The river's sigh was endless, masking the steady drums in her chest. Her golden eyes narrowed and pierced on her objective. Her grip tightened on her bow while her other kept a firm yet gentle hold on the red-decorated arrow. Her vision was blurred as endless colors were messily decorating the tree.

Her back ached as her arms were still. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes before flutteringly letting go of the arrow. Hearing several thuds, she couldn't help but redden as she heard loud clapping behind her.

Brook grinned widely as she opened her eyes, spotting her arrows piercing four fruits above at the tree. She couldn't help but chuckle as she felt her father hug her from behind and kiss her temple. She could feel his rough stubble from his chin but felt comfort from his hug.

"If I had known you would be this strong, I would have brought my rifle," Gray teased, ruffling her red locks as she laughed.

"It took me a while to get this right," she nervously scratched her arm. "It's really nothing."

Gray scoffed, gently taking her bow from her hand and inspecting it more while chattering away with his only daughter. It has been a week since he stayed here in the jungle. Of course, it wasn't easy. The man struggled from trying to get accustomed to the lack of clothes he packed and the itchiness on his skin to his current living arrangements.

But Brook has been nothing but a sweetheart, helping him get comfortable in the jungle. Gray couldn't help but laugh to know how she felt the same thing when she started living in the jungle. It took a while for the living arrangements to be great for the man as Tarzan's and Brook's second room contained full of items Jane brought them but Archimedes was more than welcome to keep some of the items while they find a better place for the man to live.

Gray flinched back as Tarzan dropped down from the tree, holding Brook's arrow filled with fruits. Brook had already grown used to it and softly smiled at her husband, "Thank you, Love."

Tarzan smiled, handing it to her, and rubbed his nose against her cheek. Gray couldn't help but sadly watch them happy in front of him. He missed so much of Brook's childhood. Hell, he even missed the wedding–did they even have a wedding? He wasn't there to protect her from Vincent nor from any lurking dangers she told while living in the jungle.

Gray walked back to camp, unsure of how to keep himself busy while giving his daughter some privacy. He just hoped he wouldn't get lost in the jungle. Itchiness kept crawling back behind his nape. Damn, when was the last time he took a decent shower? He can already feel his hair becoming unruly from the damp, humid, warm air.

He blinked, finding himself met with the professor with an elephant doing experiments. Gray chuckled, shaking his head. He has yet to get used to how his daughter and the professor were able to understand the animals they befriended. Unfortunately, he didn't have that gift but was always attentive whenever they converse, trying to pick up some familiar words from them.

Mr. Porter noticed, grinning widely and waving him over. "Ahh, Mr. Quinn. What do we owe the honors of having you with us today?"

Gray sweatdropped. "Gray is fine," he stated, pointing behind him at the jungle. "I can't even have a moment with my daughter before Tarzan whisks her away," he joked, shaking his head.

Archimedes understood his meaning, "Ahh...yes, Brook sometimes tends to spend the entire afternoon with Tarzan. He's something, isn't he?"

"I'm surprised," he spoke honestly, moving away from the elephant, walking over to the short man, picking up a spare teacup, and sitting on a chair. "I never thought I would hear the rumors to be true."

Archimedes didn't look back but kept listening to him as he and Tantor focused on their goal.

"After hearing the kid say that Brook is happily married, I didn't believe it for a moment. Thinking up an older man with crooked teeth and cruel to the bone was what I pictured, but meeting him," Gray chuckled.

"He was not what you were expecting, huh?" Archimedes chuckled. "She sure grew up, that's for sure."

Gray's smile slowly dropped, sadly looking down at the teacup. "How was she like before?"

Archimedes stopped, glancing back at him as Gray looked up and stared at him. Archimedes hummed, stepping back as Tantor looked at them, hearing the conversation silently.

"Well," Archimedes spoke. "When I took her in, she was silent most of the time. Sweet and patient as she helped around the house and even got less attached to my daughter, Jane. But arriving here in the jungle for some research and meeting Tarzan, she grew more outgoing. She took it upon herself to do everything she could to help others and give a good punch at a queen," he laughed, making Gray smile.

He missed so much...

"So, Tarzan makes her happy and strong?" Gray asked as Archimedes smiled and nodded. "That's good enough for me. Though, I'd appreciate having a place to myself. I'd rather not hear next-door stumbles in the middle of the night."

Archimedes laughed, throwing his head back. He walked over to Gray and patted his shoulders. "You're always welcome to sleep down here. I have some spare tents, you know."

"That'd be great," Gray smirked.

Archimedes nodded and walked back to his work as every single machine started to busy themselves as the beakers steamed up. Walking over to a makeshift boiler and dropping some herbs into it, he yelped as it exploded.

Gray's eye twitched, seeing the short man not affected by it, and instead looked at a cooking book.

"Eh...Tantor. Be a good fellow and add a few roots to that flask, would you?" Archimedes turned to the elephant.

"Is it working?" Tantor grinned with safety goggles covering his eyes. He dropped the roots into the flask. "Is it working?"

"Patience, Tantor," Archimedes observed as the brown liquid went through the tubes to heat up. "All scientific discovery involves a great deal of watching and waiting. Why I once spent an entire winter camped outside the economy of swallows in the English countryside just to observe their social habits."

Tantor was awed at his words, "Wow! You must have gathered a lot of valuable data."

Archimedes sweatdropped, "Well, not exactly as it turns up, a little vermin actually migrated south for the winter but you do see my point. Give me the latest pH reading would you, Tantor?"

Tantor turned to the pH reader and noticed how it was barely steady. "They appear to be holding steady."

Archimedes nodded, walking towards him. "Then I dare say, we are on the verge of a breakthrough of monumental proportions!"

"Really?!" Tantor's eyes widened in excitement.

"One way to find out, my boy," Archimedes turned the flasks' knobs, making the liquid inside flow and drop down into two sole teacups.  They both grinned, reaching over and picking up a teacup each and clinking it together. "To the very first cup of fine British tea brewed right in the jungle," he cheered.

"Here! Here!" Tantor grinned.

Archimedes turned to Gray and pointed to the cup in his hand, "Would you like some Gray? It is tempting."

Gray shook his head, "Thank you but I'm more into coffee."

Archimedes shrugged, "Suit yourself." He and Tantor took their first drink and they were met with a dramatic disappointment. The drink was bitter and the liquid tasted more of dirty water! They immediately spat it out, disgusted by the taste.

"Sweet English breakfast in the morning, that's horrible!" Archimedes cursed.

Gray couldn't help but laugh at their misfortune.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Brook and Tarzan were looking at the new books Dumont brought. It would be nice to have something new to read. Especially when all the books were mostly for education. Oh, how Brook missed some tales to read. Of course, Tarzan was excited to know what kind of tales Brook liked to read and accompanied her.

That was when they heard the door opening behind them and saw Archimedes groggily walking over to Dumont who was just finishing up cleaning the cabinets.

"Uh, Monsieur Dumont. I realize you only deal in cash transactions," Archimedes started, nervous about how to put his words nicely.

"Strictly," Dumont nodded.

"And I hate to ask you to all your business practices," Archimedes continued but Dumont chuckled, "Perish the thought."

"But," Archimedes sighed. "I do so yearn for a good cup of tea?"

Dumont smirked, "And I have the very best. Earl Grey arrived just this morning."

Archimedes gulped, already tasting the sweet and toned tea and smelling its fresh scent. Brook has been a kind dear to find good herbs for tea but oh how he missed the British tea. "Yes, I couldn't help but notice," he muttered but shook his head. "Anyways, as this is a trading Post, I'm willing to trade this valuable spring-powered centrifuge in exchange for a modest tin of tea," he tried.

Dumont was not at all impressed by the small invention in Archimedes' hand. "Oh, so sorry, Professor. I have no need for your silly device," Dumont placed the tea tin on the counter, causing Archimedes to snap.

The man visibly trembled and lunged at Dumont's legs, "Oh please! Have mercy! I can't drink one more cup of boiled ferns," he cried.

Brook's eyes widened, looking behind her as Archimedes groveled on the ground and pleaded. Placing the book down, she rushed over and helped the man up. "Mr. Porter," she cleared her throat. "A little decorum, please?"

But the man was too upset to offer anything more. Brook sighed and looked up at Dumont who composed himself from the embarrassingly display. "Mr. Dumont, if I may? Surely you can spare one tin of Earl Grey. Consider it a good deed," she tried.

"Ah, Brook," Dumont smiled. "There are no rewards in good deed."

Tarzan couldn't help looking back at Brook as she spoke. "Sometimes, a good deed is its own reward," she smiled.

Dumont contemplated her words. He knows she's just trying to be professional and nice. He sighed, reaching behind him, and handed Archimedes the tin, making the man beamed.

"Thank you, kind sir! Thank you!" Archimedes excitedly laughed, walking away in bliss. He was unaware of where he was going as he accidentally bumped into someone entering the post. "Oh, pardon me! I'm so, so–" his eyes widened in horror, and stepped back in shock to see the tall familiar blonde.

"Oh, no," Niels grinned. "Pardon me!"

Just behind the man, Merkus stepped inside with a familiar scowl on his face. Brook gasped, taking a step back in shock. What are they doing here? Tarzan's eyes narrowed and jumped down from the top of a small shelf and stood in front of them protectively.

"Niels and Merkus," Tarzan growled.

Merkus darkly smirked, reaching behind him and pulling out his rifle. "Well, if it isn't Mr. Tarzan! Long time no see, jungle man."

"Not long enough," Tarzan glares.

Niels rolled his eyes, smacking down Merkus' rifle, annoying the man, but Niels spoke. "Put the gun away, Merkus. Every time you take it out, you'll get us in more trouble," he glares.

"What are you doing here?" Tarzan demanded.

Niels put up an eased smile, shrugging at his dark eyes. "Now, now. There's no need to suspect our motives. We're simply here on business."

"Your business wouldn't involve diamonds, would it?" Brook stepped beside Tarzan, her eyes distrusting them.

Niels and Merkus glanced at the woman, surprised at her hair. Niels grinned, "Madam, you know us all too well. Love the hair. Is it natural?" Brook narrowed her eyes at them but didn't say another word, cursing herself internally for not wrapping her scarf but she was caught off guard in seeing them.

"Yes," Niels continued. "I'm afraid that we left some diamonds behind on our last visit."

Merkus smirked more, "It was a hasty departure."

"Yes," Brook crossed her arms. "In handcuffs."

Niels grinned, looking down at Tarzan. "Tarzan, I'm going to ask if you just please let us find out gems and go."

"And I say no?" Tarzan glares.

Merkus gripped his rifle, "Then things may get rough for your little monkey family."

Tarzan seethed, lunging forward, and grabbed Merkus' collar, shoving him against the door. Merkus grunts, feeling all air leave his lungs as he roughly hits against the door. His feet dangled from the ground but sneered at Tarzan who glared harder at him, gripping his collar. "Stay away from the gorillas!"

Niels sighs, walking over to them. Merkus deserved that one but he still needs him. "At ease, Tarzan. Our presence here will not harm you or your gorillas in any way whatsoever."

Tarzan glared over to him, still distrustful of them but Niels kept his face blank and waiting for him to let go. "You have my word," Niels smiled as Tarzan dropped Merkus on the ground.

Niels sighed, raising a hand to Tarzan. "There. Shall we shake on it?"

Tarzan didn't bother replying to him, turning to Brook and Archimedes, not even bothering to talk to them more. "We're going."

Tarzan didn't look at them as he walked through the door while the others followed. Brook walked right behind him, subconsciously glancing at the man on the ground, frowning to see the man still looking at her hair. She felt an uncomfortable shiver on her spine and turned away, following after her husband.

Merkus huffed, standing up as soon as they left. "You should have let me get rid of him the last time."

Niels rolled his eyes, "As a recall, you tried. More than once." However, his eyes glinted as he recalled the shoulder-length vibrant red hair on the woman's head. He's never seen anything like it. But knowing Tarzan, he can't even get a word with the woman about the matter.

And to think it was rare to see it.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Brook sighed, seeing the tension on Tarzan's shoulders as he walked on fours. She could tell from his form how defensive he was to see the men again. The last time she saw them wasn't pretty. It's been a year since she last saw them and she's not sure why, but she already has a bad feeling about this.

"I'm not too happy to see Niels and Merkus back in the jungle," she spoke up, fidgeting with her blue scarf around her waist.

Tarzan kept walking back and glanced back at her, noting her fidgeting. "As long as they stay away from the gorillas, they can do what they want."

Brook sighed, "I know. Those two are trouble. I can feel it."

Archimedes was too fond of the tin of tea in his hands to notice the woman's nervousness. "No worries. Nothing a fresh pot of genuine British tea won't cure." He took a long whiff of the can and sighed. "Oh, sweet Earl Grey. How I longed for you. Let us never be apart again."

Brook giggled, never seen the man happy in a short while. She will admit, drinking some fern and fruits for the tea for a year can be nauseating. But she'll get the chance to drink some tea whenever the man doesn't apart from it. "Mr. Porter, should we leave you and the tea alone?"

Archimedes hummed, turning to her, and blinked. "Oh, nonsense! I'm just a man who can appreciate a good cup of tea is all. Say, would you like to have a cup with me, dear? I'm sure you must be wanting to try it as well."

"Of course," she smiled, turning back to face her husband and blinked, seeing Terk popping in, hanging herself upside down to talk to them.

"Hello, Terk," she smiled.

Terk lightly smiled, "Hey, Red." She turned to Tarzan with a mischievous grin, clenching her fists in anticipation. "Tarzan! You'll never guess who's back!"

Tarzan sighed, walking past her. "Niels and Merkus."

Terk blinked, dropping down and rushing over to his side. "Oh, you know. Did I miss the fight?! Was it gory?!" she grinned. "Did they weep like little girls?"

"There was no fight, Terk," Tarzan stopped in his tracks, turning to her. "Just stay clear of them. They'll be gone soon."

Terk huffed, raising her hands, and punched her palm. "Not soon enough for me. I want them out of Africa."

Tarzan grabbed her arm, loosening the tension on her shoulders. "Terk. I don't want any trouble."

"Oh, you're no fun! What good are fists if you don't use them? I mean, even Red has more spunk than you, you know?"

Brook lightly blushed at her comment. "I'd rather not go into violence."

Terk only deadpanned at her. She almost reminded her of a red panda. "Right..."

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Brook hummed, stepping out of the guest room while carrying some other boxes. She smiled softly as she could smell the expensive perfumes stored inside. She would have loved to take some of the gifts out and decorate the house but with crazy things going on in the jungle, she can't risk anything breaking.

Placing the last box in the living room, she placed her hands on her hips in thought. Now where should she put these? She hummed, perhaps it could be a good chance to make a storage room. But knowing how busy can be, perhaps she could ask her father–no. He's had enough to deal with living here in the jungle.

Perhaps it's about time to think about constructing it herself...if she knew how. She sighed, walked over to her couch, and sat on it. The cushion lightly creaked from under her weight but she didn't pay it any mind, knowing that Tarzan usually sits on it occasionally with his feet on top. Now that she thinks about it, it has been a while since she had the house to herself. She couldn't help but glance over to one of the mirrors Jane gifted her.

Brook lightly smiled, seeing her reflection doing the same. Standing up and walking over to it, she hummed lightly as she placed her hands on her abdomen. Closing her eyes, she started to picture how small feet could kick her stomach out of love or out of hunger. She chuckled, imagining what a baby of hers and Tarzan would look like.

Would they have Tarzan's teal eyes and warm skin? Would they have the best gummiest smile when swinging on vines?

Yes, she knows.

She knew she wasn't ready to have one but is everyone ready? But Tarzan will always be there with her and so will the others. Even Kala usually comes over and talks to her about the smallest things. But...she feels the time is right. Perhaps...it wouldn't be too bad to have a baby of her own. Feeling their smooth skin on her as she smothers them with infinite kisses.

Great, she's getting emotional about it. She chuckled, dropping her arms to the side and walking over to the kitchen to prepare dinner. It's already getting dark and she figures she should talk about the topic to Tarzan. She just hoped he didn't change his mind.

She's ready to have a family of their own and she's getting excited about it. She's not sure what dragged this idea on, but just thinking of the possibility of losing everyone she loves, she figures that it is about time she does something about it and moves further into the future and takes advantage of it.

Brook giggled, already excited about how to talk to her husband about it. Glancing down, she sees her small vine ring wrapped around her finger. Although on their first anniversary Tarzan gave her a diamond ring, she knew that this small vine-ring gave more sentimental value. Of course, she kept her diamond ring safe and tucked in their room.

Brook stopped, hearing stomps rushing outside. She frowned, drying her hands with a towel, and rushed to the door and looked out, seeing the sky already darkened. Looking down at the ground, she spotted Tantor rushing. "Tantor!" she calls, making the elephant stop and turn to her in a hurry.

"Mrs. Tarzan! Is Tarzan with you?" Tantor shouts back.

Brook frowned worriedly, stepping to the side, reaching over to a vine, and swinging down, gripping it tightly as she landed beside him. "No. I was finishing up dinner. Is everything all right?"

Tantor panted, "It's terrible! Oh, terrible! Someone captured an ape! I need to tell Tarzan about it!"

Brook's eyes widened in horror, and she slapped a hand to her mouth in shock. "Goodness, yes. Let's go to the troop right away."

Tantor nodded, reaching his trunk to her and picking her up, bringing her on his back as they started heading over to the troop. As soon as they arrived, Tarzan was there with the troop as Tantor explained what happened. Brook couldn't help but worriedly look around at the family. She greeted them, relieved to see most of them were safe but worried more as Kala started to take roll call.

"Kama, here. Tuli, here. Flynt and Mungo are here," Kala spoke. "Where's Terk?" she turned to Tarzan.

He frowned, looking around the family. "Terk!" he calls but no response. "Has anybody seen Terk?"

The family shrugged, looking around but the ape was nowhere to be found. Tantor whimpered, "Oh, no! My best friend is in lockdown."

Brook patted the elephant comfortingly, seeing the elephant starting to cry. She turned to her husband, "What are we going to do?"

Tarzan sighed, "I warned her..." His eyes darkened, and he clenched his fists in fury. "And them."

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Niels and Merkus really hit the jackpot. Just the other night, sure, they were mining for their diamonds and couldn't find them anywhere. Of course, they hoped to find them buried from the last time they traveled in the jungle but no results. Therefore, they tried using dynamite, only to be attacked by a gorilla. Thankfully, Merkus shot the detonator, causing the dynamites to explode under the ape.

They were alive, thankfully, save for the large gorilla who was now locked in a cage, growling and roaring at them in fury. Niels and Merkus stood back, dodging its large grubby hands.

"That's the biggest ape I've ever laid me eyes on," Merkus smirked.

Niels chuckled, "Oh, yes. And it will need a big-sounding name. What do you think of...Gargantuan!"

Merkus cockily shrugged, "How about, uh, King Crusher! Or, or, or maybe Crunchior the Ape."

Niels deadpanned, "He's a gorilla, not a pro-wrestler. He's more of uh–"

They both flinched back, flinching in shock as Tarzan jumped down in front of the cage and took a closer look at the gorilla inside. Tarzan's eyes widened, "Tublat!"

Tublat only looked at him, growling and roaring in fury. He reached his hand out to him but Tarzan wasn't affected by his anger. Instead, he couldn't help but think of how Niels and Merkus managed to capture Tublat of all apes.

"Tublat?" Merkus frowned. "What kind of stupid name is Tublat?"

Tarzan turned to him, "It's his name."

Niel's eye twitched, already getting impatient with the jungle man. "Now look, Tarzan," he started. "We promised we wouldn't hurt any of your apes. But this one attacked us."

Tarzan turned back to Tublat, replying to his words. "He's not one of my apes."

Niels and Merkus frowned in confusion. "He's not?"

Tarzan narrowed his eyes at the gorilla, "He's my enemy." He recalled the numerous times Tublat attacked not only him but at Brook too. He won't forgive him for that.

Niels chuckled, seeing how agitated the gorilla was as soon as it saw Tarzan. It seems that there are animals that don't like him too. Good to know. "My, my, my, my. He doesn't seem to like you at all."

"He doesn't," Tarzan stated.

Merkus stepped forward, making Tarzan look back at him. "You don't mind if we keep him?"

Tarzan frowned, looking back at the furious ape. If Tublat is taken, then Brook wouldn't have to worry about him and she would be safe from him. One less trouble he has to deal with. "No, I won't."

Niels grinned widely, clapping his hands. "Excellent! Because Tublat here is our ticket to success. We'll take him on the open road!"

Merkus chuckled, "Charge in a penny-a-head to see the Mighty Tublat!"

Niels smirked, glancing down at Tarzan. "Of course, if he proves unruly, we may have him stuffed."

As if Tublat heard, he growled louder and glared seethingly at the humans in front of them including Tarzan who only blankly looked at him, almost smugly to see him in a cage which infuriated him more.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Hearing the news of the monstrous and the rogue ape being taken away forever and never being seen again excited the neighboring animals in the jungle. That would also include Tarzan's family who jumped on the tree, cheering loudly as they ripped the leaves from the trees and threw them in the air like confetti.

Finally. Tublat would be gone. No more nightmares to come. It is truly great news.

Brook smiled softly, seeing even Flint and Mungo swinging in the trees as they cheered with everyone. Glancing at her husband beside her, she couldn't help but notice how quiet he'd been after telling the news.

Kala grinned widely, crawling over to them and pulling them both in a hug. Brook chuckled, wrapping an arm at her mother-in-law who hugged them tightly in glee.

"I'm so relieved!" she smiled, letting them go but held onto Brook's hand gently. "I've had so many nightmares about that Tublat."

"Yes," Brook smiled at her. "It's certainly a happy ending."

Tarzan frowned beside her, looking down at the ground with a hard contemplation. "Yes. It is."

Brook and Kala blinked, turning to him in confusion. The man between them almost seemed regretful after the news. Brook gently placed her hand on his in comfort. Whatever he has to say, she's sure he'll talk to her about it. Tarzan didn't glance at her but instead, flipped his hand slowly to grasp hers and squeeze it momentarily.

Brook squeezed it back in comfort, looking back at the family. She was relieved to see Terk wasn't hurt but was confused about what was going on. Not a moment later, Terk swung by towards them with a large grin on her face. Kala bid her son and daughter-in-law goodbye and walked away.

Terk whooped and cheered as she cartwheeled next to Brook and Tarzan. Terk immediately wrapped her arm around the girl and squeezed her side as she grinned at them. "This is great news, huh guys?!"

Tarzan hummed, not enthusiastic about it. "Yeah, great."

Terk turned to him in understanding. "So that's why you didn't pound Niels and Merkus into a paste! Oh, good thinking, T!"

Tarzan sighed, standing up. He dove off the tree and swung on the vine. Brook frowned even more, worried about him. She stood up, reaching over for a vine. Although she can be slow, she at least wants to be supportive and try to understand what he's thinking. She stopped in her tracks, letting the vine go and watching him go.

Terk frowned, seeing them leave. "T! T! Now where are they off to in such a hurry?!"

Brook tried to look around the jungle but sighed. He was gone. Brook sighed, reaching out for a vine and swinging towards their house. She could feel the ache in her arms but knew that she had to get used to it.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Brook tried to be patient. She really did. Tarzan has been entirely quiet that night and the next day. She knew that there was definitely something in his mind. After learning the last time that Tarzan would refuse to talk about it, she knew that she could at least try to give support to his thoughts.

To show him that she's there. Always.

After arriving last night, she could tell how shaken up he was. He even refused to eat dinner. Instead, he only grabbed her hand and dragged them to their room and cuddled. Brook couldn't help the overwhelming guilt coming to her. She knew she shouldn't make it about her and tried to comfort him all she could.

But Tarzan remained silent.

And so, Brook left behind her scarf, walked out of the house, and looked for him. There were places in which Tarzan liked to be in thought. If he wasn't with the family, with the professor, or by the treehouse. She knew exactly where he would be.

Brook looked up at a mossy cliff, spotting several trees planted on top. Her eyes softened, seeing the fiery glow in the sky as the sun descended into the mountains. She can see a glimpse of her husband silently sitting on it as he looks at the sunset.

Clenching her fists, she walked forward and started climbing. She grunts, feeling her nails dig into the dirt and rocks but uses her strength to keep forward. She could feel the summer breeze caressing her back and hair, sweeping it to the side.

Climbing further up, she smiled to see Tarzan looking down at her and giving her a hand. It was almost nostalgic. Because of the many times that he saved her from terrible disasters and dangers, she would always see the look of concern in his eyes as he reached for her.

She wishes she could do the same. Her reaching out to him and him accepting it without question.

Brook reached her hand out and grasped his calloused hand, thanking him as he pulled her up and to his side. "Here you are," she chuckled. "I've been looking all over for you. What are you doing up here?"

"I can see the whole jungle from here," Tarzan spoke, looking out at the jungle.

Brook sat by him, still grasping his hand, and looked out at the jungle. He was right. Although she couldn't hear what the professor or her father were doing, she could get a glimpse of their treehouse. It was barely noticeable but she could see how small it was from where they sat.

"Yes, a little perspective on life," she tried, glancing at him. Her smile slowly dropped after noticing how he was still dejected. "My love," she murmured, getting his attention. She cleared her throat, scooting forward to sit in front of him, blocking his view of the jungle.

"I couldn't help but notice how dejected you have been. I...don't want to seem pushy or anything. But I want to know that you're all right," Brook continued, fidgeting with his hands. She could feel his stare right at her and looked back into his eyes. "I know you don't have to tell me anything you're not comfortable with. But please know that I'm always here whenever you have troubles and you can always confide with me on those problems."

Brook released a hand and cupped his cheek, her eyes softened to see Tarzan leaning to her touch and grasp it with his free hand.

Tarzan sighed, "Tublat."

Brook nodded, "You should be happy. Your most dangerous enemy is no longer a threat."

"Yes," Tarzan looked away.

She hummed, "Yes...but?"

Tarzan turned and pointed to the vast jungle. It was illuminated by the soft orange glow of the sun. "But the jungle is Tublat's home too. If it were any other ape, any other animal, this would be wrong."

Brook understood his words. So he did feel slightly guilty about Tublat. No, felt sympathetic towards the ape. Although Tublat has been nothing but dangerous towards him and his family, he knows that Tublat doesn't deserve what's coming his way. It would only feed his anger and suffering more. 

"Yes," she murmured. "I suppose that's true."

Tarzan turned to her, almost looking for answers in her eyes. "So what makes Tublat different?"

Brook chuckled, "Well, there is a matter of him threatening your life countless times"

"That doesn't mean he deserves to be ripped from his home," Tarzan stated. "Or killed."

Brook knew that look in his eyes. He was a fighter to the end, she knew that. It only made her worry more but trusted him. He'll be right all right. "You're going to rescue Tublat."

Tarzan sat straight, looking at her and confirming her words. "Yes."

Brook sighed, already picturing how his family would feel about Tarzan's choice. Once something is in Tarzan's mind, he won't let it go. "I can't imagine the apes will care for this."

Tarzan shook his head, smiling softly at her. "No, but sometimes a good deed is its own reward."

Brook's eyes widened, looking up at him and realizing where he got those words from. She chuckled, leaning forward as she placed her head against his. He gladly leaned against hers too, feeling her soft rhythm of air hitting him softly. "And sometimes you learn a lesson too well," she whispered. closing her eyes as they both leaned in and kissed.

The flame crackled and softly lit inside her, making her lean more into his warmth. He'll be all right. She knows it.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

"You're gonna do what?!" Terk's eyes widened in disbelief. She can't believe what she's hearing! Is this man insane?!

"Rescue Tublat," Tarzan spoke louder, making his family murmur and screech in disbelief. "It's the right thing to do."

Terk shook her head and turned to Brook. The girl already had her bow and arrows strapped on her back while her short hair was wrapped in a high tail. Terk's eye twitched, seeing that Tarzan's words weren't affecting her a bit. And Tublat already has a grudge against this woman!

"You're his wife! Ground him, punch him, do something!" she turned to her. "Just don't let him do this!"

Brook smiled at her, "You know there's nothing changing his mind once it's made up."

Tarzan turned to them, walking over. "I'm going, Terk."

Terk snapped her head towards him, scowling at his decision. "And you'll get yourself killed! Then where will you be, smarty-loincloth? Huh?! And then what?!"

Tarzan stayed quiet, turning away before leaping off. Brook sighed, placing a hand on Terk's shoulder. "We'll see you around. Take care."

Terk took a spit-take, turning to her too in disbelief. Now this just seems ridiculous. "You too?! You're going to?! You're definitely going to die!"

"Bye, Terk," she waved, running off and reaching a vine, before swinging after Tarzan.

Terk confusedly looked at Tarzan's mother and pointed in their direction, hoping the ape could change Tarzan's mind but the ape only smiled. Terk groaned, rushing off to follow after them. Like hell is she going to let Red and her stupid husband who she considers her best friend die. She's going with them!

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Tarzan and Brook landed on Niels' and Merkus' campsite. It was early in the morning and the soft cold morning breeze danced nearby. Brook hummed, spotting a few tents still set up, and looked around.

There was no one here.

Tarzan stepped forward, walking over to the campfire and fulling out his spear-head. Carving it down on the logs, they were still lightly warm. Give or take that they were still here not even 30 minutes ago.

Terk also looked around, walking over to the tents and finding them empty. "Okay, isn't this where we're supposed to find our assortment of bad guys?"

"They're gone," Tarzan stated.

Brook frowned, it would have been difficult to carry the large gorilla and where would they go? The only last place she thinks about being in to leave Africa would be at Dumont's. They left early in the morning, there's no doubt that they're still in the jungle.

"Dumont's," Brook spoke up. "We have to go to Dumont's Trading Post. Perhaps, they know something about it."

Terk was still against the thought of the girl accompanying Tarzan but she had to give her props in her quick thinking. Tarzan nodded at her words as they all headed towards the beach.

Of course, it wouldn't be silent on the way as Terk tried to give her usual snaps and comments as they went. Tarzan still remained quiet, still investigating the tracks and Brook was right. They can see a large square pressured on the sand that no doubt was Tublat.

They must have been to Dumont's not that long.

The three stepped inside the building, finding the man happily humming as he counted the cash in his hands.

"Where did they go?" Tarzan asked.

"Niels and Merkus?" Dumont smiled, in a happy mood. "They boarded a boat, and headed upriver."

Tarzan jumped and climbed over the desk, nearing his face at Dumont's threateningly. "Where?"

Dumont flinched back, turning his head to the map of Africa. Brook noticed and walked over to the map. Perhaps Niels and Merkus were leaving Africa but in a different method, of course, it would be too expensive and time-consuming to wait for a ship to come by with the usual trade. From what she'd heard from Archimedes and her father when they were studying the map, there were several stations placed around Africa.

"To catch a train," Brook murmured, turning her head to the men as they both turned to her. "Am I right?"

Dumont nodded, pointing towards the east of the map. "The Marrakesh Express which will take them north across the continent."

"Are you sure?" Tarzan turned to him.

Dumont nodded, still intimidated by the man in front of him. He doesn't think he'll get used to that. He chuckled, waving the cash in his hand. "But of course! I sold them their first-class tickets myself."

Somehow Brook doubted that.

"We would like a boat, please?" Brook stepped forward, placing a hand on Tarzan's back as he moved to the side but remained on top of the desk.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Terk scowled, deadpanning as she sat at the nose of the boat beside Brook while Tarzan strongly paddled it. The strong currents made it slightly difficult for them to travel but Tarzan's determination and will goes against the current regardless.

"This is going way too far for three guys we just plain don't like," Terk scowled at Tarzan.

"Terk," Tarzan kept paddling. "I'm not changing my mind on this."

Terk hummed, "Can't blame me for trying."

Brook looked over at the river, her eyes widening to find the bridge and the train station there. "There," she spoke, getting everyone's attention, and turned to it.

It was the first time they saw the large machine. It's crazy how humans can think up ideas for transportation. Dangerous ones at that. They can't imagine how long it would have taken to build the large monster.

Tarzan slowed down, finding his eyes captivated by the large machine. It was shiny, definitely from the hard and heavy metal by the way the sun shined on it. He wondered if Brook had ridden one before, what was it like? How does it move?

Placing the boat under the bridge, Terk started climbing on while Brook climbed on Tarzan's back and started to climb up the pole. Brook held onto him tightly, looking to the side in hopes of the men not spotting them.

She spotted Niels and Merkus at the very front of the train with the conductor just as the three climbed on the bridge. The three silently ran to the other side of the train as Brook took the lead. Brook leaned her head against the carts, hearing anything familiar.

She did it a couple of times, hearing the impatient huffing from a specific cart, and nodded to it. Tarzan narrowed his eyes, climbing by the side and to the top, finding a wooden hatch. Moving it to the side, his eyes narrowed on the glaring ape.

"Hairless runt?" Tublat frowned.

Terk and Brook soon stood by Tarzan's side, looking down at the confused ape. Terk's eyes slit dangerously at the crimson-haired human, growling lowly at her, feeling the tender ache in his eye.

"See I told you," Terk elbowed the woman who gave her a pointed look. "And yeah, insult the guy saving your life."

Tarzan jumped down, looking around to open the cage. Tublat, however, still seethingly glared at him. "What are you doing here?"

"Freeing you," Tarzan replied, making Tublat's eyes widen. "What?!"
Terk helped Brook down as they jumped inside. Brook didn't pay mind to Tublat's words, hoping to find a hammer...or a key.

"Why?" Tublat growled.

Terk sighed, "Doesn't make sense to me either."

Brook couldn't find anything and pulled out one of her arrows while walking over to Tarzan. He was currently using his spear-head stone and stabbing it down at the lock. Brook raised her arrow, flinching lightly as Tublat growled down at her at the sight of the familiar arrow.

"I'm not going to hurt you," she looked up at him. "I need to unlock it."

Tublat seethingly glared at her. She was right there. He could spring out his arm and wring her neck until she became motionless but stayed quiet as Brook inserted the arrow into the lock.

Just as Brook was able to hear a click of the lock, the cart door opened, bringing light inside. The group stiffened, turning to the door. Niels and Merkus smirked, amused to see them there.

"Well, well, well," Niels chuckled. "What do we have here? Stowaways."

Merkus gripped his rifle, his smirk growing larger. "After me riches, are you? Over my dead body." He raised his rifle, aiming at the group. Tulat roared threateningly.

Brook gripped her arrow in her hand, throwing it at them. Merkus screamed as the train started moving, causing everyone to wobble unstable. He pulled the trigger, unaware of the arrow lodging into it. An explosion rang out in his hand, accidentally letting go in pain.

Tublat's eyes narrowed on the lock, seeing it open. He roared, smacking the door open. Brook yelped as the cage door smacked into her back, causing her to knock into Tarzan and Terk and break out of the train. Tarzan reached for her, grasping her wrist and pulling her to him as the three dangled on the bridge.

Brook winced, looking up at Tarzan who tried to hold on the edge as he carried her and Terk. Her eyes widened and slowly started to climb on to help him. Terk only scowled, crossing her arms in annoyance. "Okay, really this time, I'm through saving people who want us dead."

Tarzan grunts, feeling the weight of the ape wrapped around his legs. He held on a little longer as Brook managed to climb to the top. She sighed, feeling the ache in her back but rushed over to help her husband.

Brook grunts, pulling his wrist up as he manages to climb halfway before Terk starts climbing too. They pant, looking to the side as the train rapidly gets away and leaving a dark trail of smoke behind.

"I have to save Niels and Merkus," Tarzan spoke up as he and Brook started heading towards the train. Terk can only groan, watching them in disbelief.

"From Tublat?! Why?!" she exclaimed. "Let him rip them apart!"

"That's no better than letting them kill Tublat!" Tarzan shouted as he climbed on the rocks and reached for a vine. Brook looked back, seeing Terk frustratingly look at them.

Clenching her fists, Brook started climbing on the rocks too. He won't be alone on this.

Brook wasn't sure how, but with the adrenaline coursing through her veins, she managed to catch up to Tarzan who was all over the place. He slid through the trees and swung on the vines before landing on the side of the rocks again.

Brook landed by his side, shocked by her actions. Her eyes widened as she saw Niels and Merkus running on top of the moving train while Tublat ran after them.

"Over there! Hurry!" Tarzan shouts as he wraps an arm around Brook's waist and jumps down to a vine.

Terk pants behind them, "We'll never make it!" she followed after them. The train was too fast for her to catch up. She tried to hold on to the vine but exclaimed in fear as the vine she held snapped, causing her to fall to the side and on the grass.

"Terk!" Brook calls, looking behind Tarzan but sighs in relief to see her scowling.

Brook held on to him tightly as Tarzan swung on the numerous vines in front of him, rapidly trying to catch up to the train. Brook frowned, noticing that with her here, she was slowing him down. Her eyes narrowed in determination and held onto him.

She couldn't believe she was doing this!

Just as they neared closer to the train, she jumped. She could have sworn she felt Tarzan's body stiffened as she let go. "Brook!" he shouted, reaching out to her but she yelped as she held onto the edge of the train.

Brook gasped and panted in disbelief. She made it! Using all her strength, she climbed on top of the train, yelping as the air rushed and crashed into her. But she wasn't going to give up. Brook pulled out her bow and arrows and started running. She looked above her, finding Tarzan looking over her but kept swinging.

She just hopes that Tarzan makes it in time. Looking forward, even though the train was going straight at the moment, the ride was smooth yet rocky as she tried to balance herself while catching up.

Nearing close the coal cart, her eyes widened to see Tarzan on top of Tublat, putting him in a chokehold while dragging him away from the scared men. Tublat growled, reaching behind him and tossing Tarzan away.

"Tarzan!" Brook screamed, running faster as she grabbed his arm before he was flung away. With her quick thinking, she stabbed an arrow into the wooden logs, gripping it tightly as she held Tarzan.

Tarzan took a moment, looking down as he saw that there was at least some space between the train and the train tracks. Looking up at Brook, he climbed on and leaned his head against hers in thanks. Brook frowned, unsure of what he was thinking.

Without a word, Tarzan jumped down between the carts and started climbing under it. Brook's eyes widened in disbelief. What is he doing?! He's going to get himself shredded!

Brook shook her head, no. She can't focus on that. Gritting her teeth, she stood up and pulled out another arrow and lodged it to her bow, taking aim. She saw as Tublat growled, nearing close to Merkus.

"Tublat!" she calls out from the loud train.

Tublat growled, turning to her but it was a massive mistake as Brook let go of her arrow, striking his healthy eye. White hot pain flooded as blood splattered over his face. He roared in pain, reaching to his face as he grasped the familiar arrow.

His eye!

Brook panted, dodging Tublat's reaches for her, and jumped to the coal cart. Merkus can only watch her in horror, seeing some of Tublat's blood splattered over her face from the strong wind.

"Don't kill me!" he screeched as Brook grabbed his arm.

"Go!" she screamed, helping him up the coals.

Brook heard a loud growl behind her, turning around in time to see Tublat's sharp claws reaching for her face. Brook felt cold at that moment. He was truly a monster. His mouth was frothing, his eyes were completely covered in blood but his menacing aura still lingers and deathly glared at her form.

But Tarzan was faster, climbing out from between the coal and the log carts, lunging himself at Tublat and kicking his chin, throwing him back to the logs. Tarzan jumped and lunged towards him but Tublat reached for anything near him, grasping Tarzan's ankle and threw him down against the hard logs.

Brook gasped, turning back as Tublat stood up, still grasping Tarzan's ankle. Brook rushed forward, wanting to help but felt Niels grasp her arms and pull her to them. "Tarzan!" she cried out, struggling in their hold.

Tublat reached down, grabbing Tarzan and wrapping his arms around him, using his strength to crush him. "You should have never saved me, runt!" he growled.

"Let go!" Brook cried out, struggling in their hold but Niels gripped her tightly. If they can't have diamonds or Tublat, he's sure this woman would bring riches for them. He won't risk her getting herself killed!

Tarzan grunts in pain, feeling himself being restrained by Tublat's hold. He pants, glaring at Tublat's face. He couldn't ignore Tublat's face without a doubt was Brook's doing. He growled, "Just because I saved you, doesn't mean I like you."

Reaching his foot, he gripped the chains holding the log and pulled it. Tublat growled in shock, feeling unstable as the logs started to fall to the side. Tarzan kicked his chest away and jumped to the side, trying his best as he stepped on the moving logs but fell off the train.

Unfortunately, Tublat fell but grasped to the nearest object. That being said it was the coal cart. His heavy form couldn't contain the cart well as the side of it broke open, causing the coals and everyone on top to slide off. Brook screamed, feeling restrained as Niels kept hold of her as they fell off the train.

Tarzan narrowed his eyes at her form and climbed on the falling logs as he reached higher and higher to reach her. Diving off a falling log, he managed to grasp Niels and Merkus by their feet as he held onto the metal ladder of the train.

Tarzan looked down, seeing as Niels still held Brook in his arms as they all screamed in fear of falling. Tarzan grunts, not being able to hold everyone's weight. His fingers loosened on the ladder. Just in time, Terk sprung out her hand and grasped Tarzan's wrist as he let go.

Terk grinned, holding onto the ladder tightly as Tarzan grinned back in relief.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

The train finally stopped in the midst of the jungle. The sun was setting by the time the train finally took another stop. Niels and Merkus were not at all happy with the circumstances they were in. Not only that, right when they finally met land, Brook gave a good punch at their jaws. Not only for attempting to kill Tarzan and her family but for attempting to take her away.

The men had visible bruises on their faces as they scowled at Tarzan and Brook in front of them. "Now what?!" Merkus snapped at them, wincing at the bruise on his eye. "We got no ape! We got no diamonds! And this one's gonna hold us responsible for all the damages!"

Niels glared at them too, "You've cost us everything, Tarzan!"

"Not everything," Tarzan glares, walking away. "You're still alive."

Niels and Merkus scoffed, "Small consolation, thank you!"

"We were going to be alive and rich!" Merkus snapped. 

Brook sighed, shrugging her bow and arrows as she followed after Tarzan. Terk followed beside her, glancing at them. "Ingrates," she commented.

"I didn't expect them to like what I did, Terk," Tarzan kept looking forward.

Terk scoffed, "Well it seems like someone should appreciate it. I mean, nobody back home is gonna like this."

Tarzan shrugged, "That's true."

"And I doubt Tublat is gonna cut you some slack next time you, Red, and him tangle. Which by the way," Terk turned to the woman beside her. "Nice aim."

Brook sighed, raising her hand to smooth down the small ache.

"Probably not," Tarzan stated, glancing at her briefly before looking forward.

Terk stopped in her tracks, deadpanning at his dry responses. She watched as they continued walking. "So, uh, help me out here. What exactly is the upside to all this?"

Tarzan stopped too, smirking as he turned to face her. "I did the right thing, Terk."

Brook chuckled, seeing Terk deadpanning even more.

"And that's reward enough."

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Brook stiffened. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped in horror as she felt the heat surrounding her home. What happened? Her heart pulsed strongly and rapidly against her chest as she watched the horrific disaster in front of her. Her head shook in disbelief. They were gone for a day. Just one, just how did this happen?

Her eyes welled up in tears, her hands raised to her lips, and muffled her sobs as she watched the tree house engulfed in flames. Tarzan's eyes widened in shock too, seeing their home burning and spreading around the jungle.

Brook screamed behind her hand. Their home! Tarzan gritted his teeth, turning to Brook and grabbing her arms. "Brook!" he calls but her eyes are still captivated by the fire. "Brook!" he shouts louder, shaking her.

"Papa," she whimpered. "Is Papa...and the professor...?"

Tarzan grunts, pushing her back as a burned branch lands where they once stood. "Get out of here. I'll look for them."

"Tarzan..." she tried but Tarzan pushed her back, gripping her arm tightly. "Go!"

Tarzan didn't wait for her response, running into the flames and towards their house. Brook stood back, stiffening in horror as the house was rapidly burning. How did it come to this? She didn't light a candle, nor did she turn on a fire. However, her eyes widened in horror as the house exploded.

The perfumes. She vaguely smells a small scent from it.

"No..." she whimpered. "How...?"

Brook felt a warm heat behind her but her body was still paralyzed. Tears fell to the ground as a cloth covered her nose and mouth. Brook gasped, struggling as an arm held her body to them. A strong scent filled her nose as she wrung her head to move.

"Shh...shh, shh, shh..." a voice cooed beside her ear. "You won't escape me this time, Crimson Witch."

Brook's body slowly fell limp, leaving her burning home the last time she saw before everything grew dark.

A/N: AAH! That is the end of the series of The Legend of Tarzan. And now...it has become a new chapter for Brook. See you all later!

Published: October 29, 2023

Word Count: 8995