"Oh my gosh, I'm so late!" Blue Eyes thought to himself as he scurried in between and around dozens of pairs of legs. He could feel his palms moisten, and his eyes were wide in their sockets. Nearly tripping several apes along the way, he didn't waste any time making it to Maurice's meeting place.

Scaling up the rock of his stage, and climbing the mangled knots of roots that hung from above, he could see where the large, crimson giant comfortably next to the edge of his high cliff perch, contently chewing on a thick tuber root and some seeds. Hauling himself over the shelf's edge, and rolling to his feet, the bandaged primate looked to see his nephew had finally arrived. Behind the orangutan's bulk, Blue Eyes could see Ash's charcoal head poke out from behind their Uncle's back, greeting his sky-eyed cousin with a beaming, excited smile. The young Prince made haste, and scurried to where they patiently sat, taking a seat next to his ebony friend.

"Glad you finally decided to show up" Ash playfully signed, giving the royal a light shove.

"Hey, you'd be late too if your mother decided to take forever with your fur. At least she makes me look decent enough to be seen in public-" Blue Eyes retorted, rubbing an open palm all over Ash's snout and face. "-with your ugly mug!"

Sooner than either of them could expect, Ash recoiled the sudden onslaught of face-rape by shoving back, and pouncing the giggling prince. The both of them went summersaulting towards the orangutan's home, tickling and pulling one another's fur with great struggle. Maurice watched as the two of them rolled right through his front door, and a crash followed by a wooden clatter could be heard from inside. The scuffling came to a halt, and he could see his wooden water bowl roll like a dime out of the home, and come to a halt at his feet, rolling in place for a few short seconds, and dropping on its top with a loud clack. The mentor rolled his beady emerald eyes with a "well-what-did-I-expect" sigh, and followed the bowl's trail back inside his hut. There, he saw the mass of bodies knotted together like a pretzel, trying to untangle themselves from under his only table. Maurice lifted the light furniture with a single hand, and pulled one of the boys off of the other with his other, bandaged arm, freeing them both of their 'suffering'.

"OK, that's enough you two" Maurice calmly signed after placing Ash back on his feet, and took a seat upon the rim of his nest, the wooden sticks and twigs groaning with strain.

The boys looked up at their Uncle, taking a seat in front of his massive form. The orangutan leaned on his knees, bringing them close to his chest, and was nearly eyes to eye with them. "How far have you two filled the jar?" he asked.

"It's almost full, Uncle!" Ash excitedly replied, jumping in before Blue Eyes could even raise his hands. "After tomorrow's meals, it should be full to the top!"

Maurice was impressed, and quite surprised it only took a few short days to fill it. If they stayed on a steady course like this, every 3 to 4 days, he would have to make a trip. Looking back at all the medicine he had, if he cut each bundle in half, he would have at least enough to last her a week per package. He would have to go see Zoren in two weeks as were his doctor orders. If all went smoothly, Sarah would be healed and able to walk again in a month or two. She would be back home in the city, no one would get hurt, and no one would know about her.

She would be alive and safe, and he wouldn't be caught guilty of treason.

"I'm so thankful that you two are helping me. I don't think I could have done this by myself. By the time this is all over with, she'll have you two to thank."

"Do you think we can see her again, Uncle?" Blue Eyes boasted, catching the orangutan a bit of guard.

"Yeah! Take us with you!" Ash joined in, pleading with his big brown eyes.

Maurice had to quell this fire before it got out of control again. "Now, you know I've told you both before. I can't risk you two getting hurt, or discovered you were in on this with me. I'm sorry kids, but the answer is still no."

Blue Eyes was just about to raise his paws in protest again, but, Ash caught him before he could say a word. The prince looked to his brother with alarmed perplexity, and Ash merely held up his hand as if saying "I got this". Then, he turned to Maurice.

"Alright, Uncle. Whatever you say" he signed, and before Blue Eyes could say anything else, Ash had grabbed a hold of his hand, and was pulling him away. In only a few short seconds, the young royal was dragged away from their future teacher, and was being lead down to the crowded plaza. Maurice watched with strange wonderment as the boys disappeared into the sea of ebony and silver, an off feeling plaguing his gut. "That was almost too easy" he thought to himself, scrunching his brows together and cupping his chin in his hand, suspicion rising in his chest. "What could they be up to this time?"

In a few short minutes, the voice who Koba heard calling him had died out, and he was lead out into a secluded area of the mountain. It was about fifty meters from the base of the trail that lead up into the village, and was surrounded by forest and scattered foliage. He could hear the muffled voices of his comrades behind, filling the night air with deep, hearty laughter that he was missing out on. Who had called him? Where were they?

Then, he heard a cluster of leaves rustle a few meters away. He tensed, snapping his gaze to the active plants, and peered into the dense darkness. "Who's there?" he gruffly called out, readying his body to defend himself if necessary.

Within moments, he was met by the unexpected, friendly emerald eyes of her majesty, Cornelia. Immediately, Koba lowered his guard, and crossed a fist over his chest in a respectful bow. "My Lady!" he quickly signed, hoping his brash tone hadn't offended her in any way. With graceful poise, the crowned chimpanzee seemed to glide through the foliage as if she were floating, and approached her battered brother with content, gentle strides. The one-eyed bonobo reached his calloused paw out as her feet came into view, lifting his gaze to meet hers when he felt the velvety tips of her fingers swipe across his palm.

"I hope I didn't interrupt anything by calling you out here on such short notice" she courteously apologised, hoping she didn't spoil any of his plans.

"Oh no, dear sister. You didn't do anything wrong. I didn't plan on doing anything special tonight."

'Oh, good thing I thought ahead for you' Cornelia mused to herself, bringing a coy smile to her snout. "That's good to hear!" she signed, and motioned for Koba to follow her deeper into the thicket. "Come, there's something I want to show you."

Koba tilted his head curiously, but respectfully followed his leader's mate. The two were enveloped by the evening shadows, surrounded by thick pines and firs. Walking a few meters in, the bonobo turned his head to look behind him, and he saw that the trees had closed like a veil behind, blocking his view from the village.

No one would've been able to see inside.

Looking back to his queen, he saw she was well ahead of him, and he picked up his pace to a swift canter, nearly losing her in the thick darkness. He followed her quadruped form close behind, wondering where she would be taking him, and why it was so secluded.

"Where. Are. We. Going?" Koba rasped with his deep, coarse voice.

"It's. A surprise" she replied, an eager grin still plastered on her face.

Through layers and layers of conifers they traversed, knowing that even the piercing light of fire wouldn't be able to be seen from the outside, and an uneasy feeling was starting to build up in his chest. Koba's head started running through the possible scenarios, and though he was only assuming, the worst came to mind, and he felt his head break into a cold sweat as a chill ran down his spine.

Cornelia couldn't possibly be bringing just the two of them so far into the forest to…!

Koba stopped dead in his tracks, and had to shake his head violently side-to-side to get the thought out of his head. Sure, she was an attractive and lovely specimen, but Koba couldn't think it was possible for him to betray Caesar like that. She was the mother of his only child, and his future pupil. His vision felt like it was clouding around the edges, and he felt his anxious heartbeat pick up and vibrate in his ears. He stared deeply into the ground as a startling image of Cornelia beneath him flashed before his eyes, and he stumbled back like he had been struck across the face with a metal pipe.

This wasn't right. He felt as if his entire being had been turned to stone, and his blood replaced with ice. He needed to find tell, and set this straight! Clearing his fuzzy vision and getting back onto his feet, he went to reach out and grab her shoulder…but she wasn't there.

Oh no, he let himself become dazed long enough for her to disappear down the trail without him! Picking his pace back up to a gallop, he followed the fresh footprints that he could see down the path, and rushed into the blinding darkness.

"Ari! Are you here?" Cornelia called out, breaking through the dense conifers into a more open section of woodland. She hoped her friend would meet her here like she told her. If that bonobo chickened out on her, she'd never let her forgive herself for missing this opportunistic chance! She had the man of her dreams on her tail as she spoke, and it would only be a few minutes before he came rushing through those trees demanding an explanation.

"…Yes" she heard a meek, nervous voice call back to her.

Cornelia's ears perked up, and she turned her emerald gaze to where it came from. Out of the bushes she saw a gentle flickering of lantern light grow closer and closer to her through the thicket, and its light blossomed throughout the entire clearing when the awaited sister parted through the branches, and into the open air. Cornelia's eyes lit up when she saw her friend. She had made the right choice of having her nursemaids doll her up before she arrived. She looked absolutely beautiful in the gentle light. With a fresh wash and groom in a flower petal bath, the scent of her alone was enough to have Cornelia's nose overcome with the sweet, gentle aroma, and her mind was wiped of any thought. Her wooden necklace was polished to a mirror shine, and her chocolate fur that looked silky soft to the touch absolutely glistened in the light. The nurses even decided to go a step further when she saw that a stunning weave of purple clematis flowers was crowned atop her head, the color accentuating her already mud-violet eyes.

Cornelia's eyes lit up at the striking display before her. She looked just like a princess to her majesty, and with the greatest respect, bowed her body forward as she approached her, Ari's eyes filled with anxiety.

"No, please don't" she immediately protested, covering her face with her palm, "I'm not sure I'm ready for this!"

Cornelia's head snapped up, and she approached her sheepish sister, welcoming her timid body with a comforting, warm embrace. "Why. Do you. Tremble? You. Look. Beautiful." Cornelia whispered.

Ari's eyes fell to the earth, and dragged across the ground as hesitance filled her racing heart. "What if. He doesn't. Like me. Back?" she asked in a shaky voice.

Fearing she would break into tears, Cornelia grasped her friend's paws tightly within her own, and looked deeply into her watering eyes. "Ari, listen to me. You taught me. How to. Be strong. When Blue Eyes. Went missing…Now. It's my turn. To teach you. Strength!"

Ari's brows creased upon her forehead, befuddlement crossing her crumbling features.

Cornelia continued as she saw she had her full attention, and dared to hold nothing back as to make sure she meant every bit of her words. "You are. The most courageous. And kind friend. I have ever. Had. You're beautiful. And. Compassionate to others. Above anything else! You're caring, honest, and loyal to a fault! Koba. Would have to. Be. A fool. Not to. Recognize those. Qualities. As any. Male. Would kill. For a mate. Like you!"

There was a long pause of silence…

…Ari was speechless. With a slow, uneasy blink, she raised her eyes to meet with Cornelia's. A single, clear bead of moisture was squeezed out, and gently rolled down her cheek like a virgin dewdrop. Never in her life had anyone ever said anything like that about her before. All her life, she had thought of herself as plain and boring, with nothing special to give...or trait to attract a mate.

Bringing those words into the light rekindled something hidden deep within her being back to life, and she could start to feel her withered confidence resurface, and blossom like a flower after enduring the cold, hash months of winter within her chest.

"And. What would. I have. To be a fool. To not. See?" a gruff, sandpaper voice beckoned to them.

Both sisters' heads jolted up as the familiar voice reached their ears, and Ari could feel a shock of pleasurable electricity excitedly shoot up her spine. They turned their gazes to see a very confused, and very tired looking Koba stand at the mouth of the clearing, staring down his queen from across the field. "What's the meaning of this game, Cornelia? Why have you brought me so far from the village, and at this hour?"

Cornelia was at first shocked to hear such irritated words, and she could finally see for herself a sour scowl was plastered on his wrinkled features. She was confused. What had been going through his head on his way here? She sure hoped his rotten mood didn't spoil the grand evening she had planned for him.

With a clearheaded breath, Cornelia stepped aside to reveal the reason for his summoning. At first, Ari wanted nothing more than to dive back into the bushes out of his sight. However, Cornelia's kind words stuck inside her head, and like an invisible chain bounding her to the light, she remained standing strong by her side, grasping onto every shred of newfound confidence she could feel was slowly slipping through her fingers as a wave of anxiety washed through her. She could feel Koba's eyes on her erect body, grazing over her delicate form, and drinking up every fine detail he could. Ari could feel her chocolate skin start to heat, and she feared she would melt away before him. She could barely stand just his piercing sight alone. He was just so handsome to her hungry eyes, and though he still didn't quite understand the situation, he seemed to let her feast.

From Koba's perspective, he was still dumbfounded why Cornelia dragged him this far out, angering him further that she still hasn't answered him.

But…on another note…he felt his anger was overtaken by the sight before him.

Who was the female standing with her?

From where he stood across the clearing, it was hard to make out her face. But, she did look familiar. It couldn't be her highness's lady in waiting…could it? But…she looked so different. Stunning, in a way.

"Is she here to help with what you brought me here for?" Koba curiously asked, unable to take his curious eyes from her.

Cornelia smiled, and took her bonobo sister by the hand, and gracefully led her out to the center of the clearing. Koba saw the two approaching, and met them in the middle of the secluded grounds with content, lengthy strides. Ari noticed how his muscles seemed to ripple under his skin as he moved, feeling the heat fuel within her core, and cheeks flush a deeper shade of rouge. Once the second-in-command stood before his beloved queen, towering over her petite form, she felt her gently grasp his right paw with her spare hand, and raise it to meet with the paw of the other female she held in her other hand. He felt their hands clench each other as Cornelia pressed them firmly together, and smiled at the two of them.

"Koba, this is Ari" she introduced, seeing how the two of their gazes hadn't strayed from each other for a good few moments. "She is not. Here to help. With what. I've brought you. Here for…but is why. I have. Brought you here."

The scarred general still didn't quite understand, but by judging how hard the girl was blushing through her already dark skin, he could feel his clouded brain start to fit the pieces together. Having no previous partners to speak of, the ex-lab rat wasn't the most experienced when it came to love, and he too could feel an uneasy wave build in his being.

"Forgive me, Cornelia…but this is unusual of you" Koba honestly proclaimed, still holding Ari's warm paw. "I've never seen you perform a duty like this before. Is this a game that you females play?"

Cornelia simply shook her head, a light hearted chuckle lifting his tension. "No, it's nothing like that at all. No game. Just a simple, friendly introduction of two of my closest friends. Now…there's nothing wrong with that. Is there, Koba?"

The collected warrior didn't see any harm in this activity, no. Still…it left him feeling something odd and foreign in the deep pits of his stomach. The instant he saw this female…Ari…he felt as if he had consumed a stone, and its heavy weight made his stomach drop. On top of that, he could feel his skin grow hot, and he could hear his heartbeat quicken and thunder in his ears. And now, by just holding her hand, and taking in her makeover, he felt he couldn't take his gaze off her.

Was this some kind of magic?

In hoping to lighten the mood, even just a smidge, Ari put on the softest of smiles she could muster with her beat red, stiff face. She felt like her brow were glued together upon the peak of her forehead, and in reaction, she could feel Koba's grip slightly tighten with a twitch-like reflex. And with that, she felt a jolt of energy zip up her back, encouraging her to lightly firm her grip as well, resulting in a similar response from Koba.

The two were at a loss for words with the situation, but they both trusted Cornelia enough that she would take the reins with tonight, and she led the two over to a mossy plot of land where a wicket basket awaited them. Inside, she had the foragers gather an extra basket of fruit and roots at short notice, and she was thankful that they managed to deliver it to this spot on time, and even more grateful that no animals managed to find it before they arrived.

Gently pulling their conjoined hands to the ground, both bonobos sat on the plush forest flooring, and Cornelia opened the package to reveal the food specially prepared for them. Knowing Koba would want a little bit of meat in his meal, she had a leg of rabbit wrapped up in there as well as to not mix its greasy juices with Ari's preferred greens. Both of their eyes lit up at the scrumptious sight, and then looked to Cornelia as if they were asking permission. To this, she merely waved to hands in front of her.

"No, don't look at me. I prepared this night so you two could get to know each other."

Koba looked to Ari, who then turned to look at him, nervous yearning filling her eyes. "Please, don't leave me" she prayed desperately in her head. She begged that he would stay, that he would accept this date…that he would accept her.

Koba stared at Ari, studying her features, and attempting to read her thoughts. She looked worried. Worried about what, exactly? Making no notions to get up after a few moments ticked by like hours, Cornelia silently slipped from their space, and like a ghost, seemed to faze with the thick forest, and disappeared into the darkness before either of them could notice.

Leaving the two of them completely alone in each other's care.

*Cue "Can you feel the love tonight"*

Awww, I had a lot of fun writing this one! I got all giddy and warm inside writing Koba and Ari's "first" encounter. Haha!

Is this pairing meant to be, or will this all end with a bad case of "Science Friction"?

Hmmm, the boys are up to something again, and knowing them, Maurice has the right to be suspicious. Haha! What could they be planning?

Also! I drew another piece of chapter art for this! Koba and Ari were too cute to resist!

art/TLD-Ch-35-Date-Night-Koba-and-Ari-621655192?ga_submit_new=10%253A1468529445

Rate and Review! I love reading what you guys think! And never forget:

APES. TOGETHER. STRONG!

KNOWLEDGE. IS. POWER!

APE. NO. KILL. APE!

ALL. HAIL. CAESAR!