The Magic Within ↠ Once Upon A Time

[Chapter 58] The Cost of a Mission

So, I was planning on bringing this chapter out during the previous weekend, but things just got a little busy. Nevertheless, I did say that I would bring it out to you as soon as I could so here it is. 

Hope you enjoy the chapter. It may not be at dramatic as the previous ones were, but believe me, what's going to happen real soon will leave you on the edge of your seat.

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~Tarza/Melody Flashback~

Days have passed, possibly even over a week has passed, since Tarza's secret getaway was exposed to Kerchak and to the others in the troop. It's been days since she was ripped from the humans and forced to remain with her family. It's been a while since she has seen Jean again.

And during the duration of the time, Tarza has not once attempted to leave the safety of her troop. Her biggest fear was that she would be ridiculed, again, and (far worse) be thrown out by her own family. She'd never want to be separated by her own family. They mean everything to her, and if she were to be forbidden from ever seeing them, she'd be lost; she'd have nowhere else to go and nobody to turn to. Tarza will truly be alone if she was away from the troop.

In fear of all that, Tarza remained with her family even through all of the shame and unwanted stares coming from the others; however, it's not like she would be able to step away from the troop to begin with.

Kerchak made sure that Tarza couldn't sneak away so easily.

No matter where she went, there was always someone keeping an eye on her. It didn't matter who was watching over the human girl; whether it be her own parents or a close accomplice of Kerchak, Tarza would always be accompanied with another wherever she would go. To tell the truth, it has made things a little awkward for Tarza. She was never the one to be babysat; she was always independent while she grew up since all she had was her mother, Terk, and Tantor, and now, she has to be watched over by other members of the troop.

Tarza really wishes that she could have that independence back, but she knows that'll never happen anytime soon.

Or at least... she wishes she could just be with Terk and Tantor.

Unfortunately, those two weren't trusted to be the ones to accompany Tarza. Kerchak quickly assumed that they were also aware of Tarza's intentions, and he was more than right. So even while the two were with Tarza at times, another member of the troop would watch over them.

To simplify it all, Tarza got the attention of the troop, but it wasn't the kind she was hoping for. She was watched over like a prisoner who had the means to escape. She was never alone.

However, it's not like Tarza ever wanted to escape, or better yet, she didn't want to be with anyone at the moment.

She's too ashamed after everything that's happened to even look at her own mother. No matter what she did, Tarza would attempt to do it alone and in silence.

She couldn't risk causing any more tension and distrust between her and Kerchak. She has to comply with whatever demands he has in order to return to her father's good graces again.

But in all honesty, Tarza wanted to be alone because of the pain she felt inside of her. Her heart ached at the thought that she couldn't even see Jean anymore. Never would Tarza have thought that she harbored strong feelings for the young man, but as soon as she's forced to not even lay eyes on him, her heart wanted nothing more than to be with the man. Tarza yearned to be with the human she's grown to fall in love with.