CH.4: Clash! Father son struggle

At first Terk and Tarzan kept their relationship a secret. They would sneak off during the night or make an excuse to Tantor to keep him from being suspicious. However it was beginning to get difficult as Kerchak was setting a curfew for all to follow. The strain it put on their relationship was beginning to crack and their friendship was tested. Kerchak put more responsibility on Tarzan keeping him from Terk while Terk was spent gathering till she slept through the night missing their rendezvous. All in all something had to change, whether it was their relationship or Tarzan stepping up to the plate and challenging Kerchak.

Kala noticed how Kerchak was treating Tarzan and one day decided to talk to him. She found him isolated from the others as he counted out the rations of food to be split evenly among his family.

"Kerchak…we need to speak." Kala knew Kerchak had yet to accept Tarzan as his son and yet he gave him responsibilities only his most trusted were given. However some of the tasks were grueling and taxing and she saw the strain taking over her son.

"If this is about Tarzan it can wait. If I do not get this done no one will be eating by morning." Kerchak knew this was coming but was trying to put it off. He loved Kala and he wanted her to be happy…reason why he allowed Tarzan to stay long as he had. However the topic of him being his son would never be; he lost his son to Sabor years ago.

"Kerchak…he is my son…and what you are doing to him is unfair. Normally these tasks are split up…instead you place them all on Tarzan's shoulder. What are you trying to do-?"

"He is not one of us Kala! Do you not see it? He stands on two legs and invents things that have no part in our family. He endangers us…did you see how he went off chasing Sabor? No Kala…he is no son of mine…and the sooner he leaves…the better off we will be-."

"You mean the better off you will be? Tarzan is my son…and yes I know deep down he will never fill in the void left by our son's death, but, he makes me happy. He gave me hope when there was none, where I felt myself ready to slip and disappear. You had better sort this out with Tarzan…or so help me…I do not see much of a future for us." Kala then left him there knowing this was the right thing to do…she just hoped she wouldn't regret this.

Tarzan was scouting ahead to make sure no enemy was coming or nearing. It was a normally satisfactory task but Kerchak had him scouting day in and day out. He had hardly got a wink of sleep and his nightly strolls with Terk were lost as she was already asleep by the time he went for her. Leaning against his spear he just needed a moment to catch his breath, focus some energy on staying awake.

"Hello Tarzan." Tantor's voice broke through his reverie of silence and he lifted his head seeing his friend. Tantor had grown in size since he was young and his voice was a little deeper. Tantor did not have a violent bone in his body and in all honesty a gentle soul if any. Normally he enjoyed his company but if Kerchak caught Tantor here he would be really mad.

"Tantor…hi…kind of busy here, do not mean any rudeness." Tarzan hoped he would get the message, really hoped. A scout was only supposed to be alone, no company what so ever. Tantor being here violated that.

"Kerchak problems again huh? You know I am not a fan of confrontation, but, it would seem to me if you continue to let this build up…neither you nor Kerchak will know any peace. We elephants say what we feel, deal with the problems at hand. I see the way he treats you and I see the way how you avoid him. You two need to talk…it is the only way either of you will be free of this…conflict of interest."

Tarzan waited for Tantor to continue but he seemed tight lipped on saying anything further. "I will take it under advisement."

"Good…now…I should probably be going. Remember what I said Tarzan…you two can't continue living this way it is not healthy." Tantor then began to leave, his huge form disappearing into the jungle.

Tarzan heaved a sigh and knew in some way Tantor was right. Kerchak and he had been coming to a head since he was just a youth. The two had barely exchanged words aside from a grunt or a nod…and that was no way for a son and father to behave.

So seeing how he was done here he decided enough was enough…time to face Kerchak and deal with the fall out later. He went on all fours and found Kerchak alone, his back was to him as he had the food split up into several piles. "Kerchak…we need to talk."

"Tarzan…all done with scouting now are we? I have another task for you…we need to locate a water hole-."

"I will not…I am done being pushed around by you. It is time we talk…gorilla to-." He did not finish as Kerchak was on him before he could get it out. He prepared himself though and as they tumbled about he kicked out with his powerful legs sending him skidding away.

"You are not a gorilla…you are not one of us! To even say the word…no…this has gone on long enough!" Kerchak issued a challenge as he beat his chest and let out a sound that pushed through the air alerting all that a confrontation was under way.

"Is this the only way? These fights always end badly…and I do not wish to hurt you father." He saw Kerchak move and he followed behind him to where the fights were held. There was a small platform of grass and several Gorilla were already gathered pounding their fists into the ground. Tarzan spotted Terk who looked genuinely concerned and he tried to reassure her but he had no time to as he was on the stage.

"Listen up everyone…seems Tarzan here is tired of how I run things. He has challenged me…and I have accepted." Terchak bellowed loudly and several gorilla agreed.

"Kerchak what are you doing?" Kala came running over and stood at the lowest part of green, her eyes grew big as her worry was seen. "This is not how to solve things-."

"Kala this is the only way to solve things. Tarzan must prove himself…if he wishes to be part of us, if he believes he is of our heart he will comply." Kerchak showed his teeth to Tarzan.

Tarzan looked to his mother and as she rushed the stage Kerchak swung at her sending her rolling off the stage. There was a deathly silence and Tarzan felt the rage bubble up within. Kala did not move and he knew she was unconscious. "You want to take me on…fine…I've been waiting a long time for this."

The battle began with each circling each other; while neither spoke their eyes said everything about their distant relationship. Kerchak took the first swing and Tarzan dodged it by moving close to the ground till he lashed with a upraised leg catching him in the shin. He hears his growl and as he jumps back he feels the force of his fist on the grass. He knew his chances of recovery were slim if any of those attacks connected.

"You move like one of us…but…you do not fight like one of us. You are crafty, devious, your body allows you to do things we cannot. This fight is not on equal ground…you are nothing." Kerchak swung a back fist at Tarzan and it caught him in the jaw sending him flying and crashing to the ground. He shook his head and then found Kerchak on him again. Attempting to roll he found himself picked up off the ground.

"Tarzan!" Terk yelled from the audience, the fear and concern evident in her voice and Tarzan fought for air as Kerchak tightened his big gorilla fist around his windpipe.

"Tell me Tarzan…without our strength how do you suppose you will get out of this mess?" Tarzan gritted his teeth and knew this next move would be quite personal but he had to get himself free. So he then shot a powerful kick at his banana down below.

Kerchak let out an agonizing sound caught between a groan and a high pitched umph. As he fell down he tried to swipe at Tarzan but he was too fast and grabbing at his head he slams his head into his. The headbutt really takes its toll as he stumbles back tasting his own blood as it drips down from his mouth. Some things have cracked in his body and he feels a slight headache…and yet what he saw made it all worth it.

Kerchak tried to gain composure, tried to show strength but he found himself falling backwards with a loud thud and to the deafened sound of the gorillas in the audience who had stopped chanting. Tarzan looked out at them and pounded his chest. All those who had been rooting for Kerchak were slow to respond.

"I am Tarzan of the Apes…and you have all witnessed the defeat of Kerchak. I now rule…and starting now things will change." He sees Kerchak attempt to rise but he is still too weak, anyone would after a kick like that. "Terk please come up here."

Everyone murmurs but Terk takes the stage with ease and looks over at Tarzan. "Hey buddy…I mean boyfriend…what's going on?"

"Terk…I now in charge…and need strong partner at my side. Before everyone here…I ask you to be my mate…my partner. Will you accept…make Tarzan really happy." He can see the gorillas not happy about this and as his mother recovers she looks at the stage feeling like she missed out on a great deal.

"Tarzan…do you really want me to do this in front of everyone?" She appears shy but he can see the delight in her eyes.

"I need you Terk…please accept." He waited with held breath and only after a few beats of his heart she throws her arms around him and dips him down.

"I thought you would never ask." She then kisses him deeply. He returns the kiss with equal affection and the pounding of the fists on the ground signal their union. Finally things were looking up…though he wondered if Kerhcak would fall in line or fight him again.

Authors note: Quite a suspenseful chapter eh? Tarzan in charge and proud…but will Kerchak stand aside and let Tarzan rule in his place? Next chapter the return of Sabor.