Alena Lang was a beautiful little six year old girl. She had ink black hair that swirled all around her small head. Her mother would work on it for hours with a comb and a brush. But it simply refused to be tamed. She finally gave up and came to the conclusion her unruly hair was what made her little girl special and unique. With her clear blue eyes that sparkled like expensive Sapphires and her cute dimple smile, Alena was the complete picture of loveliness. She was a daughter any parents would be proud to have. Alena was the apple of her fathers eye and her mothers best friend. The three of them made a perfect family.

Alena's father Fred Lang was a Minister and her mother Iris was a Doctor. The two people had compassionate hearts that were as big as planet Earth. Instead of settling for comfortable lives in the suburbs somewhere, they decided to use their trade and skill where it was needed most. When Fred was offered the position as Missionary to the primitive tribes of Africa he accepted immediately. He felt spreading the word of God and hopefully saving heathen souls was his calling. Iris was thoroughly elated with his decision. It gave her the opportunity to practice her medical skills on people who really needed her attention. Since they couldn't bear to part with their beautiful daughter, Alena was allowed to go along. It would be a wonderful life experience for her.

After getting their affairs in order, the Lang's began planning their trip to Africa. Medical supplies, bibles, stainless steel crosses, tents, camping equipment, bush clothing, food, water, and everything else they could think of was rounded up for their journey. Once they had it all stock piled, they loaded it on a cargo plane bound for Nigeria. Then they packed their bags and boarded a 747 to take them to Africa. When they arrived, Fred Lang lined up a guide and porters to take them south. In his estimation, the Zulu tribe needed his guidance the most. He vowed to change their primitive beliefs in evil sorcery and vengeful spirits. The word of God had to be taught to the Zulu at all cost. Many souls hung in the balance.

The third day out the group entered a region of jungle known to be inhabited by cannibals. A few hours later, one of the porters spotted bleached bones and skulls hanging from the trees. The cargo bearers saw this as a warning and became very nervous. African natives are strongly superstitious. Extra guards were posted that evening when they made camp. The guide wanted to take every precaution necessary to protect his party. Thinking the porters were overreacting, Iris grabbed a towel and a bar of soap so she and Alena could take a bath in the river not far from their camp. They hadn't bathed in two days and Iris was absolutely positive they wouldn't be in any danger.

While the two females were enjoying themselves, Iris heard someone scream back at camp. She ordered Alena to remain where she was and went to investigate. Just as she reached camp, she was struck in the neck by a paralyzing dart. The large camp was overrun before they knew what hit them. The cannibal tribe struck without warning and took the party totally by surprise. They attacked like a well organised army who knew exactly what they were doing. In mere minutes, the entire group was restrained and taken hostage. They were quickly dragged off leaving the camp thoroughly deserted. Little Alena was safe for the moment but completely on her own.

Alena didn't want to disobey her mother. But when she didn't come back she began to get scared. She finally worked up the courage to go look for her. When Alena entered the camp, she frantically searched the tents calling for her mother and father. When she didn't get any answer, she realised the camp was empty. Feeling alone and afraid, she sat down and cried for about an hour. After a while, her six year old mind started thinking rationally. She had to find some people. Hopefully they could help her locate her parents. Alena dried her tear filled eyes and began to form a plan. She dug her back pack out of the tent and removed the doll and it's clothes. The crayons and coloring books were abandoned as well. She wouldn't need them on her journey. When it was empty, she filled it with candy, cookies, crackers, apples, and bananas. Then she added a few bottles of water. Satisfied she was ready, she strapped it on her small back and walked out of camp.

She actually had no idea which direction to go. Over the past three days the party had traveled many miles through dense jungle. But she was determined not to give up. The brave little girl straightened her small shoulders and marched through the dense forest with a purpose. When night fell it got to dark for her to see where she was going. It also had turned cold. Alena mentally chastised herself for not thinking to bring a blanket and a flashlight. As luck would have it, she found a large tree with a big hole in the bottom of the trunk. Alena snacked on a few cookies and crackers before crawling in the hole and going to sleep. Maybe she would have better luck tomorrow finding someone to help her.

The next morning she slipped out of the hole and resumed her journey. She missed her mother and father with all of her heart. She felt like crying again but knew it wouldn't help. Alena fought back the tears and kept walking. Later that evening she came upon a small clearing. About twenty feet from where she was standing was a baby gorilla playing in the tall grass. When he noticed the strange animal staring at him, he boldly wandered over to investigate. Alena was intrigued by the cute little animal so she smiled and waited for it to reach her. A few seconds later she heard a loud scream that frightened her half to death. When she looked up, she saw a large gorilla charging towards her. Alena froze with fear.

Just before the female gorilla reached her, another female burst through the trees and tackled it. When the two females separated they began grunting and barking at each other. When the first female noticed her baby was unharmed, she flipped it up on her back and wandered off. The second female turned to Alena and slowly approached her. For some unknown reason, Alena was positive this gorilla wasn't going to hurt her. Maybe it was a sixth sense only children understood, but she was sure her assumption was correct. When the gorilla was face to face with her she smiled and gave it a big hug to show it she was grateful for it's protection. The large female gently rubbed her back and grunted it's approval.

When Alena showed affection to the female she was over joyed. Simba recently lost her own female child to poachers when it was only nine months old. For over a week she had been thoroughly depressed and despondent. When she saw the sweet young child she knew the little girl wasn't threatening. Her motherly instincts took over when she noticed the other female gorilla attacking the child to protect her young. In Simba's mind, this was her chance to replace the child she lost. The fact that the child was human and not primate was insignificant to her. The child was small and helpless in the wild. She needed love and protection if she was going to survive. When Simba lost her child she had no where to direct her love. And it was eating her up inside. Now she did. She needed this child as much as it needed her.

Simba gently picked up Alena and carried her back to the band. The silver back male who led the band was surprised when he saw what she was carrying. He was loudly growling and barking when he approached her to exert his authority as leader. But Simba stood her ground and wouldn't take no for an answer. When the silver back saw how much the child meant to her he backed off. Simba was his favorite female and he was sick of seeing her mope around like she was dying. If it took a human child to make her feel like her old self again, then so be it. He allowed Simba to keep the child and welcomed Alena into the band. The others accepted his decision and went about their business. Simba couldn't have been happier.

Alena on the other hand was totally confused. She had no idea what the large male and female were arguing about. She was pretty sure it was over her, but didn't have a clue what it was about. When the male looked at her and grunted before walking off, she knew the argument was settled. But what they agreed upon was beyond her comprehension. She let it slip from her mind. It was getting dark and she was tired and hungry. She sat down on a boulder and removed her back pack. Three baby gorillas ambled over to inspect the items the strange creature was holding. Alena broke off some pieces of a Hershey bar and handed them to the young gorillas. But they quickly spit them out and made a face. Alena laughed and gave them each a banana. That they gobbled down in a hurry.

After Alena finished her candy bar and sipped a little water, Simba was there to collect her. The female had constructed a bed of soft leaves and twigs. Alena hugged her to show she was grateful and laid her small body down. Simba lie next to her and placed her large arm over the young child for protection. The gorillas fur was warm and cozy. Alena wrapped her small arms around Simba's and was asleep in minutes. The next morning, Alena was awakened by a lot of loud chattering. The three baby gorillas were arguing over some tender plant shoots. She noticed the adult gorillas were eating tree bark and leaves. Alena dug out some cookies and ate them for breakfast while she smiled at the antics of the three babies. Simba was near by eating some plant bulbs.

When Alena was finished with breakfast, she slung the back pack over her small shoulders and started to walk out of camp. Simba blocked her path. Alena hugged her and stepped back to look her in the eye. "Thank you for saving me from the other gorilla. And for taking good care of me last night. But I have to find my mommy and daddy. I know they're worried about me and I miss them so much. So I have to go." She tried to explain. Simba didn't understand a word. But she could tell by the child's actions she was planning on leaving. She couldn't allow her to do that. The wild was no place for a small child to be wandering around without someone to protect her. She already lost one baby and wasn't about to lose another. Simba shook her large head no and grunted her disapproval. But Alena wouldn't listen.

"I'm sorry. I know you don't want me to leave but I have to. I must find my mommy and daddy. Thank you again my friend. I'll miss you. Good bye." She said as she walked around the large female and left camp. Simba was torn. She didn't want to abandon her family and leave with the child. But she couldn't let her go out there alone. It was entirely to dangerous. The dilemma was settled by her motherly instincts. She needed a child in her life much more then she needed her family. She quickly barked out her good byes and chased after her adopted baby. Alena reached the clearing where she met the gorillas the night before and began walking through the tall grass. When Simba stepped from the tree line she saw her just ahead. She also noticed the spotted hyena stalking her.

With a fierce growl Simba went into action. The hyena was about to launch itself on the unsuspecting child when Simba grabbed it up in her strong arms. After pounding on the hyena and squeezing the life out of it, she threw it's broken body on the ground. Then she stood over the dead hyena with her long arms in the air and screamed out her victory. Alena was sitting in the tall grass crying. She knew if it hadn't of been for her protective guardian angel she would be dead right now. She had no idea the hyena was anywhere near her. As much as it hurt for her to admit it, she realised she was to young to make the journey on her own. But she couldn't find it in her heart to take the female gorilla from her family. They would miss her as much as Alena missed her parents. There was only one answer. Alena took Simba's large hand in hers and turned back towards the gorilla band. Someday when she was older she would find her parents. Simba smiled as she walked beside her.

Alena stayed with the gorilla band and grew up to be a beautiful young woman. She adapted to her new life and learned many things from the gorillas. She could run like a cheetah, cover hard terrain as easily as an antelope, swim like a fish, and swing from tree to tree like the chimpanzees. With the dangers of everyday living and the well fare of her new family to worry about, the search for her parents was abandoned. By the time Alena was eighteen she was not only beautiful, she was very strong. She helped protect the gorilla band right along side the silver back male. She also protected the other animals. Especially against poachers, trappers, and safari hunters. She covered her body with mud, which made her virtually invisible at night. They had no idea she was around until she attacked.

Legends were soon being told among the surrounding tribes about a female demon who protected the animals. The demon's head was covered with hundreds of black snakes. And her piercing blue eyes could see clear through to your soul. Her fierce cry would strike terror in your heart. She was as cunning as a cat and as strong as the mighty gorilla. You never saw her until it was to late. If you valued your life, you left the animals alone and avoided the demon at all cost. Most poachers and trappers didn't believe in demons. They thought the crazy stories the tribesmen were telling was nothing but superstitious garbage. They paid no attention to their warnings and continued their trade. They were soon found in the jungle beaten half to death with claw marks all over their bodies.

Growing up with the gorilla band, Alena quickly learned to adapt to her environment. She could make herself part of the jungle and never be seen. She preferred to go naked as opposed to wearing any type of clothing. Although she did make a loin cloth, a top to cover her ample breasts, and some boots for her feet from the skin of a leopard the silver back killed protecting his band. She also fashioned a set of slip on type gloves out of the leopards front paws with it's razor sharp claws protruding out. They came in handy when fighting off a predator or dealing with poachers and trappers. She wore the loin cloth, top, and boots when she ventured away from camp. But when she was with her family or in the surrounding area she preferred to go naked.

Alena had long given up thinking her parents were still alive. She was no more then a days journey from where their camp was set up that fatal day. She was sure they would have found her by now if they were not dead. They wouldn't have stopped looking. Over the years the heart ache of her loss had softened. A fact which she owed to Simba and the gorilla band. They accepted her for what she was and gave her a home. They were her family now and she loved them as much as she had her parents. That's why she got so angry when poachers and trappers tried to catch the animals and hunters tried to shoot them. The animals had a right to live and be with their family's as much as humans did. Alena vowed to keep them safe as long as she lived. It was the right thing to do.

The day her parents disappeared was the last time Alena had any friendly contact with humans. For twelve years she lived with the gorillas and didn't stray far from camp. Simba and the gorilla band gave her love and a purpose. That was all she needed in her life as far as she was concerned. The only time she was near other humans was when she was scaring off or beating the hell out of the poachers, trappers, and hunters. The few times she was seen by some of the people in the tribes, they ran off screaming like they were on fire. Alena didn't mind. Humans were dangerous and couldn't be trusted. So she never had any desire to make friends with the natives. That was about to change.

Oswanni was a sixteen year old young girl in the Azande tribe. She was rather plain looking and slightly chunky. She didn't have many friends to speak of and she certainly wasn't being chased by male suitors asking for her hand in marriage. Oswanni was kind hearted and gentle with children and animals. She loved her family dearly and they loved her. She would have made some man a wonderful wife. But she just wasn't pretty enough for any of them to seek her out. She didn't let that bother her though. Oswanni was comfortable with who she was. There was always a smile on her face and a kind thought in her heart. She loved to pick flowers for her mother and grandmother to brighten up the family hut. Each morning she would venture out and pick a fresh batch.

The prettiest flowers were a little over a mile from the village on a hillside next to the Congo river. Oswanni's family didn't like her traveling that far because it was very dangerous country. But today was her mothers birthday. Oswanni wanted the best flowers she could gather for the special occasion. So she ignored their wishes and made the trek to the far hillside. At the same time that morning, Alena left the gorilla camp for her morning ritual bath. Her favorite spot on the Congo river had a hillside filled with beautiful flowers. Alena loved to lie on that hillside after bathing and dry out under the hot sun. The peace and tranquility of the spot, along with the beautiful flowers put her mind and body at ease.

Just as Alena reached the river she heard someone coming up the path. She quickly climbed the tree next to the river bank and hid among the branches. A few seconds later she saw the native girl approaching. She stayed hidden so she wouldn't be seen by the girl when she passed by and continued on her way. But the girl stopped on the hillside and began to pick flowers. Alena kept quiet and patiently waited for her to finish. As she was watching the girl, Alena noticed a young crocodile crawl out of the water and slither in the girls direction. It was roughly ten feet in length and about 400 pounds. The girls back was to the crocodile so she had no idea she was in danger. Alena had to act or the unsuspecting girl would be eaten alive. She didn't think twice.

Alena leaped out of the tree right behind the croc. She grabbed it's long tail in her strong arms and began swinging it in circles. After a few trips around, she turned loose of the crocodile and sent it sailing back out in the river. Oswanni heard the noise behind her and turned around. When she saw the demon swinging the crocodile around she panicked. She dropped the flowers and screamed as she ran towards the path. In her frantic haste, she caught her foot on a tree root and tumbled to the ground. When she finally stopped rolling her ankle was badly sprained and beginning to swell. Oswanni was frightened to death when she saw the demon coming in her direction. With her ankle in pain she couldn't get up and run. In that moment, Oswanni thought she was going to die.

When Alena reached the native girl she saw her ankle was in pretty bad shape. Fortunately she knew exactly what to do to reduce the swelling and make the girls ankle feel better. But before she could say anything, the frightened girl started crying and screaming at the top of her lungs. "PLEASE! DON'T HURT ME! I DON'T WANT TO DIE! PLEASE!" Alena just shook her head. "Not hurt. Help. I be back." Alena sprinted into the jungle to find the healing plant she would need. Oswanni lie there confused. The demon didn't kill her. In fact, it spoke and said it was going to help. This didn't fit all of the horrible stories she heard about the demon. Maybe she hit her head when she fell and was delusional. Nothing else made sense.

A few minutes later Alena returned with a handful of plants. She crushed the stems in her strong hands to make a poultice and rubbed the sticky sap on the large leaves of the plant. Then she placed the leaves on both sides of Oswanni's swollen ankle and looked at her. "Hold." She stated. Oswanni fearfully held the leaves in place while Alena scooped up some mud from the river back. She packed the mud around the ankle to hold the leaves in place. Then she tore off a piece of Oswanni's skirt and wrapped it around the poultice. She finished by tying it up with a thin vine from the tree. "There. Will be better soon." Alena told her. Now Oswanni was really confused.

"Why d.did you help me d.d.demon?" Oswanni stuttered. "Alena not demon. Alena girl. You hurt. Alena help." She answered. "Then you're n.not going to k.kill me?" Oswanni asked. "No. Alena not kill. Alena help. Why you think Alena kill?" She wanted to know. "Because my people say you're a demon. Demons are evil creatures who kill helpless people. I've heard many scary tales about you while I was growing up. Tales of your black snake hair and your blue eyes that burn through to a persons soul. But your hair isn't made of snakes. It's just wild and bushy. And I think your blue eyes are beautiful. You saved me from the crocodile and put these healing herbs on my sore ankle. So I think the tales are a lie. You're not a demon. You're a very kind person. I want to thank you for saving my life Alena. I'm very grateful. My name is Oswanni. And I would be proud to be your friend if you would let me." Oswanni cheerfully replied.

"No need to thank. You in trouble. Alena help. Is code of jungle." She flatly stated. Then she thought about the other thing the girl mentioned. She hadn't talked to anyone in a very long time. It might be nice to have a friend. "Alena never have friend. She only have family. Alena be your friend. Come, I help you back home. You no stand on ankle. It be much better soon." Alena said as she helped her struggle to her feet. "WAIT!" "I must pick some flowers. They're for my mothers birthday. I can't go home without them. Please Alena. They'll make her so happy." Oswanni pleaded. Alena helped her over to the tree so she could lean against it. "You stay. Alena get flowers." She said. "Thank you Alena. You're a great friend." Oswanni told her. Oswanni watched as her new friend picked a bunch of flowers. She couldn't get over how strong and muscular she was. She looked amazing. And she certainly wasn't a demon. Alena was kind and caring. Oswanni liked her.

Alena picked a handful of flowers and handed them to Oswanni. Then she threw her arm around her shoulder and helped her down the path towards home. The two talked about themselves on the way. When Oswanni found out Alena lived with gorillas she was totally fascinated. "REALLY?" "Do you think the gorillas would let me visit you? I love animals. I'll bet the baby gorillas are just the cutest little things. Would it be alright Alena?" She pleaded. "Yes. Family trust me. Alena know you good human. So Alena trust you. Alena keep you safe. You come tomorrow." She replied. "Oh thank you Alena. You really are a good friend. I can't wait to see the babies." She said happily. "Then Alena meet you by river in early morning. Take you to camp." She replied." She took Oswanni to the edge of her village but stayed out of sight. The two said good bye and parted.

The next morning Alena met Oswanni by the river. They stuffed the sack Oswanni brought along with bananas and went to the gorilla camp. The silver back was a little uncomfortable with a human near his band so he kept a sharp eye on her. But he soon settled down after realising the human was no threat. Alena and Oswanni had a ball playing with the young baby gorillas. They danced, climbed trees, and playfully wrestled with them for most of the day. Alena thought it was nice to have a friend to talk to. She loved her family as much as she had loved her parents. But communicating with another human was something she missed. And Oswanni was kind and gentle with the baby gorillas. She was glad she agreed to be her friend. She liked her very much.

By the time Oswanni was ready to go home she talked Alena into meeting her family and friends. Alena agreed to meet them by the Congo river the next morning. Oswanni was giddy with excitement. Not only would her people see the demon legends were false, she would be a very popular young lady for finding out the truth. She couldn't wait to see the faces of the other young men and women who hardly ever paid any attention to her. They were going to be so jealous. Maybe some male would see her in a different light and ask her to marry him. Then she could have a family of her own. Oswanni wanted so badly to have children. Hopefully because of Alena her dreams would come true. She prayed with all her heart they would.

The next morning Oswanni showed up at the river with six people in tow. Oswanni had never lied to her mother her father and her grandmother, so they were curious about this person she met. Although they didn't believe for a second it was the female jungle demon. That simply wasn't possible. Her male cousin and two girl friends of hers thought she was taking some hallucinating drug. Or maybe she fell and hit her head. So they didn't believe her either. But they had nothing else to do so they came along. Alena decided to take her morning bath while she waited for her friend and her family. When she saw them come around the bend and start up the path she climbed out of the water. She was comfortable being naked so she proudly stood there as the group approached.

Oswanni's family and friends couldn't believe their eyes. It was the demon in the flesh. There was no mistaking her black snake hair and piercing blue eyes. They were frightened to death and frozen in their spots until Oswanni and the demon hugged each other. When Oswanni introduced Alena to her family and friends they began to calm down. She greeted them warmly and spoke to each one in turn. After a few minutes they realised she wasn't a demon at all. She was just a white female with wild looking black hair and a strong muscular body. They felt silly for believing in the tales they heard. Although they could see how the tales got started. From a distance she would look exactly like a wild and scary demon.

The meeting was going smoothly. The group was having a great time talking and laughing. Then all of a sudden one of Oswanni's girlfriends let out a blood curdling scream. When they all looked where she was pointing, they saw the large male lion standing about thirty feet away. He was approximately nine feet in length and roughly 450 pounds. Oswanni's father and cousin acted instinctively and threw their spears at the large beast. But fear of being so close to a lion drastically impaired their accuracy. They missed him completely. Alena acted swiftly. She hadn't brought her claw gloves because she wasn't on a hunt. And the sharp stainless steel knife she took from one of the trappers was in a sheath next to her clothing. She didn't have time to retrieve it. Alena huddled the people behind her and faced the lion with her bare hands. He wasn't going to harm her new friends.

"NO!" She screamed. "Alena not want to hurt you. But you not harm my friends. Go big cat and leave us be." But the lion wasn't going to listen. Food had been scarce lately. So the big lion brought down a teenage boy who was out hunting the day before. He had tasted human flesh and blood. And he liked it quite well. There was a virtual feast right before his eyes. And the man eater was hungry. Good fortune didn't fall in his lap every day. So he wasn't about to pass up a fine meal like this one. The only thought on his mind was gorging himself with meat and lying in the sun while he digested it. Maybe he would kill two so he would have food for tomorrow. No one was going to get in his way. No one.

When the lion didn't move Alena went out to meet it. She kept her body between the lion and her friends. For him to reach them he would have to go through her. That was fine with the lion. He didn't care which ones he killed. As long as he had meat to fill his belly. When the lion attacked, Alena was waiting for him. She expected the lion to launch itself towards her. When it did, she quickly fell to her back and kicked out with both strong legs. "WHAM!..WHAM!" They caught the charging lion in the chest and sent him flying backwards. "SLAM!" He landed hard. Alena was on her feet in a flash. The lion stood and gathered himself for another attack.

This time instead of leaping, he got in close and reared up on his hind legs. Alena grabbed his front legs in her strong hands and braced herself. The two combatants were doing their best to push the other back. Alena stood her ground and grunted with effort. The lion was fiercely growling and snapping his large teeth at her, trying to take a chunk out of her face. For a few seconds they stood there in a stale mate. Then Alena gradually began to push the lion back. When he started losing ground the lion roared with anger. While he was distracted Alena changed tactics. She suddenly pulled the lion to her while dropping to her back again. She placed her foot in his stomach and pushed upward as hard as she could with her strong right leg. The lion was caught completely off guard.

He sailed over her prone body and flew through the air until his back struck a tree. "WHAM!" Then he dropped down on his head. "BAM!" The mighty lion was slightly dizzy when he stumbled to his feet. Alena was up and on him in a hurry. She leaped on his back and wrapped her strong right arm around his throat. Then she fell to the left bringing the lion with her. When she landed on the ground the lion was on top with his back to her. Alena coiled her strong legs around the large beast in a body scissors. He was trying to claw her arm with his front paws and her legs with his back. But the position he was in hampered his mobility. He couldn't reach any part of her.

The lion was squirming and wriggling with everything he had to free himself. But the black haired fighter was to strong for him to break her secure holds. And the holds were beginning to cause him pain. "Alena not want to hurt you my friend. Come to senses and leave in peace. Before Alena do something she be sorry for." The lion didn't understand and wouldn't have listened anyway. This creature was keeping him from his feast. That was the only thing on his mind. Her strong legs were crushing his ribs and her arm was keeping him from breathing properly. He doubled his efforts to free himself. Alena held on tight while he thrashed around on top of her.

His constant movement was weakening her hold. She couldn't get a solid grip in the scraggly mane around his neck. He would soon be free and have her at his mercy if she didn't do something quick. The lion was totally concentrating his efforts to squirm free. He wasn't prepared when Alena released her grip on his throat and slammed the palms of her hands on both of his ears as hard as she could. The blows nearly shattered his ear drums and made him roar with pain. While he was distracted, Alena slipped her strong arms under his and clasped her hands on the back of his neck. Now she had the beast in a body scissors and full nelson. The mighty lion struggled to reach any part of her with his sharp claws or bone crushing teeth. But it was impossible.

"Stop fighting mighty king. Alena hurt you if you not listen. Go in peace and be safe." Alena pleaded. But the lion was angry as hell. He wanted to kill this creature for the pain she had caused him. Then he was going to rip her apart with his strong jaws and feast on her flesh. He continued his struggle while he loudly roared with hatred. Alena could see he wasn't going to listen. She realised the only way out of this dangerous situation was to kill the lion. The life of her friend and the villagers was in her hands. Not to mention her own safety. It broke her heart, knowing she had to dispose of this magnificent beast. He probably had a family somewhere himself. At least the cubs would have their mother to look after them. But that didn't make the unwanted task any easier.

Alena rolled the lion over so she would be on top. She uncoiled her legs from around his waist and stood up. Still holding him in a full nelson, she turned her body in a half circle and threw the lion away from her. He tumbled a few yards before getting his feet under him. Then he whirled to face his enemy and roared out his challenge. "Last chance great one. Leave in peace or you die here." Alena warned. Oswanni and the others were glued to their spot while they watched the amazing spectacle going on in front of them. They knew they should run and get as far away as possible while the lions attention was on Alena. But they couldn't take their eyes off of the battle. Alena's strength and bravery was amazingly incredible. They watched in total fascination.

The lion wasted no time. He charged his hated enemy with complete destruction on his mind. When he leaped at Alena, she quickly stepped to her right and landed a hard blow above his eye. "SMACK!" The devastating punched knocked the lion to the ground. He was up fast and lunged at her again. She stepped to her left this time and caught him on the ear with a solid left cross. "SMACK!" His ear was already sore from her previous blow. He roared in pain as he hit the ground again. This time Alena followed up with her attack. As the beast was climbing to his feet, she kicked him hard in the ribs with the sole of her right foot. "WHAM!..SNAP!" One of his ribs broke under the pressure. He let out another painful shriek and scrambled out of her range.

"You not win this battle big cat. Go home to family and live." Alena pleaded with him again. But retreating was the last thing on the mighty beasts mind. He knew this was a fight to the finish. He had fought many battles to the death in his 11 years of life and was victorious in all of them. There was no reason for him to think this one would turn out any differently. One strike from his sharp claws and this creature would be at his mercy. Then his powerful jaws would snap her bones and leave her helpless at his feet. He was going to enjoy killing this creature. Then one or two of the others would be easy prey. But this one he was going to eat first.

The broken rib slightly hindered his movement when he attacked. But Alena knew he was still a very dangerous adversary. She held her ground and waited until he made a move. The beast rose up on his hind legs and swiped at her with his right paw. Alena slapped it away and hit him squarely on the nose with a straight right. "SMACK!" Growling with anger, he tried to claw her with his left. She blocked that one as well and drilled him on the right eye with a solid left hook. "SMACK!" More determined then ever, he tried to catch her with both claws at once. Alena caught his paws with her strong hands and drove her foot into his wide open stomach. "WHAM!..WHAM!" Then she quickly released his left paw and let him have it on the chin with a powerful uppercut. "CRACK!"

The lion flopped over on his back in a daze. Alena seized the opportunity to stomp his ribs again while he was defenseless. "WHAM!..WHAM!" "SNAP!..SNAP!" Two more ribs snapped under her pile driving foot. The lion screamed and rolled away before she could do anymore damage. "You getting weak great one. Give up fight and go home. Alena must kill you to save friends if you not listen." She warned. The lion was having trouble breathing without feeling a great deal of pain from his broken ribs. But there was still a lot of fight left in the mighty beast. He cautiously circled his prey, looking for an opening. Alena moved her body around to keep him in her vision. She waited to see what he would do.

As the lion circled, Alena could see he was favoring his left side. The broken ribs were causing him a lot of pain. During Alena's rough life she learned many lessons. One of the most important was to exploit your opponents weakness if you discovered he had one. When the lion charged at her she readied herself. It's movements were slower because of the broken ribs, so she waited until the last second to spring her surprise attack. Just as the lion leaped, Alena stepped to her right. When his front claws missed their target and passed her, she quickly grabbed the lion around the chest as he was going by and jumped on his back. When his feet hit the ground he shrieked in pain from the added weight putting pressure on his broken ribs. Alena tightened her grip.

When her strong left bicep crushed his broken ribs the lion went out of his mind. He was bucking like crazy trying to rid himself of the creature riding his back and torturing his ribs. Loud painful screams escaped his mouth because the whirling and bucking movement was causing even more pain to his injured ribs. Alena held on for dear life and squeezed with all the strength she had in her muscular arms. The large beast began moving slower while his painful screams turned into pitiful whimpers. The excruciating pain finally forced him to stop moving all together. While he stood there panting in short breaths to ease the pain as much as possible, Alena quickly switched positions.

Not expecting his enemy to release her painful hold on his chest, he was ill prepared when she moved. Alena grabbed his mane and swung her legs over his shoulders while she scooted up on his back. She wrapped her strong legs under his arm pits and bent her calves up to hook her bare feet on his back behind her butt. It not only gave her a secure seat, the pressure of her upper left calf was pushing on his ribs again. The mighty beast couldn't stand the pain. He whimpered like a young cub and collapsed to the ground on his right side. Alena rolled to her back when they hit, bringing him up on top of her. With her legs wrapped around his like they were he couldn't reach her with his claws. So he turned his head to the left to sink his razor sharp teeth into her knee. Alena was ready for him.

As soon as his mouth came open to take a chunk out of her flesh, Alena grabbed his upper jaw with her right hand and his lower with her left. He tried to close his mouth to bite her fingers off but Alena held him steady. Every muscle in both of his jaws was straining to clamp his mouth shut. But it was useless. The strong muscles in Alena's arms were bulging when she spoke in the lions ear. "You should have listened to Alena great one. Your fighting days are over. Alena not want to do this, but you stubborn. So it necessary. Alena sorry." She increased her strength to pull his jaws farther apart. Both were giving it everything they had. Her bulging biceps against the strong muscles in the jaws of the king of beasts.

Oswanni and the people of the Azande tribe watched the strength against strength battle like they were in a trance. Their breathing was shallow and their eyes were fixed on the struggle. Two strong and mighty gladiators locked in a fight to the death was a fascinating sight to behold. With extreme anticipation they waited for the outcome to unfold in front of their eyes. Which set of solid muscles would prove to be the strongest. The bulging biceps on the black haired female, or the bone crushing jaws of the mighty lion. If the lion lost the battle he would be broken and finished. If Alena lost she would be eaten alive. Along with a few of them.

The seconds ticked away. The Azande were unsure which valiant warrior was gaining the upper hand. All of a sudden the total silence was interrupted by a very loud "CRRRACK!" The large beast let out an ear piercing scream when his jaws separated. Then his movements ceased all together when he passed out from the terrible pain. With tears in her eyes, Alena moved her left hand to the back of his head. "Forgive me mighty king. Rest in peace." She told the beast with her blue eyes full of tears. Then she viciously twisted his head around and broke his neck. "SNAP!" She rolled the lion off of her and stood up. When she gained her feet, she placed her left foot on the side of it's head and struck a double muscle pose. The Azande crowded around her in awe of what they had just witnessed. Oswanni could see how much killing the lion affected Alena. She felt sad herself because of her love for animals.

Alena kills the lion.

Oswanni hugged her friend with tears trickling down her own cheeks. "It's a shame such a magnificent animal had to die Alena. But you must not blame yourself. You did everything you possible could to talk him into retreating. He wouldn't listen." She said as she consoled her friend. "Alena know. Big cat stubborn. But still feel bad. Alena protect animals, not kill. He maybe have family. Make Alena sad." She responded. "I'm sad too Alena. But listen. A young boy in our village was killed yesterday by a man eating lion. I'm sure this is the one. Once they've tasted human flesh they have to be destroyed. I know it was something you hated doing. But you did the right thing. And I thank you for saving me and my family. We all thank you." Oswanni replied.

The others agreed and thanked her repeatedly. Alena looked at her new friend and smiled. "Alena couldn't let big cat eat Oswanni. Then Alena have no one to talk to. Alena like having friend." She said. "I like having you as a friend too Alena. In fact, after my people hear how you saved us, you'll have lots of friends." Oswanni told her with a smile. "Yes. Come to the village with us Alena. We'll have a feast in your honor for the bravery you showed by saving us." Oswanni's father asked. "Yes Alena. Please come with us." Oswanni pleaded. Alena felt a little nervous at the thought of being surrounded by humans. But the Azande seemed like good people. So she accepted their invitation. The group started for home laughing.

Alena was treated like a heroine and made an honorary member of the Azande tribe. And Oswanni's prayers were answered when a nice looking young man asked for her hand in marriage. Alena and Oswanni made at least one trip a week to each others home so they could chat and enjoy themselves. When Oswanni had a son and daughter, Alena was named their God mother. Alena eventually met a nice young man and settled down with him in the tribe. But she never forgot Simba and her gorilla family. She made the trek to their camp every day to see them. Because she knew, if it hadn't of been for them she never would have survived the wild.