Another war for the humans and apes... Both sides suffered numerous casualties before a chance for peace was reached. For almost five years, this war began and now somehow it had to be finished.

Each side had their strengths. Apes had the height of intelligence. Humans had mass force in weapons. Both had equal firepower.

No one wanted to admit it but surrendering was the only option for peace. Neither side would obligate to do so.

More humans came, more humans died. More apes came, more apes died.

In the end, apes had chose to surrender but said for the humans to leave and relocate elsewhere. The city's power source was destroyed beyond repair under Koba's short lived leadership. The city was falling without proper support. Hunting was an option for humans but they feared the apes now. They wouldn't dare go back into the forest again.

The communications was also destroyed by Dreyfus' so called "saving the human race" plan.

Apes moved back into the forest reclaiming and repairing the home they once lost. The colony's numbers had dropped from being 2,000 to as little as 500.

To make sure no human(s) ever came back to harm the apes, they established little clans around various parts of the forest, splitting the colony. Only coming together for special occasions, whether it being a ceremony or a meeting. However, they were not so far apart from each other.

Life returned to normal for the apes at some point. Three new apes made their way into Caesar's inner council: Zeke, Oscar and Diego. Rocket and Maurice being the original two members. Koba, Stoned, and Ash being killed in the war along with others...

Caesar and Cornelia were now in their old age and their sons were nearly ready to take their place teaching them many things. Caesar taught his sons to hunt and fight. Some skills became clear to them while others took a while to master. Cornelia taught her sons about friendship and philosophy. Love wasn't much of a problem to teach as that comes naturally as their sons will soon find mates.

However, it seemed as Blue Eyes already found one of his own. He always spent his free time with a female not much younger than him named Nyla. The two are often seen fishing, grooming and sleeping together.

Malcolm, whom Caesar named after the last good human he met, wasn't the best at finding a mate. He just liked to show off for the females; strutting around with a makeshift spear, chest puffed out while riding his horse, painting himself with war paint. These silly antics usually ended with him making a fool out of himself. His spear would often break, his horse would get startled and drop him in the mud and he would always put on too much paint.

He did catch the attention of a female about his age named Daisy.

It was agreed by Caesar and the council that the two shall co-rule the colony together.

Even though Blue Eyes and Malcolm were the future leaders of the colony, they were NEVER in competition with each other.

...

On this afternoon, Blue Eyes was searching in the trees for a new fishing stick when he accidently bumped into his father.

'Father! I'm sorry.'

Caesar smiled and signed, 'That's okay. What are you doing?'

Blue Eyes swung to his left, checking the strength of some of the branches. 'Going fishing with Nyla later today. I'm trying to find a new fishing stick.'

The old ape called to his son in a strong voice. "Blue Eyes, come!"

Just as he said that, Blue Eyes was able to find a stick and broke it off the tree's extending arm and swung down to the middle of the tree to talk with his father. 'What is it father?' He signed as he began pulling the leaves and thorns off the stick.

Caesar was reluctant to sign at first but he knew it must be done. 'Son. There will come a day when I or your mother won't be here. We are both old now.' His son listened intently as he watched his father sign, forgetting about the stick.

'That means responsibility of the colony will fall to you.' He pointed to him. 'You will soon take my place.'

Blue Eyes shook his head and signed, 'I'm not sure if I'm ready yet.' His father looked at him with a straight face and signed, 'Tell me, what is the second law?'

'Apes together strong.' The young adult signed confidently.

'Remember when I was weak after what Koba did to me?' He pointed to his bullet wound on his left collarbone. Blue Eyes nodded. 'You wanted to help me even though I didn't want you to. I was afraid you would be hurt.' He placed a hand on his shoulder. 'But you did it anyway. That's what a leader is, Blue Eyes, not the biggest or the strongest. A leader is the one who cares the most.'

'You are ready.'

Blue Eyes smiled and was about to leave but Caesar stopped him and signed, 'Tomorrow, there will be a ceremony for you and Malcolm.'

'A ceremony?' He signed with raised eyebrows. 'For what?'

'I will pass my rule down to you and Maurice will pass his rule down to your brother.'

He nodded his head understandingly.

Caesar pointed in the direction of the river. 'Now go fishing. Nyla may already be there waiting for you.' Blue Eyes went off swinging as fast he could through the trees.