The Huntress (Full Story): Written by Exodus, Original Story by Exodus On one of the many islands that made up Furen Terre, the kingdom far south of Scion, was where the tribe of Yura was located, a native tribe that lived near a jungle, where food and clothing supplies where abundant, but also, demonic creatures. Some of the best warriors in the village once served as members of the freedom fighters known as Freedom Force, King Ux, Queen Evia, Mao and Tuv. But the group had long disbanded and the tribe thought that peace might be in order, but this could never be, not with them being so close to a demon portal. The radiation from this portal sometimes infected small animals, and made them more savage and primal, they weren’t a problem for the natives, but once in a while, a bestial demon made its way through the portal, and terrorised the village. Queen Evia had been an excellent choice for queen, and with her strategies and her skilled subjects, always led to the defeat of the demons, until one day. A legendary demon that had made its way into the world long ago, was known among the tribe, a huge furry purple beast, with black horns, claws, teeth and tail, it usually attacked the village every year or so, and every time it did, it was always bigger and more ferocious than the last. It seemed that this demon fed off the other mutated creatures in the jungle and grew with their power. Queen Evia was usually on top of these matters, but the demon had shocked her by appearing in the village having devoured a poor misfortunate beforehand. And since her husband Ux had been hunting before the incident, it didn’t take a genius to figure out what had happened. The demon charged through the village, and caught Evia off guard, she ended up being infected by the tribe’s own weapon, Sleeping Serum. And so, the princess and prince of Yura had to undergo training quite quickly, someone had to sit on the throne and protect the tribe. At first, Tuv, Evia’s mentor took that role, so that Naga and Uruk could grow up some more before assuming the responsibilities. But he was getting old, and could no longer handle the pressures of ruling, and so, Naga, the eldest daughter, took command. At first, things went well, but an increase in demons only stressed her out, but she couldn’t ignore her duties, the tribe of Yura had a lot of rules and traditions, and those that couldn’t live up to their official duties were not allowed to stay. And then came the turning point of Naga’s life, as the most feared demon returned to cause havoc and devour the most tasteful meat in its opinion. “Look out! The Beast! Its back!” screamed one of the male natives. “Princess Naga, what shall we do?” asked Mao, originally the ten year old girl from Freedom Force, and now, a beautiful thirty two year old warrior. She had tied back green hair with several pointed strips that hung off, and she wore a striped fur top and tight shorts, with orange boots. The tribe didn’t wear a great deal due to the hot climate. “Um, um...” panicked Naga, now a beautiful fully grown warrior, she wasn’t very tall, but her body was healthy and could perform a variety of moves, she had shoulder length curled spiky green hair, and she wore a spotted animal skin bikini (with only one strap that went around her shoulder), and matching underwear, she wore the same material around her lower arms and legs, she also wore yellow sandals. Mao growled and took control, “Use the Sleeping Serum! If we can put that monster to sleep, then maybe we can finally end this accursed tradition!” Naga nodded nervously in addition so that the people would obey this command. Mao’s parents had been killed by the Beast when she was very young, Tuv, her grandfather, had raised her, but she still felt hatred for the monster for what it had done, and for a long time, had to watch as it came to their village every year or so to hurt them. The warriors around the village threw spears coated with the liquid, and hit the demon several times, it fell over and Mao turned to Naga. “Let me do it, I deserve this moment.” “But...” said Naga nervously. “Princess! Either let me do it or get someone else to!” “Alright!” shouted Naga, “Go on then...” Mao ran towards the Beast with her razor whip and dagger, weapons that Naga also chose to use, Mao had trained Naga, but needed her permission before she could act in situations like this, it was her duty to obey the one on the throne. “Stop!” yelled Tuv, just arriving, he was a very old man, bald except for a spiked pointy quiff on the centre of his head, “Its not asleep! Can’t you sense that Naga?! Mao! Stop!” But it was too late, Mao had dashed towards the Beast, intent on avenging her parents, and everyone else that the monster had killed. Tuv was right, the Beast got up suddenly, and punched Mao to the ground, she tried to roll out of the way, but with one huge arm, it had her pinned down. “Mao!!!” shouted Tuv. She breathed heavily, and saw the demon’s black claws rise into the air, “Grandpa!!!” Naga nearly threw up, the Beast was relentless, and slashed and clawed at Mao constantly. By the time it was finished, Mao didn’t have the strength to move, and the monster picked up Mao with its teeth, and shook her body around while biting into it. “USE THE POISON!!!” screamed Tuv, but the snipers gave him a surprised look. “Naga!” growled Tuv. “Do it!” she shouted. The Beast noticed, and threw Mao’s body to the side and ran away before the tribespeople could hit it. “Mao... Mao! Speak to me!...” cried Tuv as he shook Mao’s battered and torn body, she remained motionless, it was too much to be expected for her to survive an experience like that. “No...” After the sad funeral, and the burning of Mao’s body, Tuv walked up slowly to Naga. “Princess Naga, I taught Mao everything she knows, and in turn, she taught you in kind...” “Uh huh.” said Naga, really not sure of what to tell Tuv in response. “And I just have to say, I’m ashamed of you.” “What?...” “You let Mao go against that monster, you should have been able to sense that it wasn’t asleep!” “But Mao-” “Mao was consumed by rage, but even so, she attacked the Beast on your orders, that creature devoured your father, and many others of this tribe, you shouldn’t have let this happen! You should have been more careful... I shouldn’t have let you sit on the throne so soon...” Naga was close to tears, and ran away. Later on, her brother walked into their hut, Naga was hidden away in the corner, having cried her eyes out. “Naga...” said her brother, a tall man with messy spiky pale green hair, and plain orange animal clothing and sandals. “Uruk?...” she sniffed, “I suppose you’re going to shout at me, I didn’t mean to get Mao killed, I didn’t!” “I didn’t say you did... But I’m afraid the others aren’t so forgiving, they’re planning on running you out of the village, and making you face whatever is outside.” “But they can’t, the Beast is outside...” “I know that, and so do they, its the easiest way to get rid of you without getting their hands dirty.” “That’s... terrible.” “Naga, I’m telling you this for your own good.” “So what do I do?...” “Leave Naga, leave tonight, take all of your possessions and get out of here, before they take it all away and condemn you to death. Naga, I’m sure you can find a home on one of the other islands, but only if you’re prepared for the journey.” “Uruk... I’ll do it... Thank you Brother...” Naga hugged her tall brother, collected her things and left. “Please take care of Yura, and do a better job than I did...” advised Naga. “Don’t worry Sister, I will.” Naga left and took off, while her brother smiled darkly. “Yes indeed, I will...” Uruk left the hut a while later, it was night, Tuv was looking around hurriedly. “Prince Uruk, is your sister around, I have to apologise to her, she’s not the only ruler that’s made mistakes.” “Tuv... You’re too late.” Uruk produced a note, not written by Naga of course, and read it to Tuv, “To everyone, its obvious that I’m not up to the task of protecting the tribe, therefore, I deserve everything I get, I’m leaving forever so that no one else is hurt by my mistakes. Princess Naga...” “Oh no... What have we done?...” questioned Tuv. “I suppose I’ll have to rule now.” said Uruk with a fake sad expression. “Yes Uruk, you will, but I shall teach you everything you need to know, I won’t repeat this mistake again, you’re the only heir left.” explained Tuv. “I’ll do my best, Tuv.” smiled Uruk slyly. To do that to his sister was cruel, but only went to show how much Uruk wanted to be seated on the throne, he was much stronger and strategic than Naga, but the fact that Naga was the eldest sibling was all that mattered, until this day, now Uruk would be given the chance to prove his skills, while his sister was alone, depressed, and in danger... Naga travelled for days, the jungle near Yura was immensely big, and filled with many creatures, luckily for Naga, she didn’t run into any of them, and she survived by eating the fruits on the trees, she didn’t much like hunting down animals, it felt wrong to chase down creatures and receive a thrill for it, before killing them and eating them, that was practically lowering your level to that of the Beast. Naga wasn’t cut out for all of that, perhaps this would be for the best she thought, but it still felt sad that her fellow villagers would want her to perish out here, but thanks to Uruk, she had her weapons and possessions to protect her... And also in the jungle, were two outsiders, Kyle and Rob (or as they preferred, Gear and Ruwin), were setting up a transporter, this was one of Doctor Gear’s ideas that never took off because of the Euridium crystal incident, but Kyle had decided to let go of blaming the crystals for his mother’s death, the world needed them, and he was sure his mother wouldn’t think any less of him for using them for a noble cause. The transporters came in sets of two, one would be placed out in the world, and the other was back at the Resistance Base, in a very secure room. Even though they were camouflaged well, Gear wouldn’t risk a breakdown of the entire base should someone follow them back, there were a lot of codes and scans and guards before you could actually get into the base through a transporter. All the other Resistors, plus a great deal of the Resistance soldiers, were working on this project too, placing transporters around Scion, and the neighbouring kingdoms such as Fiora, Haprin, Aruban, Moragis, Keseray, Verdaea and Furen Terre. “Ruwin.” said Gear, “We’re going to need more of those palm leaves for camouflage.” “Yeah yeah.” sighed Ruwin, “When ya said ya needed me fer a special mission, Ah kinda had somethin’ else in mind.” “You mean fighting armies of bad guys and rescuing beautiful ladies?” asked Gear with a sly smile. “Somethin’ like that.” grinned Ruwin. “No can do, the empire’s been quiet, and we can’t attack unless they do, unfortunately, it seems that they’ve branded us as terrorists and told the kingdom, so it might be hard to find new recruits from now on.” explained Gear. “Hey, maybe we’ll get lucky, maybe we’ll meet someone out here, there’s no way the news would’ve spread aroun’ this jungle.” “Yeah, but there’s plenty of ports nearby, that’s why we’re placing a transporter here, I don’t think we’ll find anyone in the jungle though, apart from the Yura tribe on the other side, but they’re distrusting of outsiders ever since the king and queen were defeated by a demon, and didn’t receive any help.” said Gear in the explanatory tone. “They were in Freedom Force wit’ our parents, huh?” asked Ruwin. “Yeah, but the group disbanded before the incident, and the remaining tribespeople didn’t quite understand that... Its too bad, they have some secret potions and stuff that they’re never going to share now...” The two disappeared into the bushes as they chatted. Meanwhile, close by, Naga was wondering around. “I was sure I saw a port here, many years ago... What brave new lands are out there?...” Naga had never left the island before, the experience was frightening for her. Suddenly there was a rustling in the bushes nearby, and Naga turned to see something purple sticking out. “No... The Beast?...” “Gear, Ah know these things, Kirie’s crazy ‘bout ya.” said Ruwin loudly. “Ruwin, you don’t know the first thing about her, and besides, we’re just friends and-” “Die!!!” screamed Naga, diving on top of Gear, he fell down and both rolled back, but Naga got on top and drew her dagger, and brought it down. Ruwin was quick to grab her hand, and then her body. “So, the empire’s hirin’ lil’ native gals ta get us now?” “I’m not little!” she retaliated, and started to struggle. “Calm down gal, or Ah won’t let ya go, heh, Ah don’t mind either way.” grinned Ruwin. Naga used the moment of distraction to reach for her whip, and wrapped it around Gear’s leg, he fell over again and she dragged Gear along to slam into Ruwin, and escaped his grasp. “Damn, she’s good.” smiled Ruwin, “An’ pretty too.” “Ruwin! She’s trying to kill us! This is no time to be eying up the girl!” shouted Gear. “Get away from that monster, he’s taken on a human form.” Naga said to Ruwin. “You’re kiddin’ right?” said Ruwin with a surprised face. “Monster!” she yelled, “You can’t hide from me, your hair is still the same!” “Sheesh.” said Gear, “You inherit purple hair and everyone wants to kill you.” “He’s the Beast!” yelled Naga, leaping forward, but Ruwin grabbed her, made her drop the weapons, and put one hand just below her neck, and the other restrained her arms. Naga kicked into the air violently but Ruwin kept a strong hold of her. “Gal, stop it, this ain’t no beast, this is Gear, one o’ the Resistors.” explained Ruwin firmly. “No! He’s deceiving you!” shouted Naga. “Stop it! He’s been human fer at least a few months, can yer ‘beast’ last that long in human form?” questioned Ruwin. “... No...” sighed Naga, stopping her struggle, Ruwin finally let go. “A case of mistaken identity I’m afraid.” said Gear. “I’m sorry...” apologised Naga. “Now Whah don’t ya tell us ‘bout this ‘beast’?...” A little later, Naga had explained her tale to the two. “Tough break, having to leave your home...” said Gear sympathetically. “Hey Gear.” whispered Ruwin, “Maybe she can stay wit’ us, she’s some warrior, an’ Ah kinda like her.” “Ruwin.” whispered Gear, “She’s a Yura native, they’re very picky about those matters, for one thing, you have to be noble and strong.” “Ah can be those things.” grinned Ruwin. “Ruwin, this isn’t the time, besides, we just met her...” Gear whispered back. “So, Naga, whut does this beast look like?” asked Ruwin. As Naga was about to answer, a dark figure loomed over Ruwin and Gear, Naga trembled, and no words came out. “Well?” asked Ruwin again. “Like that!!!” she screamed. “What- Ugghh!!!” screamed Ruwin as the Beast swung its fist and sent him flying to the side. It let out an almighty roar, Gear drew his blade boomerang, but was hit and flung into a tree, which left him unconscious. Naga panicked as the Beast then turned its sights to her. Meanwhile, Ruwin was still flying, any collision with a tree now would probably kill him. “Whoa!” screamed Ruwin, trying to steer to the side as a tall but thin tree came into sight, straight ahead of him. He managed to grab a hold of it, and spun around it many times. “Hey, one good turn deserves another...” And back to the others, Naga drew her dagger and leapt at the Beast, but she was too scared to prepare herself properly, and with a simple upwards swing, Naga was lifted into the air and landed hard on the floor, her dagger slid out of reach. “No...” “ROOOOAAARRR!!!” Naga rolled out of the way as the Beast leapt on top of the area she was in, it then stood upright and started to punch again, Naga used her whip to block them, but it was feeble, and it swung its fist and threw away the whip, Naga was defenseless now. “There’s no way I can kill it now... Unless...” The Beast pounced again, but Naga leapt against a couple of trees, and landed on the Beast’s back, she then grabbed a hold of its neck, and tried to twist it to the side, but it was too hard, the Beast was very big and strong, inside and out. “Come on, just snap already!” groaned Naga. Naga’s leg was wrapped up by the Beast’s long black tail, and flung to the floor, it lifted her up, and flung her down again, and then repeated this a third time, and a snap could be heard. “Aaaarrrggghhh!!!” screamed Naga. Satisfied, it flung its tail forward and let go, and Naga landed in a bush. Her right leg had been broken, and the Beast was still as strong as ever, it stood on all fours, and started to walk forward, mouth open wide, before it started to run at Naga. “No... Just like Mao... Somebody help!!!” she screamed. “An’ that’s mah cue!” yelled Ruwin. He came flying forward, leg outstretched, and delivered a big hit to the Beast, it fell back and cried out in anger, but Ruwin wasn’t done there, he saw Naga’s dagger on the floor, picked it up and slashed across the Beast’s face, taking out one of its yellow eyes. “Now that’s no way ta treat a lady, if ya want her, then you’re gonna have ta get through me.” The Beast saw the blood that was leaking from itself, and a strange light glowed from its wounds, it was in pain. “ROOOAAARRR!!!” With that, it ran away, it seemed that cutting attacks harmed the Beast more than any other kind, that was probably how Naga’s tribe fended it off in the past, but never noticed how effective it was. “Oh man, Ah’m glad that’s over.” sighed Ruwin, seeing to Naga. Meanwhile, Gear had woke up, and saw the Beast as it ran away, it reached a cavern with a rock formation over the opening that looked like a pair of dark demonic eyes, with the opening looking like a mouth full of fangs, the Beast crawled inside, but another glow of light emanated from its wounds, and caused the creature discomfort, so much that it slammed against the cavern walls, and caused a lot of rocks over the cavern to fall and bury the entrance. Gear soon found Naga, who was being seen to by Ruwin, who was trying to attach a thick tree branch around her leg in order to move Naga without hurting her. “Allow me to help.” offered Gear. Gear took off his headband and tied it around Naga’s leg to attach the branch, his hair fell all over the place without the headband and Naga and Ruwin shared a small laugh, Gear then stood at Naga’s side and she held onto Gear and Ruwin so that she could limp for a while. “I guess we should get this seen to at the base.” suggested Gear, “And then you can decide what you want to do, Naga.” “I don’t think there’s any other choice Gear, you two risked your lives to help me, I have to return the favour.” “You mean...” “You said something about an empire that are out to get you. If you’ll let me, I’d like to join you.” “Naga, think about this, its extremely dangerous, maybe as dangerous as fighting your beast demon.” “I don’t mind, but I’ll do it on one condition.” “Uh huh?” questioned Ruwin, who was trying to hide his joy. “I want to come back here, when I’m ready, to slay that monster, so that I might be able to return to my village.” “Of course.” And with that, the three new friends slowly walked into the sunset, towards the transporter that would teleport them home, Gear and Ruwin had helped Naga immensely by offering her a home to go to, and in return, Naga would use her skills to fight for their cause. End Back to “The Robots”: Part 3 Click to read the next story: "Warrior Couple” Back to “Past Heroes and New Beginnings” Back to the Library