Apologies for the long break! I did not abandoned this story. Was just busy, that's all. Hopefully I'll be able to do weekly posts again, but I can't make any promises. Anyways I'm going to address some of the comments to the folks who don't have private messaging on. I tend to answer almost every comment, so I hope you all don't mind me putting it on here.
Lizzy2018 - Thank you so much for your kind comments in regards to my fic. I just wanted to let you know that I've appreciated all the comments you have left for my story and am very thankful for them and just wanted to let you know. ;)
Travis - I'm glad you are enjoying my story as well! I do see where how both Feliz and Blue Eyes can be shipped together. But unfortunately those two are just going to stay as good friends. Plus this whole fandom has already got a lot of HumansxApe shippers out there, so I don't think I need to add more to the fold. This will strictly be ApexApe and HumanxHuman kind of story. Maybe in the future, ya? :D
And I apologize for all of the other commentators for previous chapter, as I have not responded to you all. I just wanted to let you know that I very much appreciate you all taking the time to write something down. And from here on out, I will do my best to add my replies in the newest chapters in regards to the ones who don't have Private Messaging. Anyways, enough banter from me. I hope you all enjoy chapter 35! Happy Readings!
Winter lowered the pack he was carrying to the ground, feeling quite exhausted. Luckily Grey had set a slower pace through the unforgiving terrain after Maple and Tinker's disappearance. Winter was thankful of Grey as the pack he had been carrying was easily twice as heavy as any he had ever shouldered before. With most of the horses gone or being used by some of the more pregnant females, Ursus dead, Ajax gone, and Oak out hunting for him, there were fewer gorillas than ever to do the heavy work.
Winter was still unsure of where he stood among Grey's new troop. He had not been hobbled like the other captive apes-the one Red had noted that were untrustworthy-and his own pack wasn't as massive as those that those captive gorillas were carrying. Even the warriors who had fought back were made to carry such things that were fit for a gorilla and Winter could see how a few of them were struggling with the weight. This was not right. For some reason as he watched the warrior apes struggling with their baggage, Winter could clearly picture Glade being among them, burdened with the heavy pack as well. Turning away, Winter could see both Red and Rex, the two gorillas who were not carrying anything at all, except the guns that hung around their shoulders. And Red's gaze had never left him out of his sights, while Rex's was locked onto the rest of the troop, keeping them all in line.
Winter watched as both Red and Rex seemed to be hand speaking with one another before the maroon haired gorilla left his spot, most likely to go meet up with Grey and Sampson. Rex had then let out a bark for them to stop and rest for now. With a sigh, Winter placed his pack onto the ground and he looked about, wondering if there was anything he could help out with.
He honestly wanted to rest but he needed to show Red and the others that he could be trusted. While the remainder of the guards had set up the perimeter, Winter was about to take his leave in search for firewood. While making his way out, his eyes took notice of a few of the captive gorillas who frowned and glared back at him, along with the tired looking warriors of their clan. His eyes caught the defiant glare of Andy, causing him to slow down to a stop in his tracks.
"They are using you Winter," Andy grunted, signing with his lips slightly pulling back.
"N-no they are not. You are the traitors. Red told me. He said you all tried to take over," Winter signed back.
Winter swallowed when he saw Andy leaning back and opened his mouth in pant laughter, but his eyes held such a fury within them that Winter couldn't help but shrink back a little.
"And you believe him?" Andy gestured back with his teeth bared. "If that is what you really believe, then you are hopeless."
Winter flinched at the chimpanzee's words but then noticed Percy, one of the elders, reaching out to place a gentle hand upon the fuming chimp's shoulder. Andy shot the older orangutan a look, whom was shaking his head slowly from side to side. With an angry huff, Andy then quickly sat down but kept his piercing green eyes upon Winter. Percy had then turned his attention back towards the white haired gorilla and smiled sadly at him.
While looking about, Winter's eyes then caught Juno's, who was staring back at him. A look of hurt etched upon his features.
"Winter… Do you really think we are traitors?" Juno asked, a frown to his lips.
At this, Winter huffed as he looked away from the chimpanzee.
"Yes. No. I don't know," Winter signed confusingly, grunting all the while.
There was a sudden bark from behind, causing Winter to flinch. Turning around, Winter was met with a frowning Rex, as the older gorilla lumbered on over and glared down at him before eyeing Juno and the others.
"What are you doing with the traitors?" Rex asked, turning his angry gaze back upon Winter.
"N-nothing. I was just going to go get firewood," Winter explained quickly.
"Then go," Rex gruffed into Winter's face, causing the albino gorilla to shrink back a little.
Turning to walk away, Winter cast one last glance over his shoulder, seeing the disappointment within the eyes of the other apes.
"Be careful Winter. Be safe," Percy had signed.
For some reason, their looks that they were giving him, had hurt quite a lot. Not physically of course, but something deeper, inside. A feeling he couldn't quite explain. What was he to do now?
…
Ray had been wary at first when he had seen the new human female as she entered their little room. He was afraid of course, thinking that she would spoil everything that Armand was working alongside them with. But then the human female surprised him when she spoke softly to Armand for a few moments before she silently walked on over to where Ash laid and reached through the wiry bars to touch at his head.
"Do not worry. I will keep your friend here safe. My name is Linda," the human female had greeted.
Ray had been hesitant at first, unsure if he should even trust the human female or not but the look that Armand gave him, was all the answer that he needed. He had then eyed the human female, named Linda and lightly tapped his chest.
"Ray," he had greeted, pointing to himself. "Fox," Ray introduced Fox, turning halfway to look at the caged chimp behind him. "Ash," he finished slowly pointing to where Ash was still sleeping.
"Hello Ray, Fox, Ash," Linda had greeted with a warm smile before she met their eyes again. "I am so sorry for you, all of you."
That had been a while ago before Armand and Linda had eventually left them alone within this eerie holding place, the two humans promising to return soon. Eventually Ray had thought he felt a change within the boat, feeling as if it was slowing down now. Hearing a grunt, Ray turned to look at Fox whom had stood up from his wiry prison and looked about as well, he too feeling the boat coming to a slow drift.
"Fox," Ray breathed, grabbing the older chimp's attention.
Fox took in a ragged breath before slowly turning his piercing green orbs in Ray's direction.
"We should not be enemies, Fox. Not when the troop is at risk. Is in danger," Ray gestured.
This had caused Fox's brows to lower, his head turning slightly to the side.
"I am tired of cages. Sick of being human captive," Fox growled while signing back.
"Yes," Ray agreed. "And now we have a chance to escape. But we have to work together. Must work together," he emphasized.
"And you trust the humans?" Fox huffed.
"Yes," Ray answered simply. "But even if I didn't-what other hope do we have?"
At this, Fox didn't answer but he merely narrowed his eyes at Ray with a deeper frown set upon his lips.
"You had asked me if I understood, now. Pope, Koba, the elders, our parents, all of it. I do not know it all. You and I, we have only been in cages for a few days. Our parents were put into one. Koba, was born in one. I think I understand why Koba hated humans so much now. Why Pope used that to control him. Because he knew. But I also understand why Caesar cares for them, and you must have seen it too," Ray gestured towards Ash, the older chimpanzee looking down at the other chimpanzee.
They both had remembered how gentle Linda was when she had reached into Ash's cage and stroked his head, much like a mother would. She had even resorted to humming a small tune while she gave Ash some strange things, telling them all that whatever she was doing to him, will help him.
"But what I understand most of all," Ray continued, gaining Fox's attention again. "Is that apes must never be in cages again. We must be free, all of us. Caesar led us to freedom once-he can do it again."
Fox huffed out as he turned his head away momentarily before slowly coming back around to look at Ray in the eyes.
"You do not know," Fox signed back. "You do not know everything that was planned."
"Well, I know you and the others were planning on killing me-and Blue Eyes, Ash, Rocket and Caesar, I guess." Ray gestured slowly.
At this Foxed huffed out in amusement.
"Not Caesar," Fox corrected Ray. "We did not plan to kill Caesar. We were going to let humans do that."
At this Ray lowered his eyes, a frown upon his lips.
"Why Fox?" Ray had asked.
"You know why," Fox answered.
They were both silent for a moment before Ray looked up and met Fox's eyes.
"After you had killed us, you and other apes were going to steal females and run off into the forest, is that it?" Ray questioned, startling Fox a bit.
"Did someone tell you?" Fox asked, gaining a snort from Ray.
"No. But it is obvious. And it is a stupid plan. Females will not listen. They will fight you. But more than that-do you really think after they have killed Caesar and his army. Did you not stop to think that the human soldiers will not come after you? They want to kill us all, Fox." Ray gestured.
Fox turned his gaze away, looking a little ashamed at Ray's words.
"We were going to hide from the humans," Fox gestured after a brief quiet. "We followed you not just to kill you, but to look for possible hiding places too. More forests. Safer forests."
"And were you able to find any?" Ray questioned.
"No," Fox breathed out after another long moment.
"No…" Ray repeated after Fox, casting his gaze down at the ground before meeting the older chimp's once more. "Whoever you are listening to. Whoever is planning this. This is not going to work Fox. what brilliant plan would cost the lives of most of our warriors? Get them slaughtered? Who would be in charge then? After we have lost so much? Grey?" Ray asked.
Upon seeing Grey's name signed, Fox's eyes widened and he backed away a little from his cage. His backside hitting the wires behind him.
"How do you know this? Someone did tell you didn't they?" Fox asked bewilderedly.
At this Ray slowly shook his head from side to side, keeping his eyes upon the older ape.
"Fox. This will not work. Please, I am asking you. We must work together. We have to get free-and we must help Caesar. Our king. Our Alpha. Help him win against the humans." Ray pleaded.
Fox closed his eyes tightly and hissed silently to himself as he turned his head away from the younger orangutan. Ray however, hoped that what he was saying was getting through to Fox and that maybe. Just Maybe. Fox would reconsider his ways.
"How?" Fox finally breathed out, slowly opening his eyes and turned to look at Ray. "Even if I agree to this. How?"
Just as Ray was about to answer there was a soft groan that came from behind him, causing him to turn around. With unblinking eyes, Ray watched as Ash slowly stirred from his sleep, raising his head to tiredly look around himself before standing up on shaky legs. Ray hooted happily, walking on over to his end of the wired cage and peering at his friend.
"Ash?" Ray spoke softly, gaining the white flecked chimp's attention. "Are you okay? How do you feel?" Ray asked.
Ash stared at Ray for a long while before he heaved out a tired breath.
"Sick, in stomach. Not feel too good. Still hurt, all over. But not as bad as before," explained as he rubbed his arms slowly before eyeing Ray once more, staring at the orangutan confusingly. "What happened to your head? Hair gone?" Ash pointed out.
This caused Ray to pant-hoot out in amusement as he reached out and touched at his bald spot, showing it to Ash.
"Humans cut hair. They cut yours too, and Fox," Ray nodded towards Ash who reached upwards and touched at his head until he felt the exposed skin, no longer sore.
As the two were enjoying speaking with one another again, a quiet gruff caught both Ash and Ray's attention, causing them to look at the oldest ape who made the noise - Fox.
"Enough. We need to-"
Before Fox could finish what he had said they all jolted when they felt their surrounding slowing down before bumping into something.
"What was that? Where are we?" Ash asked Ray, hooting worriedly.
"We are in a boat, being taken back-"
Suddenly the door to the room opened up and in came a furtive-looking Armand. The moment Ash saw the human, he quickly backed himself to the end of his cage, frightened whimpers emerging from him as the elder human approached their cages.
"Oh, no no no. It's okay. I'm not here to hurt you," Armand quickly spoke and signed at the same time.
"Bad human. Bad human," Ash signed quickly with his lips pulled back, pant-screeching. "Saw human. When hurting me."
"I'm so sorry son. That was not me. I promise. I'm here to help you. See?" Armand explained as he pushed something into the lock of Ray's cage.
The instant the door opened, Ray bounced right out of it, feeling suddenly stronger than he had thought possible. Oh, how many days had he been in one cage or another? He stretched all of his limbs, enjoying the luxury of complet motion before turning back around and seeing that Armand had opened up both Ash and Fox's cages. Walking on over towards Ash, Ray hooted softly and stretched out his hand towards the chimpanzee.
"He is friend," Ray explained to the frightened Ash.
Ash was very hesitant as his eyes darted from Ray's comforting ones to the human elder. Ray seemed to be very comfortable with this human elder and the human didn't seem threatening. But he couldn't shake that image of him being hurt while that human had asked him questions over and over again to which he couldn't provide no matter what he did.
After a few more seconds though, Ash took in a deep breath and slowly emerged from his cage, joining in with Ray and Fox whom were waiting for him.
"There, there. I am sorry. I promise. I will not hurt you." Armand said slowly. "Ash was it? I am Armand. I'm here to help you. All of you." he continued, only earning a frown from the white flecked chimpanzee.
It was going to be extremely difficult to earn the trust of this one, Armand thought to himself. Then again it did not help that he was turned into interrogator but the others and made to be the face that this chimpanzee saw.
"Friend?" Ash asked, turning to look at Ray.
"Human friend," Ray answered.
Ray then noticed that Ash was looking pass him and he slowly turned around to see Fox looking all of them, silent.
"Fox?" Ray asked.
"We will finish this here-escape together. Then we will go our own way. You will tell Blue Eyes that. Both of you," Fox gestured.
Ray held Fox's gaze for a moment before huffing out and nodding.
"I cannot speak for Blue Eyes, but I will tell him about our agreement," Ray informed, before turning around to look at a very confused Ash. "I will tell you about it later," he told Ash.
"Alright," Armand said aloud as he stepped up to the three apes, Ash taking a step back as he neared. "Now I need you three to pay attention. We are on a ship. Called the Naglfar," Armand voiced the name. "parked on the side of a big ole rock out there. If everything went as planned, your friends would have gotten here early; they should be up on top of the rock, above us. Besides me and Linda, there is only six other men on board. And listen, this is important-I don't want them killed, not if there is any other way. Your friends are going to distract them, and we'll come at them from behind. But no killing. Please. I don't want any deaths."
"No killing. Do not want to kill," Ray responded to the elder human, whereas Fox was silent and Ash merely whimpered.
"That's the spirit, very good," Armand beamed at Ray before meeting the other two chimpanzee's eyes.
"We go. Now?" Fox grunted.
"No, we wait," Armand responded.
"No, I don't think we will," a voice said loudly behind Armand, causing everyone's blood to freeze over.
Peering past Armand's shoulder, Ray could make out the familiar face of Abigail Messenger, standing at the doorway.
Fox had let out a growling hoot and leapt up towards the human female, but there was a soldier there with her and he hit Fox with something, a long black club that made a weird popping noise and left a faint smell of scorched hair and-something else-in the had caused Fox to yelp and collapsed onto the deck, whimpering as he drew in on himself.
Upon seeing this Ash had too whimpered at what he just saw and backed away while Armand had immediately put himself in front of the younger apes.
Another figure suddenly came rushing forward and knelt down right beside Fox's form.
"What do you think you are doing?!" Linda said to the soldier.
"What is going on?" Armand had asked.
"You didn't think we would check in on you two, would you?" Messenger asked. "I had my doubts about the both of you. But you two were all we could take and all we had. Still are, for now, although there will be a trail for the both of you when we return. If you do your parts from now on, it might not go that badly for the both of you," Messenger spat, not noticing Ash flinch at the name.
Armand looked down at Fox and the two apes behind him before finally meeting Messengers dark orbs.
"What you are doing. What you are planning. It's genocide," Armand said slowly.
"Genocide?" Messenger repeated the word, her brows arching up in amusement before lowering themselves once more. "Genocide can only be waged against a human ethnic group. That's the definition. These things around you? They are not human."
"They are intelligent," Armand said aloud. They have souls."
"Souls?" Messenger said amusingly. "That's a rather bold statement, for someone with your background."
"It is an inevitable statement for someone with my background," Armand retorted.
"Every living being has a soul," Linda spoke up this time, her dark brown eyes aimed right at Messenger's own. "What gives you the right to choose what lives or what dies."
"Because I am human," Abigail answered confidently. "Now, you both can believe in whatever mumbo-jumbo you so please. Whatever makes you feel good about yourselves and allows you to sleep at night. It honestly makes no difference to me or this mission. And for the record, I'm not 'planning' genocide or anything else-I'm following orders, delivering a cargo to an ally. What he does with said cargo is his business."
"You are trying to talk your way around this," Armand said. "You can't. This is not right, and you definitely know it."
At this Messenger narrowed her eyes at Armand and then met Linda's.
"You two do not seem to understand anything. What's not right is fighting for ten years to reestablish civilization and then see it slip from our fingers," Messenger said. "I don't have time for this. Evans. Varga."
The soldier who had hit Fox had suddenly stepped forward and struck Armand, too. Ray dove towards the soldier, reaching for his arm, but the man was quick, stepping back and bringing the strange stick down on Ray. He felt the same sort of jolt he had when they had been asking him questions; everything behind his eyes turned white, and he smelled his own pelt burning as he fell to the floor convulsing.
Within the fog of pain, Ray could distinctly hear various voices all around him. He heard another yelping noise behind him and then the body hit the ground as well. He could hear what he thought was Linda's voice echoing around him as more men entered the room. They had put loops around his, Fox's and Ash's necks and pulled them tight. The loops were on the ends of rigid poles, putting the humans out of arm's reach.
"If you want to know how we found out about your little escape. We had decided that we could spare one of our cameras in here," Messenger told both Armand and Linda, the older man gasping as he dragged himself up the wall while Linda angrily starred back. "I don't know any sign language, but from your hushed whispers, it was obvious you all were planning something. Now, who is outside waiting for you all?"
"No one," Armand said aloud, placing a hand over one of his arms, to which Linda quickly ran over and checked him.
"And I'm willing to bet that's not true," Messenger said. "But we'll find out. We're going to walk these three out the front. They may not shoot if these things are there. Even though I doubt very much that any collaborators of yours get this far; local security has been put on high alert. Anyone who doesn't belong here will be detained or eliminated before they reach the dock."
"And this is how you would establish human civilization? The use and expense of another species?" Linda asked.
"Human civilization has always been built upon and by the expense of others. Be that human or another species. This has been happening since the dawn of time. What we are doing is establishing and saving the human race. Whether you see that or not, is up to you," with that Messenger turned around and walked away.
…
Huffing and puffing, Winter had brought back several bundles of branches for a fire. Once he was satisfied with what he had in stow, he had gone back out into the woods to look for lighter knot, which will make it easier for the fire to get going. Digging into a half rotten log, Winter came across a few grubs. Feeling rather hungry, he quickly took them and popped them into his mouth, chewing away at the insects as he worked away.
While he dug through the soft ground, Winter had tried to keep his mind busy, trying not to think about Luca and the others, wondering how they had died. Had Luca, Caesar, Glade... and the other warriors even had a chance to fight? Or were they all incinerated by one of the terrible human weapons? Launched from so far away, that they had never seen it coming towards them? Pausing in his work, Winter breathed deeply through his nose as he closed his eyes tightly. He hated to think of Glade or Luca and the others dying like that at all, much less like that.
Opening back up his eyes, Winter looked down at the ground from where he was digging and couldn't help but whimper quietly to himself. Everything was all wrong; all was unsettled. The entire army, gone-half of everyone he knew, alive one day, dead the next, or had turned traitors. They now had no village to return to, and even if they found a new place far away enough from the humans to be safe, how long would it take to build a new village? How many days or winters would be before things returned to normal? But then, things could never be normal again was there? Not if Caesar, Luca, Glade and more than half of the colony were dead.
Shuddering away from this bitter thought, Winter raised his head and gasped to himself as he found Red watching him through the trees.
"I-I'm looking for lighter knot," Winter signed nervously. "T-to use to make fire quicker."
Red then landed with a thud a few feet in front of Winter and slowly made his way on over towards the him. Red stopped just out of arm's reach and looked around Winter before nodding once approvingly. He then caught the hesitant gorilla's eyes.
"Is something wrong?" Red asked.
"Everything is wrong," Winter answered. "Luca told me that gorillas were the walls of the village, even when there is no village. But if Ajax has turned against us, and the others-"
"They will come around," Red interrupted the frantic albino gorilla.
The rusted haired gorilla then paused for a moment, seeming to think.
"What Luca told you was true. We much be the wall; we must shield the females and young from harm, even if that harm were those of our own," Red explained as he reached around and pulled the rifle he wore by the strap, causing Winter to stiffen with fear.
Red seemed to smirk as he snort grunted in amusement at the albino gorilla.
"Here, take this," Red gestured. "We apes are short-handed as it is. I told Grey that you could be trusted. Do not prove me wrong Winter."
Rising a little, Winter gingerly reached out and accepted the weapon from Red.
"I-I won't disappoint you," Winter signed quickly.
Red merely stared at Winter in silent for a long while.
"If the traitors return. Come back to us, will you be able to shoot him?" Red questioned.
Winter paused for a long bit before he met Red's acid green eyes.
"Are… Are you talking about Ajax?" Winter asked.
"Ajax and others," Red explained. "Some of the females sneaked away when we were distracted."
"Why?" Winter asked.
"We had thought Ajax had kidnapped Cornelia at first so that the females would do as he said. That he was trying to make himself the Alpha now. The new king. But now, Grey… Believes something else happened; that it was Cornelia who poisoned Ajax's mind. And now some of her closest supporters-like Tinker-have gone to her as well," Red explained.
At this Winter frowned.
"I do not understand," Winter signed confusingly.
"Caesar is dead Winter and that means that Cornelia is no longer queen. No longer the female Alpha of the troop and tribe. Blue Eyes is gone as well, most likely dead too, so he will not return to take Caesar's place. Without them here, Cornelia is nothing and she knew that. She knew that Grey's mate Cedar would replace her. So Cornelia acted to keep her position. She may try to return and reclaim it," Red explained.
Winter thought for a long while before realization stuck him and his eyes widened.
"You want me to. I must shoot the queen?" Winter asked hesitantly.
"She is no longer queen Winter," Red signed back with a deep frown. "She hurt Pongo, badly. Did you know that? She ripped off his ear and tear at his lip when he tried to stop her from leaving. And now she schemes against us. Some say she would rather lead the humans to us than lose her status as queen."
Winter balked at Red's gestures. It didn't seem possible. He had known the queen his entire life, she reaching out to him at times and even providing loving comfort when he needed it. What Red was telling him, couldn't be true. Could it?
Winter flinched when Red slowly reached out towards him but stop midway. Red eyed the white haired gorilla for a few heartbeats before taking a hold of Winter's arm, gently.
"I am trying to help you, Winter. We need you with us," Red gestured.
At this Winter closed his eyes for a moment. He had wished dearly that Luca or Glade was around to talk to, but they were not here. He suddenly felt a little angry at Luca. He should have been with them, with the rest of the Gorilla Guard, rather than fighting an impossible battle with Caesar. That then extended to Glade as well. He knew that the bonobo among the warriors of their tribe, but he could at least come along as well. But Glade had told him, that his place was with the other warriors and that had hurt Winter. It was their fault that Winter was now even in this situation. Hated by the traitors of their group and forced to do the unthinkable from what Red was telling him.
But he would nevertheless honor Glade and Luca's wishes. To be the wall for the apes and be a light for the apes, when they are lost in the dark. Whatever that had meant when Glade had told him before they had gone their separate ways, many nights ago.
"I am in the Gorilla Guard," Winter signed confidently, standing a bit taller. "I am the wall against our enemies. I will do whatever I must to keep the troop safe. E-even… Even if it is from our own."
This made Red smile at the albino gorilla and he reached out to give Winter a few pats on the shoulder.
"I know I could count on you," Red told him.
…
The drive since evening of yesterday had been silent throughout. At one point during the night, Malcolm had switched positions with Feliz and hand resumed the rest of the driving. Alexander and Feliz had soon drifted off to sleep with Blue Eyes trying his best to stay awake. However, Malcolm had gently told him to rest, and Rocket as well, as they would need their strength from what's to come. So, with nothing much more to say, Blue Eyes closed his eyelids and tried to not think about of what he had just learned.
The next time he opened his eyes, Blue Eyes was met with the early lights of the sun and the still running engine of the vehicle they were in. Huffing, Blue Eyes righted himself and groggily looked around to see that Feliz was now driving again with Alexander sitting in the other seat next to her. Malcolm had switched placed with the teen girl and was fast asleep in the seat next to him with Rocket on his other side, staring out in the distance. Blue Eyes stared at his uncle for a long moment before he reached out and tapped the older chimpanzee on the shoulder, gaining his attention.
"Why not tell me?" Blue Eyes questioned.
Rocket simply stared back and this caused something within Blue Eyes to boil. Before he could furiously sign again, the older chimpanzee slowly reached out with one hand and took a hold of Blue Eyes', effectively stopping him.
"Because your father knew this would happen," Rocket explained simply, gaining a perplexed look from the prince himself. "Your father told me. To not tell you about Koba. Because he knew that your mind would have been distracted on this journey, knowing that Koba was still alive. Your father wanted you-"
"He had no right! You had no right!" Blue Eyes threw his hands up to interrupt his uncle in a fuming huff. "I could have helped him! Could have seen him! Could have taken care of him!"
At this outburst, Rocket rose himself up on his seat, causing Blue Eyes to cower slightly but then defiantly, he rose as well, to meet with Rocket.
After a brief tense moment, Rocket released a breath and softened his features slightly.
"There was nothing you could have done for him. He was badly hurt. Ape medicine would not help him," Rocket explained. "You could not have helped him."
The older chimp then turned his head slowly and met Blue Eyes' gaze.
"And I don't believe you wanted to talk to Koba," Rocket simply gestured, causing Blue Eyes to freeze.
"What makes you think that?" Blue Eyes inquired with a angry scowl.
Rocket then leaned in close to Blue Eyes, so close that their faces were merely inches away from each other.
"Because. The way. You look. Was like. Me. When I saw. Him," Rocket said to the younger chimp.
This caused Blue Eyes to lean away from the bigger ape in confusion. Wondering what Rocket meant when he said, 'like him?'
"I Wanted to hurt him. Rip him. Smash his head onto the ground until he no longer moved," Rocket gestured, causing Blue Eyes' eyes to widen slowly. "That look you have. Is just like mine. A look that shows that you want to hurt another. For what they had done to you. That is why you were not told about Koba. To keep you away from him so that you do not have these feelings or thoughts. Why your father sent you on this journey."
Blue Eyes suddenly felt as if the heat within him was turned off and cold seeped through every inch of his veins. Was that really how he felt? Did he really want to hurt Koba instead? But that didn't make any sense to him. Did he not miss the scarred bonobo? Was what he thought. What he felt about Koba been a lie? A lie that he made for himself? Placing his thoughts of sadness and sorrow for that of anger and hatred? Had he really instead, wanted Koba back just so that he could hurt the older bonobo? For what he had done to them? Make him suffer? But, he had wept for the older ape didn't he? Why was this so confusing for him?
Huffing lightly, Blue Eyes slowly turned away from Rocket in shame. For reasons unknown to him, he knew that deep down, what Rocket had told him was right. He really did want to hurt Koba. Make him suffer. Make him feel all the pain and loss that he did. But then would that make him any better? Blue Eyes couldn't believe that he held such dark thoughts within him and it scared him. He then felt a knuckle under his chin, making him turn back, to look up at Rocket whom met his gaze with forest green eyes.
"I… I'm scared Rocket," Blue Eyes gestured, whimpering. "I am scared." Blue Eyes continued to the older chimp.
Slowly, Blue Eyes was enveloped within big strong arms and he felt Rocket placing his chin atop of his head comfortingly.
"It. Okay." Rocket simply said the two words aloud. "Okay. To be. Scared."
Hearing this from the older ape, Blue Eyes shut his eyes tightly and hugged Rocket back strongly.
"Hey, you guys okay?"
Blue Eyes lifted his head away from Rocket and turned slowly to look at Alexander whom had stopped talking with Feliz to looking at the both of them with worried eyes.
"Okay," Blue Eyes responded with a sniff as he quickly rubbed away at his eyes with the back of his arm.
"Okay," Alexander smiled warmly back.
Eventually as the early morning dragged on and Malcolm finally waking up. Feliz had suddenly made a noise as she pointed out in front of them.
"There it is! That's the place, I guess," Feliz said aloud.
As Feliz exclaimed excitedly, everyone followed her finger and saw what looked like a small mountain ahead of them. It lay beyond along a narrow strip of beach, and was shaped like a dome. The road that they were on however, turned away, headed inland to what appeared to be either a human village or ruins of one.
"Where boat?" Blue Eyes asked.
"There!" Feliz shouted, as she pointed to something that was just vanishing behind the rocky upthrust.
"Hang on guys!" Feliz announced.
Rocket and Alexander yelped as the human girl suddenly turned the car off of the road. They bumped across a rocky divide and then onto the sands. She gunned it, frightening a flock of sea birds and a few sleepy seals that were resting upon the beach.
"You're crazy!" Blue Eyes heard Alexander shouted over the roar of the engine.
"Hey! If you have a better plan. I'm all ears!" Feliz could be heard yelling back.
"Just keep your eyes on where you're driving!" Malcolm interjected.
As they neared the rock that was shaped like a dome, another spider web of cracks appeared on the windshield with a small plink noise. The girl cursed and yanked at the wheel, slewing the vehicle sideways on the sandy beach. Two more bullets plucked into the metal doors as they all scrambled out of it and ducked for cover.
"I see'em," Feliz said to the others as she leaned into the vehicle. "They're on the rocks up there."
Blue Eyes, breathing deeply with the others, gauged the distance. They were close, but there was nothing but open ground between them and the shooters. Even if they ran for it, they would most likely be shot at.
"You guys go ahead," Feliz said to all of them, meeting all of their eyes and working the bolt action on her rifle. "You all run fast. You hear? I think I can keep them all busy until you all get close.
"Wait! Are you sure?" Malcolm asked the girl.
"What about you?" Alexander asked next.
"I'll be fine," Feliz answered back. "You guys go. The others are waiting for you all to save them. I'm going to do my part," she said aloud.
Everyone around Feliz seemed hesitant but the girl merely rolled her eyes.
"Oh come on now. Don't do this. Just go okay," Feliz said to the others as another bullet whizzed on by, over their heads.
Feliz then felt a soft grip upon her arm, causing her to meet sky colored hues.
"Thank you. Feliz," Blue Eyes said softly to the teen girl who smiled back at him.
"See you around, Baby Blue. You be safe. All of you," Feliz turned to the others.
"You be safe too. We wouldn't have done this without you," Malcolm thanked the girl.
Feliz smiled up at the man and then turned to look at Alexander who met her fiery gaze.
"Take care, Feliz. And thank you," Alexander said to the girl, to which Feliz nodded once.
Both Feliz and Alexander stared at each other for a long moment before the girl cleared her throat.
"Alright you guys! On the count of three, okay? One, two…"
At three Blue Eyes, Rocket, Alexander and Malcolm were suddenly in motion. The sands in front of them kicked up in front of them, one whizzing by Alexander's torso. However they all heard the loud crack from behind them as Feliz shot back with her own rifle. They all focused on running, leaving the girl behind, as Feliz kept on shooting at their attackers.
As Blue Eyes ran, he saw Rocket and despite the older ape's advancing years, had picked up a big lead on all of them. Their antagonists were visible now, three of them total. He saw one of them lean out, line up his rifle towards him. Blue Eyes knew that he should try to dodge to the side, but his legs kept carrying him forward. His heart leapt within his chest as a voice inside of him yelled. No! Just then there was a report off to his right and the man jerked back, dropping his rifle as he did so. Taking a quickly glance, Blue Eyes saw the smoke coming out of Malcolm's gun as he kept on running and then fired his gun again at the other humans.
Rocket had then unlimbered the rifle that was strapped around him and sprayed bullets at the men on the rock as well, causing them to duck and cover. The bald chimp then hurled himself at the sea-pocked surface of the stone and began clambering up beside it.
Blue Eyes covered the last few yards and scrambled up the stone as well, wincing at the sharp bite of barnacles on the palms of his hands but ignored it altogether to get at the humans that were shooting them. Another man appeared, aiming at him, but now Blue Eyes had gone strangely quiet inside. He saw the stone near the man's face suddenly shatter, saw him duck behind his cover once more. Leaping over, Blue Eyes soon found himself there, right on top of the man. The gun wasn't quite pointed at him. With one hand, he grabbed the barrel, shoving it away. He then heard the report as it went off, watched the man's face warp in terror as Blue Eyes' other arm came swinging down like a club right onto the human's head. The man fell limp with a thud and Blue Eyes dropped the gun, hissing as he had only just beginning to comprehend that he had burned his palm on the hot barrel.
"Blue Eyes?"
Blue Eyes glanced upward from his hand and met Alexander's pale blue hues, a look of worry crossing the teen's features as he pushed himself up and over the rock's edge. The both of them looked behind them when they heard a brief struggle and Rocket coming out as victor as he caused the other shooter to go unconscious.
"Don't you make a move," Malcolm warned the third man who was shot in the shoulder.
"P-please, don't kill me," the man begged to which Malcolm walked on over and took his weapon, handing it off to Blue Eyes.
Just then they all heard more reports of gunfire behind them, causing them to turn around in the direction from where they came from. A quick look over the stones showed several more soldiers on the beach. One of them laid on his back; three more were making their way towards the vehicle where Feliz was at. To all their surprise though, they watched as the vehicle suddenly lurched forward and was now in motion, driving away with Feliz behind the wheel. Everyone aimed their guns at the men that were shooting at her and fired a few of their rounds at them, causing them to scatter. Then the men turned their attention to the four of them and were making their way on over.
"We go! Now!" Rocket shouted as bullets pelted at the stones in front of them.
They all agreed and moved away from the lip of the giant rock that they were on, making their way on over to where they could now see the ship below them. From their vantage point, they could make out the boat stationed near a series of white tanks, but it was already beginning to move slowly away from the dock. Blue Eyes and Alexander move forward but both Rocket and Malcolm stopped the younger two, pointing out several soldiers standing guard, but none of them were looking up at them. One of the soldiers was just beginning to look upwards in their general direction but was too late as Malcolm, Rocket and Blue Eyes had quickly subdued them.
"Okay, everything seems clear. Those guys behind us aren't climbing up the stones like we did, but we gotta hurry" Alexander confirmed as he caught up with them.
Then they all stared at the boat as it moved away further and further across the water. It was already too far away-and moving far too quickly-to even consider swimming after it.
Blue Eyes suddenly felt drained; the fire that had seemed to drive him forward was now gone and an emptiness formed within him, like the hallow point of a tree.
"What now?" Alexander breathed.
Rocket had then suddenly bounded forward, towards one of the fuel tanks. Blue Eyes the noticed something he hadn't before; there was a small boat, not much longer than a big car. He then watched as Rocket leapt onto the boat and reached under a tarp, pulling out a struggling human by the arm.
"Oh, God! Hey!" the human shouted. "Please, please please, I didn't do anything I swear! I'm not even with these guys-"
Blue Eyes then stood over the man and gestured at the boat.
"You can drive this?" Blue Eyes demanded.
"Oh, holy crap," the man breathed with wide dark colored eyes.
The man was a thin, wiry fellow with black colored hair that fell towards his shoulders. "You're talking. You're talking, aren't you?" What the hell is happening?"
Blue Eyes then came nearer, until their faces were almost touching each others. He then spoke each word separately, trying to make himself as clear as possible.
"Can. You. Drive. The. Boat?"
The man closed his eyes tightly and turned away from Blue Eyes as he shielded his face. At this Blue Eyes didn't have time for and he was going to repeat himself once more before Malcolm suddenly called up.
"Hey guys! The keys are in. I can drive this!" he called from the front of the boat.
This was a relief to the other but then that left the man.
"What about him?" Blue Eyes asked.
"Can you swim?" Alexander quickly turned to the frightened man.
"Y-yeah?"
"Toss him overboard. We're right next to the docs. He'll be fine," Alexander said aloud as he was untying some kind of rope from the side of the wooden docks.
"Hey! You guys can't just take my-"
Before the man could finish, Rocket pulled the man up by the scruff of his shirt and tossed him over the side of the boat that they were all on. The two apes watched as the man came spluttering back up, coughing and gagging as he swam over and held onto one of the wooden poles of the docs.
"Thieves!" the man shouted.
"Sorry! We need this boat to save our friends! It's going for a good cause!" Malcolm called back over his shoulder before he started up the boat and much like the vehicle, moved forward, leaving a small wave of water in its wake.
Just in the nick of time as gunfire started to sound off around them once more as the men from the other side of the rock finally made it around and spotted them. Soon enough the four of them were far enough out at sea that now nothing posed any immediate danger. With a unanimous sigh, everyone finally relaxed and settled down.
"That was a rush," Alexander spoke aloud.
"Yeah tell me about it," Malcolm answered as he slowly glanced back at the others. "Everyone doing okay? No one got hurt right?" he asked.
"I'm fine," Alexander answered.
"Okay," Blue Eyes voiced, after looking around himself.
"No. Hurt," Rocket grunted.
"Alright then. We'll see how well we do in trying to catch up with that boat," Malcolm announced as he shifted the throttle forward.
…
Red came from behind Grey, seeing the brown haired chimpanzee sitting atop of a stone that jutted out over the troops as they were all taking their rest for day.
"Found. Her?" Red heard Grey's grave voice in front of him.
The brown haired chimpanzee then slowly turned his head to meet Red's gaze. Red could see that Grey did not look well. His eyes were red, puffy and he looked like he had not slept at all.
"No," Red signed back finally, earning a frown from the chimpanzee who turned his head away once more.
"Then. Look. Harder!" Grey commanded.
Red walked up right next to the brown haired chimpanzee and looked him over.
"Your daughter and Tinker are elusive. They have evaded all of us during Oaka's outburst. Many are still looking, but it is very difficult. The forest is vast and who knows where they have gone to. But I promise that we will find your daughter," Red signed, earning a scowl from the chimpanzee.
Red huffed out. Since of Maple and Tinker's disappearance, Grey had moved the group at a slower pace in hopes that when his daughter returns, she will find them. It baffled Red. When Red had looked upon Cedar, he noted how the female, who was queen now, would only say that her daughter is acting out, having a temper tantrum and that soon enough she'll return in due time. Whereas Grey was very concerned of their child, alway actively keeping his eyes out for her just in case. Such different personalities between the two when it came down to their daughter. But right now, it was what it was, and Red couldn't do anything else but follow Grey's lead. He was after all, Alpha of the troop now…
"Make sure our apes are on the constant lookout. Let me know immediately if my daughter is sighted. Understand?" Grey signed as he turned to look up at Red.
Red frowned, but nodded anyways to appease Grey.
"When do we move again?" Red asked, gaining a side glance from Grey. "We must move soon. It is dangerous for us to stay in one place too long," Red applied.
"We move when apes are rested and our prisoners are fed," Grey simply signed as he stood up. "Now leave. You have your orders," he gestured to Red.
At this, Red bowed and eased away from Grey, a deep frown upon his features as he turned from the brown haired chimpanzee.
Watching Red take his leave, Grey let his gaze fall back onto the troop, watching as the females all huddled together, guarded by the defected Gorilla Guards. Not too far from them were their prisoners, guarded by some of the warrior apes who stood by. Lastly, Grey frowned as he spotted Cedar, signing jovially with some of the other females and hooting loudly as she kept many of the apes in check. Heaving loudly, Grey closed his eyes tightly, as he tried to calm his beating heart that hammered in worry within his chest for his daughter. With everything that was happening, he had not expect Maple to run off like this and it had hurt him that she had done such a rash thing. He only hoped that she was somewhere safe, out there, with Tinker and maybe Cornelia.
...
With a huff, Koba was walking around the house again and a few times had even gone outside to breath in the fresh air that blew around him. It had been several more sun cycles for him since he was able to walk again, but he had listened to Ellie and tried not to strain himself too much. If he was lucky though, he would only need several more days before he was well enough to go back and join Caesar and the others.
"Caesar…" Koba said softly aloud.
Oh how much he's missed them. How long has it been since his fall? Days? Weeks? Months? He knew naught how long it has been, but it was much too long and from what he could hear in the distance, several days ago, the fighting has yet to cease among apes and humans. Typical, humans will never let their hatred of the apes go, much like he. But he was different now yes? Maybe, just maybe he can change? If not all of him but just a little could turn the tide.
Looking down at the can in his hand, Koba frowned at the strange bean like morsel that was doused in some strange slop. It was not much to his fancy, much too plain for him but it was food nonetheless and Ellie had told him that it will help him get better, as he needed to eat and get stronger. His ribs still showed but what could he do with what they had? Ellie had barely scrounge enough food as it was and soon enough, there wouldn't be anything left for them. Which was good, because Koba himself was getting rather sick and tired of this place. It wasn't that he didn't like this human home, this was Caesar's home after all, but this kind of setting was not for him. His experiences with humans was still raw and harsh, haunting him, maybe never ever leaving his mind. But he was not going to allow such things to control him anymore. He was going to be better, for himself, Caesar and the rest of the apes.
Grunting, Koba turned around and went back inside Caesar's old human home. He had finished the canteen and placed it upon the countertop, grabbed one of the containers of water and began drinking from it. After he was done and placed the container back down, Koba perked up when he thought he had heard crying. He paused for a moment and concentrated, wondering if his ears was playing tricks on him. But then he heard that whimpering noise again. Curiously, Koba walked down the hallway and finally found the source of what was making those crying sounds.
There, sitting upon the couch was Ellie, as she was looking down at something on her lap. Koba silently walked into the room and noticed that Ellie was looking down at the sketchbook that the human boy had drawn in.
"Ellie?" Koba said, causing the woman to gasp and look up in his general direction.
"Oh Koba, you surprised me," Ellie responded as she quickly wiped away at her eyes and sniffing all the while. "Is something wrong? Are you hurt? Did you need more food?" She had asked quickly.
Koba didn't answer her. Instead he walked on over to where Ellie sat and looked down at the sketchbook in her lap. There he could see what looked like a picture and a drawing of all three of them. Ellie and the older and younger male human that was with her, her family. He then met her gaze.
"You are crying. Sad," Koba breathed out. "You miss your family?"
Ellie seemed to have paused for a moment, looking as if she was going to say something but then she deflated her shoulder and nodded. Tears flowing down her cheeks.
"I miss them dearly Koba. It's been almost three months now and I… I can't help but worry for them," Ellie explained. "I'm so scared for the both of them," she said in a whisper.
Koba exhaled through his nostrils as he glanced back down at the picture and sketch. He reached up to scratch at the back of his head.
"Names?" Koba asked as he tapped a finger upon the older and younger human males.
"That's Malcolm and that's Alexander or Alex as he likes to be called" Ellie said slowly.
"Stupid human," Koba said suddenly, pointing to the older human and causing Ellie to go wide eyed. "He came alone to ape home. Very stupid," Koba said lowly with a frown. "But. Very brave," he finished a little after, looking up to meet Ellie's olive colored gaze. "Ellie does not need to worry. About him. And son. Both are very brave and kind humans," Koba explained to the human nurse. "Stupid. But brave."
Ellie was shocked still for the moment but then she closed her eyes as more tears fell from them. Instead of crying though, the room was filled with a merry laughter that echoed all around them.
"Thank you Koba. That's very sweet of you to say," Ellie thanked the scarred bonobo whom merely grunted and nodded at her.
It grew silent between the both of them again as both Ellie and Koba looked down at Alexander's drawings.
"We get ready soon," Koba suddenly piped up, causing Ellie to look up at him. "When time is right. We leave this place. Go back to Caesar and other apes," he said slowly.
"Are you sure you're up for it? We can stick around here still until your fully recovered Koba," Ellie said softly as she closed the sketchbook and set it aside.
"Already better. Stronger now," Koba responded. "We must go soon. Human soldiers come closer every day. Soon not safe here anymore," he explained. "We must leave."
At this Ellie paused as she met Koba's milky white and golden-green eyes. She stared at him for a long while before heaving out a tired breath and nodding slowly at him.
"You're right. Soon enough it won't even be safe around here anymore," Ellie agreed as she looked around themselves. "I'll start packing to leave soon," she concluded.
"Yes, we go," Koba agreed as he slowly turned to look out the window.
Soon enough, Koba would finally be home and hopefully. Just maybe, Ellie will be able to see her family again as well. Until then, they will have to wait out a few days and find the perfect moment for them to venture back into the harsh outside world. A world where apes are feared and humans will do what they can to eradicate them.