Wild Love

Ch. 2: In My Heart

~~~~~ 3rd Person POV ~~~~~

The gorilla's troop traveled through the jungle until a baby gorilla on their mother's shoulder called out, "Mama, look! Look over there!"

All the gorillas looked over to see the female gorilla coming towards them with something being held in one of her arms.

"Kala!" one of the gorillas called out.

"She's back," another one said.

All of the troop besides the leader ran over to her to ask and check if she was okay and to tell her that they were worried about her.

"I'm fine," Kala reassured. "No, really, honestly. It's just that I got a little bit... sidetracked."

She moved her arm, revealing the human baby to everyone. The adult gorillas didn't know how to respond, stumbling over their words. The baby from earlier left their mom to approach the human baby and said, "It's freaky-lookin', okay? That's what it is."

"Terkina!" her mother scolded.

"Well, it is!" she tried to defend. "I mean, what the heck is it anyway?"

Kala chuckled before answering, "He's a baby."

She handed the baby over to Terk, the baby crawling on her. Terk complained before the baby started playing with her hair, causing both of them to laugh.

"So, where's his mama?" Terk curiously asked.

"Well, I'm going to be his mother now," Kala said.

All the gorillas looked at her, shocked, as the leader of their troop finally approached. They moved out of his way and he looked shocked as well when he saw the human baby.

"You know, he's not so bad, once you get used to him," Terk commented. However, once she saw the leader, she quickly handed the baby back to Kala. "Kala's gonna be its mother now," she explained before running back to her own mom. The male gorilla sniffed the baby and grunted, making the baby laugh.

"Kerchak," Kala said softly, "I saved him from Sabor."

Kerchak's eyes widened until he replied, "Kala, it won't replace the one we lost."

"I know that," she stated. "But he needs me."

This caused Kerchak to grunt again.

"But it, it... Kala, look at it. It's not our kind." He sighed. "No, you have to take it back."

Kerchak started to walk away as Kala responded, "Take him back? But he'll die."

"If the jungle wants him..."

"I want him," Kala interrupted.

"Kala, I cannot let you put our family in danger."

"Does he look dangerous to you?" She held the baby up to Kerchak so he could fully see it. He loudly roared and pounded his chest, getting closer to Kala and the baby. The sudden loud noise freaked out all the young children, even making the human baby cry.

Kala and Kerchak had a small silent argument until Kerchak lowered his head, shaking it..

"Was it alone?" he finally asked.

"Yes," Kala replied. "Sabor killed his family."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. There are no others."

Kerchak sighed again before stating, "Then you may keep him."

"Kerchak, I know he'll be a good son," Kala assured him with a smile.

"I said he could stay," Kerchak responded. "That doesn't make him my son."

Kala looked devastated as she held the human baby in her hand. Kerchak turned to the others and stated, "We will nest here for the night."

The gorillas all left to prepare their nests, Kerchak following close behind.

"So, what you gonna call it?" Terk asked, breaking Kala out of her thoughts.

"I'm gonna call him... Tarzan."

"Tarzan?" Terk judged. "Okay, he's your baby."

"All right, little lady, come on," Terk's mother said as she picked up Terk. "It's way past your nest time."

"Oh, mom," Terk complained.

They argued, Terk trying to get some more time before she had to go to bed. Kala got ready to follow, putting Tarzan on her shoulder. However, as she started walking, he fell, almost landing on the ground if Kala hadn't caught him in time. Kala tried to comfort him, getting over the shock of almost dropping him as well, as he cried. Finally, to calm him down, she started singing.

🎵

Come, stop your crying

It will be alright

Just take my hand

Hold it tight

🎵

Slowly, Tarzan stopped crying, becoming focused on Kala's hand and fingers. She pulled him closer as she kept singing to him, looking over her troop as they made their nests.

🎵

I will protect you from all around you

I will be here

Don't you cry

🎵

Kala carried him to a tree, making sure he wouldn't fall this time, that was a little apart from the others' nests.. She stopped singing as well, a male voice taking over.

🎵

For one so small

You seem so strong

My arms will hold you

Keep you safe and warm

🎵

She slowly started building the nest, keeping Tarzan on her shoulder. Nearby, several lemurs with their babies watched the unusual duo.

🎵

This bond between us

Can't be broken

I will be here

Don't you cry

🎵

Once Kala finished the nest, she nuzzled Tarzan's nose with her own. He recuperated, laughing. Then Kala laid down in the nest, making butterflies fly all around them. Tarzan watched the butterflies in awe in his position of being held up. One even landed on his nose, covering his real eyes with the butterflies' fake ones.

🎵

'Cause you'll be in my heart

Yes, you'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

🎵

Kala laid Tarzan down next to her. As she did so, she looked at the other gorillas, mostly Kerchak. All the other gorillas had babies as well, but theirs were actually gorillas. They all started bedding down as Tarzan was sucking his thumb, him falling asleep as well.

🎵

You'll be in my heart

No matter what they say

You'll be here in my heart

Always

🎵

"Always," Kala whispered into the night, before falling asleep herself.