A/N: Hoo boy, sorry folks for the long wait on this one. After dealing with several months of writer's block, streaming shows, playing games, and a bit of personal drama near the end of it, I'm finally getting into the third chapter of this fic and getting this arc continued! Now hopefully this won't take several months to finish like in my other fic, much less even start. Enjoy!

Oersted could feel the drawn break over his being as he stirred from his spot on the wall. Who knew he would already miss sleeping in hay after getting accustomed to sleeping more comfortably than he used to? But what could be done, now that he, Pogo, and Gori were trying to keep a woman from outside the tribe hidden from prying eyes? A beautiful damsel who resembled so much his beloved Alethea. A fair maiden whom Pogo had obviously fallen for.

The former knight yawned as he stood himself up, stretching to work out the kinks in his body. He let his eyes focus and clear as well, seeing his cave-mates sleeping in their hay beds… although, didn't Pogo basically have the girl sleep next to him? How and when did Gori basically replace her in the night? And for that matter, where was she?

He heard Pogo shout before seeing him kick Gori out of the haybed. Apparently he just realized the same thing and noticed the girl being absent from her spot. While Gori rushed out of the room, Pogo sniffed the air, trying to catch that familiar scent of flowers. With a smile, he could tell that the pretty lady was still here. He followed the scent and thus found it near Oersted… right under that pile of straw they used to sneak her inside.

Oersted watched the young caveman pull the hay bale up and reveal the lovely girl sleeping beneath. The former champion couldn't help but wonder what made her want to sleep on hard stone rather than in the soft straw? He was okay with sleeping on stone since he was used to it, and he had armor on to ease the harsh feeling of laying there. His arms had made for adequate pillows and fighting usually took the resulting soreness out of them after he woke up. Perhaps she was used to sleeping on stone more than he was?

He then noticed Pogo staring at her for a bit, his eyes looking over her entire frame. He then turned around and blushed, looking incredibly bashful. Oh yes, the knight could tell the young caveman was more than infatuated with her. Her being the first female he no doubt had ever seen probably helped. He couldn't blame the youth either. Having been surrounded by rather broad, hairy men who have hardly bathed properly for a while did make one wish to see at least somebody of the opposite gender.

Then the girl began to stir, catching their attention. Her dazzling eyes fluttered open and she stretched her arms up with a yawn as she was on her knees. Rubbing her eyes, she then noticed the two of them looking at her, but her focus was entirely on Pogo. With a happy grunt, she got up and walked towards the young caveman, gently walking past Oersted to take one of Pogo's hands into hers. Clearly she wanted to express her gratitude for helping her out. And unsurprisingly, Pogo blushed even deeper.

Oersted simply cleared his throat, looking away so as to not look weird and stare at them while the couple were having a moment. But then memories poked through his mind once again. The night after the tournament, when he and his princess stood alone together to gaze at the stars on the castle roof. He remembered her face. So bright and full of innocence. His heart beated heavily in his chest the entire time, even as he got to hold her close.

"In you alone, I place my faith."

…If only that held true.

But just then, an aggravated shout from outside made them jump! The girl, panicking, quickly got into the straw bale and moved back into position to look inconspicuous. Pogo rushed over towards the entrance to see what was the matter, only to end up on his back after Gori was pushed right into him! Oersted was just about to grab his sword to deal with the coming threat, only to soften his stance once he saw it was none other than an expectedly angry Niku. Forgetting his speech in his fury, the meat handler jumped and raged about with steam practically bursting from his ears.

"Pogo! What you do with last meat?" Niku accused Pogo.

Pogo, as he shoved Gori off of himself, blew a raspberry, rebutting, "Pogo do nothing! Pogo and Gori got up from sunrise!"

Niku growled with suspicion, doubtful of Pogo's words. He then softened his expression before looking towards Oersted, silently asking for him to confirm. Seeing no need for words, the former champion nodded, giving credence to the young caveman's claim. The meat-handler then let out a long sigh before turning around to walk out. Pogo relaxed, but then stiffened when Niku stopped and turned his face towards him.

"Pogo and Gori go hunt many suns' worth of meat for tribe!" He told him.

"Plan to!" Pogo nodded.

Niku accepted that answer and left the room. Pogo quickly checked to see if the coast was clear. Seeing it was, Pogo then rushed over to the hay bale and let out a positive-sounding grunt, getting the girl to poke her head out, letting her also breathe out in relief. Fortunately they were able to still continue this little secret of theirs.

growl...

But then the girl eeped and ducked back into the hay bale. Pogo was surprised to hear this new sound and looked about the room. Did an animal somehow make it into their room when he wasn't looking? But Oersted already got a good idea of just what that sound would be, seeing as he had heard that sound often in his days among Pogo's people. A sound that any and all men, regardless of nationality or age, would be sure to recognize.

growl…

The sound of a very needy stomach.

Pogo seemed to realize as well when he heard the sound coming from the hay pile. The pretty lady was hungry! So, he went over to her and gave her affirming grunts, no doubt letting her know that he would get her some food while he was out hunting. He also turned and blushed bashfully, his mind clearly going into… other places. Boys will be boys, Oersted supposed. The knight then felt a tug on his arm, seeing Pogo had apparently wanted to talk to him about something.

Letting the caveman lead him near the entrance to their room, Oersted then asked, "What need, Pogo?"

Pogo made a shushing motion, "Quiet, Ors-ted! Pogo not want pretty lady hear what me want ask."

The former champion's brow rose, but he humored his cavemate and whispered back, "Alright, then what Pogo need so badly?"

"Pogo and Gori go get meat for tribe, and meat for lady." He explained. "But Pogo want get lady nice thing. Show how Pogo really like lady. Pogo no do both. So Pogo want Ors-ted get nice thing for lady for Pogo."

Ah, now Oersted was getting it. Pogo wanted to get a gift for the girl he was fond of, and he was asking him for help while he was hunting. He had to respect that. Pogo was nothing if not dedicated to making sure that his paramour was happy. He… actually had to envy that.

Then he wondered. Was this… really just a mere crush Pogo was feeling?

Well, for now, since it was a benign request, the former champion felt no need to refuse.

"Alright. Oersted go see Clunk. Make something nice for lady… for Pogo." He said. "But Oersted also need try keeping reason secret. Clunk may ask what nice thing for."

Happy to hear Oersted would help him, Pogo replied, "Ors-ted smart! He think of something!"

With that, the young caveman poked his gorilla friend and woke him up. Gori shook his head to rustle out the kinks in his admittedly small brain, but he seemed to tell what his friend was going to do and so followed him out of the room. With them going on the hunt, Oersted went out to visit the tribe artisan to make a gift. Though as he pondered on just what tale to spin, he never noticed the girl peeking out from the hay pile…

Either way, Oersted went into the artisan's cave so he could get to work. Sure enough, Clunk was happy to see his favorite (and perhaps only) assistant there once more. Apparently he also made progress in trying to replicate the fallen hero of Lucrece's sword. Those work mitts that Oersted had crafted for him had done wonders for that. And indeed, Oersted could see that, even if the blades were still entirely stone, Clunk was getting closer to becoming a proper blacksmith.

"So, what Ors-ted want make today?" Clunk asked, eager to get to work.

"Ah, well…" This was it. Time to make up a story for Clunk to believe. So, Oersted told him, "Oersted go for something new. Oersted try making dress this time."

"Oh, that sound goo–" Clunk was eager to try it, but then the last part registered in his primitive brain. "Dress? What for? No women here to wear dress."

"Oersted still wonder why no women here." The knight had to admit, he still didn't know how the tribe could have survived so long without women at all, but he couldn't get distracted from his little white lie, saying, "Anyway, Oersted make armor for tribe often. Oersted want try something different. Maybe when women be part of tribe, women wear dress?"

Clunk could only sigh, muttering, "Maybe IF women be part of tribe…"

It seemed that the lack of women in the tribe did get to some of the men here too. What if they were to learn that Pogo was hiding one in his room? The former hero hoped that they would be understanding at the very least. The young lad already feared Oji's potential retribution if he knew he brought a stranger they didn't approve of into the tribe. The knight didn't want Pogo to fear being isolated from his own tribe as well.

"Ok, Clunk help Ors-ted make dress." Clunk told his assistant after some thought. "But Clunk want make new weapon too."

"That good." Oersted saw no issue with that, inwardly relieved that his story worked.

So the two got to work. Noting the materials he still had, he could tell that Pogo would no doubt really want to impress his special someone with something beautiful. The knight believed that using a pelt and a leather strap would be a good step in that direction. It would no doubt be a nice touch if he also made it look similar to Pogo's Wildheart Armor too. That way, the girl would not only look good in it, but it would help protect her too.

Then he wondered if she wouldn't mind having other accessories to go with it. So, to go along with the dress, Oersted also crafted a fang necklace from another leather strap and some beast fangs. Girls did love necklaces in his time, after all. Perhaps it was the same as far back as this era?

This bit of inspiration also led to him crafting a couple more items. A laughing mask, some rough bands, and a thump drum. Clunk actually crafted a fertility charm since Oersted was apparently working on something for a potential woman, though the rather curvaceous form did make the chivalrous former champion blush. Either way, the knight was a little embarrassed to admit he made more than he expected to work with on Pogo's behalf.

"Okay, now we make new weapon." Clunk said. "It no axe or spear, but still strong. It got much rocks in it."

"Like much rocks everywhere?" The knight asked in jest.

That of course made Clunk laugh, replying in bemusement, "Yes, but easy lift and swing. Hit enemies, make heads hurt. Need leather strap and dried skins, though."

"Good. Got one left."

Indeed, with all the crafting he did, he conveniently had the one leather strap left to use for Clunk's weapon. As he worked on this weapon, the knight could see that this weapon, in a way, resembled a bola, but with a thicker strap and a larger sack. He also noted that it seemed to be in the same make as Pogo's armor and the dress he had just made. Perhaps this was made to compliment the dress?

"This go with dress. Weapon for woman who wear it." Clunk confirmed. "Clunk not sure why Ors-ted want make dress, but Clunk know Ors-ted have reasons. Clunk no pry."

"Thank you, Clunk." Oersted appreciated that.

"Hm…" The tribe artisan looked up into one of the few holes in the ceiling showing the sky. "Sun not so bright. We take long making dress and weapon. Ors-ted go take break. Ors-ted deserve it."

Oersted noted the light was pretty dim as well. With how long he and Clunk were taking, there was no doubt Pogo and Gori were also done hunting by now. So the former champion left the artisan cave to go check. Sure enough, he could see Niku putting several haunches of meat that the pair had brought into the meat cave. It was more than likely that the pair had already gone back to their room after taking care of that.

So he went over to their cave, and sure enough there were Pogo and Gori, waiting. Well, Pogo was waiting. Gori was busy already munching into his food without a care in the world. The caveman noticed Oersted come in with all the stuff he had crafted and rushed over with a gleam in his eyes.

"Ah!" Pogo realized he was being loud and then amended himself, "Ors-ted make all this? Pogo ask for one thing, but Ors-ted make so much!"

"Oersted admit, got carried away." He replied. "Hunt go well?"

Pogo nodded, adding, "Niku not angry no more. Got meat he need. Pogo and Gori got meat too!"

Gori let out a pleased grunt as he bit into his haunch.

"Pogo give lady meat and gift now." With that, the young caveman got the items from Oersted and also held up a haunch of meat in his other hand. "Wish Pogo luck!"

Pogo, for all that he really wanted to impress the female, couldn't help but feel a little nervous despite pressing on towards the hay pile. He blushed, clearing his throat and grunting as he gestured to his hands, showing off both the meat and the gifts. The girl, poking her head out upon hearing his voice, noticed what he had. She was already happy to see food, but the fact that he also brought her such beautiful looking things, she gave a jubilated gasp and practically jumped out of the pile to admire them. The dress, the sack, the accessories that came with it– she was charmed by all!

So happy was she that she gave Pogo a couple kisses on his cheek, making him blush. But she didn't exactly stop there. She nudged him a couple of times before taking his hand, making him grunt inquisitively. She then took him into the hay bale, and… it began to rustle, the pair making very certain sounds within. Gori took a moment to stop eating to stare at the straw pile with intrigue. Oersted suddenly felt really awkward just standing near the straw pile, slightly blushed and looked away.

"This young lady… is certainly a forward woman." Oersted thought. "I do not believe even fair princess Alethea would ever act like that…"

Fortunately, at least that knowledge perhaps would make it easier to differentiate between his fallen love and Pogo's desire?

…Somehow that didn't make Oersted any more comfortable. But at least she liked the gifts. He then noticed Pogo finally coming out of the hay pile, covered in kisses and practically wobbling with bliss more than apparent on his face. He was clearly enjoying whatever happened that Oersted didn't desire to know. Still though, best to check and see if his cavemate was alright.

"Pogo… okay?" He asked slowly, brow raised.

"Pogo… more than okay…~" Pogo chuckled with a blush. Gori only sniggered in response, already having an idea about what happened there.

"P… Po… Po… go…"

That voice saying the youth's name was a surprise to all three. They saw the girl popping her head out of the straw, and her lips moving, struggling to put words together.

"Po…go…" They watched her lips moving and her voice trying to be heard. "Po… go…"

Excited by the prospect of her actually saying his name, Pogo jumped for joy and encouraged her, "Pogo! Me, Pogo!"

"Pogo…" She managed to test his name fully at last. Then she started moving onto new ones, "Th… ank… Pogo…"

While Pogo was delighted to actually hear the girl speak to him, Oersted was honestly surprised that she managed to speak without anybody teaching her. Then he thought of something. Was she actually paying attention to him and Pogo talking to each other the whole time? That was… quite impressive, really. His friend false did say a few times that women were indeed wiser than they appeared, but somehow that always sounded like a backhanded compliment. Then again, it was more than likely that was always the case and he was too blind to see it.

"Ors… ted?" The knight blinked when he heard her test his name. "Go… ri."

And she was getting a grip on their names too (well, at least Gori's)? Well. That was definitely commendable. Perhaps he could try and help this along. Pogo certainly was looking at him like he wanted him to, anyway.

Gesturing to himself, Oersted attempted to teach her, "Me. Oersted." Then gesturing to his cavemates, he taught, "Them. Pogo. Gori."

Then gesturing to the girl, he asked, "You…?"

The girl pointed at herself, grunting questioningly, to which he nodded. She then seemed to think, trying to recall what she could call herself. She hummed; a rather beautiful sound if one would ask Pogo. Finally, she blinked. Then her lips began to move.

"Be… ru…?" She tested her introduction. "Me… Beru."

"Beru…" Pogo finally had a name to call her, and he echoed it with a deep fondness.

"Good meet you, Beru." Oersted greeting, figuring the broken English of this time would probably be best to help teach her more. "Welcome home."

Not to mention it would let him muse more on her name. Beru. In a way, it sounded close to 'belle', the French word for 'beauty'. A fitting name, all things considered. Pogo certainly agreed.

"Home…?" She asked, knowing the word but wondering if he meant it.

"Well, we try make it home." Pogo sheepishly admitted, but then he quickly assured her, "Pogo make sure it okay! Oji no mind when know everything! Pogo sure!"

Oersted knew that Pogo was just making sure Beru felt safe in this cave, but at the same time he wondered if the boy was just thinking wishfully at that claim. Not that he wouldn't want the same. Oersted, despite being plagued with nightmares of his past, could tell Beru was a smart girl beyond the lack of a proper spoken language. Someone genuine with her feelings. This simplicity of things was… truly enviable.

"Ors-ted! Pogo!"

But then, another voice made them jump, and Beru immediately ducked back into the hay bale. The boys turned to see one of the other tribesmen rushing into the cave. Fortunately, it appeared he didn't see a thing. Though could he see through his wild mane of hair? Oersted had to wonder how they got around without getting their hair fixed.

"Oji want see Ors-ted!" He told them. "He want Pogo and Gori check way to Wildlands!"

That was perplexing news to hear. Was something happening with the entrance to the cave? Or rather, did something happen already? This worried Oersted. Did Beru sneaking into the cave during the night do something? Perhaps, seeing as how that fence didn't seem that capable of blocking much out. He should check this out to confirm if the chieftain suspected something was wrong.

"Ok." Oersted nodded. "Oersted go see Oji."

With a nod of satisfaction, the caveman then ran out of the room. Pogo and Oersted exchanged worried looks. Could Oji perchance have learned about them hiding Beru? And what was going to happen to her if he did? To them?

Still, seeing what they had to do, and with Pogo assuring Beru that they would be back, Oersted and Pogo, with Gori following his friend's lead, did as they were asked. Pogo and Gori went to the entrance to their cave while Oersted approached Oji's own cave. Within, the chieftain sat with his massive beard as ever surrounding his body. His eyes were closed, as if in deep thought.

He then opened his eyes, looking upon the former champion of Lucrece with a hint of… something in his eyes.

"Ors-ted." Oji began. "Last big talk was short. Pogo age-coming was important. Celebration easy to let go. But now, we must speak bigger talk."

Oersted noted how Oji was starting to pick up on larger words too. He had a feeling that in time, Oji himself would have it perfected before everyone else without any need of the knight to teach it. However, the look on Oji's face appeared grave. Much like his king's when his beloved daughter, the knight's beautiful betrothed, was kidnapped. This had to be addressed.

"Is this… about Kuu tribe?" He asked.

Oji nodded, and continued, "Kuu make noise in abundance last moon. First thought it beasts of Wildlands, but lookout spied Kuu people leaving Kuu cave. Lookout tell Oji about it, but now Oji tell Ors-ted. Something happen. Something ill."

"Should we tell tribe?" Oersted asked next. "This seem worrying. If Kuu attack, we must be ready for big fight."

"No! No fight."

The knight was shocked to see Oji adamantly refuse this precaution, even crossing his arms over his face like a referee stopping a ball game to emphasize it.

Shaking his head, Oji explained, "Fighting not our way. Tribe hunt prey, tribe live peacefully. If tribe do nothing to anger Kuu, then tribe safe."

"But Kuu take sacrifices." The champion tried to reason with him. "What if Kuu take one of tribe for Kuu god?"

"No reason to take. Tribe stay far from Kuu, no take strangers." The chieftain replied. "We not Kuu. We not give in to hate of others."

Yet it was okay to fear what would happen if nothing was done to protect themselves? Oersted asked himself this with concern. Even if he did respect Oji's position of not wanting to get into fights with another tribe and keep peace, he knew it wasn't that simple. Was it really hateful to fight someone to protect another? As a hero, this was something he could not agree with. If those he cherished were being threatened, he would fight to protect them.

…It was the least he could do, for failing to help his hero and failing to protect the wise sage. For failing to rescue his beloved princess and failing to save his kingdom.

But just then, the sounds of frightened shouts echoed outside. Oji and Oersted looked out in alarm as the sounds of fighting were heard in the very cave. Then a bunch of unfamiliar cavemen rushed their way inside! The knight could tell these weren't from their tribe. The red manes of hair and the purple loincloths they wore were more than enough evidence to suggest that. Thinking of everything he had been told, the former champion only had one conclusion to draw from this.

"The Kuu tribe!" He exclaimed. He then stood up and readied his blade just as the Kuu cavemen drew large bones like clubs. "Oji, get back! I'll protect you!"

"Ors-ted! No fight!" Oji told him sternly. "Fighting only provoke. Make worse."

"But Oji–!" Oersted tried to get him to see reason.

"No fight!"

Apparently with no other choice, Oersted sighed and put his sword away, getting grabbed at both arms by two of the Kuu warriors while another just shoved Oji ahead. When they got to the cave's main village, Oersted looked on in sorrow as he saw many of the tribesfolk were knocked out. Clunk, Niku, Tano… even that one caveman who could somehow use magic to vanish. The culprits responsible, more Kuu warriors, were gathered around their apparent leader, whom Oji was shocked to see.

An admittedly handsome warrior, especially in comparison to the others. He had flowing, bright red hair and a near-complete lack of clothing, exposing his strong build. The only attire he had, completely confounding the former champion, was a live lizard worn around his groin as a pseudo-loincloth. He also seemed to be wearing a fang necklace and a bone collar of various colors. Over his right eye, there appeared to be a long scar.

"Zaki…!" Oji muttered… right before the Kuu warrior shoving him just hoisted him over his head and then just threw him in front of the warrior.

Oersted, as he was still held back, couldn't believe it. Oji knew this glorified brigand? He could only watch as both Oji and this Zaki seemed to communicate with mere grunts, yet could fully understand each other. Apparently this long-haired warrior was searching for something and seemed to suspect Oji's tribe had it. But the old chieftain denied this, apparently confused by what Zaki was talking about. This didn't satisfy the man and so he asked again, but more aggressively. But Oji didn't budge. He truly didn't know what Zaki was talking about.

…Neither did Oersted, considering again that they were speaking only in grunts. Honestly, he seemed more focused on Zaki's appearance. Odd as it was, something about it, aside from the clearly alive lizard, gave him pause. The long hair. The scar over the right eye. It didn't look the same, but…

Just then, another voice called from deeper into the cave, and immediately the knight's heart pounded with dread. This was compounded when a laughing Kuu warrior came out, holding over himself none other than Beru, bound in a cocoon of rope and leather. Oji made an exclamation of shock, and Oersted simply gasped. Zaki simply smirked, shouting with a grunt that confirmed that this was what, or rather whom, they were looking for. Beru looked at Zaki and recognized him, looking away from him with closed eyes.

It was then Oersted pieced it together. The Kuu sacrifice people to their god, and anyone who goes near their cave 'disappears' for that same reason. Beru came in the night, looking for shelter and food, afraid of being found. She wasn't merely some random woman. She's the Kuu's latest offering!

Oji shook his head fast, trying to deny ever knowing that woman was there. But Zaki was not convinced. After all, the proof otherwise was right before him. He chuckled at the idea. But then it turned into full-on laughter, finding it hilarious that it was all too easy to recapture their quarry.

However, that very laughter seemed to set something off within the former champion.

"'Twas simple… Heh heh he… Easy… Hah hah hah… With such fear you fled! Ahahahaha!"

Friend False… Accursed Sorcerer… Serpent-tongued Deceiver…

Oersted kept seeing his image over Zaki, laughing at him.

Taking pride over his cruel and malicious deeds as though they were justified by crimes fantasized. Taking pleasure in using entitlement as a means to pursue imagined feelings of love. Acting like Alethea was some kind of precious prize to be won. Sparing no concern for what his actions caused to the monk.

Oersted again saw his princess in Beru's place. Trapped, alone with THE TRAITOROUS ARCHFIEND and the self-serving lies he spouted. A victim of his EVIL.

Not again… Not again… Not again… Not again… Not again…

"NOT AGAIN!"

His shout echoing in the cave, Oersted finally used his strength and threw the Kuu warriors holding him away before pulling out Brion and charging towards Zaki with a roar. The scarred warrior, while surprised by this, pulled out a spear and blocked the blade's attack! The knight was shocked to find that the greatest sword of his time couldn't break through a spear made in times even more olden than he could recant. But then he was pushed away, landing on his feet a mere few paces away yet still ready to fight. Zaki, holding his spear in one hand, flipped his hair up with a cocky chuckle and a smirk. It appeared one of this tribe could put up a decent challenge after all. He saw his men about to move to back him up, and he grunted for them to step back. This fight was his.

"Ors-ted!" Oji tried calling the knight. "No fight! No fight!"

But this time, it fell on deaf ears. Even if the best option was not to fight, Oersted could not just stand idle and do nothing. Not when his people and home were being threatened by fiends most cruel. Not when Pogo's crush was going to be sacrificed to some barbarous god. Nor would he simply allow a man far too similar to HIM to do as he pleased!

He hoped Oji would at least understand.

Oersted charged forward again, this time with Zaki doing the same. As their weapons clashed, the knight could see that his opponent's spear was made of more different material than he expected. The spear itself, the shaft was made of solid rock, refined with such finesse that his sword could not even cut into it. The tip, heavily grinded and sharpened bone, practically glistened in the sunlight that poked into the cave like a diamond. It appeared whoever was the artisan of the Kuu tribe knew their craft as well.

Still though, Zaki was definitely a more than capable warrior. Aside from using his spear, he was strong with sudden punches and kicks, enough to push Oersted back and even work against his armor, though the Kuu caveman apparently had to deal with how hard said armor was on his fist and foot. But he still took advantage to try and impale Oersted with his spear. Blocking with Brion was the knight's saving grace against those techniques.

The Kuu warriors, including the one holding a captive Beru, lined up near the way out of the cave, all watching as their leader was going up against this unexpected fighter. Yet none of them seemed to notice Pogo and Gori coming back in through that exit. As it turned out, being trampled over by stone vehicles and stepped over by one late caveman was not enough to put down either the youth or his simian friend. However, with the threat to their home more than apparent, not to mention Beru in peril, the youth had to come up with something in order to save her. But what could he do?

His eyes then went to one of the stone vehicles, and then he poked at it. Perhaps he could use that to work? Gori, basically having no idea on the concept of patience, bumped Pogo from behind and made him fall right into the seat! Then, to his shock, the vehicle began moving on its own! His panicked shout ended up catching everyone else's attention, even breaking up the fight between Oersted and Zaki, as then the vehicle started zipping everywhere in the cave without any control! They watched as Pogo was zipping to one side of the cave, then to the other, then back again, having no idea how to steer.

But then Pogo was zipping towards the cavemen! Oersted had the intelligence and foresight to leap out of the way of the stone carriage. The Kuu tribesmen? Not so much, seeing as the vehicle basically knocked them onto the ground and even set Beru free. The carriage eventually crashed into the wall and Pogo was on the floor too, flat on his face. The cavewoman fortunately landed right near him without any injury. The knight, all the while, rushed to his friend while she jumped for joy.

"Pogo~!" She gladly called his name, happy to see her continued savior.

"Pogo!" Oersted quickly helped the lad up, forgetting to use broken English. "Art thou alright?"

"Mmph. Pogo fine." Pogo waved off the incident before undoing the binds on Beru, helping set her free. "Beru okay?"

Nodding, she answered her hero, "Beru alright, thank Pogo~."

And with that, she gave him another kiss on the cheek, making him blush and start flexing his muscles with pride. That in turn got her to giggle while Oersted simply shook his head, amused by the boy's antics. Gori then ran up towards them and grunted, pointing out the cavemen of the Kuu tribe were starting to stir. With that, the four quickly got themselves ready for the coming battle, Pogo taking out his Quick Spear and Beru readying her Wildheart Sack. Oersted continued holding Brion in his hands as Zaki stood up and shook his head.

With a shout, Zaki got his men to stand up and form a line behind him, though the other one he had to nudge to get up to join them. He growled at the group standing across from him, annoyed at this sudden interference in what was a good battle to make up for having to locate the woman. He grunted aggressively, pointing at Beru and demanding she was handed over. Pogo, noting Beru looking away and not wanting to be with Zaki, stepped forward with Oersted and Gori, gesturing to the Kuu warrior… and then punched Gori out, demonstrating that was what he'd do to him. The act basically did cause the knight to raise a brow.

He knew the Kuu no doubt didn't have as much of a grasp on the English language as their tribe did at the moment, but still, was beating Gori really necessary?

But to Zaki and his men, the idea was completely laughable. In response, Zaki gave Pogo a thumbs down, saying this would end in the caveboy going down. And with that, he readied his spear and shouted, his men charging forward with bone clubs! The knight, with great skill, parried the bones and then sent them back with a flourish. As for the party, Oersted's knack for smithing was what kept them from being outright beaten down.

Pogo's skill with his Quick Spear had allowed him to avoid getting cut into with stone axes, along with a handy kick to the stomach for good measure. Gori appeared to be outnumbered, but making a scary face had struck his enemies with fear and tried keeping their distance, only to be hit by something rather foul-smelling from the ape. The warrior that confronted Beru seemed a little unsure about hitting the woman they were supposed to take back and even turned to Zaki for advice, only to get hit on the head four times with Beru's sack and falling unconscious. Zaki had to facepalm at that one.

In no time at all were his tribesmen beaten, and afraid of the power the party possessed, they all rushed for the vehicles and hightailed it out of the cave. Zaki could not believe the cowardice of the lot and growled. He turned back towards the quartet, with Pogo again confidently grunting and eager to take him down, while Oersted simply glared at him. However, Zaki was not like his men who ran off in the face of a strong opponent. He would stand and fight!

And indeed, against even four enemies, Zaki would not falter. He could see that Oersted was clearly the strongest one of the group and focused his spear attacks against his pointy stick. When Pogo tried getting him from behind, the Kuu warrior simply shot his leg back and kicked him away there. If that wasn't enough, after pushing Oersted back, he literally sent his lizard flying right into Gori's face, forcing the ape to stumble about while trying to get the reptile just crawling around and throwing off his vision. Oersted and Beru stumbled a bit, wondering just how Zaki even got a snake to act as a loin-guard too.

"Wait… 'tis no snake!" Oersted exclaimed in shock before his opponent punched him in the face, taking advantage of the distraction.

This was then followed by a kick, sending the former champion onto his own back. The lizard finally got Gori to fall down as well and then rush back to its master, acting again as his odd loin-guard. Zaki readied his spear to finally strike his original opponent down. But then he got a blast of foul-smelling air shot right in his face, making him stumble back. Pogo sniggered at the warrior's misfortune, having been the one to have weaponized his own flatulence to throw him off. He then charged towards the distracted Zaki and then hit him in the gut with a good pair of kicks.

Zaki, finally getting the stink out of his nose and eyes, growled at the boy's persistence. Like hell he was planning on going down to this youth who could barely grow any hair on his chest! He was ready to charge at Pogo with his spear, but then he froze, feeling something sharp up against his back. There stood Oersted, standing back up and holding Brion up against the Kuu warrior's back, practically daring him to make a single move. And before him, Pogo, Beru, and an aware and standing Gori, were ready to go for more.

Steadily, Zaki moved around as Oersted kept his blade pointed towards him, ready to end him should the warrior do anything unwise. He glared at the knight, and the knight glared back. To have been beaten in such a way, forced to lose or else risk death without a great end in battle… He tsked and put his spear away before running off. However, he did turn and point at the party with a grunt, no doubt swearing that they would pay for this insult, before leaving the cave outright.

The Kuu tribe beaten back, Pogo, Gori, and Beru cheered while Oersted smiled and sheathed his sword.

"We did it! We did it!" Pogo flexed his muscles. "Kuu tribe no big deal for us! Now Beru safe!"

"Yes. Victory good reason for cheer." Oersted agreed. "Kuu now know not mess with home."

"That what Ors-ted and Pogo think?"

At that incredibly stern tone, the four all turned towards Oji not sharing in their joy. In fact, none of the others seemed to be all that happy about what happened. It was then the reality of their situation had caught up with them. Beru was revealed to the tribe, she was the reason the Kuu invaded their cave… and Pogo had not informed them about her appearance, keeping her secret. The lies they had told this day had already unraveled.

"Pogo and Ors-ted think this where it ends?" Oji asked them both. "Kuu give in after one battle?"

The chieftain of the tribe then walked past them, continuing, "Zaki strong. No dumb-dumb. This no last time he come. More Kuu bring. More threat to tribe. Fight make us prey for Kuu!"

He then turned to the party with a harsh glare, concluding, "Only one way to save tribe. Female cannot stay here. She must go!"

Beru was disheartened, looking away and putting her hands over her chest. She couldn't disagree. This was her fault, she figured. The Kuu came to this place because she escaped them and came here. She was too guilty to even voice this aloud.

Pogo saw the pain that she was feeling, and he didn't want to see her abandoned to the Wildlands so she would be caught again. Running to Oji and then bowing at his feet, he pleaded, "Oji, Beru no go! She no mean bad thing! Beru good and nice! We protect her! Keep tribe safe!"

But Oji was not moved, replying as he shook his head, "Female why tribe in danger in first place! For safety of tribe, female no stay here when Kuu threaten tribe to get her. Pogo know this. Pogo help this be!"

Pogo groveled closer, desperate to appeal to him, "Oji! Pogo just want help Beru! Be noble warrior! Pogo not mean–!"

"No more!"

Oji had enough and then just kicked Pogo back, making the tribe gasp in shock. Even Oersted could not believe what he was seeing. Oji NEVER struck anyone in the tribe before, no matter how annoying they could get. Even Gori, for all he could barely understand as a gorilla, was shocked to see his friend get kicked like that. Beru was shocked to see her savior treated so harshly.

Upset by this, Oersted told the chieftain, "Oji, Pogo just acting as man of tribe should! Oji can't blame Pogo for helping woman in need!"

"Ors-ted help Pogo keep secret in first place!" Oji retorted. "Oji trust Ors-ted to protect tribe! But Ors-ted help lead Kuu here! Provoke Zaki when he not need fight! Let hate get in head and now all of tribe at risk! Ors-ted too guilty!"

Oersted couldn't believe what he was hearing. All he had done was try to protect them from fiends threatening them! Defending his current home! Trying to help Pogo avoid suffering disaster and tragedy! He was not trying to bring about conflict!

"Oji, please!" Oersted tried to get the elder to see reason, returning to his original way of speaking in his emotional state. "We can stop the Kuu and protect fair Beru! Please believe!"

"Oji believe in tribe safety over all." The chieftain replied sternly. With that, he called to members of the tribe, "Clunk! Niku! Tano!"

The three cavemen who were called stepped forth, standing at attention behind the party. Oersted's eyes began to quiver. His form began to shake. This could not be happening to him. Not again. Not after all he tried…

"By Oji command…" Oji pointed one solitary finger at the four before him and them. "Cast them out."

"From all Lucrece... We cast you out! Begone, and never dare return!"

With sad expressions on their faces the three cavemen obeyed and so hoisted Gori, Pogo, and Beru above them before moving past Oji to the entrance of the cave. Two other cavemen went to Oersted and held him by the arms as well, dragging him along. He could not move by himself, too much in shock by returning memories of disgrace to register much of anything. As he was dragged past Oji, the old man seemed to say something as his lips moved. But he could barely hear it.

The former champion continued getting dragged, starting to see his surroundings just flicker between beautiful woods in the evening, getting farther and farther from the gates of a wonderful kingdom, and the sunset-lit stone of the cave he called his temporary home. Then his vision was blinded by searing light before he felt himself being thrown into the air and then feeling himself land on the hard, dusty ground soon after. He struggled to get up, just barely seeing the cavemen returning to their cave. He recognized Clunk looking back at him with a sorrowful expression on his face, only to continue following the others. He soon recognized the remains of that wooden blockade with clearly hastily-made repairs. He couldn't question how that was done; not with what was on his mind.

"Is this to be my fate once more?" He muttered to himself. "To find a new home, only to be cast out in spite of my deeds yet again? Where didst I go wrong? To protect them, I fought. For Pogo's love of Beru, I–"

And suddenly, his surroundings finally registered. There, with him outside the barricade, were his friends, who too were only barely getting up from being thrown out. The former champion was relieved. At the very least, he was not alone.

…But then he realized. He was not alone in being exiled. They were banished too, for the same reasons as he. What was he doing, just going into self-pity? Whatever he felt, they must have been feeling it worse!

"..." Pogo could only stare sadly at the cave that was once his home. His once often exuberant personality having been brought down low by the incredibly miserable circumstance they were now stuck in.

"Pogo…" Beru spoke his name with incredible sympathy, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

The young caveman put his hand over hers, but this didn't seem enough to cheer him up. Even Gori let out a sad grunt, sympathetic to his friend. Oersted could fully understand why. He had to be feeling the exact same thing he did when Lucrece banished him, their former hero and champion, from their home. From where he considered his home. The isolation, the betrayal, the loneliness…. It hurt.

"Pogo, I…" Oersted wanted to give comfort to Pogo too. Yet what could he even say? How could even give any succor to the young lad when he had no one on his side when he was banished? Was he… truly so useless?

"...Moon rising." Pogo looked up to the sky and turned away from the cave, wiping his eyes to hide any tears that might have formed. "We go hunt food. Find new cave."

Pogo gripped his spear and marched ahead into the Wildlands, Gori and Beru following behind. Oersted trailed along as well, but not before giving one last look to the cave that they once called home. Oh, he could stand being banished. It wasn't his first time. But for them to have banished Pogo and Gori in spite of them openly protecting the tribe… he couldn't help but feel angry.

Just what did Pogo do to deserve being treated like this? He was just trying to protect the woman he adored. How could he possibly have known that the Kuu would be after her? For what reason did that warrant being banished from his own tribe? Why would Oji refuse to listen?

Even when having learned to speak, why wouldn't they understand?

The champion's gaze turned towards the green-haired lad. There was no doubt in his mind that Pogo was feeling the same as he first did. Being younger than him, at least physically, the youth had to be dealing with it harder too. Even worse, trying to put on a brave face so his friends would not worry too much about him. Trying to keep them believing in him.

Oersted kept a close eye on Pogo as they began the hunt for food. Dealing with stronger enemies such as sabretooth tigers, bisons, longtusks, moas and elephants were indeed more difficult than just hunting for easy food for the tribe. But this did help them get stronger and improve their hunting skills… even if Gori's learned 'skills' were rather disgusting. Pogo had at least learned some new improvised tricks, such as tricking prey into sleeping and using the prickle stones with his spear to bind them, not to mention taking leaps into the air to strike at prey from above. No doubt a move he learned by watching Oersted. Beru, though she was hardly a fighter like her protectors, did at least help out with the hunting, and it turned out her (honestly, rather terrible) singing had some magic properties, able to heal her friends when they got hurt.

As they hunted, the sun indeed went down and the Wildlands grew dark. They needed to find shelter before something worse would take them by surprise. Fortunately, to the northeast, they had found such a cave and went inside. Admittedly dark, but Pogo could easily tell the coast was at least clear, leading his friends deeper inside. There, they had a fire made and sat around it. Oersted went to work having their quarry roasted over the flames. It was clear from the sounds of their stomachs, they really needed the food.

Once the meal was made, they all got to eating. But instead of their usual revelry and chomping heavily into their food (especially surprising from Gori of all people, so to speak), the mood was rather somber, and they took smaller bites than normal. There was no doubt in the knight's mind that what had happened to them all still weighed heavy in their hearts. The silence was bound to be broken.

But when Oersted tried to speak, Beru shockingly beat him to it.

"Beru sorry." She said, looking guiltily to the side as the group looked to her. "Beru not want Pogo banish from home. Beru just want be safe from Kuu. If Beru knew she get Pogo trouble… Beru not stay long."

"Beru not blame!" Pogo shook his head. "This Pogo fault. Pogo not honest with Oji or tribe. Now Pogo get Gori, Beru, and Ors-ted all banish. Pogo no try hard for Beru stay."

"'Tis not true!" Oersted denied this, getting the others to look at him next. Clearing his throat to try and word his opinion so they could understand, he continued, "Pogo defend tribe when Kuu attack. All saw! Pogo hero! Oji still scared of Kuu, banish us without care! Secret no matter! We did right and tribe refuse to listen! It not fair to Pogo, Gori, or Beru! They not trust us help!"

"Pogo not trust tribe help too." The lad replied, shocking the former champion. "Pogo not like it, but Pogo get it. Pogo know why tribe kick us out. Pogo happy Ors-ted on Pogo side, but Pogo know Pogo did wrong. Not Beru. Not tribe. Just Pogo."

Oersted couldn't help but marvel at just how magnamimous Pogo's understanding of his situation truly was. While here he was, angry at the tribe for kicking him and his friends out in spite of the good for what they did, the young caveman was instead without a grudge, only sorry that his actions had gotten them into this mess. Just how could he find it within himself to not feel any kind of hurt after what happened? To feel only sympathy, even towards those who wronged him? Not one hint of anger within his heart?

"…Or perhaps, in this case, Pogo's heart is made of sterner stuff than mine own." Oersted thought. Closing his eyes, he couldn't help but smile sadly, "Once more, I cannot help but be in awe of your secret strength, young Pogo."

…And then Gori's stomach growled. Or rather, his gut seemed to rumble. Then a cloud of gas escaped from his rear. The large puff of noxious air seemed to float before steadily moving towards the fire…

"Oh no." Oersted's pupils shrunk.

And then the room was alight with a large blast! When the light dimmed down, the fire was out, and the four were completely covered in soot. The three humans fell to the ground, and Gori stuck out his tongue sheepishly with an apish chuckle. The fire then miraculously lit back up as the three humans recovered and shook the soot off of themselves. Pogo immediately ran to Beru's side to see if she was hurt. He was relieved that she wasn't, but he still got mad at Gori for that stunt and began chasing him around the cave before finally catching him and getting into a rather comical fight. Oersted and Beru simply watched as this debacle happened before their eyes.

Eventually, Pogo finally came back and bowed to Beru, apologizing deeply for his friend's stupidity. Beru shook her head, apparently not minding what had happened. She was fine, after all. She then stood by the fire once more, and Pogo stood next to her. This mainly just left Oersted cleaning off some soot from his armor as he stood next to Pogo. In the midst of this sudden break in the moment they had, what else was there to say?

"...Well," Oersted decided to try breaking the silence, "at least Gori help keep fire lit."

At that, Beru and Pogo looked at each other. Then giggles seemed to escape from their lips before it became full-on laughter. Oersted honestly couldn't help but join in. The laughter was just too infectious. But it was also something that the former champion hadn't felt in so long. Even if he was yet again banished from a place he called home, at least this time, he was among friends true.

…He felt he should probably help Gori get better, though. Pogo no doubt really laid into him all day.

…Eh, it can wait until morning.

—-

But little did the party know that before they got into the cave, there were other occupants already there. The band of Kuu warriors looked ashamed as their leader Zaki paced in front of them, clearly disappointed by their cowardice from before. Just what were they thinking, running in the face of their enemy? Aside from that blonde man with the pointy stick, the others were hardly worth considering! They could easily have taken back the sacrifice if they weren't being backed up by the other one. Even then, to just run from battle was disgraceful!

And don't get him started on Wutt-nab just sleeping as usual! Honestly, couldn't his father teach him to be a better warrior?

Zaki then sighed and rubbed his temples, knowing ranting at his men wouldn't get him anywhere. No, he had to focus on his mission. Get the woman for the sacrifice. That was easy enough. But the only thing in his way was that warrior from before… and that boy with the green hair. He had to think of something to prevent them from stopping him. It was beneath him to outright scheme, but for the prosperity of Kuu, he had to plan something. But what?

Just then, he thought he heard footsteps and commanded his men to make haste. After putting out the fire, he got in his stone carriage and drove off with his men… but he got annoyed when Wutt-nab woke up too late, as usual, and had to be let in when they closed the secret passage on him. Seriously, could he focus for just one time? Then he pressed one ear to the wall, and then he heard the familiar grunts and… honestly still foreign sounds spoken by the ones they encountered before. He smirked at the luck. To think they would just outright bring her to him!

And thus, he had an idea. All they would have to do is wait until they fell asleep, and then they could easily take the girl before they could even react. Zaki could easily buy his men time while even getting another fight out of that warrior and that boy. This time, he would not lose.

…For Kuu's sake, he dared not lose. Otherwise, their god's wrath would fall upon them.

—-

And with that, we are now basically two chapters into the Prehistory Arc, and once more Oersted has to experience being banished. Not exactly a good feeling. But at least he's not alone this time, right? Here's to hoping things get better for him this time around, but even then it appears he's got a long way to go.

And though this chapter did take months to even start, at least it took less time to actually finish in comparison to the latest chapter of Nicktoons & Disney Heroes UNITE!. That's something. Probably because Prehistory is hardly full of extensive dialogue and is told mainly through actions, thus leading to me writing more 'unga bunga' dialogue. Not to mention the chapter wasn't exclusively fight-heavy. The next chapter should hopefully be the same, but until then, it's gotta wait until after the next N&DHU! chapter.

Thanks to Akito the Boxer for beta-reading and fine-tuning this chapter even while he's basically dealing with real life and all that comes with it. This wouldn't be possible without his help. And a special thanks to you guys for being patient with me as I finally got these chapters up before the year ended. See you next time!