Two Worlds
Chapter Four- Emotional Conflict
The Savage Land
4 Days Later
Surprisingly, Shego found herself quickly adapting to her life in the Savage Land, which she originally thought would be impossible for herself to accomplish. It was a simple existence, which she did not mind in the least, but there was a few challenges that she had to overcome in this new enviroment. One of these was finding a good place to take a nice relaxing bath, not only to clean her hair and body, but to allow herself some peace of mind while getting some privacy.
Thankfully, Shanna knew of some hot springs, which came in handy for such an emergency, and the jungle home made soap helped out too. Not to mention the fact that Skaar could use his Old Power to create a thirty foot circular wall of stone around the area to give her and the other ladies some privacy, much to the Son of Hulk's discomfort about being around naked women who were bathing in the hot springs. Speaking of Skaar, it would seem that he was avoiding Shego for the most part, and the interactions that they did share with one another were becoming more and more aggressive.
It seemed that every time that Shego would try to at least attempt to make peace or approach Skaar on even terms, the savage Son of Hulk would always manage to push Shego nearly beyond the edge of losing her temper! She tried her best to get him to open up, but it only resulted in Skaar pushing her away, leaving her angry and frustrated. She couldn't understand why Skaar acted this way around her, nor could she understand the aching feeling that she felt in her heart every time they would fight. What was just as frustrating was the fact that whenever she would want to actually talk to Skaar, he would always go off into the jungles of the Savage Land, usually not returning until sunset or until the next morning.
Why was she feeling this way about Skaar? Why did she let him affect her like this? These were just a few of the questions that she wanted to know the answers to, if only so it would bring some peace to her mind, and maybe allow herself to get closer to Skaar, so that she could better understand him and who he is.
It was early afternoon, and Shego was walking through the village, searching for Skaar, whom she wanted to talk to at the moment. Much to her surprise, she couldn't find the Son of Hulk anywhere within the village, which could only mean that he once again journeyed off into the Savage Land by himself. Still, she had to make sure of this fact, because for she knew about this place, Skaar might have been nearby without her knowing it, avoiding interaction with her as usual. Shego noticed that Elloe, Korg, Brood, Ka-Zar, and Shanna were preparing for something, though she could only guess what they were exactly intending to set out and accomplish this afternoon. Well, she was here, so she might as well ask and find out, because she didn't have anything else to do at the time.
"Hey! What's up, Elloe?", Shego greeted as she walked up to the beautiful red skinned Sakaarian female.
"Hi, Shego. We're going to collect some more food for the village.", Elloe replied, a light smile gracing her features.
"Sounds like fun. By the way, have you've seen Skaar?", Shego asked, briefly scanning the surroundings in hopes of finding the elusive Oldstrong.
"Yes, but that was earlier.", Elloe answered.
"Did he actually say where he was going or when he would be back?", Shego questioned, raising a questioning eyebrow.
"No, Skaar didn't say. He never does, but I think the reason that is, is that he wants to be left alone. Don't worry, he'll be back.", Elloe answered, smiling inwardly in amusement.
"Oh, I see. Avoiding me as usual.", Shego remarked, releasing a low sigh as she ran her right hand through her long dark mane.
"You worry about Skaar, don't you?", Elloe asked, a knowing smirk gracing her features.
"No, I don't! I just wanted to talk to him and give him a piece of my mind! That's all! Nothing more, nothing less! Got it?", Shego replied firmly, denying Elloe's supposed accusation.
Elloe wasn't fooled, because she knew that Skaar and Shego have hidden feelings for one another, even if they wouldn't admit it. After all, she was the only one to witness Skaar visiting Shego while she was asleep, noticing the look in the Son of Hulk's eyes as he would caress her face with his large fingertips. There was definitely something going on between Skaar and Shego, that much she was certain of, for why else would they act the way they do when they came into contact with one another?
"Whatever you say, Shego. So... would you like to join us in gathering food?", Elloe asked with a warm smile.
"Yeah, I guess. I can't pick a verbal fight with Skaar, since he isn't here, so I might as well take you up on your invitation.", Shego responded, grabbing an empty sack that Elloe handed to her.
"Yeah, that last fight between you and Skaar was something to see. Reminded me of the fights I've witnessed between Skaar's parents on Sakaar. I can't believe that you two didn't start throwing punches at each other.", Korg remarked with a chuckle.
"Yes, it was very entertaining. I can't recall a time when Skaar was so angry.", Brood hissed in amusment.
"I was surprised as well. I mean, you and Skaar were literally at each others throats.", Ka-Zar added, an amused smirk making its way onto his features.
"Trust me, I was tempted! Skaar should consider himself lucky, because if it he wouldn't have saved my life, I would have taken him down!", Shego responded, clenching her hands into fists as she ignited them with her fiery green plasma energy.
"So why didn't you?", Shanna asked, a light knowing smile forming on her lips.
"I... I don't know! I just didn't, okay!", Shego exclaimed, extinguishing the plasma that encased her hands as she turned away.
"Really? Are you sure that you're not hiding something? Perhaps your feelings regarding a certain someone?", Shanna questioned suggestively.
"No! I... I don't... I'm not hiding anything! I don't feel anything towards Skaar! Besides, what's it matter to you anyway?", Shego demanded, turning and narrowing her eyes at all those who stood before her.
"Nothing. It just seems that you've been troubled, and out of concern, I was wondering if there is something you feel towards Skaar that is causing the conflict within yourself. That's all.", Shanna explained calmly, her knowing smile infuriating Shego even further.
"Yeah, whatever! There's nothing wrong with me, okay! And there's nothing going on between me and Skaar! He doesn't like me, I don't like him! That's all there is to it! Now are we going to collect some food or stand around here and talk all day?", Shego exclaimed, her eyes glaring daggers at the five individuals that stood before her.
"As you wish, Shego.", Ka-Zar oblidged, walking past Shego with his wife Shanna following by his side.
Shego continued to glare daggers at both Ka-Zar and Shanna as they walked away, that is until she adverted her gaze towards the Warbound, who continued to stare curiously at her. If there was one thing that Shego didn't need right now, it was a group of aliens trying to play matchmaker, which was something she wasn't going to tolerate! It was about time to remind everyone that she was indeed the most deadly female in the Savage Land, which is a claim that would definitely fit her, considering the fact that she was the only one bold enough to challenge Skaar.
"Any of you got anything to say?", Shego questioned threateningly, briefly igniting her hands in fiery emerald plasma.
"No.", Korg, Elloe, and Brood replied in unison.
"Good!", Shego hissed, extinguishing the fiery plasma that encased her fists before turning and following Shanna & Ka-Zar.
Without a saying another word, the Warbound followed Shego, Shanna, and Ka-Zar out of the village and into the jungles of the Savage Land. Despite all the dangers that they faced, they still couldn't help but be a little intimidated by Shego, whose temper and attitude reminded them of Skaar's mother, Caiera the Oldstrong, who was just as short-tempered and equally as beautiful. It was definitely not a wise choice to enrage Shego, for her rage and her plasma powers made Shego a very dangerous woman, one that is more than capable of doing great damage if provoked. Besides, it didn't matter how much Shego denied it, everyone could sense that there was something going on between her and Skaar. However, only time would tell if the two would come to terms with their emotions and their feelings regarding one another.
"She's in denial.", Elloe whispered to Brood and Korg, who merely nodded in agreement.
After some time traveling through the dense jungles, the six individuals came to their intended destination, where fruits and other sorces of food were available. Without wasting any time, the six indivduals began collecting food, pairing off into small groups, Shego choosing to pair with Elloe and Shanna, while Ka-Zar went with Korg and Brood. Shego kept to her thoughts as she picked the desireable foods from the bushes and trees, seemingly unaware of the glances and the whispering gossip that went on between Shanna & Elloe. Her thoughts were focused on Skaar, her mind contemplating everything that had happened in the last week since her arrival to the Savage Land.
She recalled her first meeting with Skaar, which was awkward to say the least, but how was she supposed to know that he could understand her? Then she remembered traveling with Skaar across the jungles of the Savage Land for three days, getting into many numerous agruments with him, while also remembering her intitial meeting with Devil Dinosaur and Moon-Boy. Lastly, she remembered when she arrived to the village, where she met Ka-Zar & Shanna, as well as the Warbound, all of whom befriended her without the slightest hint of hesitation. It was quite an experience; traveling through a prehistoric land, meeting beings she would never thought of encountering, making friends with the most unique of creatures and people. Needless to say, it has been quite an adventure for Shego.
It was a whole new experience for Shego, one that she never expected to happen. She never really had any friends, for she preferred to be alone, because of the past memories when all of her supposed friends betrayed her and treated her as nothing more than a freak. She never really liked her brothers, or any of her family for that matter, with the exception of one who meant the world to her. It was because of her painful past, and that struggles she went through, that ultimately made her quit the hero gig and become a mercenary for hire, which suited her just fine. But now... she didn't know what to think... she had friends, people who cared about her. It was something that she always wanted, but never had during her life, and she didn't want to lose it.
Then there was Skaar, the savage Son of the Hulk and Caiera the Oldstrong. It was him who rescued her, healed her, protected her from harm, and watched over her every single moment since she arrived to the Savage Land. No matter how much she would deny the feelings and thoughts she felt towards him, Shego couldn't repress the fact that she knew that she cared about Skaar, despite being confused by why she couldn't understand why he made her feel this way. Could it be that Shanna is right? Is there connection or an attraction that Shego and Skaar have for one another? Is it friendship or perhaps something more?
"Shego, are you sure you're okay?", Elloe asked, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, which disturbed Shego from her thoughts.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine. It's just that... I was thinking.", Shego replied, briefly glancing at the female Sakaarian before adverting her gaze away from Elloe.
"About what?", Shanna asked, her curiosity intrigued.
"It's nothing.", Shego answered, walking away to pick more fruit off the the low hanging branches of the trees.
"She's confused.", Shanna whispered, releasing a low sigh.
"They both are. If only we could get Skaar and Shego to talk to one another... peacefully.", Elloe remarked, her eyes focusing on Shego's form.
Unknown to the six individuals, not far away from their location, was a gigantic herd of dinosaurs that were now feasting on the forest foliage. It was a diverse group of herbivores, consisting mostly of Brontosaurs and Ceratopsians of all kinds, each one busy with the daily activity that was grazing. Distracted by their daily grazing, the herbivores didn't notice the three large Tyrannosaurs that stalked at the edge of the jungle, awaiting the right moment to strike! Without warning, the three gigantic carnivores exploded from the jungle, racing towards their prey with incredible speed.
The three Tyrannosaurs attacked one of the sauropods, sinking their massive teeth into their equally massive selected prey, bring the towering saurian down with a thunderous crash. The three Tyrannosaurs began ripping away huge chunks of flesh from the sauropod, who shrieked in pain as death slowly began began to take its toll over it. The surprise attack from these three massive predators causes the other herbivorous dinosaurs to panic, causing them all to stampede in the opposite direction away from the Tyrannosaurs, the very earth trembling from their thunderous footsteps. It was the trembling of the earth beneath their feet that caused Shego, Elloe, Shanna, Ka-Zar, Korg, and Brood to stop gathering food, their eyes hearing faint rumbling and the sounds of trees snapping and the jungle being crushed under the feet of dozen of stampeding dinosaurs.
"That can't be good.", Shego remarked nonchalantly.
"No, it isn't! Everyone... run!", Ka-Zar ordered.
Without hesitation, Shego and the others took off running, just mere moments before the stampeding herd of dinosaurs bursted through the forest. Running as fast as their legs could propel them, Shego and the others ran from the stampede, while Brood quickly took to the air as she used her insect-like wings to make a quick escape to safety. Ka-Zar and Shanna managed to dodge into a cave along a large mountainside, unintentionally leaving their friends to fend for themselves. Korg and Elloe managed to get to safety, but the same could not be said for Shego, who was still on the run from the stampeding herd of dinosaurs.
It would seem like Shego's luck had finally run out, because as soon as she thought that she would escape being crushed to death, she lost her footing and crashed face first into the earth. Shego began to rise slowly back up to her hands and knees, knowing that it was too late for her to make it to safety as the herd of rampaging dinosaurs came closer. Suddenly, a giant figure landed directly in front of Shego, her eyes instantly recognizing her savior to be none other than Skaar. But something was different about him, for his skin was now gray in color and like that of stone, while his normally jungle green hued eyes now glowed an lightning azure blue.
With the simple gesture of raising his hands, Skaar summoned his Old Power, the immensely powerful energy making the entire Savage Land tremble with its awesome power, ripping open the earth as molten fire exploded hundreds of feet into the air! The circular wall of molten lava surrounded the herd of stampeding dinosaurs, disintegrating any that were unfortunate enough to stop in time to avoid their fate, their cries of death being silenced as flesh and bone were reduced to nothing but ash! Shego could only look on with a mixture of awe and a hint of fear, for never in her life had she seen such terrible power unleashed that could even begin to compare with Skaar's Old Power.
Skaar turned his attention back to Shego, his glowing azure eyes locking onto her own emerald green irises, his presence sending chills up Shego's spine as she got to her feet. She stared int Skaar's eyes for what seemed like an eternity, unable to look away from his gaze, his eyes glowing with the Old Power. Once again, Shego found herself in awe that Skaar have saved her life once again, her heartbeat increasing ever so slightly as she continued to stare into his eyes that still glowed with the azure Old Power energies.
"Stop staring and let's go!", Skaar snarled, narrowing his fiery azure eyes at Shego, snapping her out of her daze.
"Sorry. I was... distracted.", Shego responded uneasily, adverting her gaze away from Skaar's own.
Skaar didn't even bother to respond, instead turning and walking away, leaving Shego to follow as she walked beside her savage protector. Once again, Shego got the cold shoulder from Skaar, his attitude just as aggressive as when they last confronted one another, which nearly resulted in an actual physical confrontation. She couldn't understand why Skaar kept pushing her away or kept treating her like a person that didn't belong here, for everyone else came to accept her in ways that her own siblings never could. Letting out a heavy sigh of frustration and confusion, Shego continued to walk beside Skaar, who didn't even bother giving her a brief glance.
It didn't take them long to find Ka-Zar, Shanna, Korg, Brood, and Elloe, who looked thankful that Shego was safe from harm, despite Skaar appearing indifferent to the whole situation. Shego had to admit, it felt good knowing that there was others that actually cared about her safety, not that she couldn't take care of herself if the situation would ever call for it. With danger no longer present, Skaar stopped summoning the Old Power, transforming out of his Oldstrong stone form as his skin changed from gray back to its normal shade of green. Skaar sent a dangerous glare at the others, warning them that he was in no mood to be bothered, for all he wanted right now was to be left alone to his thoughts.
"Shego! Thank the prophet that you're safe!", Elloe exlaimed, briefly pulling the female mercenary into an affectionate hug.
"You had us worried, pale green-skin.", Brood hissed in relief as she hovered in the air.
"Yes, we thought that you were done for.", Korg added.
"It's good that you're not injuried, considering that you've could of been crushed under the feet of rampaging dinosaurs.", Ka-Zar remarked with a chuckle.
"Well, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Skaar.", Shego remarked with a shrug of her shoulders.
"Is that so?", Shanna questioned, a smirk making its way onto her features.
It was then that Shanna noticed that Shego's eyes were focused on Skaar, who stood motionlessly by a tree that was less than one hundred feet from them, his jungle green eyes glaring at the group. It was quite apparent that Skaar was angry, because the scowl on his face and the gleam of rage in his jungle green eyes was more than enough evidence to support Shanna's theory, despite the fact that she didn't understand exactly why the Son of Hulk wasn't in a good mood. Before Shanna could put any more thought to it, Shego began to approach Skaar, stopping right in front of the savage Oldstrong as she uneasily locked her gaze onto his own.
"Thanks... for saving me... again.", Shego spoke uneasily, adverting her gaze briefly away from Skaar's own before staring back into his jungle green eyes.
"Save it! I didn't do anything today that I didn't do every day on Sakaar. In other words, you mean nothing to me!", Skaar snarled in response, glaring down at Shego before walking away.
Shanna couldn't help but notice the hurt look on Shego's face, who shut her eyes as she tightly clenched her hands into fists before igniting them in fiery emerald plasma, which was a sign that Shego was not only hurt by Skaar's words, but also that she was becoming angry. Shanna slowly approached Shego, knowing that it was best to be gentle when regarding someone as short-tempered and violent as Shego is, reaching out with her right hand and delicately placing it on Shego's left shoulder in a supportive gesture. Despite the danger of incurring Shego's wrath, Shanna knew that right now Shego needed some comfort, because she could all most sense the rage and hurt building within the female mercenary.
"Skaar didn't mean what he said. He's just concerned about your safety, Shego.", Shanna informed, her voice remaining calm.
"Yeah, well he has a funny way of showing it!", Shego hissed, anger seeping into her voice.
"Shego, it's okay. That's just how Skaar is, you should know that by now.", Elloe reminded, walking up to Shego, who sent her the coldest glare she ever recalled seeing.
"I don't care! I've taken all that I'm going to take from him! Once we get back to the village, he's giving me some answers, even if I have to beat them out of him!", Shego shouted with a fierce determination.
With that last exclamation, Shego grabbed her sack filled with food and began walking in the direction that would lead her to the village, where she would finally confront Skaar face-to-face. There was only so much that any being could take, and after a week of verbal conflict with the Son of Hulk, Shego had finally reached her limit of tolerance! She wanted answers and she was more than willing to fight Skaar to get those answers! Ka-Zar, Shanna, Elloe, Korg, and Brood quickly grabbed their sacks of food and followed after Shego, knowing that a confrontation between her and Skaar was now inevitable, which meant that they would have to get the villagers to safety.
"Uh-Oh! We've got a lover's quarrel on our hands! We better move quickly!", Shanna suggested to the others.
"I knew that this was going to happen! I've got to admit, I didn't think it would be this soon!", Elloe remarked, quickening her pace.
"As have I, Elloe. We got to get the villagers to safety before Skaar and Shego fight each other, because I've got a feeling that it's not going to be pretty!", Ka-Zar remarked.
"Agreed. If Shego fights anything like Skaar, it's best to get everyone to safety, and stay out of the way!", Brood hissed in agreement.
"We've should of known this would happen, because whenever Skaar is involved, there is bound to be a fight. After all, he is his father's son.", Korg added, knowing from his own experiences fighting alongside the Hulk.
Shego marched into the village, placing the sack full on the ground, her emerald green eyes scanning the surroundings as she searched for Skaar. Seeing that the Son of Hulk wasn't around, Shego walked on through the village, her eyes scanning every single area, her patience wearing thin as she felt her blood boil with both rage and frustration. Tired of searching for Skaar, Shego turned her attention towards the Sakaarian villagers, knowing that if anyone had seen the Son of Hulk, it would have to be them.
"Okay! Listen up! I'm only going to ask this once! Where is Skaar?", Shego demanded, getting an immediate answer as the villagers pointed in one direction all at once.
"Thanks.", Shego snarled before walking away, not even recognizing the fearful gazes that she recieved from the villagers.
Shego began walking in the direction that the Sakaarian villagers directed her, discovering that Skaar was standing at the edge of the village, sharpening his gigantic Oldstrong forged blade before placing it back within its holder. Without the slightiest hint of hesitation, Shego marched towards Skaar, her emerald green eyes focused on his towering seven foot nine, one thousand pound muscular form. Skaar seemed to sense her presence, his jungle green eyes locking onto her own as the light breeze made his long dark hair wave through the air ever so slightly, his features emotionless with the exception of cold angry glare within his eyes.
"Skaar, I need to talk to you. Now!", Shego stated firmly, stopping directly in front of the savage Oldstrong.
"Not interested!", Skaar snarled in response.
"Look, we either talk this out or we can fight! Your choice!", Shego warned, her tone deadly serious as she glared into Skaar's jungle green irises.
"You fight me? I've fought monsters, demons, and the gods themselves. On Sakaar I defeated the Silver Surfer and challenged Galactus himself! What do you think you're going to do? Talk me to death?", Skaar taunted with a sneer, turning and walking away, unaware of the fact that Shego ignited her hands with fiery emerald plasma.
Shego was tired of taking Skaar's insults, and quite honestly, she was through trying to talk it out with the Son of Hulk. She was going to show him that Shego could be just as dangerous as any foe that he has ever faced, which meant that for the first time in her life, she wasn't going to hold back her powers or fighting skills like in her confrontations with Kim Possible! Powering up her plasma, Shego formed a large sphere of concussive plasma energy within her right hand before launching it at Skaar, which proceeded to smash against his back with great explosive force.
Caught off guard by the attack, Skaar staggered several feet forward before regaining his composure, but was otherwise unharmed by the attack, whcih caused him to immediately turn in the direction that the sphere of energy striked him. Skaar's eyes locked onto Shego, who stood defiantly with her hands still encased with the fiery emerald plasma energies, her stance indicating that she wasn't intending to back down from anyone, not even Skaar. It was at that moment that Ka-Zar, Shanna, Elloe, Korg, and Brood arrived on the scene to witness the stand-off between Skaar and Shego, all of them knowing that they were both too stubborn and headstrong to back down to one another.
"Korg, Brood, come with me! We'll get the villagers to safety. Shanna, you and Elloe stay here and try to prevent them from fighting!", Ka-Zar ordered, rushing off to help evacuate the villagers, with Korg and Brood following close behind.
"Someone has a death wish!", Skaar snarled, narrowing his eyes at Shego, who refused to be intimidated by the Son of Hulk.
"Big talk... but then again, that's all you are. Aren't you, Skaar? You claim to be the strongest one there is, but I have yet to see anything to prove it! In fact, without that Old Power of yours... you're nothing!", Shego mocked, getting Skaar's undivided attention.
"Oh, hell! She did not just say that!", Elloe remarked, a hint of fear making its way into her voice.
"I don't need the Old Power to deal with you, Shego. I could crush you like a bug with my bare hands!", Skaar responded, walking over to Shego, leaving only a small gap of space between them.
"Then prove it! Fight me!", Shego challenged, raising her plasma encased fists.
Moments went by as silence remained for what seemed like an eternity, neither Skaar or Shego breaking eye contact as they stared at one another, neither willing to back down. Finally, it was Skaar who was the first to move, backing up and walking away, stopping just ten feet away from where Shego stood firmly. Right now, Skaar was trying to contain his anger and the urge to accept Shego's challenge, which he knew would end badly for Shego even if it would be direct hand-to-hand combat. Not only did Skaar have the size advantage, but he also possessed his father's limitless strength, combined with his healing factor, endurance, and durability. But the biggest reason that Skaar didn't want to fight was fear... the fear of actually hurting Shego, which was something that he didn't want to happen.
"You're not worth wasting my time over. Besides, it would be too easy!", Skaar stated, unknowingly adding the needed catalyst to set off Shego's temper.
With an enraged shout, Shego ran at Skaar, leaping into the air to deliver a powerful flying kick to the towering Oldstrong. However, Skaar had seemingly anticipated Shego's attack, his right hand catching her leg within his grasp. Without the slightiest thought of hesitation, Skaar tossed Shego high into the air, her body soaring high into the skies until nobody could even see her form. Shego screamed at the top of her lungs as she climbed higher, reaching twelve thousand feet above the Earth below before she began to plummet, much to her horror and outrage as she continued to scream all the way down.
Just about when Shego fell half way down the twelve thousand foot drop, Skaar's giant form leaped into the air, catching Shego in his large muscular arms before she could fall any further. Shego held on tightly to Skaar's body, her arms wrapped around his neck as the Son of Hulk soon crashed into the earth feet first, his impact shattering the very ground beneath his feet. Knowing that Shego was now safe from harm, Skaar quickly tossed her to the ground like a sack of potatoes, satisfied in the fact that he had taught Shego a lesson about true power.
"I warned you, Shego. You're no threat to me. I'm the strongest one there is! You can't stop me, don't even try!", Skaar stated, glaring down at Shego, who narrowed her fiery emerald eyes at the Son of Hulk.
"I don't back down to anyone! I'm not afraid of anyone or anything! Least of all... you!", Shego shouted, combining her two plasma encased fists into one as she leaped at Skaar, swinging her combined plasma encased fists.
Shego put all of her strength into the blow, which connected square against Skaar's face, knocking the Son of Hulk off his feet. Shanna and Elloe looked on disbelief, for never would they have thought that Shego would be capable of toppling Skaar, considering the fact that not even a combined assult by Korg and Ka-Zar could topple the Son of Hulk! Shego stood tall and proud, refusing to back down to Skaar, who merely glared at her with angry eyes, despite a part of him being quite impressed that Shego had been able to knock him off his feet.
"Still think that I'm not a threat?", Shego asked, a taunting smirk making its way on her face.
"No... you've got my attention.", Skaar replied with a smirk of his own, wiping away a small trace of green blood from his lower lip with his right hand.
Before Skaar could even get back up on his feet, Shego was upon him, bashing her plasma encased fists down on the Son of Hulk again and again, not holding back nor relenting in the very least! Skaar mostly shrugged off Shego's blows, though he had to admit that they did hurt him more than he thought possible, but he felt much worse pain that being clubbed by plasma encased fists, that much was certain. Still, Skaar wasn't about to let Shego beat on him without fighting back, because he was starting to get very angry, which wasn't good for Shego.
"I'm not so weak now, huh? I'm not like everyone else who you can intimidate, because I'm not afraid of you! I'm not going to be intimidated by you or anyone! To prove it, I'm going to smash your face in!", Shego shouted, deliver one brutal right cross followed by a violent left cross to Skaar's face again and again, her plasma encased fists drawing small amounts of blood from the Son of Hulk.
When Shego went for another right cross, Skaar's left hand shot up and caught her fiery plasma encased fist, grasping it within his massive paw like a vice. Slowly, Skaar stood up to his feet, his imposing seven foot nine height towering over Shego's nearly six foot tall frame like a green Colossus of Rhodes. Skaar leaned down until his face was less than six inches away from Shego's own, his jungle green eyes glowing with the azure colored Old Power.
"You're making me angry!", Skaar warned, tightening his grip on Shego's plasma encased right fist, making her wince in pain.
Pulling his right fist back, Skaar lands a powerful strike against Shego, sending her soaring through the air as she smashed through several village huts, which collapsed shortly afterwards. It was a blow that was so powerful and more painful than any that Shego had ever endured, for not even the most powerful hits from Kim or even Warmonga could compare to Skaar's powerful blow, pain coursing through her body as she smashed through the sixth hut before coming to a complete stop. Slowly, Shego crawled out from the wreckage that used to be someone's home, her body still aching painfully from Skaar's brutal attack. A shadow loomed over her, causing Shego to look up, discovering that is was none other than Skaar, who only stared at her with an expression devoid of any emotion.
"Give it up, Shego.", Skaar snarled, his voice low and menacing.
"Never!", Shego hissed, glaring up at Skaar, unwilling to yield to her more powerful opponent.
"You can't win this fight, Shego. You're a great fighter, but I'm stronger! I don't want to hurt you, so I suggest that you stop... now!", Skaar stated sincerely, his jungle green eyes never breaking contact with Shego's own emerald hued irises.
"Yeah, not gonna happen! You may be stronger, but I'm faster, and just as mean!", Shego retorted, lashing out and kicking Skaar square in the groin with all of her strength.
Skaar unleashed a roar of pure pain and surprise, dropping down to one knee as Shego quickly got to her feet, fully intending to take advantage of the situation. Shego back flipped away from Skaar, allowing herself at least two hundred feet away from the savage Son of Hulk, which she needed in order to power up for her most powerful attack! Charging up all of her plasma energy, Shego began to focus it all into one powerful blast of destructive energy, her entire body beginning to glow with an emerald shade of green. As soon as Skaar got to his feet, Shego unleashed the massive blast of energy, its destructive force nearly consuming the entire village in emerald flames.
It was fortunate that Shanna and Elloe managed to find cover, which protected them from the blazing emerald flames, while atop a hill in the distance, Ka-Zar and the villagers looked on helplessly. There was nothing that they could do now, except wait until the destruction and the conflict between Skaar & Shego was over, for there was nothing that any of them could do to stop this. Despite the intense flames that washed over his form, Skaar slowly made his way through the scorching flames, his body clearly unfazed and unharmed from the intense blast that consumed everything else that was unfortunate enough to be near this section of the village.
Eventually, Shego's strength began to fade, her energy spent in the blast that she unleashed in an attempt to defeat Skaar. Tired and aching from combat, Shego extinguished the fiery plasma that encased her hands, unable to continue her assault on Skaar. Before Shego could fully recover, Skaar emerged from the flames unscathed, lunging at Shego and pinning her down to the ground with his massive right hand gripping her throat!
"You don't get it? I was born in fire! Give up now, Shego!", Skaar snarled, keeping Shego pinned down to the ground.
"Sorry, I don't quit!", Shego exclaimed as she ignited her right hand with fiery plasma before slashing it across Skaar's face, temporarily blinding the Son of Hulk and forcing him to release his grip, thus allowing Shego to break free.
"Enough!", Skaar roared, summoning the Old Power.
Before Shego could even begin to comprehend what was about to happen, Skaar unleashed a blast of azure colored Old Power energy from his right hand, striking Shego and sending her soaring through the air. Within seconds, Shego was feeling the most intense pain that she had ever felt in her entire life, for it was like every single nerve and cell within her body was about to explode, her screams of agony echoing throughout the Savage Land. Shego eventually crashed into a tree, adding to the immense pain that coursed through her entire body, her body spasming from the lightning-like Old Power energy blast. In a matter of seconds, the pain caused by the Old Power blast ceased, much to Shego's relief as she attempted to rise to her feet.
Before Shego could even react, Skaar was upon her, grasping both of her hands and pinning her hard against the tree. Try as she might, Shego couldn't break free from Skaar's grasp, but it didn't stop her from trying as she struggled with all of her remaining strength. Skaar couldn't believe that Shego still had any fight left in her, even after withstanding a brutal beating at his own hands and a controlled blast of the Old Power, which he carefully made sure that it was not powerful enough to disintegrate or kill her. Skaar didn't want to fight Shego anymore, nor did Skaar want to inflict anymore injury on her than he already managed to inflict upon her. What happened next surprised not only Shego, but also Skaar himself, who was still struggling with the deep personal conflict that dwelled within himself.
"Please, Shego... Stop.", Skaar pleaded in a gentle voice that was as low as a whisper.
Shego released a low growl before she stopped struggling, her eyes locking onto Skaar's own, who seemed to be getting lost in vast sea of emerald green that was her own eyes. It was then that she too began to get lost in Skaar's beautiful jungle green eyes, seemingly unaware of the fact that his forehead rested gently against her own. Then, almost unconsciously, Shego and Skaar's lips started to get closer and closer until only a mere fraction of a centimeter remained.
Shego could feel Skaar's warm breath against her skin as his own lips gently touched her own, both of them sharing a light affectionate kiss. Shego accepted the kiss, lightly grazing her lips against Skaar's own, enjoying the sensations that she felt course through her very being, not wanting it to ever end. Suddenly, Skaar quickly broke the kiss and backed away from Shego, a forlorn and fearful expression coming across his face as he stared at Shego, who began to feel a deep concern enter her heart.
"Skaar?", Shego asked, concern evident in her voice, noticing a single tear that fell from Skaar's right eye, which proceeded to stream down his green cheek.
"No... S-Stay away! Leave me alone!", Skaar responded before quickly turning and running away.
"Skaar! Wait!", Shego shouted, giving chase to the Son of Hulk.
Shego raced after Skaar, trying to keep up with him as her legs propel her as fast as humanly possible. But by the time Shego had nearly caught up with Skaar, the Son of Hulk took a running leap, soaring off into the distance. Feeling a painful ache entering her heart, Shego dropped down to her knees, allowing a few tears to fall from her eyes and stream down her face. Unknown to Shego, Shanna and Elloe approached, both of them having witnessed the entire scene that had unfolded between Skaar and Shego.
It was then that they knew that their assumptions regarding Skaar and Shego's feelings for one another were true, meaning that they were going to do everything in their power to bring these two kindred spirits together. But first, Shanna knew that she was going to have a talk with Shego, one that involves a certain son of the Hulk and Caiera the Oldstrong. But right now, Shego needed some comfort, which is what Shanna & Elloe intended to give her.
"Shego, are you okay?", Elloe asked, walking over and placing a gentle hand on Shego's shoulder.
"No, I'm not. I... I just want to be alone right now, okay.", Shego answered, her voice low and filled with hurt and sorrow.
Without saying another word, Shego slowly got to her feet, turning and walking away from Shanna and Elloe. The two women watched as Shego walked over to a fallen log, quickly taking a seat on the grassy earth, as she hugged her knees close to her chest. It was then that Shego began to lose herself in thought, silently wishing that she had never forced Skaar into fighting her, seemingly unaware of the single tear that fell from her right eyes, which proceeded to stream down her pale cheek.
In the distance, far away from the village, Skaar smashed into the earth with devastating impact. With a powerful primal roar, Skaar raised both of his fist high above his head before proceeding to smash them down with all of his might, the impact making the Savage Land quake as birds exploded from trees in the distance. Then, Skaar's legs gave way, as if he lost all strength to stand, causing him to fall down to his knees. Skaar lowered his head, allowing his long dark hair to hide his face, finally letting a few tears escape from his tightly closed eyes.
"Shego... what are you doing to me?", Skaar asked, allowing a few more tears to fall from his eyes.
To Be Continued...
Author's Notes
It would seem that both Skaar and Shego having been hiding their true feelings for one another after all, wouldn't you say? It's definitely going to be very interesting to see what happens when they confront each other next, considering all that has happened between them. It's going to get very emotional, that much is certain, especially in regard to their hidden feelings, which may be revealed, if they already haven't discovered them.