“His Jungle Home”

A short story based on the WB Series, “Tarzan”

By Greatblueheron

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Chapter One:
The sounds of the jungle were like music to someone that grown with that melody in their head. To us, they would invoke fear, wonder and also sadness at the deafening quiet that was also part of this place. The sound of moving water from the near by river, and in the distance, a lion calling to others that are near a warning not to challenge his position in the pride. Birds of all kinds brought the symphony to a pitch in the morning when sunlight danced through the canopy. The every present tribe of monkeys carried on their daily rituals of feeding, play and squabbles with one another. They were on constant alert for the many dangers the surrounded them, but always found time to have fun.

Of all of the jungle folk, Tarzan loved them the best and they him. Since childhood they had been his constant companions, his family. Tarzan had more than once protected his band of little friends from the many dangers of the jungle. Especially dangerous were the leopards and snakes that were as at ease in the trees as Tarzan’s little family. Evil things they were for hurting little monkeys, clever and evil. The band in turn would give warnings of pending dangers to Tarzan and share food when it was aplenty. They would often jump to Tarzan’s broad shoulder and tell him all of their secrets. He always was a good listener and they felt very brave indeed in that safe place.

Then, of course, there was the tribe of great apes that had been his reason for survival all those many years since the death of his mom and dad. Many of the tribe had know Tarzan since he was a little boy and had come to live with them when he was very ill. He had followed his father’s words without fail for a long time. “Stay to the trees and climb high to escape animals that might hurt you”. But the day came when he had misjudged the strength of one of those limbs and down he plunged through the cruel hard branches until finally he hit the ground.

He had no idea how long he laid there unconscious before the apes came into the area. The she ape had recently lost her baby and was still grieving for the loss of the wee one. She was the first to spot Tarzan where he lay so quite and still bleeding. Gently she had picked him up and with a rocking motion had brought comfort to him as he slept and finally awoke. For days she brought him fruit and grubs to eat and water in her mouth, the only way she knew how. She was the kindest and most gentle creature he had known since his own mother died in that horrible plane crash so many months ago. That had been many years ago now, but the memory of the time with her and the love she lavished on him brought a warm glow to his heart. A heart that often felt the pain of loneliness for something, someone like him that he could love and protect.

Chapter Two
For many years he stayed with the apes and his surrogate mother “Kala” as they claimed the general area where his parents had met their fate. Through her teaching and Tarzan’s natural curiosity he had learned many useful skills. It was years before he could keep up with them in a race through the trees. He would have been left behind if not for her help, much to the chagrin of the males of the tribe. They had repeatedly tried to get her to discard this strange new addition, but she would not be denied. Somehow, she had reattached her heart that had belonged to the lost wee one to Tarzan and loved him as any mother would love an offspring. Tarzan in turn loved her and found great comfort and warmth in the closeness that had been missing and would have belonged to his own parents, had they lived.

Travel near the crash brought opportunities to explore the wreckage. At first, memories of the loss of his parent made that too painful and he avoided that local. But over the years the pain dulled and his instinctive need for some contact drew him to that place. Pieces of the crash were scattered over some area and the dense flora of the jungle had begun to reclaim it. But still, there were treasures that he had found over the years. It was on such a day, many years after the crash that the tribe has moved back into the area.

Tarzan was nearly 10 years old by that time. But the hard life of constant struggles, climbing and wrestling with the young members of the tribe as brought him to a physical condition that no Game boy playing 10 year old back home would ever hope to reach. His reflexes were lightning quick and his strength, even at that tender age would rival most adult men. Much to Kala’s dismay, Tarzan was often missing from the group exploring one thing after the other. He had on more than one occasion been found in one kind of trouble or another. Then there were the other males to worry about. The adult males accepted his presence, but were a constant threat to her little white ape.

One trip particular trip, Tarzan had slipped away as Kala was delightfully engaged with the treasure of grubs that she had discovered under a rotten log. While she was preoccupied, Tarzan headed back toward the location of the plane for some exploring. He traveled with ease through the trees as if he had a road map of which branches would provide the best means of progress. At the same time noting the scents that he found along the way. The leopard had been here last night and consumed his evening meal near by. The smell of him made Tarzans lip curl into a snarl, he hated the leopard for the many little friends of the band of monkeys that had lost their struggle for life in his talons. Soon he came to area of low trees that now almost completely obscured the scattered wreckage.

Chapter 3
Boldness was death to all in this place, so carefully; Tarzan tested the air for scent as Kala had taught him before he descended. On more then one occasion that habit has saved him from the hands of certain death that hid near by. So he paused to test the air, which yielded no danger in the area at the moment. With that assurance, Tarzan swung down from the safety of the trees and began to explore. The years had carefully hidden many of the secrets of the scattered remains of that vehicle of doom. Nothing remained of his parents except the scattered bones that had once been his beloved. The years had also brought solace to Tarzans view of the remains. His memory of the love that they had shared remained, but the clear picture of them had dimmed over those many years. So many years of life and death struggles had also removed the horror that he would have had toward the bones that he found. He disconnected the parents that he knew from these physical reminders of that past. Life had taught him that once lost to life there is nothing to be gained by hiding the reminders of once had been. So bones did not invoke the same feeling that you or I would have in seeing them so left to the elements.

The tribe had not been in this part of their territory for some time. Having encountered on several occasions the sound and scent of man in the area; they had avoided this section of the jungle for many months. So on this trip to the wreckage Tarzan made the most of his time by exploring the inside of a portion of the cabin. When suddenly something new caught his attention, as a reflection through the canopy happened to cast the light from a metal object. It was a chance occurrence as he had been to that part of the plane many times over the years his past eight years in his jungle home. What treasure is this he thought and he leaned down to explore the area behind what remained of the pilots seat. As he reached down, something sharp cut the tender tip of his finger and he jerked back. It was cut, but Tarzan took no notice other than to be more cautious with his next approach. This time he used a twig near by to move the source of his wound so that he could get a better look before grasping the object. The results yielded a knife that had belonged to his dad.

The knife had been a gift from his father’s sister, Kate, for the photo trip to Africa. It was hunting knife about eight inches in length with his father’s initials and a symbol carved in the handle. The symbol looked familiar, but strange. He tried hard to remember where he had seen that symbol or if he in fact had. The symbol looked like a letter, but at the same time it was different. He had a vague memory of letters from the books that his mother had read to him so long ago. Memories, mostly feelings of his mother came flooding back to his mind. Her sweet scent, the color of her hair and a smile on a face, on which the details had grown dim this time. His thoughts brought him happiness and a tear as he tried with desperation to bring back that lost memory of the features of her face.

Trying to regain his composure, he turned the knife over and over examining every inch of the blade and handle. He practiced cutting up pieces of cloth and tossing it into the branch of a tree that now intruded into the compartment of the plane. So with his newfound treasure in his hand, Tarzan decided to return to Kala and his tribe to show off his find. That knife would prove to tip the balance in Tarzan’s favor on more then one occasion in life and death struggles and were inevitable in this dark and wild home.

He was so deep in thought with the memory of his mother and the fascination of his new discovery that Tarzan was unaware that he was not alone. So preoccupied with his find, Tarzan forgot the lesson of this surrogate mother and did not test the air for danger before beginning his journey back to the safety of the trees. A mistake that was to be his undoing for through the thicket, pair of evil green eyes were fixed on him.

Chapter 4
Kala had not noticed that Tarzan was absent for sometime. He was prone to take to the trees and forage alone often these days. But always he would return and share some juicy find with her. But it was growing dim in the jungle and night would be here soon and he was not back. Each night they would lie together since that time long ago when she had taken him to her breast, as any mother would do an injured child. So it was that Kala set off in the fading light of the jungle to find her missing charge.

Just as Tarzan had covered about half of the distances to the safety of the trees, there appeared his mortal enemy the leopard. There was no time for regrets as his stupidity for not scenting before he began the trek to the trees. The leopard was now blocking the escape route and there was no time to dwell in things that could not be undone. Tarzan was not afraid in the why you or I would have been. For fear only dulls the mind and reflexes. Although he was not afraid, his breath and heartbeat came faster and faster at the approach of the leopard. Close enough to see those cruel talons and razor shape teeth that had caused the death of so many of his little jungle friends.

Suddenly the leopard sprang toward his victim with a cry that would serve to paralyze the most brave of men, much less a boy of 14 years. But Tarzan was no ordinary boy with muscles and limbs transformed by his years in the jungle. With a quick side step, he was nearly missed by the charge of the cat, nearly. A glancing blow of the cats left paw tore through the upper arm of his victim. As the cat passed to his side Tarzan, seeing that he had but one chance, leaped to the back of the attacker. As he sought to hold on with his injured left arm he remembered the new treasure in his right hand. Again and again he sunk the blade into the cat. Together they rolled over and over until at last the cat gave one last breath and was still.

Spent from the battle and bleeding badly, Tarzan sought the safety of the trees for comfort. In that spot is where Kala found him in a state of delirium still clutching his treasure. For many days she guarded over her adopted son, bringing him water and food. The wounds she cleaned the only way that she knew how by licking them. Slowly Tarzan regained his strength and was able to rejoin the tribe, but he never forgot the lesson that he learned that day.

Chapter 5
The years went by with little change in the routine of life in the tribe. They continued to cover the full range of their territory in search of food and trying to avoid the increasing presence of man. Yes, they knew of man and he was to be avoided at all costs. For man carried the stick that made the thunder noise and with that terrible sound came death. Men had found their way to the tribe’s territory several times since Tarzan had come to live with the apes. He had been curious and wanted to spy on them, but Kala would have no part such dangerous behavior from her charge. So although he longed for contact for those like him, his love for Kala had kept him close to her and obedient.

The diet of the ape tribe mostly consisted of fruits and grubs, but they did relish meat when it was available. Many a disagreement broke out over the remains of a tasty rodent or other small fury creature. Life in the tribe was not unlike life with any family. There were births, deaths, and arguments, but mostly it was a quiet existence. Tarzan learned to eat all manner of things that would make a civilized boy of his age wretch. That was the way of survival in the Jungle. But his maturing body also craved meat. So many days of Tarzan’s life were often spent learning the wonders of the new treasure his father’s knife. It was that with the addition of his father’s knife he hoped to full his belly and supply meat to Kala as well. The meat of wild boar and deer would fill the need of ever-demanding muscles and tendons of steel that were honed to met the challenges of daily life in the jungle.

Years of practice and also given him an uncanny ability to weave long grasses into rope, much to the dismay of other members of the tribe and unsuspecting cats. For Tarzan, unlike his ape family, had a wicked sense of humor. Humor is not something that apes had much use for, but Tarzan had inherited from his sire a love of pranks. It also provided a release for his mind that grew bored with the routines of the tribe and longed for fun and adventure. So it was that with practice, Tarzan learned the best ways to make strong ropes and developed skills that would make any western cowpoke proud. His education was not without failures. These failures had almost disastrous consequences.

So it was that in his fifteenth year of life he set out to test his newfound skill on the one of his tribes many enemies, the lion. He found a moment when Kala was busy with the contents of a termite mound and slipped away. He took to the trees with speed and grace that rivaled any of the jungle folk, in search of his prey. As he sped through the jungle a smile was on his handsome face. Yes he was handsome, for he was the picture of his sire in his youth. He had inherited those blue green eyes and golden brown hair, which lay to his shoulders. However, his physical condition spoke to his years of hard physical trials. His muscles were honed and reflexes quickened to a level that most of our finest athletics would never reach. His lean fit body was not without reminders of past mistakes as well. His fight with the leopard near the clearing had left the imprint of the cat’s evil claws on this left shoulder and was a constant reminder of his near fatal error on that day. There was also a small scar across his nose from his misstep on that branch so long ago that sent him falling and brought him to Kala’s protection.

Through the jungle Tarzan sped while testing the air for the scent of his target. Soon the air brought to his nose that which he sought, a lion with a fresh kill. The lion was preoccupied with his breakfast and Tarzan was careful to keep himself down wind from the cat so as not to alert him and spoil the fun. There at the edge of the clearing was a big male with a fresh kill of antelope, Tarzan’s favorite meal. Carefully he bound the rope to a limb and formed a noose at the other end. Tarzan’s mouth watered at the thought of stealing that delicious meal from his enemy. But how would he get the cat to move from his trophy enough to keep those talons from connecting with his flesh? Of course, he thought as he spotted some overripe fruit on a nearby tree. So with the fruit in hand, Tarzan aimed his throw and landed the soft sticky fastball on the face of the lion.

As expected, the insult drew an immediate response from the lion. The roar of anger from the insulted party echoed through the jungle has he leaped to his feet to meet the assailant with tooth and claw, but Tarzan was ready. Over the neck of the humiliated cat slipped the noose and when Tarzan removed his weight to another branch the cat was lifted and left hanging with only the tips of his back paws on the ground. With lightning speed, Tarzan leaped out of the safety of the trees for his prize and the lions breakfast. Just as he reached his goal, the lion’s front paw caught the rope and with a snap was back on all fours. Now Tarzan was on the ground and facing the fury of victim of his intended trick only ten feet away.

As the lion charged, Tarzan side stepped the cat and leaped to his back and encircled his arm and legs about the body of his tawny hide. The cat roared in anger, but his attacker held tight as he reached for this father’s knife. With the knife in his right hand he found the beating heart of his tribes enemy and soon that roar was silenced forever. Exhausted from the strain, but also exhilarated by the victory, Tarzan threw his spoils over his shoulder and leaped back to the safety of the trees. There he took a moment to recover the torn remains of this failed rope and began the trip back to Kala with his spoils of victory. There was never anything so sweet as the taste of the antelope stolen that day. But he did learn that thicker strands would be needed to ensure that there was not a reoccurrence of that near disaster. That lesson that would serve him well over the years, but not enough to keep him from his destiny.

Chapter Six

He knew he was different. Tarzan had always known. But it wasn’t until his seventeenth year of life that that difference caused a longing in him that would not be satisfied. Maybe it was the many changes that he was going through physically and mentally as he completed the journey to manhood. Changes that included hair appearing in different places on his body. But he was uneasy and sad at the same time. Every creature that he met had a mate with which to share his or her life, but he had no one. The emptiness left a dark hole that left him empty and nothing or no one in the jungle could quench that thirst.

Kala had resumed her duties as wife to her mate and had born him a little female. Although Kala still loved Tarzan, he was a maturing male and she was protective of the wee one in her arms. Without her constant affection, Tarzan’s longing for something or one to call his own was almost unbearable. He had seen the coupling of the males and females of the tribe and knew that the results were births, but there was no one like him to love. He would steal touches of his new little sister, Jiordan, from time to time, when Kala would allow it. How he would have loved to hold her, but it was not permitted at this age by Kala. She was too fragile to chance any adult’s intrusion into their blissful union, even her beloved Tarzan.

So it was that Tarzan sought to distract himself from the pains of loneliness by making more trips frequent trips to the crash site. On one such day, the little band of monkeys traveled in that direction keeping him company and sharing their secrets. He enjoyed their company and they his. The jungle had all but reclaimed that site of the tragedy so long ago, but small portions were still visible from his vantage in the canopy. One such little friend that he called Jessica perched on Tarzan’s shoulder as he descended to explore. Jessica was a pretty young creature and full of mischief and chatter. She loved her Tarzan and felt safe on the broad shoulder of her protector.

For hours the two stayed together searching for treasures and enjoying the warmth of the closeness to each other. For a while, Jessica stayed by Tarzan, but soon curiosity pushed her to explore the nearby area on her own, but mind always of the distance to the safety of her friend’s embrace. While looking through the cabin, Jessica discovered a shiny object under one of the bones of the human remains of cabin. How she loved shinnies! She clutched the treasure in her hand and danced with excitement. She longed to see the shiny in the light and made for the exit to the cabin and sunlight to marvel at the find. Consumed with the excitement of her shiny, she fell to the same mistake that Tarzan had so many years ago.

Jess raced to the safety of the trees right into the clutches of a huge constrictor. Too late did she notice the evil coils that wrapped her body, but not before she screech a warning to the band and a cry to her protector. Tarzan’s tendons of steel sprang to Jessica’s defense as he leaped to the branch where the scaly denizen held Jessica in his clutches. With the knife of his sire he dissected the villain and ensured that his friend would not fill his belly that day. It was a sad Tarzan that wrenched the remains of his friend dead body from the snakes dead clutches. In her hand still remained the treasure that she had loved, her shiny. Tarzan took the object of her affection, placed it around his neck and held Jessica as tears for the first time in many years streamed down his face. After a long time, Tarzan carried Jessica’s body to the top of the highest tree in the area to keep it safe from other predators.

While on the long journey back to the tribe, he took some time to examine Jessica’s treasure and discovered a latch that opened it. Inside were the faces that had become so dim over time, his parents. He knew that he was alone, different, but now he also remembered what he was, a man like his father. With that he took out his fathers knife and removed the hair on his face. The tears that remained on his cheeks brought a sting to the small cuts from the rough implement. But Tarzan was determined that he would mirror the image of his sire lost so long ago.

Chapter Seven

By his twentieth year, Tarzan had moved away from the daily life of his tribe. He still spent time with them on occasion, but their family life and quiet joy of togetherness was a constant reminder to him that he was different and alone. How he burned for someone to love and protect, but there was no one and he was resigned to that fact. He had completed his journey to manhood and the powerful muscles in his arms, legs and torso had been carved by the years of physical challenge. So too were his senses transformed. His hearing, sight and uncanny sense of smell served to provide the nourishment to fill the demands of his stomach and alert him to dangers that lurks in the jungle.

Time passed with little meaning to him has he had no way of counting the days or years. Tarzan went were his desires lead and on this day, they lead him back to the general area that his tribe fed. He made slow progress enjoying the scents and sounds of his jungle. The fragrant blossoms of the many flowers hung in the air. Although it was warm and humid, Tarzan took no notice of that, for years in his home had accustomed him to the climate and he ignored those little discomforts. He often rested in the mid day and built small nest out of branches and broad leaves to keep the moisture of the cooling evening off of his skin as he had been taught. When he was little, Kala had been there to provide additional warmth in the cold wet jungle night. But now he was utterly alone.

While making his progress toward the tribe a faint scent caught the attention of his keen nose. Recognition of that scent brought a snarl to his lips, for the scent was from man. He was down wind from the scent as it was coming from the direction of the tribe. He was able to calculate that the men were between him and the tribe as the tribe’s scent was fainter still. That would mean that the tribe would be unaware of their presence and would be vulnerable to danger unless their guards were alert. Tarzan hastened his pace as the sense of urgency brought his lightning reflexes to bear on the task at hand.

The tribe’s guards were busying themselves with idle thoughts of food to fill their bellies. The tribe had grown in strength over the years and they had become lax in their duties. Nothing had dared to challenge their supremacy for some time. So the approach of man had gone unnoticed by the first line of defense, as Tarzan had feared. A shot rang out in the distance breaking the unusual quiet of the jungle. The men had discovered the tribe and taken several trophies while the pack scattered in terror at the report of the thundersticks. Most of the tribe made it safely out of range, but sadly not all were so fortunate.

As Tarzan came upon that heartbreaking scene the men were gone and lying beneath the banyan tree was his beloved surrogate mother. Many events had happened over the years that would have broken an ordinary man, but Tarzan was no ordinary man. But loss of Kala broke the heart of her adopted son that she had loved as any mother would. A scream of pure agony came from those perfect lips that gave to doubt to the surrounding jungle that he was in agony. Tears of pain filled his eyes and covered his browned face. The pain seemed to go on forever until a soft touch on his shoulder broke the string of sorrow. Jiordan had some down from her hiding place to comfort her brother and share in his grief.

Chapter Eight

Jiordan was only three years old when the men ended the life of their beloved mother. If Kala had lived, she would have spent many years nurturing and comforting her before she was ready to take a mate. But Kala was gone and all she had in the world was her Tarzan. So Tarzan stayed close to Jiordan, protecting her from dangers of the jungle and providing her with meat that he would hunt on short excursions. Together they found warmth in the nests that they would build for those cool damp evenings. He quieted her fears during the many thunderstorms that came this time of year. She was so afraid of those as they reminded her of that fateful day when the men had ended the life of her mother.

Tarzan was happy at last to have someone to protect and love. His little sister was his reason for waking in the morning. For several years their lives went on without interruption, until Joirdan and grown to an adult female of seven years, something not unnoticed by the tribe males. One day, one of the males sought to interest Jiordan in his affections. He tried showing her is great teeth and demonstrated his prowess by smashing his mighty arms against the ground. Jiordan was not amused and rebuffed his advances. Her lack of appreciation sent the male into a wild fit of rage and he charged her with no chivalry in his demeanor.

Jiordan screamed in terror as the bull grow close, but Tarzan dropped to the ground in his path. The intruder caught the attention of the bull’s wrath. But years of fights for life and death had given Tarzan reflexes of lightning and he threw a well-timed punch to the bull’s midsection. The blow knocked the breath from its victim and the bull tried to turn to face his attacker. Before he could turn, the bull found himself on the ground from a two legged kick to his back and was now pinned face down on the ground with Tarzan’s left arm encircling him under the arm and a right hand with a knife to his throat. The bull knew well the meaning of that instrument of doom after years of seeing it could tear through flesh. So with no choice, the unhappy would be suitor surrendered to Tarzan and withdrew to mend his wounded pride.

Tarzan knew the meaning of the bull’s initial approach of his sister and that it would not be the last trouble from him or some other male in the tribe. But he was not ready to lose his only love, his sister, to family within the tribe. Someday it would happen, that was inevitable, but not now. So Joirdan and Tarzan moved away from the tribe to live for a time in the peace and love of each other’s company. A move that would prove to be fatal and change Tarzan's life forever.

Chapter Nine

Jiordan like others of her kind spent most of her waking hours in search of some delectable morsel to fill her stomach. Tarzan had made sure that they mostly were well supplied with all types of meat to accompany their regular diet of grubs, termites, fruit and nuts. But it was worrisome for Tarzan when he hunted with no other members of the tribe to stand guard over his charge. Always before venturing off to hunt, Tarzan would admonish Joirdan to be watchful for danger and to stay close to the safety of the trees. As time pasted, Joirdan grew weary of this solitary existence and although she loved Tarzan she was afraid to be alone when he was gone.

On this day Tarzan’s empty stomach told him that it was time to hunt. It had been a week since he last left his sister to find meat and the supply that was buried in secret places nearby was gone. So with a test of the air for scent he took his father’s knife and his rope and began his search to the south for game. He had searched for sometime, but an approaching storm had scattered the shy creatures and caused them to seek shelter. A storm would mean that Jiordan would be frightened so he began his trip back to her empty handed and frustrated.

Before he was about to reached the group of trees where he had instructed her to stay, Tarzan heard a sound that shot through his nerves and brought a sickness to his head. It was gunfire! The memory of that sound was unshakably etched in his mind. It could only mean one thing; man and his experiences had proven that no good ever came from man. Tarzan leaped to the highest vantage point that he could reach in search of Jiordan and the objects of his hatred.

Before his eyes there were a group of men and at their feet was Jiordan groaning in pain. He burned with a hatred for these men that could not be extinguished. He could hear the men talking, but his only thoughts were for his beloved sister and vengeance. At that moment, he saw one of the men point a long stick at a terrified Jiordan. The thunder roared and she was silent. Tarzan knew no fear, for fear is death in this place and inaction could easily provided a hasty departure from this world as well. So no sooner then the thunder roared then a noose found its way around the neck of his intended victim. The struggling murderer was hoisted choking and flailing all of the way to the top of the tree where he met a gristly fate.

After finishing the man's departure from this life, he turned his anger to the other murders. His lightening quick reflexes responded to their master’s call as he saw the man responsible for his sister’s death point the stick in his direction. Just in time he avoided his sister’s fate. But as the man moved his aim a brittle branch betrayed Tarzan’s position in the canopy. Tarzan felt a hard blow to his chest from the ricocheted bullet followed by the loud clap of thunder. The impact of the projectile threw him off balance and his last conscience thoughts were of Jiordan as he fell from the safety of the trees. Then all was darkness.

Chapter 10

Out of the fog he could hear voices, it was if they were a great distance away or whispering their thoughts to one another. He did not know where he was or what his captors were doing around him. He was unable to move, not only from the bindings about his body, but the injuries that he sustained had drained his strength. The impact to his chest had transformed into a searing pain. Any ordinary man would have cried out from the agony, but Tarzan steeled himself to prevent any sign of weakness to his enemies. For in the jungle, the weak are quickly dispatched.

At his side, one of the men was touching his right arm and with a sharp prick of his skin his blood ran cool with the liquid that flowed into it. How he hated the closeness of his sisters murders, but there was nothing that he could do. He heard the voices more clearly this time. “Nash I cannot believe we found him just to lose him like this, you have to do something.” “ I’m sorry Mr. Clayton, but we can’t move him with these injuries until he the bullet is removed and he stabilizes. “Nash, your are going to have to take the bullet out, there is no one else here with medical field training”. “ All right Mr. Clayton, I can do it but it’s a risk as long as you understand the dangers I will do my best”. “You will do better then your best, everything depends on John being alive”. “We also can’t be sure that he doesn’t have more serious injuries from the fall”. “ I will send a party ahead to get a helicopter as close to our location as possible, but we are going to need a way to transport him to the landing site, if he survives.”

“John, John can you hear me? I’m you Uncle, your fathers brother and I’ve come to take you home”. The only sound that escape Tarzan’s lips was a low growl the emitted from deep in his chest. His eyes slowly opened and witnessed an older man moving back to distance himself from that terrible noise. Tarzan did not move other than to follow the retreat with the glare of his eyes. “Nash, let me know when you are ready”. “We have the camp medical kit with some supplies, but without anesthesia, it will take every man in the camp to make sure that John does not move during your probe for the bullet.”

Tarzan’s mind clouded as the injuries to his body took their toll. He was aware of hands on his body rubbing warm and cold liquids over his skin. How he hated them for touching him. There were voices as if in a distances. “We have got to clean him up cause if that bullet doesn’t kill him the infection will.” “Who the heck is this freak anyway”? “Says he is his nephew, some family tree that must be”, the man laughed. John’s thoughts were of his beloved sister, Jiordan who lain dead and would be some predator’s evening meal. Even though life and death were common in the jungle, this thought brought an involuntary shudder to him.

Soon the man that called Nash returned. “Mr. Clayton, got hold of the chopper and pilot, he can put down day after tomorrow about 5 miles out”. “They will have a medical team on board and take us to the plane in Kinshasa for the trip to New York.” “Nash, can’t they get here any sooner, I can’t lose him”? “No sir, we need a medical transport with room for security and that is the quickest that it can get to the landing site. It cost a pretty penny to cut the government red tape to get it done at all”. “Got hold of your lawyer, Levin, like you asked and he is working on the paperwork that we need for John.” Another voice in the room said, “we’re ready, Mr. Nash, when every you want to get started”. “Ok, I’ll be right back, got to cleanup and get some gloves on, get the other men we are going to need help”.

Tarzan’s eyes blinked open and saw the man that called him John lean forward. “John, I don’t know if you can understand me, but that bullet has got to come out”. “If it doesn’t or you move while it is being removed you will die. Do you understand?” Tarzan’s eyes were daggers to the sight of this man, his sister’s murderer, but tipped his chin slightly in acknowledgment of the mans request. “Good, you understand then. Nash! The man yelled in impatience, “Lets get this over with.”

Nash came back into the room with several men and they surrounded the patient. But as the men laid their hands on Tarzan’s body a growl erupted from the depths of his being. “Nash, hold your men back, John understands that he is not to move and they are not helping”. “I don’t know Mr. Clayton, one wrong move while I’m in there and he is going to bleed to death. “Nash, lets give John a chance first”.

So Nash took his position over Tarzan on the left side of the table and began the probe for the bullet. As Nash moved into the wound, pain shot through Tarzan’s chest releasing an involuntary flood of tears, but despite the incredible pain he did not move. Soon he was spared further agony as he lost consciousness once more.

Chapter 11

After Nash successfully recovered the slug from the shoulder blade he removed the strap that bound his patient to finish dressing the wound and bind the arm to his chest. But before he could replace the straps, fingers of steel clamped on his throat depriving him of air. Nash choked out a cry for help to nearby guards as his lungs plead for relief. The guards quickly overcame the grasp from Nash’s throat and pinned the assailant while securing the bindings. “Are you nuts?” Nash gasped, “You’ll open that wound and bleed to death for sure”. Tarzan met his intended victim’s gaze with a look that denoted the hatred that had been well earned.

Two guards were on either side of him all night and changed at regular intervals. Struggle in his weakened state was fruitless and he would have to bide his time for the revenge that he would have for his beloved. So he slept a fitful sleep with dreams of loved ones gone and an awakening of the loneliness that had given him brief reprieve during the past several years. For now he was utterly alone and in the hands of his enemies.
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When morning of the second day broke there was much activity in the camp as the men packed up equipment for the long trek to the landing site. Tarzan drifted in and out of a much needed sleep, but was quick to awaken whenever the guards moved too close to his cot. Soon men came and fixed poles under the cot and were moving him. Their smell filled his nostrils and brought a snarl to his lips, but other than that small expression of his hatred he remained stoic. For many hours the forward motion of the safari moved toward its inevitable conclusion. Several times they halted to rest as the journey through the dense fauna made the trip exhausting on the men and especially on an injured Tarzan. Despite the efforts to prevent it, the patient soon developed a fever and became delirious.

Cool, damp cloths were applied to his exposed skin to reduce the fever. Not a job that was sought by many, as the patient brought forth terrible animal sounds whenever he was touched. Sounds that would have made any brave man’s hair stand on end. And these were not brave men. After an eight-hour grueling trek at last the landing site was at last in view. The medical team rushed to meet group and to secure their patient in the waiting helicopter. Empty I-V bags were replaced and other medications added. Before they could leave, bandages had to be changed and the men used the lull to sate their appetites. “How is he doing?” Clayton demanded. “His fever is pretty high, we are increasing his fluids to bring it down”, medic Spike replied. “It’s a miracle that he is still alive! Must have a heck of a will to live cause he should be dead”.

As the sound of the engine increased, Tarzan stirred from his delirium. He could see the man that called him John nearby. He looked very worried, but forced a smile when he saw John’s eyes were open. “You be fine, John, I’ll see to that. This man’s words are lies, Tarzan thought, but there was little he could do, for now. He began to drift with the rhythmic beat of the rotors and dreamed. What did she look like? What was her scent? What was the color of her hair and eyes? A blur of memories collided in his mind. Someone was standing in the distance calling his name. She beckoned him to come closer and to believe in her.

Chapter Twelve

“Will he be alright? “He just needs to rest, he has body has been through a lot.” “But he looks so angry and his fingers are clenched, is it a seizure?” “I don’t know where he is, but talk to him, he needs to hear your voice”.

Tarzan’s mind caught faint glimpses of blurred images of his life. His fever continued as he struggled to see through its fog. I hate him. I know what he is and I will never be what he wants. The smiles of love lost, mother, father, Kala and Jiordan played in his mind. Where is he taking me and why? Do you want me closer or farther? A familiar scent drifted in the air that gave him a feeling of comfort. Where are you? I keep you safe. But who is there? I am different and alone, but I am no longer alone because of her….

Hands are on my face and coolness on my forehead. The scent grows stronger as my body fights for reprise from the fever. My body is cold and damp; something warm is drawn around me. A liquid falls on to my cheek and down to my lips, the taste is salty. “John, I’m here, I will keep you safe. Come back to me”.

Slowly fog was lifted, as a teardrop completed its journey down his face and Tarzan opened his eyes. “Jayne” he cried. With that one word, his beloved and soulmate lifted his head with the hands already caressing the sides of his face and kissed him. “You have been ill, but your fever has broken. I was so worried”. Where have you been in your dreams, you seemed so angry? Tarzan smiled and said, I was lost and alone but you found me. There was darkness and despair, but I am home now and will be yours always.