"Ouch! Easy up there." I yelled at the baby monkey, who was resting on my head, picking out the many bugs I had. I had come to take a bath in the small pond near us. Leafy, the baby monkey, had followed me. I had decided to call the baby animal Leafy, so I didn't get the three monkeys confused. The tiny monkey had taken a liking to me the past three days. I knew it was only because I had food, but the beast was cute, so I didn't mind.
"What to do?" I asked myself as I soaked in the pond. I had finished cleaning my body 20 minutes ago and was waiting for the money to finish picking through my hair so I could finish up. It had been three days since I arrived at the monkey cave, and most of my wounds were healed. My right arm was still broken, but the pain was manageable now. My whole body still felt sore, as if id been working out for days. Canis and Canem had yet to show up, so I was starting to worry. I would have to move on soon.
After hearing Mother Leaf's story, I learned that I couldn't stay with the monkeys for long. The three animals were on the run from an alpha when they reached the cliff I fell from. They planned to climb up the ridge to escape, but that's when Mother Leaf sensed the presence of another alpha. It was almost like the same tiger that chased me here. It meant that the poor monkeys were trapped between two strong enemies. If I were to stay longer, I would bring the massive cat right to them. ( I wish those two hounds would hurry up already.) I thought as I sunk deeper into the pond.
"AHHHHHHH!"
A roar shook me from my thoughts. It came from the alpha that was chasing Leaf and her family. Leaf told me that the beast was strong but not all that bright, so it may be weeks before he finds them. I didn't know if I believed her. The beast chasing them may not be clever, but it was still a beast. I was sure it would track the group down soon. ( That's why I have to leave.) I thought. If I go, I may draw the tiger away long enough for the monkeys to make a run up the cliff.
"Sorry little one i gotta finish cleaning my hair." I said as I grabbed the tiny thing off my head. Baby Leaf looked as though she was pouting as she crossed her hairy arms. The sight of the angry monkey made me giggle a little. ( I think I might miss you the most.) I thought as I put the animal down. I then finished cleaning my dirty hair and got out of the water.
"I can't put on the clothes I've been wearing." I said as I stood there. I needed to come up with a solution for clothes. I had extra clothing in my spacial ring, but they were all dresses and elegant attire. The outfits were fit for going to royal balls, not running through a beast-infested forest. However, there was a fix to this. I took out a pair of black dress pants and ripped the legs creating shorts. After I was done, I took out the red dress shirt that went with it. I tore the sleeves off and shortened the bottom, making a crop top for myself.
I put on my makeshift clothes and begin to head in for the night. It would probably be the last night I stayed with the monkeys. I had decided to move out in the morning as I walked Leafy climb on my shoulder. We were almost to the cave entrance when I heard a strange noise come from the forest. I turned in circles, scanning every inch of the woods. ( Was I mistaken.) I thought as I kept searching.
Arf! Arf!
Canis, Canem!" I cried out after hearing barking come from behind me. I watched as the bushes rustle and two beasts emerged. It was my two loyal hounds. Canis seemed fine, if not a little scratched up. Canem, on the other hand, was in terrible shape. She had a long cut on her side and walked with a limp. I wanted to kill the tiger for wounding my pet.
" I so happy to see you two!" I said as I ran to the par. I gave them both a long scratch behind the ears. A small tear fell on my face as I pet the hounds. They both jumped on, nocking me to the ground. They then began giving me a tongue bath as they licked my face excitedly.
"Ok, ok. Calm down. I just took a bath, you know." I laughed as they let me up. I was thrilled to see Canis and Canem again. I was beginning to think they would never come back. After we finished our reunion, I escorted the dogs and Leafly to the cave.
"I heard noises outside what happ..." The old monkey said when we entered. The beast was stunned by the sight of the hounds. I reassured the monkey that the two dogs were with me and meant no harm. Leaf seemed to be a little worried about the new arrivals but said nothing. After the introduction was done, we all settled in for the night. It was only when everyone was asleep did Leaf speak again.
"Our deal was just for you little one." Leaf spoke softly in my mind. She was telling me that Canis and Canem weren't a part of our deal. It was cold, but I expected as much from a beast. I couldn't blame her either. She had two children to worry about.
"I planned on leaving tomorrow so, tonights the last night well be together." I joked as I sat up, almost waking Canem, who was cuddled up to me. Her brother was busy snoring at my feet.
"I see." Leaf said. If I wasn't mistaken, it sounded as if the beast was sad to see me leave. I told myself it was only because of the food I supplied them. Still, I felt like I had made a friend.
"When we leave you and your girls should make your way up the cliff. It maybe your only chance to survive." I said to Leaf. I knew if I left, the tiger would come for me. The idea of facing the beast again scared me a bit. Even if I could fully heal, I was still no match for the layer six beast. That said, my odds were much better than Leaf and her children. In her fight with the new monkey leader, Leaf's core had been severely damaged. It Caused the beast to lose her Ki constantly. Which meant Leaf was no longer as strong as she was if I had to guess. I would say she was more like a layer four beast now, and she was slowly getting weaker.
"I will give it some thought." Leaf said after that, our conversation ended. I couldn't get much out of the old monkey. In my three days with Leaf, she had barely spoken to me. She only told me how she got in her predicament, which was quite the tale. Leaf had grown past her potential to reach a layer five. The first spider monkey to achieve such a level in years. With her strength, she attracted the last monkey leader, and they became mates. Leaf then had her two children, and shortly after, her mate was killed by his brother—a gorilla named Log. Log sawt to overthrow his brother but only succeeded in separating the tribe. One side was loyal to Log, and the other was loyal to Leaf.
Leaf became the leader of the old tribe, but it did not last long. Log eventually came back stronger and meaner than ever. With the help of his tribe, he killed every last spider monkey except Leaf and her children, who could escape thanks to the last of the spider monkeys. They had given their lives so that the Leaf could get away.
After hearing all that, I decided not to ask many questions. I figured it would be insensitive for me to ask more. ( I hope you take my advice.) I thought as I laid back down. Leaf had already lost so much. I wish I could do more for Leaf and her kids, but I had things of my own I needed to protect.
**********************************************************************
Ahhhhhh!
I woke up to a mighty roar, and the walls of the cave began to shake. Canis and Canem were already up before me. Both of them were shaking in fear but still ready to protect me.
"We are too late. Leaf said as she got up slowly. With her two good hands, she picked up her children and made her way to the entrance of the cave. I decided to follow her.
"You are trespassing! A loud grizzled voice announced. ( Is he talking about me?) I thought as the group, and I looked out the entrance of the cave. I could see anything witch meant who every voice belonged to hadn't found us entirely.
"Do not worry I will be leaving your teritory as soon as I find my prey. I seem to have lost it around here." another voice spoke—this one I recognized. My blood went cold as I remembered the night the tiger had chased me down. ( Damn it, the damn cat found us.) I thought as I balled my fist tight. My nails dug into my palm. If I had left earlier, I could have avoided our current situation.
"What prey could be so important that you would risk your life coming here? The other voice asked the tiger. I guess Log was the one questioning the alpha.
"Don't worry your dull head about it. I promise once I've finished my business ill be on my way. The tiger said arrogantly.
Boom!
Bang!
Immediately after he was done talking, we heard the sounds of a battle. (I guess the Gorrila doesn't like being called dumb.) I thought. The fight between the two beasts shook the cave-like crazy. I was sure it would cave if we stayed for too long.
Boom!
Darkness was all I saw as the figure of a massive beast fell right in front of the small cave we were in. I held my breath as the figure began to move. One false move, and we would be spotted. As the black fur creature stood, I could hear it sniff the air.
"Whats this? Leaf is that you?" Log said. Seconds later, a meaty hand reached for our small cave. We all crawled back into the cave to escape. The beast's hand stopped short of Leaf's face as it scratched and scrapped the cave walls.
"Move monkey my preys in there!" The tiger shouted before nocking long back. Now in front of the cave was the grinning face of the giant cat. I was about to throw a rock at the beast's head when it disappeared. (The gorilla must have attacked again.) I thought.
"This is our chance while the two idiots fight we run!" I shouted to Leaf. The monkey nodded before she followed me out of the cave. When we exited, we could see the two beasts rolling the ground engaged in battle. I figured this was our only chance to getaway. As I ran, I noticed that both Leaf and Canem were moving too slow. Canem was still injured while Leaf was and injured and carrying two children. ( I need to get Canem.) I thought as I slowed down before I could reach her. The ground began to shake. In seconds a six-foot earth wall appeared right in front of me. The wall blocked my view of Canem.
"I see you found a human to play with?" The Log said as he looked at me. He was a 7-foot tall black and grey gorilla, and his body was covered in scars. He and the tiger had separated at some point and were both looking our way. I guessed the earth wall was Logs doing. I tried to run around the wall to get to Canem but was blocked by another wall.
"The human mine!" The tiger said, charging for me. I was trapping myself between the walls. I had no way to escape. So I pulled my sword out preparation for the worst. Just before the tiger reached me, Canis hit the beast from the side, knocking it off course and giving me time to escape. I dove to the side, evading the beast's claws. I quickly got to my feet and found Canem, who made her way around the earth wall. I grabbed the hound and began to run, pushing my legs as hard as I could. Canis ran next to me, and we made our way to the forest.
I could hear the tiger on my tail, so I refused to look back. I did look to my left, noticing Leaf, who was busy running from Log. She wasn't doing so well herself, and by the looks of it, Log was getting closer. I decided to head their way. I knew if I brought the tiger closer to Log, they might collide with one another. I doubted the two would start working together.
I was a few feet away when things changed for the worst quickly. Log had caught up and prepared to attack Leaf from behind. If nothing were done, Leaf and her children would be hit by the layer six gorilla. ( They won't survive.) I thought as I raced to them. Something came over me as I threw Canem into the air. I knew the tiger would go after her, and I needed to go faster. The fall would hurt, but it wouldn't kill Canem.
(I was planning on saving this.) I thought as I leaped in front of the 7-foot tall black gorilla. Just before Log's fist hit me, a white barrier covered me in a dome.
Boom!
Log's fist bounced harmlessly off my barrier and exploded, forcing everyone away, including the tiger chasing me. I flew through the air, crashing into the ground bouncing a little. I opened some of my old wounds and got a few new ones, but I was still alive. I looked at my wrist as the last charge of my bracelet went out. Now the grey bracelet turned white. I still struggled to get up. I spotted Leaf and her children a few yards away. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw they were okay. Canis had made it to my side, but I could find Canem. There was dust everywhere, so it was hard to see anything.
When the dust cleared, I saw Canem. My jaws almost dropped as I watched Log grab Canem. I was helpless as I watched the hound struggle to get free.
Crack!
"Little ants dare to get in my way! Log said as he squeezed the life out of the jackal. Canis lost it instantly charging after the gorilla.
Leafy: Leaf's youngest daughter.
Log: Alpha Gorrila of the monkey tribe.