A/N: Hello my sweet darlings! How have you all been? I have super duper busy with my internship these past few weeks so I have no time for a life... Anyway dribble drabble.
There is something major I would like to speak about. Scrivensabre brought up a HUGE mistake I made in my story which I am very overwhelmed and upset at myself about. I am not great at Geography but this does not excuse what I did considering I actually used a map to establish where the story will take place so I still cannot remember what was going through my mind when I decided to put Mozambique and South Africa as the same country/city in South Africa...like what the hell was the matter with me... I got to looking at the map today after I read the review and I was so shocked I almost could not believe what a mistake I made. So I have went through all the chapters and made sure I corrected this mistake. The story takes place in Northern Mozambique, not South Africa. I cannot begin to tell you all how awful I feel. I pride myself on doing research before writing stories but this was a really sloppy mistake, very bad.
I do not know why no one, or even myself, have not caught this error before but now I have fixed it and learned something new in the process. So many many MANY thanks to Scrivensabre for pointing that out. I encourage everyone who reads my story to point out my mistakes. That is how I grow as a writer. Please, if you spot something off with my stories don't hesitate to tell me. I love hearing from you all and this helps make the stories better!
Also this chapter is part one I guess of the next chapter. I will upload the next one in a few hours after revisions. Thank you everyone who reviews and everyone who helps clear up my mistakes, god knows I make TONS of them.
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN OR PROFIT FROM THIS STORY. THIS IS FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DO NOT INTEND TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE ORIGINAL CHARACTERS OF TARZAN THAT BELONG TO SIR EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS AND DISNEY.
"So you freaked out, it's not uncommon Jane. People freak out," Vivian smirked placing a gentle hand on Jane's shoulder. The two were sitting in a clearing after minutes of Vivian trying to catch up to Jane's quickened pace. Vivian was able to grab hold of Jane's arm and sit her down immediately.
"I am such an idiot," Jane sighed heavily thinking about Tarzan, what he was thinking after she nearly flung out from under him in a hasty retreat. She was not thinking rationally, all she felt was his groin colliding against her own and that sent a wave of shock throughout her body that she could not control.
"Do you think I went too far? Did I overreact?" Jane began to realize that all of this may have been her fault. That this entire matter would have been avoided if she just focused on what was happening and not allowed herself to get too enveloped by the moment, by Tarzan's touch. Thinking about his hands at her sides, his lips against hers, her blood began to surge throughout her body as she felt warmth spread against her abdomen.
"Oh god! I did. I am the worst person. I can't believe I was so stupid," Jane continued to blame herself. Thoughts began entering her mind that perhaps Tarzan will not forgive her; maybe he will take Jane's actions as an offense to him. Tarzan is a man but his mannerisms are not. He still has a jungle mindset and with that comes caution, caution between the both of them.
"Jane, calm down. You are overreacting right now," Vivian wanted nothing more at this point then to smack her palm against Jane, try to snap her out of this self-scorning loop she seems to be entrapped within.
Vivian stood up and pulled Jane to her feet. "Now you will listen to me. We are going to go back to the camp site and tomorrow we are going back to the huts. Leave Tarzan alone. He will find you when he is ready and then you two can talk. Right now just let it go and let's go to camp," The moment she finished that sentence, Dex stumbled through the bushes in to the clearing.
"There you girls are."
"Come on Jane. Let's go back to camp," Vivian pulled Jane along as Dex followed behind.
"I think I see him," Terk shouted gesturing up to the trees watching Tarzan come down.
"Well, well, well. Now where have you been? Aunt Kala was worried sick. You know when you hear a noise you don't run towards it you run AWAY from it!" Terk grumbled attacking Tarzan, not much strength was needed to pin him to the ground. Tarzan did not seem like himself. He had a miserable expression plastered on his face. He barely moved underneath Terk from the exhaustion of the early day.
"Hey, you alive down there?" Terk poked Tarzan in the temple, trying to coax any words out of him.
"Not now Terk," Tarzan mumbled underneath his breath as he slid from underneath Terk's body and began to walk away, climbing a tree and just sitting on a branch staring in to the jungle. He watched as the tree tops rustled with the wind, only Jane prevalent in his mind.
He could not understand what he had done to make Jane so upset, make her distance herself from him. He played back the events of the day and every move he made and still he could not understand what he did to upset her so. Maybe he really did not belong with Jane, with people. He may look like them but he does not think like them, he does not see things the way they do, and that is what keeps him from truly understanding, from truly being accepted as one of them.
Tarzan begins to wonder if he will ever be accepted anywhere. Kerchak does not acknowledge him as one of their own, even after today's battle with the leopard. Now Jane has pushed him away. He believed that he would finally belong; he would finally be able to say he is one of them, have a family who accepts him.
But perhaps this is his fate, to be shunned from everywhere, cast out, always yearning to belong but never accepted. All this began to pile inside his head and confused him even more. With a loud grunt and a rough shake of his head he leaped off the branch and disappeared in to the jungle.
Terk just watched as Tarzan left, her face dropping as she glanced over to see Kala join her.
"It's that female isn't it? The one who looks like him," Terk spoke softly, keeping the conversation between them.
"I just want to know what he is thinking," Kala had never felt this restless before. She barely slept when Tarzan was gone, and she barely interacted with the family. She just sat there watching the jungle in front of her waiting for Tarzan to come back safe. She knew she could not stop him but at times she felt if she could reason with him maybe he would stop seeing her. It was not safe for him or for the family. He was risking too much leaving constantly, and it was becoming more tedious to try to keep Kerchak at bay, keep him from finding out just what Tarzan was up to.
"I'll try to talk to him, see if I can't get that head of his to start working normally again," Terk chuckled hesitantly. Convincing Tarzan not to do something was like convincing a leopard to switch to a vegan diet, impossible.
"It's alright Terk. Let him be," Kala could not shake the feeling that Tarzan would ultimately leave her. She dropped her head, saddened by the thought before she left Terk's company, walking away from the family to be alone.
Dawn came quickly as the camp was woken hastily to begin the trip back to the huts. The distance between the most recent camp site and the huts was too far to trek on foot so the students were all stuffed in four jeeps, with the camp supplies and bags.
Jane was silent throughout the entire drive back. She was regretting not seeking out Tarzan after the moment they had, to try to explain what was going on in her head. All she could do now is hope that Tarzan would understand.
Vivian glanced at Jane who was sitting next to her, watching as Jane twirled a grass root in between her fingers. She knew Jane was still thinking about Tarzan, about yesterday.
Vivian cleared her throat to get Jane's attention, "I am very excited to take a regular shower for the first time in months, aren't you? All lathered up with fragrant washes, just get all this dirt finally off. Mmmm. I can smell it already," Vivian took a deep breathe in through her noise, smelling the dew from the jungle morning. She glanced over to Jane who seemed oblivious to her speaking.
Dex noticed this as he sat in the back, stuffed next to the camp equipment. "Yeah, a shower and an actual bed seems fantastic right about now, don't you think Jane?" Dex raised his voice as he said her name, snapping Jane out of her self-induced trance. She cleared her throat and smiled towards Vivian, shaking her head in agreement to Dex's words.
"Yeah, a bed," She uttered looking back down at her hands.
The drive lasted two hours. They were finally back at the huts, the first place they saw when they first arrived, and it looked just as it did, spacious and safe.
The equipment was unpacked hastily and everyone was motioned to meet in the hall. Mr. Ndiaye was accompanied by Clayton in the front.
"Now students, I know that this is not what we wanted at the moment but it is what needs to be done. Mr. Clayton assures us all that we will be here no longer than a few weeks as they canvas the area for potential predators. You are still free to explore the area around, but like we have been saying, do not venture past the safe radius. That is all everyone, unless Mr. Clayton has anything to add."
Clayton scans the hall before glancing over at Jane, Vivian, and Dex. He clears his throat and proceeds, "Keep safe everyone, we will have you back out there in no time," He gives the students a convincing smile before exiting the hall, looking for O'Riley.
"Where to now Mr. Clayton?" O'Riley speaks in a hushed tone.
"Nowhere, Mr. O'Riley. Now we wait for those kids to lead us to the gorillas. Speaking of gorillas, did your men get the supplies?"
"Yes they did Mr. Clayton. They are waiting for your orders."
"Excellent. We will not begin until we know how many of those beasts there are," Clayton patted O'Riley on the shoulder, leaving him behind. If they were going to collect their treasure they needed to be patient. He was already done waiting for the digging to reveal any finds but this was an opportunity that was staring him right in the face. All he needed now was the kids to play their parts.
Tarzan came back to the nest after an entire afternoon of wondering in the jungle. He could not shake the emotions surging through his mind so he decided to just leave Jane alone for now. He needed to sort out what was going on in his head before he could speak with Jane.
He climbed up the tree, Terk waiting for him, munching on a yellow fruit, juice dripping from her mouth and her hand.
"There you are Tarzan, Where were you? You need to stop leaving. Auntie K is really beginning to worry," Terk was speaking more out of concern for Kala than Tarzan at this point, as she saw what Tarzan's disappearances are doing to her.
"Not important," Tarzan shrugged off the conversation, not wanting to explain anything that is going on. He did not want to talk; he just wanted to lie down and try to close his eyes. Terk would not let up so easily however.
"Yeah well your constant 'leavings' are really becoming worrisome, not to mention exhausting for me to always cover your behind when Kerchak gets suspicious," Terk huffed stuffing the last of the fruit in her mouth. She was tired of constantly having to keep Kerchak oblivious, from finding out what Tarzan has been doing.
"Kerchak doesn't- wait, that's it," Tarzan had a look of sudden realization plastered across his face as he gazed at Terk.
She knew that look. It was not the first time he had that look, and every time he had that look, it always spelled disaster for Terk.
"Oh no. No no no no no. Whatever you are thinking, count me out. I am still trying to grow the hair on my leg from the last 'idea' you had. No way. Not happening. I don't care what it is."
"Oh Terk come on, you don't even know what I was going to say."
"That is because you don't have to say anything. It is always the same thing. It involves me and Tantor, and ends in me getting my hair pulled or Tantor unexpectedly falling on me. I still have some of his hair stuck in my ears," Terk was always the one who paid the price for any 'adventures' they had. Tantor being the enormous elephant always came out unscathed.
"Terk just hear me out please."
"Not happening," Terk slid down a branch and jumped off, landing on the back of an elephant, startling the creature.
"Oh goodness Terk," Tantor exhaled frightened by Terk.
"Terk all you have to do is get Kerchak out of the way, for one afternoon. That's it."
"What? Not happenin'."
"I wouldn't mind getting Kerc-"
"Shut your trunk and get me out of here," Terk squeezed Tantor's trunk to silence him as the elephant began to move away from Tarzan.
"Terk please," Tarzan dropped on to Tantor's head, staring at Terk intensely, "I'm asking you as a friend."
Terk gazed at Tarzan's face as he tilted his head slightly and gave a wide smile to the gorilla.
"Oh…. with the face…..and the eyes….Oh fine! I'll do it," Terk spoke with exasperation.
Jane unpacked some of her belongings from her backpack, before grasping her journal. She gazed at it briefly before sitting on her bed, opening up the journal. She looked through the pages of writing Tarzan has done, filling in over half the contents with his learning's. A smile formed upon her lips looking at his writings, tracing her fingers along the letters he wrote. She turned to the page where he wrote her name and she froze for a moment. Jane stared at the page, her name written in big letters. She began to feel more guilt.
Immediately after, her door swung open and Vivian stood there, in her door way gazing at her, Jane clutching her journal, her expression gloomy.
"Jane," Vivian spoke softly, exhaling and dropping her shoulders theatrically as she stomped towards her and pulled her to her feet. "Come on. We are leaving."
"Where are we going?" Jane was perplexed at Vivian's behavior.
"To find Tarzan."
The three of them wandered through the jungle for over two hours. Jane was sure that finding Tarzan would not be this difficult. She began to think that maybe he does not want to see her.
"Maybe we should head north?" Dex suggested, studying his gps.
"Let's try north," Jane uttered as the three of them changed direction and began to head north.
"North?" You think the gorillas are there Mr. Clayton?" O'Riley whispered, making his way through the shrubbery.
"We will find out won't we Mr. O'Riley," Clayton answered as he followed the students, growing more impatient by the minute. He wanted nothing more than to find these gorillas and capture them quickly, collect his earnings but this proved to be more tedious than he wished.
Another hour of walking with no Tarzan in sight, perhaps he really did not want to be found. Jane began to wonder if she really did insult him. He would always find her somehow but now there is no sign of him anywhere.
Just as she was beginning to feel the guilt en-wrap her, Tarzan burst from the tree tops, landing in front of Vivian and Dex, a few feet away from Jane. She turned from fright until she realized it was Tarzan. Jane wanted nothing more than to embrace him and apologize profusely but Tarzan seemed distant. He would normally appear near Jane. This time he was near Dex and Vivian, glancing at Jane briefly before speaking.
"Do you want to see gorillas?" He asked, gesturing to Vivian and Dex to follow him. He passed Jane, giving her a look of caution before continuing onward.
"Finally!" O'Riley exclaimed louder than he pleased.
"Shut it! Make a map of the direction we are heading, and call your men to be ready. We will not waste any time," Clayton smirked as he moved through the jungle swiftly behind the kids and the wild man.
Jane fell behind slightly, wondering what could be on Tarzan's mind. He was not giving her any contact, nor was he walking next to her, something she has come to expect of him. Tarzan led them up a steep grass covered hill, making his way to the top. He noticed Jane having trouble climbing to the top. With hesitation he extended his arm towards her, wanting to help. Jane gazed in to his eyes, a look of concern visible on his face.
She immediately grasped his hand, Tarzan pulling her up, the momentum sent Jane against Tarzan, her arm placed gently on his chest. Before Jane had a chance to utter a word Vivian gasped behind her.
"Oh my gosh! Look!" She whispered gesturing in front of them. A gorilla with hair as brown as bark stood frozen between the shrubbery. Her eyes widened by the sight before her unable to make a move.
Jane looked on in awe. A beautiful adult-sized gorilla was standing a few feet before her. She was in shock as she drew closer to the magnificent creature.
"She's beautiful," Jane uttered wanting to extend a hand to try and coax the gorilla from out of the shrubbery.
Tarzan walked beside Jane a sense of relief overwhelming him as he began to speak to Jane.
"She's my mother," He gestured to himself, looking at Jane.
"This…this is your….mother," Jane began to understand more about Tarzan. He was raised by gorillas, by this gorilla. It was a moment of revelation, of joy for Jane. She was overwhelmed as she watched Tarzan crouch down and call to the gorilla, to his mother. She was becoming wearier of the situation as she began to slowly retreat backwards, in to the dense jungle.
"Oh no. why is she leaving?" Dex asked disappointed.
Jane watched as Tarzan tried to speak with his mother, gestured to her to come back. She knew that standing upright hovering almost over her was frightening. Jane crouched down on her knees, using the same gestures Tarzan was making, trying to make herself less intimidating, less of a stranger. Dex and Vivian crouched down as well before they hear a noise coming from the tops of the trees.
Jane gazed up to see gorillas situated on the tree branches above. The sight made her head spin and she looked all around her marveling at the scene before her. Tarzan gazed at Jane, a wide grin plastered upon his face as he saw the elation in her expression.
Dex and Vivian nearly fainted at the sight.
The gorillas slowly made their way down towards the strangers, first sniffing then picking at their clothing. Vivian and Dex sat down, allowing the gorillas to pick at their hair as they marveled at the actions of the gorillas.
Three small baby gorillas got the attention of Jane as one of them walked closer, beating his palms to his chest in an attempt to show courage. Jane got down on her knees to greet the youngsters.
"Hello," She spoke, leaning forward smiling at the little ones. The baby gorilla continued beating its chest before it spun around losing balance and landing back first on Jane's knees.
"It's very nice to meet you too," Jane chuckled having her hands under the little one propping him up.
Tarzan came in to view as the three playful baby gorillas ran towards him, pouncing on him. He wrestled with them for a moment, Jane watching in adoration as she walked towards Tarzan, kneeling beside him.
"Tarzan, can you teach me?"
"Speak gorilla?"
Jane shook her head in agreement. Tarzan sat up straight placing the gorillas next to them. They watched on as Tarzan began to speak.
"EEEH OOH EEH," He said waiting for Jane to repeat.
"Eeh ooh e," She smiled trying to imitate Tarzan.
"OOH EIII OOH"
"Ooh eii ooh," Jane repeated, clearing her throat.
"OOH EII OOOOOHHHH," Tarzan prolonged the syllables.
"Ooh eii ooohh," Jane repeated once again but Tarzan kept at it, taking his hand to her cheeks and squeezing them gently to demonstrate how to contort the mouth. His touch made Jane giggle as her cheeks became red and she straightened her body.
"Eeh ooh eeh ooh eii ooh," She recited, watching as the baby gorillas began to cheer, one jumping in to her arms.
"My goodness, what did I say?" Jane giggled as she hugged the gorilla in her arms.
Tarzan smiled, his hand gently caressed Jane's chin, "Jane is Tarzan's mate."
