Descendants: The rise of red

Among the gorillas

It was afternoon, and Jane decided to do what she hadn't been able to do in the morning. She made her way through the bushes cautiously, the twilight enveloping the forest as her ally. Classes had finally ended, and, as she had done every day for the past few months, she headed toward the Black Lagoon. It had been too long since she last saw Tarzan, a young man whose appearance reflected his life immersed in nature. Jane had met Tarzan by chance, looking for a quiet and secluded place to read, and thus caught the boy's attention. Curiosity and concern had taken over Jane.
When she finally reached the clearing, her eyes fell upon an unexpected scene: Naveen, one of the boys from the academy, was lying on a bed of leaves and branches, just outside the Black Lagoon. Tarzan was watching him anxiously, while Kala, his adoptive gorilla mother, approached with a huge fruit for the young man.
Jane approached stealthily, and when she was close enough to hear, Tarzan's deep, guttural voice filled the air: "Naveen... still sick. Naveen stay."
The prince, still dazed, opened his eyes and turned towards Tarzan. "Thanks, monkey, but... I need to return to the academy."
Tarzan shook his head, his gaze resolute. "No. Dangerous." His athletic and muscular build, the result of years of climbing trees and intense physical activity in the forest, caused fear in Naveen, who did not dare to resist.
Kala approached and, with a motherly look, patted Tarzan's bare shoulder. Even though she couldn't speak, her body language clearly conveyed that she cared about Tarzan but accepted Naveen's decision.
Jane stepped forward, trying not to draw attention. She was visibly tense as she approached the group. "Tarzan, what's going on?" she said softly, trying not to scare the others. As soon as the boy saw her, he moved towards her with a wild expression. "Yes, I know, it's been a while since we last saw each other."
Tarzan looked into Jane's eyes, a genuine smile forming on his face. "Jane. Sorry. Long time."
Jane shook her head, relieved to see that Tarzan was well. "It's not your fault. But what happened here?"
Tarzan pointed to Naveen, still confused. "Lagoon. Dangerous. Save."
Hearing the girl's voice, Naveen tried to wriggle and see past the large gorilla blocking his view. "Hey, I know you. You come to Merlin Academy with me. Please help me, they won't let me go, can you explain that I'm better?"
Jane looked at Naveen with compassion. "Tarzan, you can't force him to stay here, he's better. You need to let him go; it's important for him."
Kala grunted slightly, as if understanding the importance of the situation. Tarzan seemed undecided but eventually nodded. "Go... when ready."
Jane approached Naveen and spoke to him gently. "Now I want to know what you're doing here? How do you know Tarzan?" The boy hesitated before answering, but suddenly everything started to fall into place in his mind as if everything were clear now. "Oh, I remember now. I was with Red, I don't know if you know her, she's a new student. We were spying on Morgana and her crew planning an evil scheme, but then suddenly Red fell. I tried to escape to get help, but two sea monsters chased me, and then I don't remember anything else," the prince recounted in one breath.
"Now I understand, Tarzan must have saved you," said Jane, turning to the boy. "Is that right, big guy?" Tarzan began to shake his head in approval at Jane's question.
"Yes, but now they won't let me return!" exclaimed the prince still lying down.
Jane turned to Tarzan with a determined look. "Tarzan, Naveen needs to return to the academy. It's important that he gets assistance and protection there. But more importantly, he must be able to tell what he saw, and we need to make sure that what he discovered doesn't remain hidden."
Tarzan looked at Naveen with concern, but his gaze softened. "Naveen, go home... but only if safe."
Kala, next to Tarzan, grunted in agreement. Although she couldn't speak, her support was clear. Her look at Naveen was gentle yet authoritative, as if saying that her protection was over and it was time to return.
Naveen nodded, recognizing the wisdom in Tarzan's advice. "Okay, but how do we get back without drawing too much attention? We can't just pass through the forest with all this chaos."
Jane thought for a moment and then turned to Tarzan. "I have an idea. If you help us guide Naveen safely through the forest, we can find a way to rescue Red and get both of them back to the academy safe and sound. And, of course, I promise to ensure your privacy is respected."
Tarzan, with his determined look, nodded. "Tarzan take Jane to Black Lagoon."
"Perfect," said Jane with a smile. "Then let's get ready to leave. We need to be quick."
Kala, with one last affectionate glance at Tarzan, turned and walked away, while Tarzan approached Naveen to make sure he was ready for the journey. Jane, observing carefully, ensured everything was in order.
"Naveen, come with me," said Jane, extending a hand towards the prince. "Tarzan will guide you. But please, stay close to him and watch your step."
Naveen, though still weak, accepted Jane's help, and with Tarzan leading the way, the group began to move through the dense forest. Twilight descended slowly, but everyone's determination and caution allowed them to proceed safely. Jane's mission was clear: rescue Red and return her along with Naveen safely, while ensuring Tarzan's secret remained intact, at least for now.