AN: I do not own The Jungle Book or Tarzan. Both are owned by Disney.

Chapter 4

Kerchak really had no idea where he was leading his family, though he felt that they were heading in the right direction. Each night he would have dreams that gives him hints of where to go.

His instincts told him that these dreams would lead them to a new home, a better home and his instincts has of yet to prove him wrong...Well except for Tarzan, but that was more on pride and grief than instinct.

The journey, however, didn't come without problems, one of them was Kaya's growing concern of where exactly he is leading them. Though the rest follows him without question, Kala is the only one that questions him; "Kerchak, where are we going?", "How long will we reach there?", "Where are you taking us".

Though the constant questions are starting to iterate him, her boldness is one of the reasons why he loves her. Though he cannot fault her, since every question she asked he answers with "Trust me." Not exactly a through answer, but he gets to enjoy the annoyed look that would be shown on her face.

The other, that Kala has playfully pointed out, is that he has become more protective of Tarzan. Which shouldn't be a bad thing! His son is smaller and weaker than the average gorilla, of course he would want to make sure that his son is safe!

However, constantly watching over as Tarzan play with the other younglings has been noticed and apparently is scaring them. To the point where some started to avoid Tarzan because they were scared of him.

"Of course they'll be scared," Kala chuckled, admonishing him lightly. "You just stand there looming over them. You need to give Tarzan space to be with his friends."

"But what if something happens? I need to be there in case-"

"Kerchak. You can't be there all the time; you have the entire family to look after. The best you can do is prepare Tarzan for any danger. And our son is a lot tougher than you think."

He didn't want to admit it, but seeing Tarzan with the other younglings he had to concede that Kala was right. Despite his smaller stature, Tarzan didn't let that stop him with keeping up with the others.

Even when they were play fighting and wrestling Tarzan was always the weaker in the group but he would always get back up. He smirked, thinking on the boy's stubbornness remined of his own. Guess Tarzan does take after him after all.

The third problem, which he was expecting but didn't account the vastness of it, is staring directly at him. Sand. They have reached the end of the lush jungle and now are faced with an endless deserted wasteland.

As he turned to face his family, he can see various emotions on their face; fear, worry, tiredness, apprehension. However, the main one that is being directed at him is judgment. They're waiting for an answer. A real answer of where they are going and why.

"My family," He spoke gaining everyone's attention. "I know that we have traveled far, and I have been silent on where we are going. But I ask you to trust me, beyond this sand lies a new home for us.

A wonderful home. Larger and more abundant than our old one. One where our children can grow up safe and not worry about food. One where our family can thrive. I ask you to trust in me once more."

His speech may have captivated the group, but the air of apprehension was still there. Their fear of crossing the unknown is winning over their unity as a family and he began to worry that some may break off on their own.

"I believe in you Kerchak." Kala's voice rang. He smiled as she walked up to him and held his hand.

"I believe in papa too!" Little Tarzan shouted as he ran up to Kerchak, claimed on his back and ponded his little chest with his fists to show the rest of the group he was not afraid.

Kerchak chucked at Tarzan's bravado. His worries before disappeared as the two most important things in his life declared their belief in him. Thier trust. In that moment he knew that if their unit broke away Tarzan and Kala would stay with him. And that would be enough.

He looked back to the others and could see a shift in everyone's face. Where before it was fear, now shows determination. Many of them nodding along with Kala and Tarzan. Kerchak smiled, he couldn't be prouder of his family than right now.

"We will cross this sand together and reach our new home!" Cheers rang from the group, from young to old. Everyone was determined to face the challenge together for a new home. That was until a loud rumbling was felt throughout the area.

"What's going on?!"

"What is that?!"

Similar shouts of panic spread. Kerchak has to act fast before the group breaks out in a panic, but there's something familiar about this rumbling. Where did he fell this before?

"Papa look! It's Tantor and his family!" Tarzan shouted excitedly.

Tantor? Who is that? Kerchak wondered and he received his answer when a herd of elephants came passing by. What are the elephants doing here?

"Everyone, remain calm and move aside." He instructed and the unit moved fast to get out of the herd's way.

"Kerchak? Is that you?" He looked up to face Kenya, The matriarch of the herd. "What are you and your family doing all the way out here?"

"Our home was destroyed, and we are seeking a new one." She looked at him and out to the waste land. When she looked back at him, she gave him an unimpressed look and lowered her head closer to him.

"Out there? Have you lost your mind? There's nothing out there but sand and death." He sighed as the elephant just rekindled his unit's fear of crossing the land.

"Yes, but beyond that is another jungle. Another home for us." Kenya shot back up in surprise.

"You know of the other jungle? I didn't know anyone else did." Now it was Kerchak that sprung up in shock.

"You know of it?" He asked almost desperately. For days all he had were dreams and his faith that something is out there for him and his family, but now he could have actual proof that he's right.

"Of course, we pilgrimage to the other jungle to meet with my brother and his family every few years." Knowing Kenya for a long time he knew of the pilgrimage she speaks of, but never bothered to ask where she and her herd would go.

It's not like it was his business or concern what the elephants do or where they go. However, this presents a golden opportunity. As if reading his mind Kenya spoke.

"It seems that we are heading to the same direction. I suggest we travel together; you don't have any idea how dangerous crossing that land can be. It will be safer if you come with us."

Kerchak can hear the sounds of relief from his family. He can't blame them, for he too is thankful that Kenya showed up with her family. The elephants are massive, and any creature would think twice to challenge them.

"I thank you for your offer, Kenya and my family are grateful to travel with yours." He expressed his gratitude.

"Wow, you're actually thanking me? Who are you and what happened to that old grump that did nothing but huff and grunt?" She chuckled causing the others to laugh as well. the atmosphere became much lighter than it was before and for that Kerchak was grateful, so he allowed the others to laugh at his expense...for now.

Tarzan was ecstatic. He was worried that he would never see his new friend Tantor again. He really liked the elephant, even if he's a bit of a scaredy. Tantor is still fun to play with.

"Tantor!" Tarzan and Terk yelled gaining the young elephant's attention as they ran to him. Tantor eyes lit up when he saw them.

"Guys!" He yelled back happily seeing his friends. Truthfully, they were the only friends that Tantor has since he's the only young elephant in his mom's herd.

"How's it going, you big lug?" Terk said as she playfully punched one of Tantor's legs.

"Yeah, I was worried we would never see you again!" Tarzan said relieved to see his friend.

"Hey guys! My mom said that we were going on a trip to see my uncle. what are you doing here?" Tantor asked tilting his head to the side.

"We're looking for a new home, our old one got destroyed by fire." Tarzan explained.

"Oh! So that's what that was! My mom and aunties were really worried about something a few days ago when we saw this big red glow in the distance. Sorry about your home guys. But hey you can come with us to meet my uncle!" Tantor said hopefully.

"Funny you mention that big guy, since we are coming with you." Terk replied with a smirk.

"Really?!" Tantor jumped for joy.

"Yeah! It'll be awesome!" Tarzan yelled sharing the joy with his friend as he hopped on Tantors back.

"Everyone!" Came the booming voice of Kenya. "We will be pilgrimaging with Kerchak and his family. Stay close and don't let the young ones wander off! Let's set off!"

With that the combined group of elephants and gorillas began to track the sand wastes. Tarzan, still riding on Tantor's back is wearing a huge smile in anticipation. A new adventure, with his family and friends and he can't wait to see what lies on the other side.