Hiya again my friends. Sorry about the cliff hanger I couldn't resist.
Yes for the thousandth time I don't, in any way, shape or form own Tarzan. Damn. But if I did it would be amazing. But I don't so yeah. (Silently curses and mutters to herself)
Right down to business and as Shakespeare would say...
ON WITH THE SHOW!
The great silverback's breathing came in laboured breaths.
'' Kerchak? Kerchak?'' Tarzan shook Kerchak praying for a response. But none came. Tarzan felt a hand on his shoulder, turning he saw it was Professor Porter.
'' If you don't mind please step back my boy.'' Tarzan stepped back and watched as the professor placed his hand onto Kerchak's neck, and pulled out his pocket watch. Tarzan frowned, as the professor beckoned for Jane to come and help him. She knelt down beside Kerchak's side. The professor looked at her and then back down to his watch.
'' Janie we need to get him back to our camp so that we can operate.''
'' But daddy the camp's all packed up remember. We were going home until all this happened. Where else could we put him?''
'' I know a place.'' They both looked over at Tarzan.
'' The tree house. We can take him to the tree house.'' Kala appeared beside her son.
'' Tarzan, the tree house is deserted. There's nothing there that can help Kerchak''
'' That's the whole point though mom. The tree house is miles from any humans and the Professor said that he needed to operate. Besides it's the best and only chance that Kerchak has.''
Kala sighed heavily.
'' Alright, anyway who am I to argue with the new Leader.'' She smiled at Tarzan. Tarzan left her side, and started gathering the rest of the Family and gave them explicit instructions to collect leaves, grass and anything else that could be used for bedding. He then turned his attention to Tantor and Kala.
'' Tantor you come with us, we'll need your help.'' Tantor smiled at his human friend and saluted him, using his trunk.
'' Aye Captain.'' The gentle giant lumbered over to the Professor and Jane.
''Tarzan?'' Tarzan met his mothers questioning gaze.
'' Mother I need you to lead the rest of the Family back to the tree house.''
'' What about you? ''
'' I'll be riding with Kerchak, and I need to be by his side in case he wakes up. He'll attack Jane and the Professor, thinking they're enemies.''
'' You're right. That is if Kerchak does wake up...'' Her voice broke as tears escaped her eyes. Tarzan embraced her lovingly, as only a son could.
'' Don't worry Mother. The Professor and Jane are Kerchak's best chance. He's going to be fine. Trust me.'' He wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled encouragingly. Kala smiled back, grateful for her son's words. Just then Turk's voice echoed throughout the jungle.
'' Yo T we got the leaves and stuff.''
The rest of the Family appeared shortly after her. They all looked at Tarzan expectantly.
'' Right all of you follow me.'' Tarzan made his way back to the Professor's side.
'' How's is he doing Professor?'' Archimedes looked at him gravely.
'' His breathing is laboured and he's lost a lot of blood, but we are hopeful my boy, yes hopeful indeed.'' Tarzan nodded in understanding. He looked up when he felt a hand on his arm. His aqua green eyes met Jane's sapphire ones. She smiled reassuringly at him. Tarzan turned to Tantor.
'' Tantor, we need you to carry Kerchak and me on your back. Please you're the only chance he's got.'' Tantor smiled at him and knelt down to Tarzan's level.
'' Ready when you are Tarzan.''
'' Right here we go.''
'' Wait Tarzan'' He turned to face Jane. Jane pulled the edge of her skirt and tore a piece off. She wrapped it as best she could around Kerchak's shoulder. Securing it as tightly as she could she sat back to observe her handiwork. Tarzan frowned in confusion.
'' It will hopefully stop the bleeding. Right let's get him up onto Tantor.''
Tantor perked up upon hearing his name. Tarzan placed Kerchak's arm over his shoulder. He tried to lift the silverback up but even for Tarzan, the task was great. Suddenly Kerchak became incredibly light. Tarzan looked over and saw Turk, using all of her strength to help lift Kerchak onto Tantor. Tarzan smiled and resumed his effort. Together they got him onto Tantor's back. Tarzan jumped up onto Tantor's back and sat behind the great silverback. He pulled Kerchak back so that his back was against Tarzan's chest. Tarzan Smiled down at Turk.
'' Thanks Turk.''
She punched his arm playfully. Her dark brown orbs fell onto Kerchak.
'' Yeah, no prob T but get going. We'll be right behind ya all the way.''
Tantor stood up and placed his trunk comfortingly on Turk's shoulder.
'' No worries Turk, he's going to be fine.'' She smiled gratefully at him and then left to rejoin the rest of the family. Tantor picked up both the Professor and Jane. He placed them up on his back behind Tarzan. Tarzan signalled for the rest of the family to follow as fast as they could, as Tantor stampeded through the jungle, knowing that Kerchak's life hung by a thread.
As they arrived at the base of the tree house, Tarzan couldn't help but wonder about his human parents. However he couldn't dwell on that because at present he had a family that needed his help.
'' We're here. Everybody stop.'' Tantor came to a Holt as did the rest of the Family. Tarzan got down from Tantor's back and helped lower Kerchak onto Jane's lap. She cradled the giant silverback's head in her lap as if he were only a mere child. Tarzan made his way up the tree house. Once up he causally opened the door and sniffed the air. The place smelt like dust, old wood and something else that he couldn't place. He went inside and scanned the place from top to bottom. The place was empty, with the exception of a few spider weds and insects. Tarzan climbed back down and signalled that it was safe. The Family started climbing up and Tarzan lowered the rowing boat for Tantor to use as lift.
Kala hung back. The first time she had been here was when she had found Tarzan as an infant. She smiled remembering how he smiled up at her and lifted his arms upwards to her, wanting to be held. Sabor flashed through her mind making her shiver. Then, her second time here was to show Tarzan his human family. She thought that that would have been the last time she ever saw her beloved son - for he had planned to leave with the humans, the following morning. And now it was her third time at the human's tree house. Only this time it revolved around her beloved Kerchak. A tear escaped her as she joined the rest of the Family.
The Professor and Jane quickly started setting up for Kerchak's surgery. Luckily the Professor had bought his medical kit with him. The Professor sterilised his instruments as best he could under the circumstances, while Jane set up an operating area.
'' Right all ready over here daddy.''
'' Right Janie dear.''
Tarzan with the help of Turk managed to bring Kerchak inside and lay him down on the floor gently.
'' Right let's begin Jane. Tarzan I'm going to have to ask you to leave. '' Tarzan frowned and anger flashed through his eyes.
'' Leave? Why must I leave? I can help.'' The Professor shook his head.
'' No my boy you will only be in the way and I need all the peace and quiet that I can get. Please Tarzan go wait outside along with everyone else. They need you more than ever now. Jane if you please.'' He turned his back to Tarzan and Turk and started getting Kerchak ready for the surgery.
'' Don't worry Tarzan. He's in good hands.'' Tarzan hesitated, then ushered Turk out of the room with him.
'' Wait, what ya doing Tarzan? We can't leave Kerchak alone in there with the humans.'' Tarzan silenced her by shaking his head.
'' Please Turk. Let's just let them do what they have to. Kerchak needs them and we need to believe in them.'' Turk sighed heavily and let her shoulder's slump.
'' Ok whatever ya say T.'' And with that she left the Lord of the Jungle's side and went to check on everyone else.
Another chapter has unfortunately come to an end. However do not fear the next one will be up soon. Until then I bid you adieu...
-The Voice of the Wind