You'll Be In My Heart

(Note: I forgot to put this in the previous chapter: As you noticed, I changed the leopard into a snake. Sumu actually is Swahili for "poison" and Penda is Swahili for "love".)

The group was being lead to its next place, whilst looking for Penda. The leader, whose name was Mkubwa, was getting worried. One young ape named Vriendin (though everyone called her Vir) then noticed her coming up.

"Look!" she said, and they all turned to see Penda coming forward.

"Penda," they all said at different times as they moved up to her. Mkubwa sighed in relief.

"Are you okay?" one of them asked.

"Yes I'm fine," Penda said smiling," I just took a little detour." She then showed the small baby. Everyone gasped.

"Umm," two males said.

"Really?" asked Vir's mother," That is quite..."

"Weird!" Vir said as she came up.

"Vriendin!" her mother scolded.

"What it is!" Vir said pointing," But what is it?" Penda chuckled.

"Its a young one," Penda answered. She let the boy on the ground, and he crawled over Vir, who laughed a little.

"So where is his mom?" she asked. Penda smiled.

"I'll be his mother," Penda responded. Everyone looked surprised but the Mkubwa walked up and looked surprised.

"Once you stop minding him he's not so bad," Vir remarked before shoving back to Penda when Mkubwa came forward," Penda's going to be the mom." She then scuttled away. Mkubwa studied him for a moment, before looking at the boy with distaste.

"Mkubwa, I fought Sumu to save him," Penda explained with a sigh. Everyone looked at each other with shock. Sumu was infamous throughout the jungle, even the elephants feared him. Mkubwa sighed.

"Penda, he won't replace the one Sumu killed," he explained.

"I understand," Penda responded sadly, but then looked at the baby," But he needs me."

"But it is not like us," Mkubwa insisted," You have to take him back."

"Sumu won't show mercy!" Penda shot back.

"I can't let you endanger us!" Mkubwa harshly said.

"How dangerous does he look?" Penda demanded, and Mkubwa roared angrily, while Penda and the others held their babies closer. Penda looked strong still. Mkubwa sighed.

"Was it alone?" he inquired.

"Yes, Sumu killed both of his parents," Penda said.

"How can you be certain?" Mkubwa asked skeptically.

"I saw what remained of them," Penda answered. Mkubwa sighed.

"Very well, then he may stay," he gave in. Penda smiled.

"Mkubwa he will be a good son I'm sure," Penda insisted.

"There is a difference between him staying, and him being my son," Mkubwa growled. Penda sighed sadly.

"We'll rest here!" Mkubwa announced, and the gorilla's moved off to rest. Vir came back up to Penda.

"What're you going to name it?" she asked. Penda grinned.

"Luffy," she answered. Penda made a face.

"Alright if you say so, he is your kid," Vir said uncomfortably. Her mother than picked her up.

"Okay, its past your bed time," she said.

"Come on Mom, just a little longer?" Vir begged.

"No," the mother declared. Penda looked the newly named Luffy, and smiled.

"Don't worry, and don't cry," she said kindly, and began to sing.

Come stop your crying
It will be all right
Just take my hand
Hold it tight

I will protect you
from all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry

Penda then moved away from the others as Mkubwa eyed her. She found a nest on a overhanging tree, and bedded down. Luffy giggled as she laid him down next to her and they both fell asleep.

For one so small,
you seem so strong
My arms will hold you
keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here
in my heart always
Always

And with that, the rest of the day faded away.