Two Worlds
Chapter Two- Prehistoric Inhabitants
The Savage Land
The rising sun signaled the beginning of morning as the warm rays of light washed over everything that existed and resided within the Savage Land. All creatures, both great and small, awakened from their night of peaceful rest, once again eager to begin their day anew. It was also then that Skaar awakened from his slumber, his eyes quickly snapping open as he inhaled the fresh scent of morning, stretching briefly as he rose to his feet. He began scanning his surroundings until his eyes fell upon Shego's form, who was still resting in a peaceful sleep, barely making a sound as she inhaled and exhaled oxygen.
Resting on her side, Shego held the gigantic leaf that she used for a blanket tightly against her body, her appearance like that of an angel that fell from heaven. Skaar loomed over her, an annoyed growl escaping his throat as he kneeled down and briefly shook her shoulder with his right hand, attempting to awaken Shego from her sleep. But this tactic failed to awaken Shego, who remained peacefully asleep, mumbling something that Skaar didn't quite catch. His patience wearing thin, Skaar began to shake Shego more roughly, which once again failed to awaken the beautiful woman from her slumber.
"Five more minutes, Mom.", Shego mumbled in her sleep, brushing Skaar's hand from her shoulder as she turned to rest flat on her back.
Skaar let out a low, yet savage growl of frustration, clenching his hands into fists until he calmed his rage enough to attempt to awaken Shego once again. Several moments went by as Skaar thought of a way to wake Shego from her peaceful slumber, a sinister smirk slowly coming across his face as he came up with a very amusing idea, one that was sure to awaken Shego from her rest. Without even a second thought, Skaar scooped Shego's sleeping form up into his muscular arms before rising back up to his feet, leaning his head down close to her face to make sure that she wasn't about to wake up at a moments notice.
Much to his surprise, Shego's arms slowly wrapped around Skaar's neck, pulling with enough strength to cause Skaar's cheek to rest against her own. While it was apparent that Shego was still asleep, Skaar couldn't help but feel a little bit flustered by the attention he was receiving from the pale skinned beauty, a slight warmth radiating from his cheeks for reasons he couldn't understand. It was then that Skaar noticed the smile that graced Shego's sleeping features, much to his own confusion and equal curiosity.
"I love you, Mr. Cuddles.", Shego mumbled in her sleep as she snuggled close to Skaar's form, much to the Son of Hulk's chagrin.
"I hate you.", Skaar muttered, narrowing his eyes briefly as he looked at Shego's sleeping face.
It was then that Skaar began slowly walking towards his destination, making sure not to move too fast so as to not awaken Shego, because after being called "Mr. Cuddles", Skaar was in the mood for a little payback. It wasn't long before Skaar carried Shego to the place of his intended destination, which happened to be a stream that flowed through this section of the jungle, its depth no more than a foot. Just as Skaar was about to throw Shego into the stream, her sleeping form let out a low moan, which caused the Son of Hulk to stop dead in his tracks. Much to his surprise, Shego remained fast asleep as she cuddled closer to Skaar as her head rested against his vast muscular chest, releasing a sigh of pure bliss as she did so.
Glancing down towards Shego's face, Skaar couldn't help but feel hesitation for the actions that he was about to commit, for there was just something about Shego that caused these feelings to course through him. Why did he feel this way concerning her? What made her so different? Releasing a heavy sigh, Skaar continued to stare at Shego, marveling at her beauty as she slept so peacefully. Try as he might, Skaar couldn't shake these feelings nor the thoughts that entered his mind regarding Shego, who remained asleep in his arms. Just when Skaar was about to change his mind about, Shego unwittingly chosen the wrong time to say something that she truly didn't mean to say, which instantly caused Skaar to reconsider his actions.
"Skaar isn't my friend. He's a monster, just like his father.", Shego mumbled, though she honestly didn't mean what she said, but it still incurred the Son of Hulk's wrath.
"That's it!", Skaar exclaimed in a low snarl.
Without a second thought, Skaar tossed Shego's sleeping form into the cool waters of the stream, instantly disturbing her from her peaceful rest. Shego let out a scream of primal rage as her eyes glared savagely at Skaar, who stood motionlessly before her on the dry grassy land as an amused smile briefly graced his features. With most of her jumpsuit and body completely soaked with water, Shego angerly stood back up to her feet, igniting her hands with her fiery green plasma as she proceeded to menacingly approach Skaar. The heat from her plasma was so intense that it quickly began to dry her soaked jumpsuit, but it did nothing to calm her rage, which could only be equaled by Skaar's own savage rage. Stepping out of the waters of the stream and onto the land, Shego stopped directly in front of Skaar, who wasn't intimidated by her in the very least as he stood his ground firmly.
"What was that for?", Shego demanded at the top of her lungs, her emerald green eyes glaring defiantly into Skaar's own.
"That was for calling me a monster.", Skaar answered, narrowing his eyes at the female mercenary.
"What?", Shego asked, taken aback by Skaar's accusation, her expression changing from one of anger to that of confusion.
"In your sleep... you said I was a monster, that I wasn't your friend.", Skaar explained, narrowing his eyes dangerously at the female mercenary that stood before him.
Shego couldn't help but feel struck by Skaar's accusation, his words striking at the very core of her being, a feeling of guilt and regret entering her heart for the first time in many long years. She never felt this way regarding another human being or any living thing, but for some strange reason, she felt these feelings of guilt and sorrow towards what she said about Skaar, even though that she knew that she didn't mean it. True, there was a part of her that still wanted to beat him to a bloody pulp for throwing her in the stream, but the larger part of her emotional core wanted to reach out to him, to tell him that she didn't mean what she said while she was asleep.
Besides, it was the very least she could do after Skaar saved her life and healed her wound, which was something that few, if any at all, would do for a wanted deadly female mercenary. Extinguishing the fiery green plasma that encased her hands, Shego looked away from Skaar's rage filled eyes, noticing the hurt look that was hidden within his jungle green irises before returning her gaze to meet his own once again. She had to make him believe that those words that she spoke in her sleep were false, that they weren't her true feelings regarding him.
"Skaar, I... I didn't mean it.", Shego stated in a calm tone of voice.
"Why should I believe you?", Skaar challenged, keeping his narrowed jungle green eyes on the woman that stood before him.
"I didn't mean it, Skaar! You're not a monster!", Shego exclaimed, clenching her hands into fists.
There was a deep silence, which seemed to last for an eternity as the two green skinned beings stared at one another, neither willing to break eye contact with one another. Much to his surprise, Skaar sensed that Shego wasn't lying to him, for all that she said to him was actually truthful and sincere. Despite himself, Skaar couldn't help but admire Shego's defiance towards him, considering that his massive size and aggressive nature would send most beings running for their lives. However, Skaar once again managed to push aside his anger, knowing full well the price that his wrath caused him in the past.
"Whatever you say, Shego.", Skaar snorted, turning and slowly walking away from her.
As she watched Skaar walk away, Shego let out a low sad sigh before quickly catching up to the Son of Hulk, a small frown making its way onto her face. She couldn't understand why she felt this way regarding Skaar, nor could she understand why she even cared, because if it was anyone else she would either mock them or put them out of their misery. However, that was not the case regarding Skaar, for there was something about him, his attitude and his presence that caused Shego to react differently. Never had this happened to her before, which is why it only seemed to intrigue her curiosity even further. As Shego continued to walk beside Skaar, she noticed that the Prince of Sakaar seemed to be deep in thought, his jungle green orbs staring off into the distance.
"Skaar?", Shego asked calmly, surprisingly getting an immediate response from the Son of Hulk, who turned his head to gaze at her as his eyes locked onto her own.
"What is it, pale-skin?", Skaar demanded.
"I just want to say that... I... I'm sorry.", Shego responded, struggling to get the words out of her throat.
"Hmp. Like you care.", Skaar snorted, looking away as he resumed walking, unaware of the glare that Shego was giving him.
"Ya know, you don't have to act like a total jerk every time we have a discussion.", Shego remarked, her eyes still glaring up at Skaar's face.
"I'm sorry, were you talking? I wasn't listening.", Skaar retorted, a smirk gracing his features.
"Why do I even bother talking to you? I mean, I'm actually trying to make an effort here, and you just keep pushing me away!", Shego exclaimed, trying her best to keep her temper under control.
"I told you before, Shego. I don't know you, I don't trust you, and I'm not your friend. All I'm doing is making sure you get to the village alive. Nothing more, nothing less.", Skaar stated once again, not even bothering to glance at the female mercenary that walked beside him.
"Whoa! Stop right there, Skaar! I don't need to be protected by anyone! Because, if you haven't noticed, I'm more than capable of taking care of myself! Heck, if I really wanted to, I could probably find the village myself, even without your help!", Shego challenged, stepping directly in front of the Son of Hulk, stopping him dead in his tracks.
"Yeah, I bet. Go ahead and get yourself lost, so I can have the pleasure of finding you and saving your hide.", Skaar scoffed.
"You don't think I can do it, do you? You think I need you? Well, I got news for you, Conan! I can find the village, I will find the village, and I'll do it without your help!", Shego declared, shouting at the top of her lungs.
"Pfft. I give you about a minute before you come running back to me, screaming your head off about something trying to kill you. After all, this isn't one of your puny cities. This is the Savage Land, the most dangerous place on the planet. Where the strong survive... and the weak die.", Skaar responded in a cold tone of voice.
"Don't lecture me about danger, Skaar! I've fought heroes, villains, monsters, and two eight foot tall aliens! I think I can handle anything that this jungle can throw at me!", Shego hissed, poking her index finger against the Son of Hulk's chest.
"You wanna get killed? Fine! Now get out of my face... before I tear yours off!", Skaar snarled, narrowing his eyes as he stared into Shego's defiant emerald irises.
"If that's the way you want it, then that suits me just fine! See ya later, or better yet, hopefully never!", Shego yelled, marching off into the jungle as Skaar glared daggers at the female mercenary until he couldn't see her as she disappeared into the dense jungle foliage.
"Finally. I thought I'd never get rid of her.", Skaar muttered to himself, turning and walking in the opposite direction.
However, it was several seconds later that Skaar unexpectedly stopped dead in his tracks, turning to look in the direction that Shego took off. Skaar's expression changed from that of anger to one of concern and uncertainty, a strange feeling entering his heart, one that he never felt before in his life. He didn't understand why he was feeling this way, nor could he determine why he felt that he should make sure that Shego would be safe. Releasing a heavy sigh, Skaar to sprint off in the direction where Shego wondered, his powerful legs propelling him through the dense jungles of the Savage Land.
It's official. I've gone soft. Here I am, Skaar, Son of the Hulk and Caiera the Oldstrong, worrying about some woman that I don't even know and barely tolerate. What's become of me? I used to be the Killer of Killers, I've fought monsters, demons, gods, and now I'm worried about Shego? What is it about her? Why does she make me act this way? It doesn't matter... I'll give more thought to it later. Well, I might as well get this over with, because I've got a feeling that if I don't keep her safe, I'll never be able to forgive myself. Skaar mused to himself as he smashed through the incredibly dense jungle foliage.
While Skaar began his search for Shego, the aggressive pale skinned woman kept on moving forward, still fuming over her last verbal confrontation with the Son of Hulk. She couldn't even remember the last time she was so infuriated by another being other than Drakken or Kimmie, her blood boiling with rage as she marched through the dense jungle that surrounded her. She was quite amazed that she didn't lose her temper, and even more impressive was the fact that she didn't attack Skaar, something she wouldn't have thought twice about when regarding any other being on the planet. She couldn't understand what made Skaar so different, nor could she understand why he made her react in this sort of way.
I should of blasted that smart-mouthed brute! I don't care if he is the Hulk's son! I should of bashed and burnt him down to the ground! But why didn't I? I mean, what makes him so different? I mean, yeah, Skaar saved my life and healed my cut, but that doesn't mean that he shouldn't get what he deserves! Have I lost my mind or something? Shego wondered to herself, pushing past several different plants that were in her way.
"Stupid Skaar. Thinks that I can't take care of myself. Well, I'll show him! I'll find the village and prove that I don't need him!", Shego said to herself, her voice filled with determination.
"I mean, who does he think he is? Just because he's the Hulk's son, he thinks he can treat me like a damsel in distress? I don't think so! I don't need him, I don't need anyone! I'm more than capable of taking care of myself! Oh, he makes me so angry! If I ever do see Skaar again, I'm going to give him such a hit that he'll never know what hit him!", Shego fumed to herself, clenching her hands tightly into fists.
As Shego continued to advance further into the jungles of the Savage Land, she couldn't help but be distracted by all of the strange sounds and noises, some managing to unnerve her just a bit as she made quick glances in hopes of finding whatever made each sound. Not keeping her eyes focused to what's in front of her, Shego eventually smacked into something solid, causing her to regain her focus. However, what her eyes settled upon next made them grow wide with both fear and utter disbelief, for the thing that she bumped into was none other than a living dinosaur! Shego felt frozen in fear and awe as she looked upon the great beast, her mind unable to accept the fact that she was staring at a prehistoric monster, whose immense size made her appear to be nothing but an insect by comparrison!
But this wasn't just any dinosaur, for this beast was a gigantic carnivorous Tyrannosaur, whose flesh is as crimson as blood. It was the color of the beast's flesh and its ferocious attitude that earned him the name of Devil Dinosaur! The huge beast was apparently sleeping before Shego bumped into him, awakening the slumbering carnivore from its peaceful rest. Devil Dinosaur slowly rose to its tallest stature, his eyes looking down at Shego's small form, his nostrils inhaling her sweet scent as his massive tail slowly waved back and forth in a steady motion. While it was true that Devil Dinosaur is a carnivore, he never truly bothered with the likes of humans such as Shego, for the great saurian figured that they weren't worth devouring nor did they taste that good.
In fact, Devil Dinosaur was actually curious of Shego's presence, letting out a low growl of curiosity as he slightly opened his massive jaws to reveal his huge dagger-like teeth. Unfortunately, Shego took Devil Dinosaur's roar of curiosity as a sign that the saurian had thoughts of devouring her, which wasn't something that she was going to stick around long enough to happen! Without so much as a second thought, Shego unleashed a loud scream of pure terror, which echoed throughout the jungles of the Savage Land. Much to Devil Dinosaur's confusion and utter puzzlement, Shego continued to scream as she quickly turned and ran away, her legs propelling her through the jungles at a rate of speed that seemed almost impossible.
Looking off in the direction that Shego retreated, Devil Dinosaur couldn't help but let out a low growl growl of confusion, seemingly unaware of his simian friend's approach. Quickly rushing to Devil Dinosaur's side, the ape-like humanoid known as Moon-Boy began talkig to his gigantic crimson friend in his primal language. It was well known that Devil Dinosaur was much more intelligent than any normal saurian, for the crimson beast was actually near human-level intellect, which made his partnership with the small ape-like Moon-Boy that much easier. It allowed the two different beings to communicate with one another, even to the point that they actually understood one another perfectly. With a low growl, Devil Dinosaur pointed his snout in the direction that Shego took off, his massive legs slowly advancing in that direction as Moon-Boy followed close behind.
Shego continued to run for her life, not even daring to look back as her athletic legs propelled her faster than ever before, rushing through foliage with relative ease. It was at this moment that Shego regretted walking away from Skaar, for she had to admit that the Son of Hulk was an excellent protector, and right now she could really use him! As she ran, her emerald eyes scanned the surrounding jungles, hoping that Skaar would be close by. She would never admit it to anyone, but for the first time in her life, Shego was actually afraid. She was stranded in a strange land, populated by dinosaurs and other unknown dangers, and the only person that could provide her with safety was nowhere to be seen.
"Skaar! Skaar! SKAAR!", Shego shouted again and again as she continued to race through the jungle.
Once again, Shego crashed into something solid, the immense force of her impact sending her crashing to the grassy earth with a thud. Looking up from her seated position on the ground, Shego's eyes locked upon the towering form of the being that she had been crying out for, the mighty Gamma-Oldstrong hybrid known as Skaar. The Son of Hulk looked down upon Shego, his jungle green eyes locking on to her own emerald hued irises, just as an amused taunting smirk graced his features. Despite the situation, Shego couldn't help but feel humiliated by her actions, not to mention appearing like a damsel in distress in front of Skaar, which only added to the humiliation. She really hated to appear weak or vunerable in front of anyone, but to her, doing it in front of Skaar was even worse.
"I knew you'd be back. Good thing for you that I stayed close by. You know, you scream pretty loud for someone who claims to be fearless.", Skaar remarked, his tone amused and teasing.
"Yeah, whatever! Just kill the big monster!", Shego shouted, rising quickly to her feet and taking a stance beside Skaar.
"What are you talking about?", Skaar questioned in a bored tone of voice.
"Big dinosaur with big teeth! That's what I'm talking about!", Shego exclaimed, causing Skaar to briefly roll his eyes.
"I told you that dinosaurs exist in the Savage Land.", Skaar responded, removing his massive Oldstrong Forged Sword from its holder and gripping it by the handle tightly within his right hand.
"I thought you were joking! How was I supposed to know that dinosaurs still exist here!", Shego exclaimed in protest to Skaar's remark.
"This coming from a woman whose bright idea was to wonder the jungle alone and try to find the village by herself?", Skaar retorted with a smirk.
"Okay, I'm willing to admit that it wasn't the wisest choice, okay? I'm sorry! Now do your thing and smash!", Shego responded, the sound of thunderous footsteps approaching.
"This is what happens when you don't listen to me, Shego!", Skaar scorned, getting ready to fight.
Slowly walking out of the jungle, knocking down trees with relative ease, appeared the gigantic crimson skinned Tyrannosaur known as Devil Dinosaur. Walking beside the giant saurian was his partner in crime, the ape-like humanoid known as Moon-Boy, who was chattering up a storm until his eyes settled on Skaar and Shego. Upon seeing his two familiar allies, Skaar let out an annoyed groan as he placed his sword back into its holder, his green eyes staring down accusingly at Shego. Skaar managed to suppress a groan of annoyance, his eyes glancing from Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy to Shego, his mind easily guessing what actually happened.
"What are you doing?", Shego demanded in a mixture of outrage and confusion.
"Nothing.", Skaar replied calmly.
"Nothing? Are you kidding me? There's a big red T-Rex standing fifty feet away from us and you're not gonna do anything?", Shego shouted incredulously.
"No, because I know them, that's why! It seems you've already met Devil Dinosaur. That little furball there is his traveling companion Moon-Boy.", Skaar informed, pointing at the small ape-like creature.
"So... they're not dangerous?", Shego asked, watching as the ape-like creature chattered with the giant red saurian.
"Nope. That is unless you give them a reason to think otherwise.", Skaar replied.
"You mean he isn't going to eat me?", Shego asked as she pointed at Devil Dinosaur, keeping her eyes focused on the towering saurian as it approached even closer.
"Trust me, Devil Dinosaur wouldn't even use you to pick his teeth, let alone eat you.", Skaar assured as Devil Dinosaur lowered himself closer to the ground.
The gigantic crimson Tyrannosaur slowly lowered his muzzle close to Shego, who backed away ever so slightly as Devil Dinosaur sniffed her scent, his large eyes staring curiously at the pale skinned female mercenary. Without any warning, Devil Dinosaur began gently nudging Shego with his muzzle, a low rumbling purr escaping the carnivore's throat. Surprised by the Tyrannosaur's actions, Shego slowly reached out and touched Devil Dinosaur's snout with her right hand, a smile eventually crossing her features as she gently caressed the dinosaur's scaly hide.
A light chuckle escaped Shego's throat as Devil Dinosaur's purring became a little louder, the giant crimson Tyrannosaur enjoying the soothing touch of this female stranger to the Savage Land. Usually, Devil Dinosaur was extremely territorial towards outsiders, but for some strange reason, the massive Tyrannosaur didn't feel this way towards Shego. Shego couldn't help but feel a little foolish for her earlier actions, but then again, how was she supposed to know that a red Tyrannosaurus Rex was actually friendly?
"Well, at least you made one friend.", Skaar remarked nonchalantly.
"Yeah. Call me crazy, but he reminds me of my cat that I grew up with when I was little.", Shego replied, continuing to caress Devil Dinosaur's snout with her gloved right hand.
"Mr. Cuddles?", Skaar questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, but how did you know?", Shego asked in reply.
"You called me that when you were sleeping.", Skaar informed with an angry frown.
"Oh, heh. Sorry about that.", Shego responded sheepishly, a light blush coloring her pale cheeks.
"Whatever. Now let's get moving! If we keep it up, we'll get to the village by tomorrow.", Skaar informed, turning and walking away.
"Hey! Wait for me, Skaar!", Shego shouted, running off to catch up with the Son of Hulk.
Devil Dinosaur watched as Shego departed with Skaar, letting out a low rumble as he looked at Moon-Boy, who only stared in confusion at his saurian companion. It didn't take either of the two to make a decision, which was to follow both Skaar and Shego to wherever they were going. They soon both caught up with Skaar and Shego, who were now wading across a vast grassy plain, an opening in the otherwise dense jungles of the Savage Land. Shego couldn't help but glance back over her shoulder, discovering that Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy were following them on their journey, the little ape-like humanoid riding atop the crimson saurian's back, not unlike how a cowboy would be seated atop a horse. Shego couldn't help but let out a light chuckle of amusement, much to the chagrin of Skaar, who let out an a low growl of annoyance.
"Don't look now, Skaar, but I think we have company.", Shego remarked, causing the Son of Hulk to send a brief glance over his shoulder towards Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy.
"Great. First you, now them.", Skaar scowled, a small bit of anger creeping into his voice.
"Are you always in such a good mood?", Shego asked in a sarcastic tone of voice, a teasing smirk crossing her features.
"Shut up.", Skaar growled in response to Shego's sarcastic remark, both of them seemingly unaware of Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy, who were watching their interaction with an intrigued interest.
"Yes, Devil, I know. It would appear that Skaar has finally found his mate. It's a wonderful happening. We must share this with the others once we reach the village.", Moon-Boy said to Devil Dinosaur in his primal language, causing the saurian to rumble in agreement with his ape-like companion.
Shego glanced back to see Moon-Boy chattering to Devil Dinosaur, who appeared to be able to understand the little primate, even though she couldn't make out a word of the conversation. In her twenty-four years of life, Shego had seen many unusual things, but never would she had thought that she would see a living crimson skinned Tyrannosaurus Rex and a primitive ape-like creature having a conversation. But then again, she never expected to meet Skaar, which was just as big of a surprise if you asked her. It only went on to prove that life, and the paths that it would take you to, were mysterious and full of surprises. Shego had so many questions on her mind, most regarding the Savage Land and those who lived here, but her main curiosity was towards that of her savage protector... Skaar, Son of Hulk.
Despite the uncanny relationship that they shared and how they were brought together, Shego couldn't help but wonder why Skaar acted this way towards her, and what he endured through his life to make him so hostile. After all, she still knew very little about the infamous Son of Hulk, other than a few facts that she read about him once in a newspaper. It could be said that for the first time in her life, Shego was actually curious about another being, one who was an outcast much like herself in many perspectives.
They were both bad tempered, had green skin, and possessed unique powers that very few could ever hope to inherit. But what else did they share in common, if anything at all? What is it about Skaar that made Shego feel so inquisitive? She could only hope that in time she would find these answers, but for now at least, she was willing to have a non-aggressive conversation with the savage warrior.
"So... do you understand anything that they speak?", Shego asked in regards to Devil Dinosaur & Moon-Boy.
"Nope, but I can guess that they're talking about us.", Skaar answered, not even bothering to glance at the female mercenary that walked beside him.
"Oh, really? Well, I guess we do make a pretty interesting couple.", Shego remarked teasingly.
"Hmp. Yeah, right.", Skaar replied dryly.
"Skaar, do you mind if I ask you a question?", Shego asked, focusing her eyes on the Son of Hulk.
"That depends what the question is.", Skaar answered, turning his gaze towards the pale green skinned villainess.
"Why did you come back for me?", Shego questioned as she raised a curious eyebrow.
This question caused Skaar to stop immediately, his eyes widening briefly as an angry yet sorrowful expression crossed his features, which didn't go unnoticed by Shego. She could almost see a look of pain in his eyes before he turned his gaze away from her own, which only seemed to intrigue her curiosity even further, for what could he be hiding from her? Whatever secret that Skaar was hiding, whether it regarded his past or his feelings for Shego, it was quite apparent that he wasn't going to tell her about it anytime soon.
"My reasons are of my own. I don't know why I came back for you, and I suggest you leave it at that.", Skaar stated before continuing to walk onward.
Shego couldn't help but watch as Skaar walked away, her thoughts focused on the Son of Hulk, and especially the way he acted when she questioned his actions of coming back for her. She recognized that expression on Skaar's face that was a mixture of rage and sorrow, for she too experienced such a tragedy in her own life that still caused her heart to ache with a burning pain, but she could only begin to guess what painful event in Skaar's past caused him to show such an emotion. She would never admit it to anyone, but she felt pity for Skaar, because she could imagine and understand what it is like to experience heart breaking pain and terrible sorrow. She only wished that Skaar would at least give her glimpse of his tragedy, if only so that she could satisfy her own curiosity and allow herself to better understand her savage protector. Whatever Skaar was hiding from her, it was something that he would only reveal to her in time, because right now Skaar wasn't about to let her close anytime soon.
"What are you hiding from me, Skaar?", Shego asked herself in a low whisper as she quickened her pace to catch up with him.
The four travelers continued their journey throughout the jungles of the Savage Land, and besides the constant chatter between Moon-Boy and Devil Dinosaur, there wasn't much conversation between Skaar and Shego. True, Shego did make a few attempts at small conversation, but Skaar quickly brushed them aside and continued to march onward. Since Skaar wasn't in the mood for social interaction with her, Shego mostly made one-sided conversation with Devil Dinosaur, who merely rumbled or purred in response to Shego's words. She couldn't be quite certain, but for some strange reason she felt that the crimson T-Rex understood every word she said, which only seemed to add to the amusement of her one sided conversations with the gigantic saurian.
Eventually, the sun began to set once again, brisking the light away from the Savage Land as night soon fell. It was then that the four travelers settled down for the night, with Skaar creating a fire to keep them warm throughout the cool night. Fatigue soon set in on Shego, causing her to quickly relax and fall into a peaceful sleep, seemingly unaware that Devil Dinosaur watched over her sleeping form. The crimson Tyrannosaur rested his head on the ground, his long tail circled around Shego's sleeping form, her body covered with several large soft leaves that she gathered to use as a blanket. Shego looked like an angel that fell from heaven, resting under the watch of her protectors, including a certain Oldstrong whose green eyes remained focused on her sleeping form.
Skaar continued to stare at Shego, contemplating everything that happened ever since he met her, his mind recalling every event down to every single detail. Skaar couldn't recall the last time that he thought so much about another being, nor could he understand why he felt some kind of connection with her. Never before had Skaar met anyone that intrigued him as much as Shego, which seemed to cause him to have these conflicting emotions and troubling thoughts. What is it about her that makes her so different? Why did he feel this connection with her?
It was when Skaar briefly adverted his eyes from Shego's form that he caught both Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy staring at him, which in turn caused Skaar to give them both an accusing glare as a low growl escaped his throat. If there was one thing Skaar did not enjoy, it was being watched over, especially by those who should know better. After all, it was Skaar who defeated the Designer and saved the Savage Land, and possibly the world itself from utter destruction. It was here in the Savage Land, where Skaar remained unchallenged as the undisputed King of the Savage Land, for it was here that he truly is the strongest one there is! He didn't need anyone, especially not Shego.
"I know what you're thinking... and you're wrong! She means nothing to me!", Skaar snarled, narrowing his eyes at Devil Dinosaur & Moon-Boy.
Skaar continued to glare menacingly at Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy, who seemingly didn't believe the Son of Hulk as they continued to glace from Skaar to Shego's sleeping form, both of them somehow able to sense the connection between the two green skinned beings. With one last low growl of outrage and frustration, Skaar looked away from Devil Dinosaur & Moon-Boy, who quickly relaxed and entered a peaceful slumber. A few moments passed before Skaar's eyes settled on Shego's sleeping form once again, his features softening as a feeling of calm spread through him, a light sigh passing through his lips. Getting up from his sitting position, Skaar walked over and kneeled down close to Shego, gently placing another massive leaf over her form to keep her warm as he gently caressed her face with his fingertips, causing Shego to let out a small moan of pure bliss. Quickly getting back up to his feet, Skaar returned to his previous resting place, taking a seat on the ground as his eyes glanced from the fire to Shego's sleeping form.
"Shego... why do I care about you?", Skaar whispered to himself, closing his eyes as he drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
Author's Notes
Well, it is in this chapter that we meet Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy. I figured to have them involved in this story, being that they both live in the Savage Land, and that they're some of the cast from Skaar: King of the Savage Land. There is so much I want to say about this chapter, but I really want to keep this short. As you've read, it seems that there is still mistrust and conflict between Skaar and Shego, but not only with each other but seemingly within themselves. I've really enjoyed writing the interaction between the characters, for I honestly feel like this is how they would interact with one another. In the next chapter, we'll be meeting more characters that dwell within the Savage Land, including Ka-Zar & Shanna, as well as the Warbound- Korg, No-Name the Brood, and Elloe! It's gonna definitely be interesting to see how these characters come into interaction with Shego, which is sure to be very intriguing to say the least.