A Good Day for a Swim

Vikki and the Lioness woke up just as the sun rose in the horizon. Thankfully, overnight what was left of their catch was left alone. Which was good meaning no predators were around their area only with a series of bugs flying across the raw meat but nothing a quick roast over a small fire didn't fix to give them a subtle breakfast for their continuing of their journey southward.

The two friends kept alert as they walked through the jungle. Though there were no signs of predators as their quiet breakfast and the remains of their catch from yesterday assured them they could not be too careful. As Bathsheba had explained to Vikki during their walk-in lands such as the one they were journeying from a dropped guard meant a dead lion or in another case a dead human.

The Green haired girl understood that concept since the moment she was exiled into the prehistoric world. They continued to talk about their lives while keeping an eye out.

Vikki was quite fascinated with Bathsheba's upbringing. The moment a cub is born and as soon as its no longer need of weaning from its mother its put through daily trials of training. Male or female it did not matter as everyone in the Felidae had to contribute their part to it and that meant each individual had to be strong and their hearts firm as stone and capable of protecting themselves from the surrounding dangers of the world.

Unlike their human friends who mostly lived behind the safety of walls and resided in their villages the Felidae tribe mostly were nomadic hardly ever settling in a place no longer than a few months at a time. Wherever the best prey would graze, and their current domain was under threat of some of the most lethal of the wildlife they would tear down their homes and move on. But when their Chief had come to know, King Jarol and her people had settled close by. The Local Predators dared not come too close their neighboring borders and the great number of Felidae and humans together drove any threat back into the jungles or over a cliff.

They shared golden years together and, Bathsheba was proud to have lived through them and it allowed her to bore a son who made her proud day by day. His first successful hunt when he pounced on a wandering boar from the top of a tree. He bested many of his fellow cubs in a fighting ring where the one in the center has to fight back as many opponents as possible to prove their dominance and he managed to repel four cubs by overpowering them and either tossed or knocked them out of the circle before the fifth adversary managed to take advantage of his exhausted state and shoved him out but her son, Sahar had made a new record among the tribe. Three was the record now it was four. Being the son of the Chief, he had much to live up to and he made both his parents so proud.

Talking about her son weighed heavy on Bathsheba's heart. The Good memories that still existed in her mind were shunned on the day when, Roleil betrayed her people and used her dark magic to transform both men and even Felidae into the abominable sub-species that made her army everything was gone through deceit and ravaging that brought down the worlds of so many including, Bathsheba.

Vikki put a hand on her friends shoulder when she noticed her eyes were beginning to water. "Hey, are you okay?"

Bathsheba sniffed quickly rubbing her eyes before looking at Vikki. "I'm alright. Just talking about the past brings back memories that are not as pleasant."

"I'm sorry I should not have brought it all up to begin with." Vikki apologized but the lioness smiled at her.

"Don't be love. Though my heart is still heavy from my loss's I still have my son and perhaps any of my surviving tribe. Now that my love has joined with the spirits my Tribe will need a chief to lead it." Bathsheba replied.

"Very true and I cannot think of anyone better than you." Said Vikki proudly.

"I was the mate of the Chief, but most would see that as an entitlement. I would have to gain the favor of those that are left and if I am not challenged then I will be decreed as the new Chief, but should I be challenged I must win the fight." Bathsheba explained perking her ears up thinking she heard something dangerous but the plateau they were walking through only showed many longnecks grazing about and nearby herd of Triceratops were walking close by. The Alpha of the herd looked at them with a snort before walking on giving, Vikki a sigh a relief. Even the Herbivores can be deadly if provoked or if they sensed danger from something close to them.

"Is the challenge to the death?" asked Vikki uneasily she couldn't imagine her friend dying in a duel just becoming leader of her people. Rank is earned which knew well growing up under a military officer for a Father but to actually fight for authority is rather barbaric.

"It can be." Bathsheba admitted. "But that has not happened for at least a century in my Tribe. Like the combat circle my son had participated in when a challenge is called for the two duel within a circled ground and either the duelist admits defeat or meets their end at the hands of the either, but no one is ever stubborn enough to willingly die when victory is no longer in their sights when surrounded by their tribe that watches for their new Chief to be proclaimed the victor of the fight."

"I think you would be wise and caring leader, Bathsheba." Vikki smiled. "From all that you have gone through. Everything you survived and how you will make it back to your child and what is left of the people would prove to anyone how far you're willing to go for those you care about."

Bathsheba purred for a moment from the kind words from, Vikki before reaching over and stroked her cheek making her giggle. "Thank you, love. The same can be said about you."

Vikki only shrugged. "After everything I been through only proves that my father and boyfriend were right all along. All I do is get into trouble in my efforts to prove to them both I am capable of their faith and trust. I got caught once because I wanted to bring to light a story being needed to be told. A Second time from a surprise attack and my guard was dropped and now a third time because I was bored and angry at them. All I have done is become a burden to them both and I can only imagine the pain I have caused them both."

Bathsheba frowned at that. "Don't say that about yourself, Vikki. True you have made mistakes, but your mistakes don't prove that your incompetent. Look at what you have done since your exile. You survived a raging river. An attack from a Dragon Hawk and Thunder lizard. Rescued me from the pack hunters and even killed a sub-human and back at the ruined village how you were willing to help that dying man proves who you truly are. A Good person worthy of anyone. Some like your father as you have told me may not understand it, but he loves you and so does the one you wish to call your mate."

Vikki blushed at that term for her and her boyfriend. Just how she wished she could be in his embrace and give him the best kiss he could ever receive from her.

"With that all that you're doing to return to your home to reunite with those you shunned for a moment and warn them of the rise of a tyrannical woman shows your determined, skilled and as I said quite capable as anyone is. You will get home and I will assist you in that as you are assisting me in reuniting with my son that awaits in Fire Keep." Said Bathsheba with determined expression on her face.

Again, Bathsheba had cheered Vikki up. How could the young woman be so fortunate to have found someone like the lioness? This world as dangerous and savage as it is had so many wonders within it, including People that though primitive had so much in common with those like herself. If only she could have met, Bathsheba and her people along with the other humans in a more peaceful time. It just seems her life was always part of a war if not between her people and a tyrant trying to oppress them its in another world where she happens to learn of it while trying to survive the many dangers the world possessed.

The Two of them carried on through the Plateau entering another jungle. Vikki came to another realization with the worlds populace mostly consisting of Dinosaurs instead of people that had to be reason why there was far more jungles and greenery than anything taken over by modern civilization. It was quite admirable to see the sights of so much green that was severely lacking in her world. It didn't help that her world was consumed by so many years of warfare that it all but destroyed so much of the landscapes leaving them bare and lifeless. The Forest she came into when she got that message that led her into the trap was one of the last surviving forests near the military base for at least dozens of miles.

It was beautiful to see so much fauna all around her that barely looked touched by man. The Dangers around the Prehistoric world certainly would mask the beauty she was seeing if she wasn't walking through it all. Flower beds. Many animals scurrying about without much a care. No trash or debris laying about from looters or what would be left of the scars of the war her Father and, Boyfriend had helped win. If only she had her camera. Would it have killed Bridgette to have at least hung the camera on her before pushing her off that cliff? It would have gotten water logged but nothing that was not irreparable. She wasn't a journalist and reporter for nothing.

Bathsheba led the way with Vikki following close behind. The Human looked up to see that the sun was nearly at the middle of the sky showing it would have been noon soon.

"Its nearly midday think we can finally stop somewhere to take a break and perhaps find something to eat?" Vikki asked feeling her soles were going ablaze. She had become quite accustomed to walking without any form of footwear, but it still weighed on her at times. A Second thing that she wished, Bridgette banished her with. Her boots would have been just fine as well.

Bathsheba stopped looking back to her to see, Vikki was sweating a lot from their walk and some sustenance would do them both good. Raising her nose in the air she took a sniff. "I think I know where to find something. Follow me, love."

Vikki followed the lioness further into the jungle moving around more tree's and a group of monkeys in the tree's howled at them in a sinister manner but, Vikki only grinned. It was quite nice to see so many species of animals existing alongside dinosaurs in the Prehistoric world.

"Ah! Here we are Vikki." Bathsheba stopped next to a bush that was filled with black colored berries hanging from vines both on the bush and across part of the tree near it. "These berries are quite edible. Not to worry they are not harmful. It's the ones in red you must never eat." The Lioness warned before picking a berry flicking it into her muzzle and swallowed it in one satisfied gulp.

"Right. If I remember correctly the red ones are poisonous and can cause illness if one eats too many." Vikki said before taking a few berries in her hand and ate some one by one. Not particularly tasty but satisfying.

The two ate for a few minutes but Bathsheba took notice of Vikki's exhausted state. It was good of the human not to say anything but, Bathsheba understood that humans were inherently prideful at times. She could understand why Vikki wouldn't say anything but she needed more than just a break to have a few bite size berries. She needed to relax. Her head was pouring sweat. Her hair started to drape down, and the heat of the day was not helping her condition. She needed to cool off. And if her hearing was not playing tricks on her there was something nearby that could help with that and, Bathsheba could use a break herself with her own fur starting to be drenched with sweat though she was used to it more than, Vikki was.

"Stay here, Vikki I hear something. I will check it." Said Bathsheba picking up her spear and cautiously stepped away from the berry bush and passed a few tree's leaving, Vikki's sight.

Vikki stopped eating the berries picking up her bow pulling out an arrow from her quiver and readied it. Perhaps her friend heard a predator coming or it could be more sub-humans. This world gave the word dangerous a terrible name. It was any wonder on anyone let alone primitive people could reside and even live in harmony at one point. Bathsheba certainly was one of the most courageous women she knew by now. Most look down on women as helpless individuals and pretty faces. Something that Vikki hated which fueled her drive to prove to many that women could be just as tough and fearless like men. It seemed here in this world everyone pulled their weight, and all were equal.

Vikki smiled at that realization. With everything that Bathsheba had told her all those that lived in villages and tribes all carried on their lives together with no one looking down on the other due to gender. Its how they act and carry themselves is how they would be judged.

If only many in her world would extend that curtesy to women at times. No matter Vikki's own achievements, triumphs and escapes her boyfriend and, Father always seemed to treat her like she was a child. Though she was in situations that required their help she still did well to keep herself safe and helped from within. On the day when she could escape this world and make it back to them she would not only embrace and apologize to them but will make them understand she is not going to be kept behind lines or grounded again she could look after herself and stand proudly by those like her two closest.

"Vikki!" Cried Bathsheba from beyond the trees. "Quickly come here!"

Vikki gasped thinking her friend was in danger scurried through the trees with her bow drawn back ready to fire. "Hold on! I'm coming!" Vikki shouted moving passed the tree's fast hearing the rush of water and soft splashed coming from in front of her but once she came around one last tree she saw, Bathsheba's spear laying off the side of a bank and the lioness was in a river standing in the middle of it rubbing water over her arms before giving the human a soft smile waving at her.

"Hey there!" She called over to Vikki who sighed in relief at the sight.

"You had me worried, Bathsheba!" Vikki retorted at her playfully waving back at her friend.

"Come! The Waters fine!" Bathsheba threw herself backwards landing in the water and disappeared under for a moment before coming back up.

"Sure!" Vikki grinned dropping her quiver and bow and arrow running to the river and dived into it. The Water immediately washed away the burning sweat on her skin and coolness eased her body within an instant and the moment she came up to the surface throwing her hair back breathing in the fresh humid air. "Whoa! That's rather cold!"

"Must be that skin of yours, love!" Bathsheba teasingly poked the woman above her chest.

"Hey! Cut it out! Not all of us have fur!" Vikki softly slapped Bathsheba's clawed finger away. But the lioness persisted.

"Too bad for you!" Bathsheba again teased poking Vikki again this time on her arms and stomach.

"Hey! I said knock it off!" Vikki seethed though she was trying not to giggle from the quicks pokes.

"What are you going to do about it?" The Lioness asked mockingly this time giving Vikki a shove pushing her back making her fall into the water.

"Why you!" Vikki rose from the water and dived at Bathsheba who grabbed her before rolling into the water with, Vikki.

Both the women tried desperately to gain the upper hand. Vikki managed to shoved the lioness off of her but she was grabbed in a tight hold before being thrown into the water. Vikki tried again this time running behind her friend jumping on her back and pushed her down slamming the front of her body into the water.

Bathsheba pushed the human off getting back up and wrapped her strong arm around, Vikki's head holding her in ruffling her hair.

"Give up?" She asked keeping her grip tight but not too hard to make breathing difficult for her friend.

"No chance!" Vikki replied reaching down grabbing, Bathsheba's leg and yanked with all her might causing her to trip and fall each going back into the water and when they both rose back up they started to laugh together.

Bathsheba brought Vikki into a welcoming hug and the human embraced her each laughing so happily. Their bodies were cool and their nerves have relaxed and their little wrestling match that ended with tied had allowed them to have a brief moment of ease.

The Two climbed onto the back near their weapons and laid close looking up at the cloudless sky letting the sun's rays dry them off.

"That was fun." Vikki giggled feeling like she was twelve years old again having fun with a friend looking at the lioness next to her. "I didn't realize how much I needed that."

Bathsheba stared back at Vikki giving her a caring look. "I sensed how stressed you were. You needed it as did I. We both have a lot on our minds and our journey is still long. It will be a few days before Fire Keep is in our sight."

"Thank you, Bathsheba." Vikki thanked looking over the lioness's wet furry form. She had to admit Bathsheba had a beauty about her. The Way she looked and dressed though barely she was something to admire. How else could she have caught the attention of someone in her tribe that eventually led to her having a child. It made her think of Sarge. Would a man such as himself want kids? Hard to say when he has been nothing but the perfect solder. The Hero of their nation who had saved them all from a tyrant. Pushed their own army back from the brink of defeat and led many operations some single handedly that led to the defeat and capture of the tyrant who now was living out the rest of his days in the military prison of their base.

"You're welcome, love." Bathsheba smiled at the girl reaching over her hand and took, Vikki's. Looking deep in her eyes she could tell the woman was still very anxious. It was true they still had a long and dangerous journey ahead but they will be okay as long as they stuck together.

"We will make it, Vikki. Soon I will see my son and I will put him in your arms and once the greeting is over we will find someone who can help you find what you seek to get you home. I swear to the spirits." Vowed the Lioness.

"I know we will, and I cannot wait to see your child. Already from all you have described he is as strong and faithful like his mother." Replied Vikki earning a bigger smile from the lioness.

"He's everything to me. If I didn't know of his condition or where he was I would have found it difficult to keep living. Why live in a world when everything has been lost?" Bathsheba asked now thinking of the one who had caused all the grief that cost her nearly everything. She wanted to rip her very throat for what she had done.

"We always must find a way to live on. Even if I didn't have my father and boyfriend I still have a reason to get back to where I am from. There's someone back there I want to repay her for her deceitful transgression against me. And she has to be stopped before she consolidates her power. If nothing else we must live to avenge our loss and make sure it never happens again to someone else." Vikki explained making, Bathsheba look back her and nod.

"Your quite right. Again, you speak with wisdom." Bathsheba stood up wiping her hands off with what little water remained on her fur dropping about and helped, Vikki to her feet.

"There we must cross that array of mountains." Bathsheba pointed towards many hills and small mountains that rose and fell in the horizon beyond the jungle. They were not tall enough to have peaks of snow and ice thankfully for none of them are certainly outfitted to withstand any form of cold weather. But the sight of the mountains looked to be a heavy trek. But Vikki knew they had no choice. She had to follow her only lead, which was, Bathsheba. The Lioness was the guide in this journey, and she had to do what was said.

"Not to worry, love. Stay close and I'll look after you." Assured the lioness picking up her spear.

"And ill watch your furry hide as well." Vikki exclaimed playfully bumping in her shoulder making the lioness chuckle.

"Your sense of humor is starting to improve." The Lioness winked at her. "Come along."

Vikki grabbed her bow and quiver putting the arrow she had back in the quiver and followed her friend across the river their bodies dripping from the waist down one last time when they reached the other side heading towards the mountains.

Unknown to them they were being followed. A Large group of Sub-Humans that eventually took notice of the disappearance of one of their own had followed the trail of where they first lost him. They found his body and their anger was great from the loss. It quickly was realized he wasn't killed by an animal but by two legged beings.

In their report to their Mistress, it was quite intriguing any were left in that land that would attempt such a displeasure. She wanted this group to be found. She always could use more servants to her forces or add to the short roster that made up indentured line. Once the scent of a Felidae was picked up from their fallen comrade they followed it carefully and quietly until they reached a river where the scent went cold.

Though their minds as simple as they were knew only the trail would stop due to the soft rushing water meaning the ones they were after had crossed it only a short time ago. The Scent was gone but the trail remained and the group hastily moved across the river. They had little time to find the group they were after and should it become dark before they find them it would not bold well for any of them should their Mistress not have what she wants as soon as she desires.