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Chapter 30: A Nemesis from The Shadows of the Night -------------------------------- (c) tarzanstud1@gmail.com
Shadows of the Night
Tarzan is anxiously pacing backstage before a performance at the Dom's Den under the watchful eye of the club's security enforcers. Jonathon Alden is in attendance, getting the royal treatment with his own V.I.P. room backstage. Tarzan's brow is furrowed in deep contemplation. With security distracted, he finally slips into the V.I.P. room and approaches Alden, who is quietly reading by candlelight.
TARZAN: (awkwardly) tarzan need talk
ALDEN (looking up) Of course, Tarzan. You can always come to me. What's on your mind?
Tarzan takes a deep breath, struggling to find the right words.
TARZAN (softly) Tarzan make dream.
Alden puts down his book, giving Tarzan his full attention.
ALDEN (concerned) What kind of dreams, Tarzan?
TARZAN (frustrated) Is much mighty dream....Much power. Is Mr. Blackwood....and is Baron....von Richter.
ALDEN (raising an eyebrow) Are these nightmares, tarzan?
TARZAN (shakes head slowly) Is like...lesson.
Alden studies Tarzan's face, noting the genuine worry etched on it.
ALDEN (supportive) Dreams can be strange, my friend. Sometimes they offer us insight, even if the message is not immediately clear. What do you think these dreams are trying to tell you?
Tarzan hesitates, struggling to find the right words.
TARZAN (quietly) Dreams...make show....tarzan place....show who is tarzan.
Alden considers Tarzan's words carefully before responding.
ALDEN (gently) It's natural to question our purpose, Tarzan. And it's okay to seek answers, even in dreams. But remember, dreams are just that--dreams. They may offer guidance, but it's up to us to interpret their meaning.
TARZAN (nods resolutely) Is much powerful dream....
ALDEN (supportive) Then perhaps it's time to embrace what they're trying to tell you. Trust yourself, Tarzan. You have a strength and wisdom that goes beyond the jungle.
Tarzan nods, gratitude in his eyes.
TARZAN Is much help. Tarzan much thanks!
ALDEN (smiling) You're always welcome, Tarzan. We're in this together, after all.
The two men share a heartfelt moment of camaraderie, their bond strengthened by this candid conversation.
Dreams Unveiled
Alden knocks on the door and enters Mr. Blackwood's chamber, finding him studying a ledger.
ALDEN (sincerely) Mr. Blackwood, may I have a moment?
BLACKWOOD (raising an eyebrow) Of course, Alden. What brings you here at this late hour?
Alden steps closer, speaking in a hushed tone.
ALDEN (whispering) It's about Tarzan, sir. I've noticed a significant development.
Blackwood leans back.
BLACKWOOD (intrigued) Oh? Do tell, Alden.
ALDEN (confidentially) He's been having dreams, Mr. Blackwood. Vivid ones. And you, along with Lord Harrington, and some Baron, I believe he said, are a prominent part of them.
Blackwood's eyes gleam with satisfaction.
BLACKWOOD (smiling) Ah, it seems our subliminal messages are taking root. Excellent news, Alden.
ALDEN (nodding) Indeed. But the content of these dreams, sir... They are puzzling. I can't help but wonder what they might mean.
BLACKWOOD (pensively) Dreams can be a reflection of one's deepest desires and fears, Alden. Perhaps they are showing Tarzan a path he is meant to follow.
ALDEN (curious) Shall we consider sharing these dreams with the public, Mr. Blackwood? It could generate more interest and, in turn, greater profits for us.
Blackwood contemplates the idea, tapping his fingers against the ledger.
BLACKWOOD (pondering) It's a bold suggestion, Alden. But we must be cautious. Revealing too much could backfire. We need to maintain an air of mystery.
ALDEN (respectful) Understood, sir. I only seek to serve our mutual interests.
BLACKWOOD (appreciative) And you do so admirably, Alden. Keep a close eye on Tarzan. His dreams may hold the key to our continued success.
Alden nods, acknowledging the trust placed in him.
ALDEN (rest assured) I will, Mr. Blackwood. Together, we will ensure our venture prospers.
They exchange a meaningful look, knowing that their alliance is bound by more than just dreams.
Unveiling Shadows
Alden enters tarzan's stall in the barn, finding Tarzan lost in thought. He approaches Tarzan with a gentle, reassuring demeanor.
ALDEN (softly) Tarzan, I've been thinking about your dreams. I'm here to listen, if you'd like to share.
TARZAN (looking up, hesitant) Is true?
ALDEN (nodding) Yes, Tarzan. Sometimes, talking about our dreams can help us make sense of them.
Tarzan starts to open up, speaking hesitantly about the vivid images that haunt him.
TARZAN tarzan in jungle... Mr. Blackwood, Lord Harrington, too. Is guide tarzan.
Alden listens intently, probing gently for more details.
ALDEN And what do they say, Tarzan? What do they guide you towards?
As Tarzan recounts the dreams, Alden senses there's more beneath the surface.
ALDEN (pushes gently) Tarzan, I need you to be specific. What troubles you the most in these dreams?
Tarzan hesitates, clearly struggling to articulate his feelings.
TARZAN Is say....tarzan must...submit....is tarzan purpose.
ALDEN (nodding, encouraging) Go on, Tarzan. Tell me more about this submission.
Tarzan's voice grows firmer, his inner turmoil evident.
TARZAN Is say submit is much strong, much power.
Alden senses that he's on the verge of a breakthrough, but he pushes further.
ALDEN (insistent) And how does it make you feel, Tarzan? To have the strength to submit?
TARZAN (lost in thought) Is...tarzan destiny.
Alden, realizing the gravity of what he's uncovered, presses on.
ALDEN And what about your loincloth, Tarzan? How does it fit into all of this?
Tarzan's eyes widen, surprised by the directness of the question.
TARZAN Is...tarzan.
ALDEN (encouraging) It's for a servant, tarzan. Do you find pleasure in this purpose?
TARZAN (voice low) Is...true.
Alden takes a step back, absorbing the revelation. He knows he's on the cusp of an extraordinary story.
ALDEN (softly) Thank you, Tarzan. You've shared something profound with me tonight.
Alden can't help but feel a mixture of awe and responsibility for the truth he now holds. He decides to push further, to be more aggressive. His curiosity is now mixed with a newfound determination. He needs every detail for his story.
ALDEN (firmly) Tarzan, I need to know more. Who else appears in your dreams?
TARZAN (hesitant) Is no one...
ALDEN (impatient) Tarzan, I have the tools of Mr. Blackwood. Don't make me use them.
Alden takes out a riding crop, its presence looming in the air.
TARZAN (defeated) Baron...von Richter...is there too.
ALDEN (satisfied) Good, now tell me about your history with him.
Tarzan hesitates, struggling to put his emotions into words.
TARZAN Is make...capture tarzan. Is much mighty enemy. Is want break tarzan, make tarzan submit.
ALDEN (interested) And did he succeed, Tarzan?
TARZAN (barely audible) No...
ALDEN (determined) Tell me about the interactions, Tarzan. Every detail.
Tarzan recounts the memories, the clashes, the moments of defiance.
ALDEN (encouraging) And what about the moments of submission, Tarzan? When did you give in?
TARZAN (quietly) Tarzan no had choice.
Alden senses they're on the brink of a breakthrough. He presses further.
ALDEN (details, details) Tell me, Tarzan. What exactly transpired?
Tarzan's voice grows steadier, his reluctance fading as he relives the memories.
TARZAN Is much mighty man. Much dom Master. Tarzan must yield.
Alden listens intently, absorbing every word. He knows he's extracting something monumental.
ALDEN Thank you, Tarzan. You've shared a part of yourself that few have ever known.
As Alden leaves, he carries with him the weight of the truth, knowing he holds a story that will captivate his readers.
When Alden started to work on his story, he realized that he still needed more substance to make the story complete and to have the maximum input on his voracious readers.
Alden enters Tarzan's chamber, the riding crop held firmly in his hand. He's lost his patience.
ALDEN (rudely) Wake up, Tarzan.
Alden swats Tarzan's pectoral muscles with the crop, waking him abruptly.
ALDEN (firmly) An inferior like you has no choice but to answer quickly, honestly, and fully to a superior like me.
TARZAN (defiant) Why...
Alden swats him again, harder this time.
ALDEN (sharply) Put a "Master" on it when you speak to me.
Tarzan winces, understanding his place.
ALDEN Now, recount an incident from your dream with Baron von Richter. Tell me the place, the exact actions, and the words spoken.
Tarzan hesitates but begins to recount the details.
TARZAN (resigned) Is deep in jungle. Mighty Baron approach tarzan.
Alden listens intently, occasionally swatting Tarzan to maintain his dominance.
TARZAN Is...control tarzan. Put tarzan in place. Tarzan no choice, must yield.
Alden's eyes gleam with triumph. He's extracting exactly what he needs.
TARZAN (softly) Is why Alden need know?
Alden's patience snaps. He swats Tarzan again, harder than before.
ALDEN (angry) It is not your place to ask such questions of a superior. Remember, you are a slave, legally acquired in auction. Your thoughts and ideas are not your own to keep from your Masters.
Tarzan bows his head, understanding his role more clearly.
ALDEN If I want to publish your dreams to the whole world, it is my right to do so.
Alden leaves Tarzan, a fire of excitement burning within him. Tarzan's submission has awakened something new in Alden, a realization of his own superiority.
Alden enters the opulent Dom's Den club, his steps more assured after his encounter with Tarzan. He seeks out Mr. Blackwood, finding him in a dimly lit corner.
ALDEN (uncertain) Mr. Blackwood, may I have a moment of your time?
MR. BLACKWOOD (raising an eyebrow) Of course, Alden. What's on your mind?
Alden hesitates, unsure of how to proceed. His newfound confidence wavers in the presence of Mr. Blackwood.
ALDEN I... I have some information, something I've learned from Tarzan.
Mr. Blackwood's interest is piqued. He leans in closer.
MR. BLACKWOOD And what might that be?
ALDEN It's about his dreams, the ones with Baron von Richter. There's a story there, something that could drive up sales for the Outpost and draw even more attention to our event.
Mr. Blackwood studies Alden, his keen eyes assessing the situation.
MR. BLACKWOOD You're gaining confidence, Alden. It's good to see.
ALDEN (nodding) Yes, well... Tarzan's submission has provided me with a newfound clarity.
Mr. Blackwood chuckles, sensing Alden's transformation.
MR. BLACKWOOD Indeed, it seems so. You're growing into your role as a superior, it appears.
ALDEN Thank you, Mr. Blackwood. I value your guidance in this matter. Should I proceed with the story?
Mr. Blackwood considers for a moment, then nods approvingly.
MR. BLACKWOOD Yes, Alden. Share the story with your readers. Let them see the truth of Tarzan's nature.
Alden leaves Mr. Blackwood, his confidence restored. He heads back to the Outpost, eager to craft a story that will captivate their audience.
The next morning, Alden's story was in the hands of a growing hoard of captivated readers eager to hear about tarzan's capture and subjugation. This is what they read:
Unveiling Shadows: The Enigma of Tarzan's Dreams By Jonathan Alden, Outpost Drama Critic
In the shadowed realm of dreams, even the mightiest are vulnerable, and secrets long buried can resurface. This revelation, dear readers, comes from an unexpected source: our very own Tarzan, the enigmatic figure who has captured the imaginations of many.
Lately, Tarzan's nights have been plagued by dreams, vivid and haunting. Among these dreams, one figure emerges with peculiar frequency - Baron von Richter. Who is this mysterious Baron, and what connection does he hold to our jungle-savvy protagonist?
Though details remain shrouded in mystery, it is clear that these dreams hold a key to Tarzan's true nature, an aspect that he himself may not fully comprehend. As we delve deeper into the enigma of Tarzan, questions arise about the origins of his submission, his purpose in this world, and the forces that shape him.
Is it possible, dear readers, that the chains of his destiny were forged long before his auction at Lord Harrington's estate? Are we witnessing the emergence of a new, more profound chapter in Tarzan's life? The Outpost is committed to bringing you the truth behind this beguiling tale.
In the coming days, we will explore the complexities of Tarzan's dreams, endeavoring to decipher their significance. What hidden truths lie within these nocturnal adventures? Who is Baron von Richter, and what role does he play in Tarzan's journey?
As we embark on this exploration, it is essential to remember that our enigmatic hero is not defined solely by his dreams. His days are a testament to his submission, his unwavering dedication to serving his superiors, and the power he finds in relinquishing control.
So, dear readers, stay tuned for more revelations about Tarzan and the extraordinary path he treads. Let us unlock the secrets of his dreams together, and in doing so, uncover the profound truths that lie within.
Shadows of the Past
In a distant corner of the jungle, Baron von Richter, a man as cunning as he was ruthless, sat alone in his dimly lit chamber, poring over the latest edition of the Outpost. His sharp eyes scanned the pages, seeking something that might ignite the fires of his old vendetta. And there it was, a headline that stirred the dormant embers of hatred within him.
"Unveiling Shadows: The Enigma of Tarzan's Dreams," the headline read, accompanied by a sketch of a powerful figure bound and at the mercy of another. The Baron's blood ran cold. Could it be? Could the dreams of the jungle's legendary lord truly be haunted by the specter of Baron von Richter?
Memories, sharp and unyielding, flooded the Baron's mind. He recalled their fateful encounters, each one ending in bitter defeat for him. Tarzan's strength and cunning had always proved insurmountable. Yet, now, to learn that the very man he had sought to conquer in the wilds of the jungle now dreamt of submitting to him... It was a revelation that could not be ignored.
The Baron's steely resolve rekindled, burning brighter than ever. He would pursue this lead, track down Tarzan, and confront him in a way that would leave no doubt as to who held the upper hand. From the sound of things, perhaps he could employ the dark magic he learned from the jungle witch doctor, who taught him the secret to infiltrating the dreams of his adversaries. He envisioned the satisfaction of finally besting his old nemesis, of seeing Tarzan brought to his knees, willingly or not.
In the days that followed, the Baron delved into every piece of information he could find about Tarzan's recent activities. He sought out rumors, whispers, and tales from the fringes of the jungle. It wasn't long before he had a rough idea of Tarzan's whereabouts.
Through treacherous terrain and under the cloak of darkness, the Baron made his way towards Tarzan's domain. His mind raced with plans, strategies to exploit this newfound advantage. He would play on Tarzan's dreams, turn them into a reality that neither of them could escape.
As he drew closer to Tarzan's territory, the Baron's heart pounded with a mixture of anticipation and vindication. The jungle itself seemed to pulse with the energy of their impending confrontation. It was a reckoning long overdue.
Finally, he stood at the edge of Tarzan's domain, hidden amidst the dense foliage. He observed Tarzan, a figure of raw power and primal grace, unaware of the predator lurking nearby. The Baron's lips curled into a sinister smile. This would be the moment he had waited for.
With calculated precision, the Baron set his plan into motion. He would exploit Tarzan's dreams, use them as a weapon to break the jungle lord's spirit. He would force Tarzan to confront his deepest fears and desires, to submit willingly to the Baron's dominion.
As the days passed, the Baron's presence in the jungle remained hidden, his movements shrouded in secrecy. He observed Tarzan closely, studying his habits, learning his routines. Every detail would be crucial in executing his plan.
And then, the moment arrived. The Baron would confront Tarzan, not in a battle of brute strength, but in a battle of the mind and spirit. He would use Tarzan's own dreams against him, turn them into a weapon that would ultimately lead to Tarzan's undoing.
With a sense of grim satisfaction, the Baron prepared to step out of the shadows and into the arena of their long-standing feud. This time, he would emerge victorious. This time, he would break Tarzan's spirit and prove once and for all that he was the true master of the jungle.
The stage was set for a showdown that would echo through the ages, a battle between two titans of the wild. And as the first rays of dawn pierced through the canopy, illuminating the battleground, the jungle held its breath, awaiting the clash of its most formidable adversaries.
END OF CHAPTER THIRTY-------------------------------------
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