Chapter 5

"In the Pride Lands"

While Tarzan and Jane took their son, Korak, to the Wazari Village for his Baptism, the Gorillas and Tantor were heading to the Pride Lands where they would be safe from the German Invaders. Many of the Gorillas were still wondering why Tarzan was being so stubborn about not coming with them. In fact, Tarzan's ape friend, Terk, was a lot more than baffled.

"I don't get it," she said to Tantor. "There are some encroaching humans who want more than just hunt animals like us and Tarzan doesn't want to leave. I don't get it."

"I'm pretty sure its nothing," replied Tantor. "Tarzan will survive as he always does."

Normally, it would be Tantor that was the nervous one, but it was Terk's turn to be the nervous one. The sense of fear was beginning to spread amongst the Gorillas as they were led into the Pride Lands. Many of them believed that the lionesses would want to kill and eat them, although they were under strict orders from Simba to protect the gorillas from harm.

"You'll be safe here with us," announced Simba as he stepped out over Pride Rock. "Tarzan has asked me to protect you all until the threat against your home is gone."

"Yeah, our jungle has food to your liking," added Timon. "Pumbaa and I will be happy to share with you our bugs."

"Easy for you to say," cried a gorilla, disgusted at what she just heard.

"Now, I know you are nervous," continued Simba, trying to keep order. "But I need to keep you safe. Tarzan will join us when he feels that the jungle is safe."

The unsure gorillas were then led to Timon and Pumbaa's jungle where they settled in making Gorilla nests for their families and young ones. However, as they settled in for the night, Terk and Tantor knew that Tarzan was in danger and that they had to find him and fast.

"Tantor, I can't stand it," whispered Terk, nervously as she sat in her nest that night. "I just can't help but feel that Tarzan needs us."

"Oh, what happened to the gorilla who thought that Tarzan was better off with his human friends?" joked Tantor, but Terk was not in the mood to be teased. "Huh, what happened to that gorilla?"

"Shut up, Tantor," snapped Terk, causing the elephant to jump. "We've got to find Tarzan and Jane and bring them here. If Tarzan thinks he is going to play hero while I sit here, he is mistaken."

So, Terk rose from her nest and stormed off back to the jungles. Tantor ran over and grabbed the gorilla with his trunk, sticking Terk on his back.

"Hey," said Tantor. "If you are going after Tarzan, you are not going alone."

Satisfied with the fact that she wasn't going alone, Terk smiled as she and Tantor quickly made their way back to the jungle. However, they caught the attention of Timon and Pumbaa who were enjoying a late night snack of bugs.

"Where do you think you're going?" remarked Timon, folding his arms and stamping his feet.

"Uh, just going out for a stroll," stuttered Tantor with Terk nodding in agreement. "Yeah, that's what we are doing."

"I know what you are up to," said Timon, raising one eye at them. "You want to go after Tarzan and get him to come here, is that it?"

Knowing the jig was up; both Terk and Tantor let out a heavy sigh and knew that they had to spill the beans.

"Yeah," sighed Terk. "That's what we are doing."

"Then you are both going to need some company," chuckled Timon as he and Pumbaa got onto the back of Tantor.

So, the four of them left the gorillas alone as they set out to find Tarzan and Jane, who had just baptized Korak and were having a celebration in the Wazari village. However, during the celebration, Tarzan and Jane approached Keewazi and told him of the situation.

"What are you talking about?" remarked Keewazi. "What do you mean a war is coming? Did we cause it?"

"No, you didn't," replied Jane. "But, these people are dangerous, the ones who are coming. They intend to kill anyone who gets in their way."

"The chances of your village being attacked are high," added Tarzan. "The only way we can defend it is if we join together."

Keewazi considered the matter for a moment and then suddenly began to think back to the time when McTeague and his men came to the jungle and poisoned the river. Ever since then, Keewazi knew that if his people are threatened, then they must fight.

"Then, it is done," said Keewazi. "We will start our defense immediately, I will have Basuli gather our best warriors at all the entries to the village. Will you need some warriors to help defend your home?"

"Yes," said Tarzan. "I will bring Jane back and she will prepare herself and Korak to join the gorillas in the Pride Lands."

Of course, Jane was not exactly thrilled with the idea of leaving her husband alone. However, as they were talking, the sounds of rustling were heard and almost immediately, Keewazi noticed that his village was about to be attacked. Suddenly, there was a loud scream and Keewazi, Tarzan and Jane ran out to see a fire forming near the ceremony site.

"We're under attack!" cried Keewazi. "To arms at once!"

Suddenly, the sound of gunshots were heard coming from all directions as Jane ran frantically to find Korak, who was in the arms of Naoh, while Tarzan and the Wazaris immediately took up action.

At the moment that Jane managed to find Korak, there was a loud explosion as a bomb exploded about 300 feet from them. When the dust cleared, the attack was over before it began, but Tarzan knew that something was wrong.

"JANE!" he screamed as he saw that Jane, Naoh and Korak had disappeared. This caused Tarzan to growl menacingly at the situation.

"Naoh's gone, too!" cried Basuli as they saw Korak's baptism gown lying on the ground. Tarzan picked it up and clutched it tightly. "What do we do?"

"We fight, Basuli," growled Tarzan, his eyes filled with anger. "We fight and whoever did this, will pay for coming into our jungle."