped off Gori's shoulders into the water while Gori belly flopped in front of him, making the beast miss. Pogo was pulled back to the surface again and finally got a look at the beast. Bigger than Gori, a small horn on its nose, and blue scales that traveled all the one down its back ending in a long tail. Something Pogo had never seen but had heard of; an Archosaur. The Elder had told them about it long ago when he went on a far away hunting trip. He knew from the tale that archosaurs had sharp teeth, so they needed to be careful. The archosaur dipped back beneath the waves, leaving the duo on edge. Gori was shaking profusely, and Pogo had to whack him to make him stop. They needed to be absolutely silent, not make a single sound…

…Gori probably shouldn't have had that moa giblet then, because he let loose a caustic reverberation on the water from his backend. So loud that their tribe could hear it, so smelly that Pogo could have died and somehow still smelled it. Gori couldn't have held it in for 5 minutes?

Of course, then he wouldn't be Gori.

The eruption of water and the deadly jaws of an archosaur made Pogo grab his buddy's eyebrows and yank them back, making Gori twirl away from the jaws of death. But they weren't out of danger yet, as another pair of killer jaws popped up behind them looking for a cave kid and monkey snack.

They were trapped between a killer and a hard place, aka another killer just as deadly. There was only one way they were going to get out of this. Pogo would take the right, and Gori take the left. Roaring a cry, Pogo leaped with his bone raised high and brought it down on the archosaur. It seemed like that didn't do much, as the archosaur growled and bucked Pogo off into the water.

Gori beat his chest to intimidate his opponent, but the mighty archosaur was hardly affected. So Gori resorted to his more faithful technique; punch, punch, and then eat. The archosaur reared its jaws at him letting Gori flex his muscles and clamp them shut by force, tussling the reptile into the brine.

Pogo blew out bubbles as he looked around in the water. The beast was sneaky, and would try to get the jump on him…now! He held up his bone just in time to catch it on the archosaur's teeth and force its mouth open. They were at a perfect stalemate, but Pogo had the definite upper hand when he reeled back his fist and knocked the reptile right in the eye. It snarled in pain as Pogo laid another devastating punch to its iris. Its jaw forced itself down more on his bone and Pogo could hear the weapon strain as it tried to keep alive. If Pogo didn't end this now he would be out of a weapon deep in this deadly pit.

It's a good thing Pogo excelled at this sort of stuff. Before the archosaur fully bit down on the bone, Pogo reached inside and took hold of the archosaur's tongue, the rogue appendage wriggling around to get unhanded. Pogo held on for dear life as he pulled and tugged with all his strength, shouting out in expiration. The archosaur's jaws edged closer slowly but surely to clamp down before Pogo could complete his plan, and the dread was getting closer by the second…

SNAP!

Snapping like a vine, Pogo held the snakelike tongue only for a few seconds before tossing back into its rightful place. He quickly took back his bone, the jaws snapping back down as Pogo held them in place. He grit his teeth as the archosaur splashed around, its rogue tongue catching in its throat as it rolled itself to dislodge the appendage, but Pogo held the jaws down even as the archosaur rolled him around in the deadly brine.

The rolls grew faster as the archosaur struggled to cough its tongue out, but the caveboy was too strong. The archosaur gave one final death roll before he flopped belly up into the water, eyes still wide open as Pogo sighed in relief at the struggle being over, climbing onto the animal to stay afloat. He could hear the telltale shrieks of Gori fighting his own opponent and the splashing of water. Pogo quickly began paddling in the battle's direction, shouting out for Gori to stay safe.

His encouragement wasn't needed, as Gori came out of the darkness, dragging the corpse of the archosaur behind him with a signature smug smile on his lips. Pogo rolled his eyes, wondering what he was worried about as he looked up above them. The hole they had fallen into was still above them, and he couldn't hear the screams of Bel, so they must be gone. But that came with the challenge; just how were they going to get up there to continue on their rescue mission?

Think, Pogo! He had made the world's first weapon, he can surely create a device that would allow them to get up there. But all he had were the corpses of two dead reptiles.

…Maybe…of course! He had just the idea!


Ha! 16th time's the charm! Pogo quickly climbed up his newly made ladder, the scales of the archosaur providing pleasant footholds to hang onto. By making one archosaur bite onto the other's tail, then using the other's open jaw to toss up into the hole, it would bite onto the ground and allow them to climb up! Who's the stupid one now?

Pogo breached the hole, immediately looking around for Bel, but no such luck. Zaki and his troop had broken the rock and made their way further ahead with Bel in tow. Pogo shook his head and bopped his bone against his palm. Zaki would feel his wrath once he got his hand on-

Murmurs alerted Pogo as Gori came out of the hole, Pogo quickly hid behind a rock, Gori tugging on the ladder to preserve the invention. When Pogo hissed that Gori ditch the ladder, Gori nodded and kicked the ladder into the hole, landing with a subtle splash. That's not exactly what Pogo meant, but it would work.

Gori hid with Pogo, and the two silently watched as two members of the Ku Tribe walked in. One was younger than the other, just a little bit younger than Pogo while the other seemed to be the eldest. The older one crouched down to the younger one, muttering that as his son, he needed to do everything to protect him. What the Ku Tribe is doing is unforgivable. That girl they kidnapped was the last of the tribe they invaded. What happens after she's gone? Will they invade that tribe across the Wild Lands? Will they start using members of the Ku Tribe? It's too dangerous and they needed to think of themselves. He wanted to see Wuganube grow old, and he couldn't do that if he met his end to it.

Wuganube nodded at his father, stating they would be fine. After all, the Wild Lands weren't that bad. All they needed to do was make it past this hole that kid and monkey. But it was pretty bad…how were they going to get past it?

Wuganube's father tapped his shaggy hair. With something they had barely used before; their head. Wuganube's father suddenly leaped at the hole, catching himself by grabbing the edges with his feet and hands. Now all Wuganube had to do was walk across! Easy!

B-But what if Wuganube's father lost his grip? Bah, he worried too much. He had the grip of a sabertooth holding a kill! He would be fine! Trust him!

Wuganube gulped, but steeled himself. His father had never lied to him before, so he would go! He bolted across his father's back, skidding to a halt after he finished. He did it! He actually did it! Now his dad just needed to follow after him. His father shouted back that he would be right there…but man his arms were tired. N-No worry though! He just had to detach his feet and climb up the hole's edge…

…Uh-Oh. His hands were slipping. Before Wuganube could grab them, his hands slipped from their hold and he plummeted down into the hole, yelling out for his son. Wuganube cried out, sticking his head in the hole to catch a sight of his father. But from the splash of water and the shocking crack that even Pogo and Gori heard, something told them that Wuganube's father wouldn't be able to use their ladder to get back up.

Breath hitching, Wuganube cried out for his father as tears streamed down his face before he turned tail and fled out of the cave into the Wild Lands, the blubbering of the now orphan being heard all across the land.

Making sure that the kid was gone, Pogo and Gori detached from their hiding spots and glanced at each other. Agreed, they would never speak of this instance again. It was too sad…something like this would never happen again and it definitely didn't happen before.

Pushing that from his thoughts, Pogo motioned Gori to follow as they went down the way Wuganube and his father came from. Their feet met dirt as they moved quickly and swiftly through the short tunnel before they came out from the darkness into the light. Torches lit up on stakes of wood, bones hung as trophies from both animals and cavemen, and before them laid a massive cave that seemed to be carved into a small mountain. The glimmering dark sky full of stars let Pogo know this was the Ku Tribe's cave. They were right in the belly of the beast, and Bel was even further in.

Okay, Pogo admitted, he was kinda scared. But he had to save Bel from stupid Zaki, even if it involved going into the Ku Tribe's base. Nothing would keep him from saving him. Absolutely nothing.

And thus, the first hero was made.

It went downhill from there.

The boys hunkered down on all fours, moving stealthily along the outside. It seemed not many Ku tribesmen were out here, which meant they were most likely inside. Pogo glanced at Gori, sighing. He let him know that Gori was like a brother to him, and if anything happened while they were saving Bel…well, he just wanted him to know that.

Gori stopped picking his teeth with his feet for a second to give a thumbs up and a comforting slap on the back to Pogo. After all, they had to survive this. Otherwise, they wouldn't get to eat after.

Nodding, Pogo set his sight and quickly dove through a mouth of a cave to get inside the cave. Thankfully, torches illuminated their path, and there didn't seem to be anyone ahead of them, so the duo pressed on into the new territory.

The cave entranced sloped up into a small hill, Pogo, and Gori climbing up to get a view of their surroundings. A hole in the ceiling allowed the moonlight to spill in, and Pogo's breath caught in his throat. There were dozens of Ku tribesmen, all milling about around a campfire that was burning bright. Pogo hissed and flattened himself against the hill away from sight, urging Gori to do the same. He kicked him in the shins to get his attention, but the ape didn't respond. In fact, he seemed to be…shivering? But it wasn't even that cold…no, he was shivering in excitement.

Curious, Pogo peaked over the hill to catch a glimpse at what had gotten Gori so excited, and nearly vomited in confusion. Ku tribesmen were leading a band of five gorillas along to another room…a band of female gorillas. Female gorillas with pink hair, grass skirts, and flower wreaths tied in their hair. Pogo had to admit, they had great fashion sense. What he wouldn't give to see Bel in something like that…

As Pogo saw that sight and briefly had a thought about why the Ku Tribe would hold the females captive(the theory sent a shiver down his spine), the gorillas were led into another room, and Gori let out a whine Pogo had never heard before. Well, better luck next time. He patted the gorilla on the back and went back to making a plan on how they could sneak by the tribesmen. All they needed was a mole and 7 pounds of mammoth dung…

Thankfully, Gori had a much better idea that involved violence. He let out a roar that Pogo swore loosened some stalagmites(Though they might be stalactites) and ran down the hill, knocking away the tribesmen that were rightfully afraid of the amorous ape. Pogo was stunned. He just ran in! Goddamn Gori, such an idiot…it was okay! He yelled out for him to stick to the plan as he skidded down the hill after his pal, knocking away any tribesmen that got close. He might be on their turf, but Pogo wasn't fighting fair as he doused their fire with some dirt. He had a girl to save, and nobody was going to stay in his way of saving her. Not Zaki, not a fearsome beast, not the lumbering Ku tribesman wielding a mammoth's tusk that was as tall as one coming at him, not a fearsome sabertooth…

…Wait, what was that one before?


Bel struggled as she was tied to the post, but no matter how much she struggled, the two tribesmen overpowered her and tightly bound her to the wooden post. There was no way she could get out now.

She glanced behind her at the deep pit, the shadows clawing at the edge doing nothing to settle her stomach. Is that where her parents ended up? Where Lelu ended up along with the rest of her tribe. If that were true, why? Why had they invaded their village, why take them captive?

She turned back, watching as other tribesmen enter, filing in single file and taking their place in rows. There were dozens of them, so there was no way Bel was sneaking her way out of this one.

Zaki chuckled at her frightened look, shaking his head. There was no need for her to look so scared, even though it made her look adorable. She just had to sit through a, quite frankly, boring chorus, and then she'd be let go…metaphorically speaking.

Bel rolled her eyes before settling on a glare. Right, like she could trust Zaki of all people. When she escaped, he barged into Pogo's tribe getting him kicked out, and then kidnapped her again and made Pogo fall into a…made him fall into a…

Oh no. She didn't see Pogo climb out of the hole. She still didn't see him when they had left the cave. It had been hours since then, and she hadn't heard a word about him. There was no way he was dead…right? It was Pogo, after all, she knew he could take on anything twice his size…but a fall like that was at least thrice his size and more.

There was no way Pogo could be dead! I-It was impossible, it was stupid to think of! It was…it was…obvious. Lelu always said to look at the logic(whatever that meant) of things, and the logic was obvious; Pogo was dead and she would never see him again. She would never look at his short stature and stifle a smile at how adorable he was, she would never sing for him again, and she would never get to tell him how she felt…

Zaki shook his head. It was a shame. Someone as pretty as Bel getting conducted for this…it was a pity. If he had a say in this, he would-wait, was Bel's face leaking?

Bel was a blubbering mess, water running down her face at the realization that Pogo was dead. Zaki awkwardly reached a hand and patted her on the shoulder. There, there…wait, it was sort of his fault Pogo was dead, so he retracted his hand. Best to give moral support.

As Bel continued to cry, making the Ku tribe around her quite uncomfortable, somebody came from the entrance of the opening, causing them all to bow their head, even Zaki. Bel shook the water away so she could get a look at this man that the tribe respected. And she was not surprised at who it was.

The Chieftain, the very one that was there when her village was raided was right there, walking up the wood bundled together over the chasm into a platform. He stood before the young woman, Bel trying her best to look at him without showing any fear. This was the man that ruined her life, and killed her family and her tribe. She wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.

The Chieftain took a walk around Bel, looking her up and down before trailing down to her legs. They were shaking like a Trihorn upon death. How touching.

Catching her chin in his hands, he angled her up so she was staring right at him. Still, she stared defiantly, something which greatly amused the Chieftain. He had such a soft spot for women like her. Ones that had the ferocity of a sabertooth.

Bel spat, feeling disgusted just by being touched by him. If he liked her so much, then why had he razed her village?

The Chieftain's sharp eyes glared at her, and Zaki nearly toppled over himself when the Chieftain delivered a nasty backhand to Bel. She was not to speak unless addressed. Zaki looked up at the Chieftain, wanting to say how that seemed unnecessary, but his look silenced back to bowing his head.

Amused that Bel was now silent, The Chieftain continued. He did not want to subject Bel to…this. He took a step near the edge and peered down, but quickly leaped back. He thought he had heard something, but it wasn't anything…he thought.

Anyway, he was merely trying to provide for his tribe. She would understand, it just involved her little…predicament to make sure his tribe survived. But…after what had happened with her tribe…after what had happened to her family…her sister…he could understand that Bel didn't want this to happen. So he could release her from her binds, sparing her from it, and she would live with the Ku Tribe, being provided with everything she could ask for.

He trailed the back of his hand, the same used to silence her, down her cheek. All she had to do was stay by his side as his mate, and all would be taken care of. How does that sound?

Zaki wondered if she was allowed to speak and if this was 'addressing', but his thoughts were silenced by the Chieftain's cries. Bel had taken ahold of his fingers, and she wasn't letting, biting down on the fingers like her life depend on them, mostly because it did.

He looked to Zaki, yelling at him to be useful and get her off him. Zaki swallowed a laugh. Just a minute ago the Chieftain was acting like a stalking sabertooth, now he acted like a baby. Nodding, he took Bel's shoulders and shook her heavily, causing her to release the Chieftain's fingers.

She spat out blood that had come from her bites, smirking up at the Chieftain. Technically, she didn't talk. Zaki had to admit that was a good one. The Chieftain didn't think it was so funny. Bel had rejected his generous offer, which meant she wanted this the hard way.

The Chieftain turned to his tribe, calling that the ritual would begin now. Everybody wasn't here at the moment, but there was no need. Since Bel seemingly had no patience, they would allow her fate to be sped up to now. The tribesmen glanced at each other, waiting for someone to speak up about this, but no one did. They raised their hands and began to chant, Zaki shaking his head. Bel could have still lived, but she was still hung up about that Pogo guy. Why? It was so strange…

As Bel dropped her head, knowing when to throw the seashells back to the tide. Her breath hitching, she breathed her feelings about Pogo into the winds that faded away, and awaited her fate.


That sure was a very large caveman…

Pogo could barely breathe, looking up at the man that towered over him, wielding a mammoth's tusk as if it weighed nothing. M-Maybe they could settle this non-violently?

Even Pogo had to laugh at that. Now wasn't the time to talk like a coward! This was the time for action! He raised his bone, flinging it at the cavebrute's face!

The cavebrute didn't even flinch as the bone plinked off his face and back to Pogo's outstretched hand. Well…that didn't go as planned…his offer for non-violence was still on the tab-

Oh, who was he kidding? The cavebrute let out a roar and raised his tusk to impale Pogo. He shrieked and dove away, dropping to all fours for faster mobility. The cavebrute made a grab for him, but Pogo took a dash between his legs to evade.

Oh, so that's what the felt like.

He stood back up, leaping up and grabbing onto the cavebrute's loincloth. It must have been skinned from a mammoth based on the size of the cavebrute. Pogo placed his bone in his mouth, climbing up the cavebrute's back as his small arms worked furiously to grab at Pogo. Pogo was nearing the nape of his neck before he felt like the ground was growing closer.

He glanced behind him, shocked to see they were falling to the ground. The cavebrute laughed at his plan to crush the puny morsel, Pogo scrambling for a way to escape. He quickly hopped onto the cavebrute's shoulder, jumping again right as he crashed into the ground. The cavebrute groaned, his back feeling like he had landed on a thousand sharp rocks. He rubbed his head, squinting at something coming into his vision. Huh. It looked just like that morsel falling at him raising a bone to bring down right on his.

WHACK! Pogo pulled back his bone, stepping away from the cavebrute's unconscious form. Huh. He guessed it was true; The big fall for the feeble…or, was it 'The bigger they are, the mightier the crash'? Well, it was something along those lines, but he would figure them out later. Right now, he had a primate to wrangle back into place.

Heading further into the cave, it was easy to hear his cheerful cries, coming from a small pen fenced by stalactites(but they might be stalagmites). Pogo observed the knocked-out forms of Ku Tribesmen as he stepped into the pen and observed the bizarre sight before him.

Gori was being bombarded by female gorillas from all angles, being hoisted by his arms as the females juggled around him. Pogo had no idea Gori was such a lady's man…he found it hard that any woman wasn't repulsed by him, cavewoman or otherwise.

But, they still had a mission, and Pogo wasn't going to risk Bel being in danger for Gori having a bit of fun. He called out to Gori that they should go, but that proved ineffective. Pogo had to use the tried and true method.

Excusing himself as he passed the gorilla women, he raised his bat, aiming it at Gori's skull…before dropping the weapon and socking him in the chin, then punching him in the stomach, sending him crashing out of the pen and into the cave wall. Pogo let out a breath, cracking his knuckles as he stepped out of the pen and picked up Gori, nodding to the female gorillas. They would get a chance to talk to Gori, after their rescue mission. They giggled to themselves something Pogo couldn't understand, waving as Gori was dragged away. The delirious Gori dumbly waved back, cackling through cracked ribs.

It was a good thing Pogo didn't look that stupid when he was lovesick.

Pogo dragged him deeper into the cave, searching for any sign of Bel. She still wasn't around here…but where was here? They were in a room with a dozen other entrances, and Pogo peaked into one. The only thing there was a bed and some cabinets, which meant this was the bunking chamber for the tribesmen.

…Wait, if this was their bunking chamber, then that meant-

He nearly jumped out of his skin when voices came behind him, turning to see Ku tribesmen blearily coming from their bunks, eyes locking on Pogo and Gori as they woke up. Gori was still out of it, and Pogo unsheathed his bone as the tribesmen closed in, stretching their joints ready to give Pogo a beatdown he wouldn't forget. Pogo looked around for any way to get away, but all entrances were blocked. He had to go out fighting. He wouldn't have it any other way.

He opened his mouth, ready to unleash a battle cry when suddenly a Ku tribesman was tackled by a pink blur. A female gorilla held the tribesmen down with her superior strength, and one by one the other females came into the bunking chambers, tackling the Ku tribesmen and pinning them to the ground or wall. Pogo hesitantly relaxed as he saw the females hold the struggling men. Huh. Honestly, he shouldn't be surprised. They were still gorillas after all.

Shouting thanks to the females, he continued to drag Gori further into the cave as the females all waved and cooed at Gori, the male still laughing uproariously.

Pogo finally released Gori when he finally came too, and when they could hear voices. Dozens of voices, all chanting together something Pogo couldn't make out. It seemed to be coming from just in front of them, through an entrance that released out of the cave. They had searched everywhere throughout the mountain, throughout the cave, this had to be where Bel was. It had to be. If it wasn't…

Pogo clenched the bone in his grasp. His heart beat in his chest like a drum. He could feel sweat pour out of him like rain as he tried to move his legs forward. Of all times, his cowardice decided to act up now?

He stood frozen, he could barely feel Gori's palm on his head, looking up at his best friend. The two looked at each other, their unspoken bond sparking as Pogo nodded. He had come this far for Bel, and he had come this far in life without giving up! His cowardice had vanished when Bel appeared, and it would continue to stay that way when they saved her. And no chanting was going to scare him away!

With Pogo gripping his bone and Gori pounding his chest, the two exited out of the cave mouth and gazed at the spectacle before them. The mouth exited outside onto a cliff sitting above a dark chasm that he couldn't see the end to. Members of the Ku Tribe were arranged in rows, raising their heads and bowing as they waved their hands. A wooden platform was stationed over the chasm, an ugly man that Pogo figured was the elder leading the chant, Zaki leaning by a pole in the middle of the platform. And tied to that platform was…

Bel! Pogo's sudden outburst halted the chanting, Bel lifting her head to meet Pogo's eyes. She gasped, struggling against the vines. He was okay! He wasn't dead!

Wait, she thought he was dead? Sheesh, that didn't inspire much confidence.

Zaki blinked in disbelief at Pogo standing alive before him. Huh. It wasn't every day somebody survived a fall like that. Zaki flipped his hair as the Chieftain stepped in front of Bel, raising his hands for the tribesmen to catch the intruders. The rows of Ku tribesmen turned to the boys, leaping at them to pin them to the ground.

Unfortunately for them, Pogo was out of patience. The tribesmen were blown away by Pogo's furious fist. He was sick of their shit by now, and cracked his neck as he advanced further. Bel couldn't help but blush at the showmanship. She had never seen Pogo do something like that before…

Zaki sputtered a scoff. He could have done that. Just give him twenty more guys and he could do it better. The other tribesmen all raised their arms to try themselves, but the Chieftain raised his arm and commanded them to go back to chanting. He would deal with the intruders. The tribesmen complied, raising their arms and bowing as Pogo and Gori moved between them. Now that he was right next to them, he could hear clearly what they were chanting.

O-D-O. O-D-O. O-D-O.

…Whatever that meant. Pogo thought all the Ku Tribe were crazy by now.

He fully stepped onto the platform, Gori right behind him as Pogo gazed up at the Chieftain, glaring sharply. Zaki huffed that he actually had to do something now, stretching as he took his place by the Chieftain's side. Bel called out for Pogo to run and save himself, but Pogo shook his head. He was tired of running. He was a man now, and men don't run. Right, Gori?

Gori was still thinking about those females but nodded nonetheless. The Chieftain gazed down at Pogo, wondering if this child was truly the one that had managed to storm his base and is interrupting his ritual. And he had that same defiant look that Bel had…how he hated to see something like that.

The Chieftain welcomed Pogo. After all, he was a guest, and guests needed to be welcomed. He apologized if his tribesmen caused him any trouble. They barely got any visitors. Pogo still glared up at the Chieftain, not showing any signs he even heard him.

Still, the Chieftain continued to talk. It was obvious he was here to help his 'friend', and the Chieftain admired that, really, he did. There was just one tiny problem. He needed Bel to help his tribe. Pogo could understand something like that, right? He needed Bel to help his tribe, and Pogo wanted Bel…so they could make a deal. All Pogo had to do was take Bel's place on the pole and hear their chants, then it would all be over. After all, he wanted to save Bel right?

Bel couldn't believe it. The Chieftain was still trying to use his slimeball tactics on someone. Zaki also found this surprising. Someone like Pogo likely couldn't what the Chieftain was saying so it was useless to talk to him.

Bel opened her mouth to yell out for Pogo not to listen to the Chieftain, but there was no need, as Pogo stepped closer to the Chieftain. The bold action was something the Chieftain had never seen before, causing him to stumble onto his back. Pogo glared down at him, being able to work his magic now he was down to his level. Bel had already told him everything about how the Chieftain had invaded her village and killed her tribe and family. Then when she escaped, he sent pretty boy(Zaki found it a compliment at being called pretty) after her to tie up any loose ends. Only problem was, Bel ended up in his tribe.

Zaki stirred up a ruckus, causing Bel to get kicked out and Pogo and Gori to follow her. And even after all that, Zaki was still trying to follow them to get Bel, even after she beat him to a pulp. Then, they finally got the jump on her, dropped Pogo and Gori down a hole, and left them for dead all so the Chieftain could do his little ritual?! No, he was taking Bel with him, even if he had to kick every Ku tribesmen's butt in the nearby vicinity. The Chieftain gasped in fright as Pogo shook his head, unsheathing his bone. Now looking like a frightened child, he scampered behind Zaki, calling for him to do something useful for once!

Zaki held back a glare at the Chieftain, sighing and locking eyes with Pogo. Pogo looked right back, no words needed to be said. They knew what needed to be done. They moved to the center of the platform in front of Bel, Pogo throwing his bone to Gori and ordering him to stay back. This was a man's fight, one on one, no weapons.

Zaki hated to admit it, but Pogo had honor. Shame he was still a bumbling fool.

And it was a shame Zaki was a whiny, weak pretty boy.

Zaki couldn't help but smirk at that. He supposed he was. A moment of silence passed between them, Bel's eyes darting between them as the chanting continued, the Chieftain shivering off to the side. The silence was broken when the two of them ran at each other, roaring respective cries of battle as they pounced at each other.

Zaki extended his foot for a kick, but Pogo was ready. He ducked under the kick, pushing the young man back with a punch. Zaki held his painful chest with a smile. This was actually pretty fun, even when he was hurting! Now he wanted to see what else Pogo had to offer…

Pogo was happy to oblige when he used all his strength to jump into the air, sailing over Bel who looked up in awe when he crashed down on Zaki with his head, bowling him to the floor. He weakly laughed, shaking his head. Pogo had the most unusual fighting style ever, yet he was winning. It was a good thing Zaki had tricks of his own.

Pogo didn't have a chance to ask what he meant when he noticed something. A piece of Zaki's clothing was missing, the most defining part of him, in fact. His lizard loincloth was nowhere in sight, leaving Zaki quite breezy. But it was just there…where could it be?

Rubbing his chin, Pogo was suddenly assaulted by something in his loincloth, tickling him like a rogue moa feather. As he patted himself down, trying to find the source of this feeling he didn't see Zaki attack him with his backside to his face. Pogo was knocked to the floor as a familiar lizard crawled from his loincloth, walking back and taking its rightful place on Zaki, who flipped his hair and chuckled defiantly as Pogo's current form.

Bel was utterly perplexed. Pogo could have untied her and they could have quickly run away, but now he was wasting time fighting Zaki of all people. Zaki! She tried to get Gori's attention, maybe he could untie her? No, of course not, Gori was bust using Pogo's bone as a butt scratcher. Ugh, boys.

Pogo laughed as he gleefully stood back up. This was actually kinda fun! Bel could stand to wait a while as he tried some new moves around with Zaki, right?

Zaki resumed his battle stances, winding up for a punch when his eyes grew wide at something behind Pogo. Both he and Bel screamed for Pogo to duck, Pogo looking at them quizzically. What the heck was a duck and why was it important right now? Quickly, Zaki swept Pogo's leg, saving him from the Chieftain coming behind him with a spear. Gasp! They stole Pogo's ideas as well. Dastardly.

Zaki stepped over Pogo's prone form to confront the Chieftain. What was he doing? This was a men's fight, no weapons, and no interruptions! This was not-

Zaki didn't even get to finish when the Chieftain grabbed him by the throat, lifting him up. He would NOT be disrespected like this. If he could not kill a simple child, then maybe Zaki would like to be the sacrifice! Zaki couldn't get a word in edge-wise with the whole being choked, so he just sputtered something out.

Zaki had proven to not be able to complete even the most simple of jobs. He had captured the girl days after he had told him, and even came to the base beaten by a mere woman! If he knew Zaki would be this useless, he should have let him rot as a child in the wild where he found him!

Pogo hesitantly gathered himself up, Gori coming over to return his bone. He decided not to ask why it smelled terrible. Watching Zaki get choked, he realized he could easily go and rescue Bel, then get the heck out of there and never look back. After all, Zaki was the one that kidnapped Bel in the first place…but as Pogo looked at him, he saw him scared. Scared of what was going to happen next, his charismatic demeanor fell away as he continued to be throttled. He looked just like…Pogo. And Pogo didn't want anyone to feel the way that he did.

Pogo held up his bone, calling for the Chieftain to let Zaki go before his bone met his face…and whatever that hole in his robes was for. The Chieftain glanced at the child, gnashing his teeth at the sheer incompetence before him. He was getting assaulted by children, and they believed they could stop him? Well, if they wanted Zaki so badly…

The Chieftain pulled his arm with the struggling Zaki within, and Pogo knew immediately what he was going to do as he dove to impede the motion, but it was too late. Zaki was thrown into the chasm, his screams echoing down as Pogo peered over the edge, calling for the young man. The Chieftain nonchalantly cracked his wrist. Such a waste of a loyal man. If only he wasn't such a sympathetic weakling.

Pogo's hands gripped the edge in rage as he stood up, looking back at the Chieftain over his shoulder. He squeaked in fright, realizing there was nobody to protect him anymore. He fell to his back, slinking away as Pogo approached spinning his bone with furious intent. He stomped on his chest, raising his bone to unleash a righteous beating…

Before a deep guttural feral roar froze all of them to their spots. The chanting stopped, Pogo's bone stopped right above the Chieftain's face, and Bel gulped in shock.

Pogo knew that roar. He knew it all too well.

Before anyone could react, something smashed into the side of the cliff, the wooden platform jostling by sheer power before it broke. With Pogo, Bel, Gori, and the Chieftain still on it. The four could do nothing but scream as they plummeted down into the dark chasm, the Ku tribesmen all simply watching in utter awe. Last week's sacrifice wasn't this exciting.

The fall down into the chasm was longer than when Pogo and Gori fell into the water, but it was just as painful if not more when his back met the ground. He groaned in pain, slowly sitting up as he glanced around. He only caught a glimpse of clean white bones before he was assaulted by the person who wanted to see him most, the vines holding her being broken by the fall.

Bel's face leaked into his shoulder, hugging him tightly to her body as she blubbered that she thought he was dead and that she would never see him again, and she would never see his cute face again. She was so emotional she didn't even blush at the cute face comment, but Pogo certainly did. But in turn, he embraced her back slightly leaking into her shoulder as he murmured that he would never leave her like that. He went to the Wild Lands for her and invaded the Ku Tribe just to save her. He wasn't going to die from a simple fall and some archosaurs.

Wait, what was that about archosaurs? Uh, best that be forgotten.

As the two seriously-we're-just-friends birds continued to prove that statement false, their moment was ruined as the Chieftain groggily got to his feet, helped by Zaki making sure he was okay. He threw him off a cliff, but he was still his Chieftain, and he was a loyal right-hand man.

Well of course, if a vile man, a child, and a young woman could survive that fall, Zaki could survive that.

Gori climbed out of the pile of bones, marveling at how pristine they were. Normally with bones, he just threw them away and they would get dirty. But these were pure white, looking not even a day old. The bones were being cleaned somehow…and they smelled like something sinister.

The Chieftain snatched back his hand from Zaki, huffing that now he decided to be help…ful. Oh no. He was here. HE WAS HERE. Zaki shook his head that it was fine, they could get out of there fast and still-

Chieftain pushed Zaki away, sending him to the floor as he bolted further into the chasm, calling out for O-D-O to save them. He had given so much to O-D-O, he had fed them! He had got them better meat when animals were not enough! O-D-O was their savior, the Chieftain was but a simple pawn to help him! Save him! Save-

His screams echoed from the cave, squelching and crunching causing the four left alive to stumble back. The screams were silenced moments after, before something was thrown out of the chasm, landing at Zaki's feet. The Chieftain's headdress, now stained with fresh blood, dripping from its horns.

Then, another deep roar, and Pogo's grip on Bel intensified. He knew that roar, he knew that roar all too well and he vowed to never hear it again. Bel had never heard that roar before, but seeing it scare someone like Pogo was enough to let her know whatever this O-D-O this is, it was dangerous.

She glanced around the chasm, the location finally dawning on her. Was that Lelu's skull? Her father's ribcage? Her mother's femur? What the Chieftain said was true; she was going to be sacrificed to O-D-O, just like her tribe and who knows how many more the Ku tribe had invaded. All to appease O-D-O, and she was going to be next.

Calling out to the stunned Zaki, she asked what O-D-O was, why it had to be appeased with cavepeople, and why they were treating it like it was an Elder. Zaki still sat stunned, looking at the headdress with a thousand-yard stare. It was only when Gori decided to snap him out of it by, slapping him across the face did Zaki snap out of his stupor. He mumbled that O-D-O just appeared one day, a beast they had long thought was eradicated years ago when the big reptiles died. They couldn't kill it, but they managed to force it into this chasm. When they realized it was too strong to kill, they decided to sacrifice their women to it. When all the women were gone, they were selfish and didn't want to use any men. So they invaded tribes, taking them and sacrificing them to O-D-O so they could live. Their latest one was Bel, but she managed to escape. The Chieftain was hellbent on getting her back because…well, Bel knew.

But the strangest thing to Zaki, something he noticed that the Ku Tribe hadn't, was that O-D-O wasn't like a normal beast. It was smart. It cleaned bones, almost as if it were keeping trophies. It toyed with its food, silencing them so their screams wouldn't reach, and he realized it could have gotten out of that chasm ages ago and devoured the Ku Tribe. But it didn't. It was as if it enjoyed being worshipped, treated like an Elder, and not having to work for food like a regular animal. Its intellect scared Zaki, and now that they were in his lair…

Rumbling sounded from further from the chasm, thick footsteps that sounded like thunderclaps that came further, and further. The sound only made Pogo cling harder, nestled into Bel like a baby gorilla on his mother's back. It was just like when he was younger, hearing the beast that killed his parents…but Bel wasn't going to have it. She grabbed his chin for him to look at her, reminding him of his dream. Pogo was the bravest, strongest, most kind man she ever knew. He wasn't a kid anymore, this wasn't the same beast that ravaged his tribe. Pogo was different. He wasn't a coward, and she knew that. Cowards don't get exiled for girls they just met. Cowards don't face entire tribes to rescue girls they just met. Cowards don't try and save people that kidnapped girls they just met. Pogo didn't have to worry, she was safe, Gori was there, and he wasn't going to face this beast alone.

Pogo dried his eyes, looking up at Bel's confident face, his face growing red as he nodded, grabbing his bone. For so long he labeled himself a coward, the runt of the tribe, never doing anything useful. But Bel showed him he was never a coward, the courage was inside him all along. He spun his bone proudly as he looked at Bel. If they survived this…when they survived this, Pogo had something he wanted to tell her.

Funny, Bel was going to do the same thing. She pulled out her stone club hidden away in her bikini(The Ku Tribe were not very good at frisking), and Gori stamped his feet. No O-D-O, Ku Tribe or anything was going to come between them. They weren't a tribe, they were something more, stronger. Zaki merely watched in stunned silence as the footsteps increased, before finally, the beast stepped out of the shadows.

Its tail, as big as an archosaur was the first to be shown, before its head came from the shadows followed by the rest of it. It brandished its teeth like stalagmites and stalactites, towering over everybody and expunging terror just by looking with its hungry eyes. Brown scales covered it, with a tan underbelly and tan stripes along its back to its tail. With tiny arms, feet that ended in sharp claws, and eyes the color of the blazing sun, O-D-O made itself known.

It was just like the beast that caused Pogo so much beef. Only problem was that the last one was more on the shade of green, O-D-O was much browner…and much bigger. Its eyes scanned the new meals that intruded on its turf. His maw dripped with blood, blue hair stuck to its teeth from its previous meal. It never liked the Chieftain anyway. Too full of himself for his own good.

It was a long time before someone made the first move. O-D-O merely looked over its food, wondering which one to devour first. The plucky green-haired one looked spicy, but would be hard to swallow down. The brown smelly one would taste awful, but its bones would look good for the collection. The shivering red-haired one looked fresh, but too healthy for O-D-O's taste. But the pink-haired one…it looked just like the last pink-haired one O-D-O ate. The last one was too bland, but this new one looked positively sweet.

Before O-D-O could make way to eat its meal, Gori figured now was the time for action. He reached over, yanked the headdress from Zaki's hands, and threw the headwear at O-D-O. The beast, never expecting such a thing, shrieked as it thunked off its snout, rolling away as Zaki scrambled to retrieve it. Gori looked over to Zaki, urging him to help in the battle. Wasn't it time for him to do something helpful, prove the Chieftain wrong? But Zaki just hugged the headdress to his chest, looking away as O-D-O recovered from the attack.

Seeing that Zaki would stay on the sidelines, the three together nodded to each other one last time before they all rushed at O-D-O, unleashing their respective cries.

O-D-O growled as the morsels all stupidly ran towards them. It didn't even want to eat them anymore. Now it just wanted to kill them for dare hurting it.

It lowered its head to the ground, roaring out until Pogo jumped and latched himself to its face. It wasn't expecting that. It also wasn't expecting Gori to latch himself onto its leg and take a tremendous bite. Bel was more used to dealing with folks her size, but her bashing its feet was enough to annoy. O-D-O was more focused on shaking Pogo off his face, but the boy latched on, sliding his bone from his loincloth and whacking O-D-O on its face.

O-D-O had managed to bend an entire tribe to its will, it was not going to fall to dinner. It kicked out with its leg, launching Bel away as its tail whipped Gori off its calf. Pogo was the only one managing to stay at his position, O-D-O's tiny arms serving no help.

Bel coughed as she picked herself up, reaching her arms out for something to steady on. Her hands fell on a stick as she rose, eyes trailing down the stick. Her eyes widened as she saw the sharpened stone at the end, looking over at the still cowering Zaki. As Gori brushed past her to head back to the fight, Bel stomped over to Zaki, standing over him until he noticed her. When he did, he kicked away from the female that had given him such a beating.

It was time to take a page out of Gori's book, reeling back and slapping Zaki across the face. He had gotten slapped more in one day than his entire life. He didn't enjoy it.

His eyes finally landed on her, she thrust the non-pointy end of the spear to him, shouting that he was a man, wasn't he? He was going to let this animal win and whine because that pathetic excuse for a man got his comeuppance? Zaki might have been beaten by a woman, but that didn't mean he had to lie there and act like a newborn. Now was the time to be a man. Pogo was being one, why couldn't he? And to end it, she dug the spear at his feet into the ground before turning and running back into the battle. Zaki glanced down at the headdress, then at the spear, weighing his options. His lizard glanced up at him with pleading eyes, urging him to act on his instinct.

Pogo continued to hold on for dear life as O-D-O attempted to shake him, off, in the process trying to trample the others. But just like an annoying fly, they were too fast for the larger individual as Pogo screamed out for seemingly no reason. He did not think this through.

O-D-O roared again, growing tired of these hairballs wasting its time. It was not going to fall to pathetic mammals! It was not their world, it was for the beast to reign! They were nothing more than food for the true masters, and although the big lizards were falling, O-D-O would reign. Beasts killed for food, but humans? They were animals, killing for their own amusement. O-D-O would put them in their rightful place.

It threw back its head before shoving it into the dirt, loosening Pogo's grip and sending him skidding across the ground. Now free of the nuisance, O-D-O came back to full height, gnashing its teeth as Pogo huddled away, Bel and Gori coming to stand in front of him. O-D-O almost smiled.

As it opened its mouth to devour them all, something sailed through the air, striking right at O-D-O's underbelly. Roaring in pain, Zaki took the opportunity to dive in, retrieving his spear before jumping back. He glanced over his shoulder at the small stunned crowd, smirking to himself. He wasn't going to have to do this all by himself, was he?

Pogo couldn't help but laugh as he got to his feet. Now was a pretty good time for Zaki to act like a man. O-D-O recovered from the attack, looking much less composed. That hurt. It was the first time it got hurt in who knows how long. It didn't like it. It needed to survive.

Zaki quickly unleashed a battle cry, whooping as he dove back in with his spear, striking the giant lizard in the leg. Bel responded in turn, leaping with Gori as they struck the other leg simultaneously. O-D-O shrieked in pain, thrashing around with its tail in retaliation, aiming to kill these hairless apes and the actual ape. They dodged away, Pog running in while the reptile was disoriented and leaped up back onto its snout. He brought down his bone on its noggin, but was surprised when it seemed to not work. It only served to aggravate O-D-O.

Zaki shouted out for Pogo before hurtling his spear at him, the small caveman grabbing the pointy stick as O-D-O continued to thrash. How was he supposed to use this, it wasn't a blunt object!

Before Zaki could respond, Pogo quickly figured it out, raising the weapon before slashing right at the large reptile's right eye. Blood gushed from the new wound as a deep gash etched itself over the eye, losing its coloration and turning a blinding bone white. O-D-O roared in utter pain, running full speed ahead with Pogo holding on for dear life, the spear slipping from his grasp as O-D-O bolted, right into the cliff face.

Pogo cried out at being rammed into the rocks, releasing his grip on O-D-O and falling into a pile of bones. O-D-O's eyes dripped with blood, breathing fast and hard as saliva spilled from its teeth. No more games, no more toying. The green-haired one died, not to be eaten, but to be erased from history. He would feel the power of the primal wilds, and he would know who rightfully ruled the earth!

Its jaws opened, and Pogo could do nothing but raise his bone as O-D-O lunged forward, until a sharp shrill screech drove into O-D-O's head. It sounded awful, like a million meteorites raining down on its head. It roared in anger, thrashing its head as Pogo ducked away, looking to the shrieking Bel keeping the beast at bay. Who knew her melodic ways could be used for violence? Pogo liked it.

But Bel couldn't sing forever, and O-D-O thrashing around was dangerous. They needed to end this overgrown archosaurs rampage, once and for all. Zaki nervously asked how they were going to do that, O-D-O was smart, strong, and big! How could they kill it?

By working together, of course! The vines used to tie Bel were still intact, and the pole had broken off on one end due to the fall. With those materials and Pogo's sputtering caveman brain, they were going to put an end to O-D-O once and for all.

After so shrieking her voice out, Bel's throat ached and her sounds turned shrill as she coughed up a storm after stopping, breaking O-D-O from the sonic entrapment. It immediately turned to the girl, crashing towards her as the new source of pain. Bel bounced back, sidestepping quickly and running behind O-D-O, the beast turning around to continue the chase.

Shame it didn't see the gorilla or the young man, extending the vines right in its path as Bel dodged out of the way, O-D-O's foot catching on the vine. The mighty animal toppled, roaring out as Pogo dashed in, hefting the pole up as he slid right under O-D-O's underbelly, the broken end pointed right at it.

No. O-D-O was the ruler of the wilds. Humans praised him, its power was incomprehensible! Humans were insignificant, weak! The wooden pole struck true, impaling O-D-O straight through as it roared the loudest it had, right into Pogo's face, teeth inches from him.

Humans might be weaker than O-D-O, and it was true some humans killed not for food. But when humans worked together, they proved they were the true rulers of the world.

O-D-O's scarred eye, resembling Zaki's own, twitched, as the giant body toppled sideways, breathing its final breath as its tail curled. The true ruler, slain in its prime.

Dinosaurs no longer ruled the earth.

Pogo was helped up by none other than Bel, who quickly brought him into a hug. Gori laughed as he gave a final kick to O-D-O's corpse. It would make amazing meat to eat. Zaki rested his chin on the butt end of his spear, petting his lizard. They had won. They had actually won against O-D-O! It was like something out of a dream…and just like dreams, he had no idea what happened next.

Pogo released himself from the hug, looking into the chasm where O-D-O had come from. Well, nowhere to go but forward. Climbing wasn't an option, so walking would get them out of this situation! He quickly dashed into the shadows, Bel running after him to make sure he didn't get himself killed. Zaki hung behind, looking over his shoulder up the cliff. Gori gruffly huffed, grabbing the forgotten Chieftein's headdress and pushing it into Zaki's hands. It was his now, after all. The gorilla followed after his friends, leaving Zaki to think.

He glanced once more up at his tribe's base before placing the headdress on his head and following the others. Nowhere to go but forwards.

If what Zaki said was true, O-D-O was truly an intelligent beast. After walking through the chasm for mere hours, they were greeted by light at the end, which released them into the Wild Lands. O-D-O could have escaped anytime, but it chose to stay there. Did it enjoy the sacrifices? Both proving that humans were the real beasts, but giving in to its strange desires to be ruler by making the Ku Tribe continue to give it sacrifices, thus making them the beasts it thought of them? What were its reasons, and why was it so smart?

The group wasn't worried about that, as the chasm released them into an area of the Wild Lands they had never seen before. One filled with trees, and actual flowers! Grass tickled their feet as Pogo threw caution to the wind, diving into flowers as Gori eagerly climbed the trees. Bel made to follow, but Zaki stopped her. He nervously twirled his hair between a finger, before letting it out. He was s-s-s-sorry. He was sorry that he kidnapped Bel, and said those things about Pogo, and didn't do anything when the Chieftain touched her. The Chieftain had found Zaki in the Wild Lands, alone. His tribe must have been killed by beasts, because the Cheiftein took him in.

He raised Zaki like a son, and Zaki was indebted to him. But when O-D-O arrived, the Chieftain was focused on his own survival that he didn't even act like a caveman anymore. He acted…like an animal.

Bel was silent for a moment, leaning against a tree as she contemplated what Zaki said. She questioned if the Chieftain had told Zaki he found him. Seeing what he did to her tribe…it's possible he could have done it to Zaki's own, taking him in after invading his tribe.

Zaki remained quiet, closing his eyes as he turned away. He didn't even want to think about that. Bel sighed, walking up to Zaki before pulling him into a hug. She forgave him…and she was sorry for kicking his ass back at Pogo's tribe. The red-haired caveman merely mumbled something about being distracted as he let the girl hug him. It was nice. He never had a hug before.

Bel pulled away, Zaki thanking her for her forgiveness as she shrugged. No use dwelling on the past when everything was said and done. They weren't enemies anymore. Killing a humongous lizard brought people together, eh? She giggled at that, before running over to Pogo about to do something stupid. The flowers were not for eating!

Zaki hid his laugh, realizing Bel was right. All of them had no home. They were going to be living in the Wild Lands. He wondered if he was cut out for that life before multiple voices called out for him. He turned around, almost scared to death. It was members of the Ku Tribe, all running up to him. His troop tracking down Bel, Wuganube(missing his dad and looking quite sad, strangely), the cavebrute, and the rest. They had even brought along the female gorillas, all of who practically punched on Gori.

The Ku tribesmen voiced that after he and the Chieftain had fallen into the chasm, they went the long way to find them, coming into the Wild Lands and finding them here. And they picked up Wuganube on the way, but he was being a downer. They saw the sacrifice and the intruders, but where was the Chieftain?

Zaki shook his head, bringing the headdress to attention. The Cheiftein had died, but O-D-O was dead as well. But…that made Zaki the new Chieftain! He supposed it did…but now that he was the Chieftain…no, now that he was just the Chief, there were going to be some changes. No more sacrifices, no more tribe invasions, and no more attacking intruders on sight. Most of the time they were too strong.

The tribesmen mulled over these new rules, before another group called out, this time for Pogo. His tribe, following behind the Elder, walked up to the small field, looking at this vegetation they had never seen before. Was this here the entire time?
Pogo cocked his head at the appearance of his tribe. He was both mad and happy to see them, Bel and Gori sharing the same sentiment. What were they here for?

The Elder slowly walked up to Pogo, meeting his eyes, before dropping to his knees and bowing, begging for forgiveness as the rest of the tribe followed suit, shocking Pogo. They were sorry for kicking them out, they were acting selfish just like all those years ago. Keeping the peace by exiling Bel, Pogo, and Gori instead of standing their ground…the Elder was a coward! The whole tribe were cowards! The Elder was terrible for condemning his parents, he might as well have killed them!

Pogo simply stood as his tribe groveled at his feet, glancing at Bel and Gori before looking back at the Elder. He folded his arms, asking if that meant he and Gori were back into the tribe. Of course, it was, they could go back to their room and sleep back in their bed! Gori was already hooked, but Pogo clicked his tongue. Well, if they wanted him back in the tribe, they were going to have to do something for him.

The Elder quirked an eyebrow, shocked that Pogo was talking like this. But, the Elder accepted, asking what he wanted them to do.

Pogo grabbed Bel's hand and pulled her to his side. First, Bel had to be accepted into the tribe as well. She had no tribe to go back to, after all. Bel awkwardly waved, still nervous around Pogo's tribe, especially the Elder as he gave her the once over. But, he sighed, nodding. Even if the Ku Tribe would give them trouble, Bel would be accepted into their tribe. Pogo nodded, excusing himself for a second as Bel squealed, grabbing Pogo and pulling him into a kiss on the cheek that left both their faces red as she thanked him over and over, leaving Pogo a flustered mess.

He glanced around, realizing this was as close to the field of flowers in his dream as he was going to get. It was now or never. As Bel gazed into his eyes, Pogo extended his lips just like in his dream and connected his lips to Bel's in a passionate kiss.

It was as if a meteor struck the land. Bel froze, and for a split second Pogo dreaded if he had done something stupid once again, ruining their friendship. But his dread was thrown away as Bel wrapped her arms around him, bringing him closer and kissing him back and overpowering him with her kisses. The two were in a tribe on their own as Gori chuckled while the Elder blinked, confused. Gori thumped his chest, nodding. Finally, all that tension and awkwardness would end. Humans were such idiots.

Bel broke the kiss, her face heating like a blazing fire as she glanced away in embarrassment. She, uh, got a bit carried away. Pogo's face matched hers, as red as fresh blood as he dumbly smiled. It was alright. Truth be told, he wanted to do that for a while. Bel blushed, covering her face with her hands as she muffled something. It sounded like she too wanted to do that for quite some time.

The Elder awkwardly coughed to get their attention, making himself known as he wondered aloud if that was all, they could head right back to their cave. Pogo shook his head, saying there was still one more thing that needed to be done; forgiveness.

The Elder was even more confused, but responded with shock as Pogo rushed away behind a tree, coming back with the same man that had invaded his tribe. Pogo stood between them before things could get nasty, vouching for Zaki that he had become the Chief now that the Chieftain was dead. Whatever bad blood the Elder and the Chieftain had was not between the Elder and Zaki. The Elder still wasn't convinced, pointing a finger that Zaki still invaded his tribe to find Bel. Zaki weaved a hand through his hair, nervously, but Pogo looked up and gave him a resolute nod.

Zaki apologized to the Elder, stating that the Chieftain was not a very good man. He put him up to find Bel, and he went along with it because he was loyal. But now that he was the Chief, he proposed their tribes unite. He wasn't like the ChiChieftaine wasn't looking out for himself. He was looking out for the rest of his tribe.

The Elder pondered this one as well, far longer than the last request. Zaki waited in anticipation, nearly jumping when the Elder turned back around. The old man glared at him, Zaki wondering if that was a no…before the Elder nodded. To be fair, he had long forgotten why their tribe had been mad with each other. No longer would the two tribes hate each other! From now on, the tribes were united as one!

Cheers erupted from the Ku Tribe and Pogo's tribe, the four O-D-O slayers and the Elder stepping away as the two tribes began to converse for the first time. Zaki tossed his hair back, a small smile on his lips. He was loyal to the very end, and now he would continue to be loyal. Just now for his tribesmen…and his new friends.

Pogo and Bel stood awkwardly next to each other, not knowing what to say until bel slipped her hand into Pogo's, holding each other's hands as they spared a glance at each other. This new relationship would take some getting used to, but they were going to make it work. Pogo went through everything for Bel, and he would do it again if given the chance.

Gori fended off the females for the time being, wondering when they would get to eat. Actually…the combined tribesmen would be able to drag O-D-O back to the cave, and the meat fest could begin!

The Elder asked what had Gori so excited, and Zaki replied he was most likely thinking of the carcass of O-D-O, a giant scaled reptile beast they had killed.

Oh, okay…wait a giant wha-


Zaki gulped the meat down, watching as the united tribesmen danced around the fire provided by Bel. The roasting remains of O-D-O filled half the cave, and Zaki realized they were gonna have a lot of leftovers.

He sat next to the Elder, telling him all about the future of their new united tribe. Since Pogo's tribe didn't use their name, Zaki could come up with a new name! The fused tribe, united together from the Ku Tribe and the Coo Tribe! Together, they are now…the Kuu Tribe!

The Elder didn't think that was a very good name. Well, it was a work in progress. Speaking of progress, where were Bel and Pogo? He figured they would want more meat. The Elder shook his head, sharing that the two didn't seem much for appetite unlike Gori, and retreated to Pogo's room rather quickly.

Zaki knowingly nodded his head. Pogo was a lucky man, and he guessed Bel was a lucky gal. The Elder nodded along. He was just like when he was Pogo's age, he was quite the ladies man. You know, back in his day-


Bel and Pogo's hands never disconnected they sat on their bed, still embarrassed just to look at each other until Bel reached out and took his other hand as she kneeled to get to his level. The two finally looked into each other's eyes and their lips connected again.

It could have gone on forever, and the two wanted that to be true, but Bel once again broke the kiss, looking into Pogo's eyes. She had never shared this type of connection with anyone. They hadn't known each other long, but what Pogo did for her, saving her, caring for her even when it caused him to get exiled…Bel couldn't hold it in anymore. Pogo was the one for her, she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, and he meant everything to her. She searched for a word that would relay her feelings but came up short. All she could whisper to him was she really, really liked him.

Pogo couldn't contain words either, connecting his forehead to hers. All his life he barely interacted with women…but when he met Bel it was an instant-

Gori interrupted the moment by belching into the room, whooping that he got to eat T-Rex meat. Pogo and Bel should have been there, the Elder went off about his old-

Bel shot Gori a glare that would scare the tusks off a mammoth before running at him, literally kicking him out of the room and shouting at him not to come back in. He landed on his ass, picking him and rubbing his sore spot. Well, fine! He would go somewhere where he was appreciated.

Right on cue, the band of female gorillas came from the main cave, grabbing Gori and hauling him away while giggling, Gori laughing haughtily as he was dragged away to do what monkeys do.

Once the interruption was gone, Bel retreated to her position, eagerly telling Pogo to continue where he left off. He nodded, letting her know that he barely had interacted with women in his life apart from the short time with his mother. But when he met Bel, it was an instant connection. He just felt like Bel was special, and he couldn't let anything happen to her. In fact, he would fight another dinosaur for her. No, a whole horde of them! Bel meant his tribe, the Hunting Grounds, the Wild Lands, everything to him! He also wanted to spend the rest of his life with Bel, no matter what. The word that perfectly expressed his feelings was on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn't find it and went for the easiest explanation; he really, really, really liked her.

Bel sniffled, wiping away her leaking face. She was so happy…she couldn't explain how glad she was that Pogo wanted to be with her. Pogo couldn't help but let his face leak too. The feelings were mutual between them, and he just couldn't help but hug her, Bel hugged him back, sighing contently. A blush returned to her face when she gathered her courage to whisper into Pogo's ear about something they could do now they had shared their feelings.

Pogo cocked his head in confusion. He already had to learn to kiss, now he had to learn a whole new skill? She shook her head, letting him know it was gonna be both their first time, there were lots of room for mistakes. And it was just for fun, nothing would come out from it. Besides, she always wanted to try it with someone she wanted to grow old with...and who else but her short savior standing before her?

Well, now how could Pogo refuse?

And so…

"..."

As Bel taught Pogo how to really, really, really, really like someone.

"...?"

And all their worries stopped, so they could now live together in peace for the rest of their lives.

"!"

Bel found the one she cared, for, Gori got his meat, and Zaki learned true loyalty.

"L-...L-..."

And Pogo? He learned that he was never a coward, and that doing what was right always came first even if it hurt you.

"LO-LO-!"

And on that night, as all their lives moved forward, knowing that no strife would come, no worries, all thanks to sticking together…

"LOOOOOOOVE!"

Pogo spoke history's first (comprehensible) word.

And it went downhill from there.

THE END to an age, but not to love...


And thus, love blossomed as spring from a new age. Love that shall continue to blossom, love that shall never slow down. Children of love, thy love they wish to preserve. The lone child of love risking all for a simple maiden's hand and dethroning the true ruler of the wilds. Such is folly, as time's course flows fast, and thy love will all be for not in due time.

As time flows, its malleable construct gives way to more spoken verses, the deep primal feeling fading away as the minds grew. However, even with time flowing, one thing remained the same; weakness... Not knowing when to cease, when you are faced with true power. Thus is the fate of other inhabitants of time whose selfish style opposed one of dominance. Time flows on this new tale, of a master growing old…