Transition Plan Chapter 41: First Homecoming Part 28 – A Thousand Eyes
But as Tarzan's knife slice slashed down, it severed an unseen snake's head instead of the chameleons. It was stalking the tiny reptiles in the deep grass. The force of Tarzan's blow caused the snake's head to fly into the air, spraying blood everywhere, and the remaining body writhed until it was still. The terrified chameleons huddled around Tarzan's legs, matched his tanned body color to be more hidden, and were relieved that he saved them. He petted them and surrounded them protectively with his hand and arm, knife still at the ready, dripping snake blood, scanning for more threats to the peace of the Jungle Council.
The chameleons were saved by Tarzan from an eight foot long python.
But before everyone could sigh in relief, realizing the Lord of the Jungle had not lost his mind and was not attacking helpless reptiles in defiance of the Jungle Council rules, the jungle around them came alive in a slithering, twisting mass of greens and browns and tans.
From all around them in the trees and branches and grasses, thousands of snakes of every size and color, many poisonous, surrounded them and hissed in unison. It was deafening. Everyone stood and turned and took a defensive posture against the snakes. The serpents slithered forward, snapping their jaws and jabbing to bite, backing all the animals toward the center of the circle. Once bunched together, the animals would not be able to defend themselves against the rings of snakes. Even the biggest animals would succumb to venomous bites.
It was overwhelming odds. There were so many – thousands of snakes against less than two hundred different types of animals, birds, and other reptiles.
As if that threat was not enough for the animals, behind them the smooth surface of the pond below the White Rock erupted in froth. Slowly a giant head emerged, as big as an elephant's, with icy cold unblinking green-yellow slivers of eyes. A huge tongue flicked out, as big in circumference as any vine. The head rose taller and taller, until the gigantic snake towered nearly twenty feet over them. The Jungle Council was surrounded on all sides by the smaller snakes, though many of them were eight to twenty feet in length. The monstrous serpent opened its gigantic mouth and bared its fangs, glistening with yellow-white milky venom. This snake could take Tantor or a rhino down in one bite. There was nowhere to flee. Its hissing echoed off the face of the White Rock.
The snake let its massive size terrorize the animals and it called out in a husky, deep resonant voice, "I am Khaa'an. You have invaded our lands, and now you will all pay the price for doing so."
Tarzan put himself between the animals and the gigantic snake leader. Snakes could not hear, but they could read lips, knew most languages of the jungle, and Tarzan knew the sign language they understood, but could not do themselves being limbless.
Tarzan spoke distinctly. He emphasized the points with his hands and arms, "Khaa'an, how dare you interrupt our peaceful gathering of the Jungle Council against a threat that would put even you and your kind in great danger. We seek a solution to a crisis in our world. You are interfering."
Khaa'an hissed in his guttural voice, slurring all the 'esses' together, "We care not for any danger that would destroy all of you. We in fact would welcome that. Since long centuries ago, we do not recognize the Jungle Council - you lesser animals threw us out then. We obey our own rules, not the Council's. You have invaded our land. You will be dealt with accordingly."
The ring of many snakes started to constrict faster around the Council attendees.
Tarzan understood there would be no reasoning with this formidable snake and those it ruled, so he suddenly ran and leaped at the serpent, arms and legs splayed wide with a killing grasp on his blade. Instead of landing on the snake's head, it moved too fast and caught Tarzan in its massive body coils. It would be only seconds before the snake's muscles crushed Tarzan's chest, only to be bitten and poisoned as he suffocated.
Jane screamed, but acted fast. Using her many dance movements to be unpredictable, she dodged the line of snakes encircling the animals and were more focused on the shocking struggle between Tarzan and their leader, and leaped for her bow and arrow. She had to jump and flip over the last line of snakes, and they tried to lunge upward and snapped their fanged jaws at her. She was too quick and too nimble, even being pregnant. Her fast flip really upset the baby, and he kicked her hard from inside. She landed next to her bow, and grabbed it instantly.
With a quick soothing caress to her stomach to settle her child, she loaded her bow and apologized to her rapidly moving belly, "Sorry honey, Mommy has to keep Daddy from being eaten."
She thought of all the times she hesitated in killing animals, but she said through gritted teeth, "I detest snakes! Now more than ever!"
Being reviled by snakes, she acted. Her first two shots killed a python and an adder rearing to attack in front of her, scattering their fellows from further attacks against her. In rapid succession, she fired arrow after arrow into the monstrous serpent's vulnerable belly scales, stretched apart with tissue gaps between the plates as it hovered above the animals with Tarzan wrapped in its coils.
The arrows flew true and hit the underbelly of the snake. Not one missed. The arrowheads were razor sharp, bored into the snake, and lodged in its sensitive gut. Two traveled through the belly of the snake, and nicked its spine, partially paralyzing its ability to move. Another ripped through part of its heart, inflicting a fatal rupture in a ventricle. The giant snake hissed horrendously loudly, recoiled and twisted, relaxing its grip on Tarzan who instantly climbed on its massive head. The Nigerians followed Jane's lead, dodging or stabbing the smaller snakes and raced for their spears and threw them, impaling the injured snake on a huge tree overlooking the pond, adding to its misery. It tried to strike down on the animals and humans, but its movement was limited since it was pinned to the tree and partially paralyzed.
Jane cut loose another volley of seven arrows into its eyes, nostrils, and tongue, despite Tarzan riding the snake's head. It writhed worse in even more terrible pain in its blindness and impaired ability to smell its foes. It tried to shake Tarzan off, but he held to the thick scaly ridges of its eyes and nostrils, almost like horns. His legs were wrapped tightly around where its head transitioned to its body, much like riding a horse, but it was truly enormous, wider than his horse Kerchak. It tried to smash him into the tree to get him off, but it was too late. Tarzan took his knife, and holding it with both hands, gave a full swing, and buried it deeply into the skull and brain of the snake, twisting the blade for maximum damage. He was covered in the blood of his enemy. Khaa'an hissed again, this time weakly, spasmed, and dropped into the water, tearing through the Nigerian spears with even more damage to its innards, falling dead with a huge splash. Blood sullied the crystal clear waters.
As it fell, Tarzan jumped off, and assumed a full offensive gorilla stance before the snake's carcass, looking for any remaining signs of life. He had a knife in one hand and wielded a spare spear of Abassi's in the other. A dozen animals protected his back side from any more attacks from the slithering serpents bent on avenging their leader's death. Seeing no further sign of life in Khaa'an, he whirled and his furious wild eyes glared as the predator he was, staring at some of the bigger snakes. Those eyes caused even his animal friends to gasp. Seeing him drenched in their leader's blood and brains, they and the small serpents froze in place and pulled back quickly from the cornered animals. The Nigerians and Jane held the other snakes at bay with their drawn and ready weapons. Naima and her fellow caracals, lynx, lions, pumas, and tigers, and a half dozen other cat species roared at the snakes as they retreated.
Tarzan and Jane exchanged glances at each other, extremely anxious just to hold and comfort each other after this terrible attack, but remained on guard for any other surprise. She glanced at Femi proudly, as her Nigerian friend held her own spear at the ready for another attack, having fearlessly driven it into and recovered it from Khaa'an's mouth. A small snake writhed on her spear point held high as a vivid warning to any other attackers, giving the snakes a fearsome look. Abassi reminded himself never to argue with his bride.
Tarzan signed to the remaining snakes, and spoke distinctly so they could see his lips as he warned ominously, "Be gone, snakes! Do not interrupt or trick us again. This Jungle Council will meet in peace. A thousand dead snakes would make a good meal after we are done if you persist!"
They understood clearly that they were defeated, and their huge, seemingly invincible leader was dead at the hand of Tarzan, his mate, and his friends.
By using their sign language he knew they would understand, "I, Tarzan, claim the body of Khaa'an who dared to interfere with the Council."
Another large snake, a seventeen foot cobra that the others seemed to regard as the new leader, spoke in duress, "As the Vanquisher of Khaa'an, is your right to have the body," he hissed, "And we will honor your meeting here. We have no choice, it seems. This is not over, ape man, for you and your allies. All of you should protect yourselves as you return to your family nests - both you and your tiny ones. Especially yours, Tarzan. And Abassi's family. We also have rights – the right to prey on the helpless. Any unattended or unprotected offspring or weak adult is ours to take. This will never change. Snakes and man have done battle since the dawn of time. We will get our revenge on you for the loss of Khaa'an, Tarzan Vanquisher of Snakes. Mark my words."
More than a thousand snakes slithered off into the shadows. It was safe for the moment. The snake hunting mammals signaled 'all clear' to their fellow animals. The snake scents were gone.
Guarded by the fiercest of the predatory animals, and flanked by the elephants, rhinos, and hippos against a surprise attack by the snakes, Tarzan quickly rinsed the snake blood and guts off himself in the pond, and Jane rushed for him. They embraced as tightly as they could, kissing in gratitude that Tarzan was still alive. Their lips were pressed hard together in thankfulness, kissing each other desperately. They ignored the protestations of their baby, squeezed just a little too hard in their hug, kicking both of them vigorously to relieve the pressure.
They chuckled, and did finally break their kiss. Jane soothed her rapidly moving stomach, and whispered, "Settle down there, little one. Gracious me, how strong you are! Just like Daddy… Mommy needed some special time with Daddy. Get used to it. It'll make you go 'Ewww…'"
And then she turned her loving eyes back to her husband and ran her hand through his dreadlocks. She glowed in his receptive embrace.
"Oh my goodness. You're safe now, Jonathon! Thank God that He answered my prayer." She caressed his face and neck, not being able to touch him enough, still in her mind's eye seeing him being crushed in the coils of Khaa'an.
"Jane. My dearest. I can never thank you enough for saving my life. Without you, I… I wouldn't have lasted any longer. Your shots were true. You risked your life with the adders to save me."
Jane was close to sobbing, "But Jonathon, I had to. I had to wound Khaa'an enough for you to escape to kill him. I could never ever live a minute without you."
He cradled the sides of her head preciously in his hands, "It will always be the same for me, Jane. I love you more than anything in this world."
"I love you too…" she barely breathed, letting all the pent-up tears finally fall.
They embraced again and the kiss with grateful tears lingered a very long time.
That is, until they got an insistent tap on their shoulders. It was Terk. They turned and blushed at their friend, both with sheepish grins, who was giving them a disdainful look. But they still held on to each other.
Terk just rolled her eyes at her friends with a grin, "Ugh… all that gushy talk? Blehh… In a phrase, 'Gag me!' Are you two ever coming up for air?"
They were so lost in their own world, they had failed to see or even hear hundreds of happy animals jumping and leaping in joy while cheering, hooting, barking, chirping and growling in celebration of the victory over the snakes. Many had never seen humans kiss, and mates tried to figure out how to do it for their species. The couple was humbled by the praise of their jungle friends.
As he cheered his friend Tarzan, Abassi turned to his wife and joked, "Femi, dear. What's good enough for them is good for us too," and they kissed tenderly too, but not nearly as aggressively passionate.
She was more than eager to obey her Chief. Terk looked over and just shook her head at both sets of human mates.
She complained to ears who really didn't hear them, "Good grief, guys. What am I going to do with you humans? All this PDA stuff makes me ashamed to be a primate."
Tantor yelled above them all with a long toot on his trunk and taunted them, "Woo-hoo! Tarzan and Jane. Smoochie smoochie! Go get a tree branch!"
The animals all laughed happily. The trouble was, most of their closest friends knew enough about the energetic mating habits of Tarzan and Jane that they were concerned the pair might just take Tantor up on his offer. The tempting looks in their eyes told everyone the story.
She teased her husband, "Does the 'Vanquisher of Snakes' want to take Tantor up on that offer?"
Tarzan quipped, "Not now, but you never know what might happen on the way home, 'Jungle Woman'!"
"Be still my fluttering heart!" she fanned herself like a typical Englishwoman, "How will I know the difference between a snake and you when that happens?" she retorted, and winked at her husband.
He just rolled her eyes at her with her implication, "Remind me when that time comes to keep your arrows away from you so you don't get confused!"
They laughed hard together, but they knew that it was time to get back to the business of the Jungle Council, that they bowed in appreciation to the cheering, and took their places back in the circle.
Even with that deliberate action by Tarzan to restore the meeting, it took several minutes for calm to return to the Council members with the combination of the joyous celebration and the nearly deadly snake attack. But being wary of the cobra's warning, the animals that came to support the Council delegates took guard lest they be attacked again, scanning the field, the pond, and the branches for signs of the snakes, whose words could rarely be trusted.
Jane looked at this amazing sight of the animals and men meeting together, guarded by every species united together, and concluded to Tarzan's satisfied grin, "Noah himself would have been impressed with what happened here today with your friends, Jonathon."
The Council did continue, with more resolve than ever.
Naima touched the talking stick and looked directly at Abassi and Femi, and bowed graciously, "Men and women of Nigeria, you have more than earned your right to sit at the Council. You, like Tarzan and Jane, have much honor. You helped protect us from harm. You are 'of the jungle' like us. I know after this you will still hunt us, and we will defend ourselves, but for now we are allies to the death."
Tarzan translated, and Abassi, the chief of the Nigerians, and his wife Femi, bowed respectfully to the great caracal. He knew that his title meant nothing here. He and his spouse and colleagues were part of the animal kingdom of the jungle - no greater or no less than any of the others. For now, they would fight together against the oil men. He made a mental note to make a decree for his people never to hunt caracals again when he got home.
Tarzan reclaimed the talking stick, "Well said, Naima. Now, everyone, where were we when we were so rudely interrupted?"
Tarzan borrowed the English gentlemen's phrase. Jane and Terk snickered. This was the Tarzan they all knew, and the Council was ready to resume their task.
"You were about to explain the plan. In between kisses, at least," Tantor chuckled, to help frame the discussion yet keep it light. There were general snickers among all the animals at the humans' well-known affection.
Tarzan explained the plan, "We will give the oil men the benefit of a civilized conversation. I will approach them peacefully at first as the Count of Greystoke to peacefully turn over the land which they occupy to me, dismantle the oil field, and return to England on the ship. As you know, I own this land now – but I share it with all of you as ours. I have the right to force them to leave, invoking man's laws against trespass on personal property. All of you who declare territories in the jungle know this law is true. If they are honorable men, they are compelled to leave us peacefully. If not, then I have the right to evict them forcibly. How they respond then determines what we do next."
The leader of the parrot flock, Noni's mate, noted, "That is comforting, Tarzan of the Apes."
Naima was skeptical, "I know of civilized man's devious ways, Tarzan. What if they do not honor those laws?"
Tarzan was firm and grim, "Failing that peaceful offer, we must be prepared to fight so that we will prevail."
The baboon chieftain asked, "And how, Tarzan, will we know how who is a good human and who is a bad human? We cannot tell, with all due respect, Tarzan and Abassi."
Tarzan and Abassi conferred a few moments, then Tarzan answered, "The human allies of Tarzan of the Apes will wear sinew or vines on their left arms like this."
He gutted and stripped a long piece of the first beheaded python and tied it around his left arm. Abassi and Jane and the others found some tendrils of vines and did the same. The animals all understood.
Tarzan continued, "You will know more when I speak peacefully to the oil men in the days to come. Watch and wait from the shadows on the day I meet them on the beach in greeting. Now, I will teach you how to defeat the men, despite their guns, if they refuse to lay down their arms."
Tarzan turned to the detailed diorama and walked through every step of the plan, and each animal species' role in it. The animals were very pleased with the plan, as he matched each animal's strengths with the jobs to be done. Everyone was clear what do when the time came.
"This is a very good plan, Tarzan of the Apes. We are prepared to fight with you, the men of Greystoke, and the Nigerians to save the land," stated Naima with conviction, with a roar for emphasis.
The other top-of-the-food chain carnivores growled in support of Naima's pledge. All the others did the same. It was equivalent to a voice vote in Parliament.
The meeting was clearly over, but before they dismissed, Naima made a final comment to everyone in reflection of the occasion of this unique Jungle Council, "Animals and man allied together, Tarzan. I never thought I would see the day."
Before Tarzan could respond, Noni perched on the talking stick and replied to Naima, "Do not be so negative, great cat. Tarzan is the one who can do this. He alone among us all. This is why the man-ape walks among us to unify us all."
Positive agreement and support came in a multitude of praise and calls from everyone, including the Nigerians. Tarzan bowed in humble submission to the praise and trust. Jane was so proud of him, and took his hand in hers.
Tarzan concluded the meeting by announcing, "Now I require each of you to do what I ask, as only you can do, until the day of reckoning with the intruders."
They were ready to leave. Tarzan looked at all the carrion eaters, who were somewhat distracted and drooling over their desire to consume the giant snake carcass in the water – vultures, crows, rats, even the hyenas and other scavengers, and stated, "I would invite you all who feast on the dead to enjoy your dinner."
The leader of the vulture flock, Buzzie, joked alongside his colleague Flaps and the rest of flock, "Tarzan, thank you. We thought you'd never ask."
The rest of the animals were all amused, laughed, but were grateful none of them would be picked clean by the carrion eaters on this day.
Watching the animals depart, Terk joked, "Tarzan, what kind of host are you? You threw the biggest party in the jungle in decades, and didn't serve all the guests?"
Tantor rolled his eyes, and scolded in jest, "Terk, it is wise to not provoke the 'Vanquisher of Snakes'!"
The entire assemblage laughed as they all departed, cautious of where the snakes might lurk, but headed to their nests near to the oil men to be ready for the arrival of the Tribe of Greystoke.
Terk was a little embarrassed, so Tantor reassured her with an affectionate curl of his trunk around her shoulders, "But you're still my friend, Terk."
Tantor then made an offer, "I bet you all could use a ride home. Strength in numbers and all that good stuff."
There was enough room for the humans, Terk, and Kirok on the backs of the elephants. Faced with a long walk on foot back to their nesting place, they couldn't say 'no' to Tantor's offer. Habika took the females and Tantor carried the males.
Femi and Jane had a wonderful visit on the way back, talking about babies, insect food recipes, and many other fun things that women chat about, including a few private snickers about comparing techniques to please their husbands. Jane did a lot of translation for Terk, and Femi got acquainted with the charming female gorilla. Femi never dreamed contact with the apes was possible, and she enjoyed the new friendship.
Femi shared a secret, "I think I am going to have a child. Then we can hopefully share times together as pregnant women do. And especially have our babies know each other as they grow."
"I would like that too, Femi. When will you tell Abassi?" Jane replied.
"Soon Jane, probably when we are safely home."
Watching the chattering of all the females, even though he didn't understand most of it, Abassi was very pleased. Tarzan was glad Jane had a real human female friend now, too.
Abassi engaged his ally Tarzan, "It is good they are friends Tarzan, as are we. When is Jane's baby due?"
"In another four moons or so."
"Let us know of the good news, man-spirit. We will all celebrate then. Good news for the Mangani is good news for Nigeria."
"So be it," Tarzan replied.
Like the females, the males chatted too. Abassi respected getting to know Kirok as an ally, not just an animal.
Tantor and Habika dropped the humans and gorillas off near the latest Mangani nest. Femi and Abassi were amazed at the family of gorillas playing and resting in the distance, but knew they should not get closer.
Femi was impressed by the large group of mothers, gorilla youth, and babies, "Jane, I can see you are well supported by family. It was a pleasure to meet you, Terk. Take care of your sister."
Terk and Kirok said goodbye and rushed to retrieve Jana from her relatives, leaving Tarzan and Jane standing alone with Femi, her brother, Abassi, and the war chief.
Abassi said his goodbyes too, "We must return and rally the tribes to come to your support, now."
Tarzan noted, "It will only be a few days, Chief Abassi. Gather your warriors and assemble in secret near the oil men's camp at the appointed place. The sound of fireworks and cannons in the bay will be the sign the men of Greystoke are here."
Femi was sad to leave Jane, "I will miss you friend Jane. Truly there is no other Englishwoman like you who understands us and the animals. I look forward to fighting by your side soon with our husbands, and then raising our children as friends."
"I look forward to that so much, Femi," and they parted with an affectionate hug, complicated by Jane's baby bump, which made them laugh.
Femi joked, holding Jane arm in arm, and winked, "I too will have that problem soon, Jane. And happy to have it."
That perked Abassi's interest, "Femi… what did you say?"
With a mischievous grin, Femi held her husband's hand and invited, "Come husband, we must talk on the trail. I have some good news about us…"
Tarzan and Jane put their arms around each other's waists and waved as their Nigerian friends disappeared into the jungle trail. They briefly heard a giddy whoop in the distance from Abassi as Femi told him the pleasant news about their baby, and then the pair turned to rejoin the family, who were anxious to see how the Jungle Council had gone. They saw that the family was gathered around Terk as she was already animatedly telling everyone how incredibly brave Tarzan and Jane had been against the snake attack. Tarzan and Jane were amused, listening while they came up the trail, crouching gorilla-style, that the story wasn't exactly how things had gone, but was certainly more entertaining. Jane noted the four-point gait of moving like a gorilla female actually helped her back aches with the baby, and he admired her beautiful natural form with her swaying bosom moving gracefully along the trail on all fours, but it didn't stop him from giving her a lower back rub when they got back to the nest.
…
The rest of the day with the family was uneventful and they relaxed. She felt spoiled with her husband bringing food and water to her whenever she needed it, but savored the attention from her mate, just like any other pregnant gorilla female. The family was pleased that the plans were made and that when the time came, everyone in the jungle was ready, with the help of the Nigerians and Tarzan's human family.
…
Night had fallen hours ago, and Tarzan had simply watched Jane draw scenes of the Jungle Council adventure and snuggled right next to her in the bright moonlight. But now it was time for bed, and they were face to face on their sides, lying in another brand new nest they'd spent most of the early evening building, interrupted frequently by kisses and grooming that often progressed into caressing and fondling, much to the family's amusement.
Now alone together, their bodies and faces were well-illuminated by the moon. It was very late and they were the last ones awake. They were too excited with each other to sleep. Jane looked deeply into Tarzan's eyes with her half-closed eyes. That affectionate look he knew so well was only meant for him. Tarzan's heart always melted when she gave him that penetrating gaze, but especially tonight, with her eyelids freshly repainted that afternoon with the indelible dark purple berry juice eye shadow. He found it amazing that she could be all-Mangani female and all-woman at the same time. She was simply alluring to every one of his senses. How he loved her so and his heart beat faster for her.
She caressed his cheek and he leaned into her touch, "You were wonderful, Tarzan. The animals all love and trust you. Even the snakes respect and fear you most of all their enemies. The Nigerians also have pledged their heartfelt allegiance. You, my dear husband, are the only human that is afforded that universal respect."
He could barely get his words out, he was so deeply moved by her praise, "Let us hope that trust is well founded, Jane dear, or all is lost. We will have no home if this doesn't work."
She placed her index finger on his lips to quiet his doubt, "Shhh, Jonathon. Don't say that. You have that trust, and we are all so close to achieving our goal…"
The double meaning in what she said, belied by seeing the desire within her dark blue half-lidded eyes made Tarzan's heart skip a beat in anticipation. She grasped him well below the waist and she smiled as he shuddered and caught his breath at her gentle touch. She prepared to get ready for him in the ways they enjoyed intimacy in her pregnant condition.
But instead, he helped her turn front to back and they reclined, spooned together. She giggled, wondering what new surprise could be next, as neither were ready to sleep. She twisted her head, and met his raised and turned head to kiss. He followed the exciting deep kiss with a barrage of nuzzles against the back of her neck and shoulders, causing goose bumps all over her like always when he did that. They both felt wonderful, but instead of just sleeping back to front as always, he gently raised her free leg and supported it comfortably bent and spread wide with his arm. She immediately understood, and with her guiding hand, he pressed together in a tender union with her. She bit her lip and held her eyes tightly closed, feeling the amazing pleasure of being joined with him in this new way, trying hard not to disturb everyone else, but she still gasped wide-eyed and cried out in ecstasy with him as they finished.
Next to them Terk stirred, and mumbled, still more than half asleep, "Uhhhh. Are you guys all right? I heard a noise…."
"Yes, Terk, we are very all right," Jane cooed, feeling Tarzan's strong arms envelope her after their time together, craning her head around to meet his eyes and kiss him goodnight.
Jane was constantly amazed at how good Tarzan could make her feel, and lying on her side was gentle and comfortable for her pregnant body. It was a beautiful surprise from Tarzan, and couldn't wait until the next time. They slept so entwined, savoring yet another new manner in which to love each other from their favorite sleeping position, as if it were possible to love each other any more deeply.
…
Author's Note: Well there you go. I was mean last week with the cliffhanger so I give you a double length chapter this week! Tarzan saw the danger instead of a chameleon snack (no they don't taste like chicken), and with the help of his friends, saved the day for the Jungle Council. I hope you enjoyed this chapter on the snake attack. Khaa'an's naming heritage lies in both 'Kaa' of Disney's "Jungle Book", only enormously bigger and more blatantly evil, and on one of history's greatest tyrants and slaughterer of human life – Genghis Khan. Buzzie and Flaps make a cameo from "Jungle Book" too... The half circle in which the Jungle Council met was symbolic of "Lion King"'s Circle of Life. And you guys deserve a little Tarzan and Jane romance too. Haha, so do they!