The Magic Within ↠ Once Upon A Time

[Chapter 100] The Legend of Tarza: Final Chapter

I just don't know if I'm ready to face this reality.

"Please tell me, Tarza, are you going to find someplace that's easier for me to travel through," Terk questions. "I don't want to get stuck in another hole."

My hands rub against each other. The sweat moisten my hands, but it's not in the best way. "Guys... I'm not going back," I say. For a brief moment, I wanted to delay the news, but in the end, it's better for everyone to just rip the bandage as soon as possible. The only problem with that is the initial sting that hurts you.

I didn't think they heard me at first. They didn't look to me, but after another second, I realize that they were staring in the air. They were too stunned to speak. Then, they stare to each other. Terk looks up to Tantor, and Tantor looks down to Terk. The world is full of noise. Everyone in the troop is talking amongst each other that it leaves no room for silences. But somehow, silence grows between us. I can't hear anything at all.

Terk doesn't say anything. Her mouth moves like she's trying to say the right words but nothing comes out. There's a glossiness in her eyes that makes me regret spitting out my words.

Eventually, Tantor is the one to break the silence. "You're not coming back with us," he repeats. Perhaps, it's a reformation for himself. "Then, who's going to lead the troop."

There's no hesitation when I turn to Terk.

In that same moment, she looks to me. It takes a moment for the lightbulb to switch on. If gorillas can sweat, I would imagine her dumping bucketful's of sweat from her body.

"You're the only one who can lead the troop," I admit. I don't want to break down, but I can feel a tremor in my voice. It's not meant to be sad. However, this reality is bittersweet. "You've already beaten all the males in the troop on more than one occasion. You deserve it more than anyone. Even me."

She sighs. She breaks contact with me to gaze at the ground. Does the dirt have the answers she needs? That I do not know. "I don't know if I'm ready."

"Neither did I," I admit, and that's coming from the girl whose father was the previous leader. I've seen what it takes to make a great leader "But... if I've learned anything, it's that even mistakes bring out the best ideas."

"You seem to be forgetting I make a lot of mistakes, Tarza."

I nod in agreement. "I know. But the troop doesn't need me anymore."

"I need you," Terk says.

"I need you too," Tantor adds.

"And I need the both of you," I admit afterwards. "You're my family, but," Then I look to the outlandish individuals that occupy the troop as well. The people, the humans. They weren't accepted with the animal kingdom for a long time. It's only until now that we find the middle ground. "They're my family too."

The younglings find joy in entertaining Neal and Robyn. Some the mothers try to give advice to Zelena and Snow. Snow tries to take the advice as nicely as possible. Zelena doesn't try to hide her distain. Emma sits at the front steps of the manor. Because of her injury, she needs to take it slow. But it doesn't mean that she can't take it all in. She studies all the action that's revolving within the troop. There's a note of curiosity that lingers in her eyes. Killian find himself stuck with some of the males. Perhaps they wanted to see if he was a worthy male, according to the troop's standards. So long as they don't start a brawl, he'll be alright. And David, he's the mediator for some younger gorillas. They keep him on his toes, but like his daughter, theirs a curiosity that keeps him interested in the gorillas' mannerism.