Part 2: The Transformation

Chapter 22

"Meeting the Wazari's"

It had finally happened to Jane Porter, although it happened in the most unlikely of all places. She was now engaged to be married by the king of the jungle himself, Tarzan of the Apes. When they returned to the tree house after spending the night under the stars, many of the gorillas including Terk were confused as to why Tarzan and Jane were looking so happy. But, many of the mother gorillas, including Tarzan's own mother, Kala, could sense that Tarzan was now having a mate of his own and it reminded her of the times that she had with Kerchak when they were only young gorillas.

However, Terk didn't quite know what to make of this happiness his hairless friend was feeling. For in her mind, Jane and Tarzan being engaged meant that their days of fun and happiness were over, but Kala was determined to make her see the truth.

"Terk, you should be happy for Tarzan," she said as Terk ate her morning supply of insects. "It's about time that he should a mate of his own to be with."

"But, I can't believe he would do this to me," she pouted. "This means that we won't have fun anymore and that means that I am going to be like yesterday's gorilla nest, not that you care of course."

Kala was surprised her niece was acting this way. It was hard for anyone to undergo any major changes let alone a gorilla like Terk. She was someone who was going to have to get used to having Jane be around. At the same time however, she did wear clothes that seemed to fascinate her, including Jane's yellow dress, with which she wore to distract Kerchak from watching Tarzan.

"Yes, but maybe having Jane in the family would be a nice change for us," said Kala. "Everyone else thinks that Jane is worthy of being in this family because they want Tarzan to be happy. Perhaps you can learn from her as much as she can learn from Tarzan. You heard about what happened yesterday when Jane fought Shanti at a time when Tarzan couldn't."

Terk was beginning to sense what Kala was saying and that what she was saying kind of made her feel a little better. She did nearly lose her best friend after all and Jane was there for him at a moment of desperation.

"I suppose you are right, Auntie K," she sighed. "She did save Tarzan after all and many gorillas are starting to become fascinated with me and I need to know how to get their attention."

"Then perhaps maybe Jane could teach you a thing or two," added Kala. "You just have to give her a chance first."

So, Terk decided to give Jane a chance of being in the family, at least for now. At the same time, maybe Terk realized that Jane was going to teach her how to be ladylike, but after all only time would tell.

Meanwhile, Tarzan and Jane were walking towards an unknown road that to Jane seemed very strange to her. This morning, after a short sleep, Tarzan wanted Jane to meet some friends of his called the Wazaris, a tribe that lived in a village not too far from the tree house.

"Tarzan," said Jane, continuing to admire her wedding ring. "Who exactly are we meeting?"

"We are meeting human friends of mine," said Tarzan. "I met one of them when I was a young boy and we have been friends ever since."

They arrived at the village which was mostly made up of straw huts and the people were the entire same breed of what Wazaris were supposed to be. Just then, a large man with a red loincloth and red cape walked over and he and Tarzan hugged one another as Jane looked on in amazement.

"Tarzan!" said the man broke up with Tarzan. "It's good to see you again, my friend."

"It's good to see you again too Basuli," replied Tarzan. "I want you to meet my mate, Jane."

"She looks just like you," said Basuli, holding his hand out to her. "But I don't believe it."

"Well, this is a very charming introduction," she said curtsying. "This is the first time I've met someone other than Tarzan who lives in this jungle."

Basuli was amazed by Jane's accent and knew that she spoke with the English tongue as many people who have visited the Wazari village in the past had the same voice as Jane's.

"You speak with the English tongue," remarked Basuli. "This is fascinating."

"Well, I must say that this is quite fascinating young man," said Jane. But, before Basuli could study her more, he noticed Jane's engagement ring and became fascinated with it.

"What is this?" he asked. "I have never seen anything like this before."

"Basuli," said Tarzan. "Jane and I are due to be united as one. That is why she is wearing this ring."

Basuli understood for a second and then realized what Tarzan was talking about. For he knew that there were many wedding ceremonies that were performed in the Wazari village and this would be different.

"I must say my congratulations," said Basuli. "After all these years, you have settled down with a mate of your own."

"Why, thank you, Basuli," said Jane. "However, Tarzan and I want to be married with not only his tradition of marriage, but mine as well. I come from a civilization where we marry in a civilized manner."

Basuli was not sure, but he wanted to do what was best for his friend and that even if it meant breaking Wazari tradition then so be it.

"I can talk to my father about it," said Basuli. "We can marry you with Wazari custom and whatever custom that your lovely mate has always followed."

"Thank you, Basuli," said Tarzan and after a brief hug goodbye, Tarzan and Jane headed back to the tree house to start preparing for the wedding.

There was so much to be done as to what Tarzan and Jane would wear for the ceremony as men normally wore black morning suits and women would wear long white gowns. But, no matter what the outcome, this was going to be an important day for Tarzan and Jane as it would be the first of many days together for many years to come…