After their talk, Blue Eyes watched as his father eventually fell back into a peaceful slumber due to the medicine that Ellie had given him. He had taken his father's hand into his own and rubbed the back of it with his thumb, hoping to bring his the older chimpanzee some semblance of peace with the small action. Off to the side Blue Eyes could hear Ash grunt at him, causing him to slowly face his good friend.
"Blue Eyes, what are we going to do?" Ash asked in sign, making sure to not make any noise to wake his honorary uncle.
"I don't know… But we have to free Maurice, your father, Luca and the others," Blue Eyes responded, gently setting his father's hand over the older ape's chest, unsure of how to go about doing things himself.
"Maybe we can ask other apes for help? One's that are not prisoner," Ash suggested.
"No. Too risky. We cannot afford to be found out," Blue Eyes cautioned to which Ash thought about for a long moment before eventually agreeing with a nodding grunt.
While the two young chimps signed with one another they were briefly interrupted when the human boy - Alexander, stepped into the room, holding a platter containing two cups of water and some dried packaged food.
"Oh… Uh… My mom and dad said to bring you guys something to eat… In case you guys were hungry," the boy spoke softly, now noticing the sleeping Caesar.
Nervously the teenage entered the room and slowly approached the two chimps. Taking in a deep breath Alex then set the tray down onto the coffee table in front of them.
Ash grunted in thanks at the human boy as he reached on over and grabbed a handful of the dried goods and started eating away, seeming quite hungry. Blue Eyes on the other hand, kept his gaze upon Alexander, as he slowly reached on over and took the glass cup, sniffed at it before tipping it and letting the cool refreshing liquid slide down his throat. Blue Eyes then noticed the human taking a seat on the ground not too far in front of them, watching them with a curious gaze.
"I'm sorry," the boy suddenly spoke up in his still quiet voice, gaining the attention of both Blue Eyes and Ash. "About your dad, and everything."
At this Blue Eyes frowned sadly and glanced at the sleeping form of his father before nodding back at the human teenager, grunting once in thanks.
"I don't think we've actually met. I'm… My name's Alexander. You guys can just call me… Uh, Alex," the human, Alex greeted, hopeful in a way to somehow befriend them.
The two young chimps stared at the boy for a long while before Ash, finished swallowing the food within his mouth and grunted back quietly.
"Ash," Ash greeted in kind, tapping his chest with his knuckles a grin upon his face.
At this Alexander couldn't help but smile before he turned to look at Blue Eyes. Upon seeing the blue eyed chimp the boy's jovial expression quickly disappeared as he noticed the still grim stare that the other ape was giving him. Noticing this, Ash tapped the other chimp on the shoulder, surprising the other.
"He is greeting us," Ash gestured with a slight stern expression.
Blinking several times, Blue Eyes nodded slowly at his friend before turning towards the boy once more.
"Blue Eyes," Blue Eyes finally responded, noticing Alexander giving him a warm smile.
"Nice to met you two finally," Alexander said softly, eyeing the two.
Blue Eyes had just taken a bite out of a dried burrito ration before he noticed Alexander starring at him. Not exactly at him but more or less at the scars that ran across his cheek and chest. He observed the teenager looking at his scar in fascination that was until he caught his eyes and the human quickly looked away.
"How did you get those?" Alexander asked in a quiet voice, pulling his knees close towards him.
At first Alexander thought he had overstepped his bounds by asking the questioned but then he noticed Blue Eyes setting his food down back onto the table.
"Bear…" Blue Eyes responded quietly as he traced a hand over the scars.
Feeling the wounds across his chest, Blue Eyes looked away, down trodden as the memories of his hunt just a few days prior came rushing back to him. At the thought he furrowed his brow and deepened his frown. If only he had listened to his father back then, haven't been so defiant, then maybe he wouldn't have had these shameful scars on him.
"That's kinda cool," Alex suddenly spoke up, causing the two young chimps to look at him weirdly.
"Cool?" Ash asked, tilting his head at this strange new word.
"Cool. You know. Like awesome? Amazing?" Alex exclaimed to the chimpanzee with the white flecks marks upon his lips and shoulder.
The two you chimps glanced at one another and then back at Alexander to which the human teenager merely gave out a exasperated sigh.
"Oh man. You guys don't have those kinds of words huh?" Alex mused gaining more confused looks from the two chimps.
From down the hall both Ellie and Malcolm watched as Alexander excitedly explained to the two chimps of different words that they should use. While they in turn would ask what it would mean or how it was applied. Chuckling quietly amongst themselves both Ellie and Malcolm were just glad that Alex, Ash and Blue Eyes were able to warm up to each other and from the looks of it, start up a new friendship.
…
The next morning Blue Eyes woke up quietly and stretched his stiff limbs. Looking around he could see his father still sleeping upon the couch. Careful to not be as loud as possible, Blue Eyes got up and blinked groggily and noticed that the humans had made themselves a sleeping spot not too far off. Bending down, Blue Eyes shook Ash's shoulder, waking up his slightly snoring friend, whom woke up with an upstart. Blue Eyes placed a finger upon his lips, indicating Ash to be quiet before standing back up.
"Come, we go now," Blue Eyes gestured at Ash as he moved on over to grab his gun that he had set down.
Opening his mouth in a long yawn, Ash slowly got up and slowly followed Blue Eyes out of the house. Once outside, Ash took a moment to stretch out his limbs before he heaved out a breath. He didn't like what he and Blue Eyes were going to do, but it had to be done if they were going to save their friends and family.
Glancing at each other both Blue Eyes and Ash nodded, set on going with the plan and moved out into the streets. The two young chimps observed the surrounding areas just in case there were any ape patrols that made it all the way out here before they quickly moved on down the street.
"Hey! Where are you two going?" a slightly sleepy voice called out to the young apes.
Stopping in their tracks and turning to face who had called out to them, Ash and Blue Eyes were quite surprised when they say a groggy Malcolm running after them.
"We go help friends," Blue Eyes responded as soon as the man reached them.
"Well if you two are going then I'm coming too-"
"No!" Blue Eyes cut Malcolm off quickly. "Too dangerous for human!"
"But-"
"If apes find human. Human will be in danger. Stay," Ash consoled.
Looking back and forth at the two apes, seeing the determination within their eyes made Malcolm take in a deep breath. He couldn't help but agree with them. He would not put only himself in danger but if the other apes were to find out that both Ash and Blue Eyes were traveling with him that could possibly pose a danger to them as well. After a while Malcolm released his held breath and nodded at the two chimps. For ones so young such as these two, they were pretty brave.
"Right. Only you two can do this…" He responded as he looked around before setting his sights back onto the two of them.
Kneeling down on one knee, Malcolm the slowly reached out, placing both of his hands upon each of their shoulders.
"You two be careful alright?" Malcolm said to the two earnestly, wishing them all the luck in the world.
At Malcolm's words, Blue Eyes reached up and placed his hand over the man's, grunting with a nod whilst Ash did the same. Standing back up Malcolm nodded at the two and with that the chimpanzees bounded down the street, soon disappearing from sight the moment they rounded a corner.
"Be safe you two."
…
Later that afternoon Koba stared up at the human tower contemplating on what to do with the humans as their screams and cries have not yet died down once. Heaving out a irritated sigh, he made his way on over to where the prisoners were at, having had enough of the humans and their pathetic cries for the moment. As he approached, Koba peered inside seeing the shapes and figures of those belonging to Luca, Maurice and Rocket looking miserable as ever with their hands bound. He did not want to do this to them but they left him no choice when they refused to follow his orders to imprison the humans. As he stood there Koba's good eye caught the sight of Maurice who noticed him, looked around and beckoned him over. Curious, Koba then knuckle-walked towards the orangutan, standing just outside of the window from the other ape.
"Maurice," Koba grunted.
"Koba," Maurice signed back.
"What do you want?" Koba gestured, wondering why the orangutan had called him over.
"Koba… You are in danger," Maurice warned the scarred bonobo, causing Koba to tilt his head in confusion.
"Danger? What danger?"
"Danger… From Pope."
"Pope?"
"Pope is not good ape. He plans to kill you." Maurice signed worriedly, causing the scarred bonobo to choke and take a step back.
"And you know this how?" Koba inquired, eyes narrowing suspiciously.
"I see him. Hand speak. Talked behind you in secret with other apes," Maurice informed.
At this Koba scoffed, giving the orangutan an incredulous look.
"You think your lies are going to persuade me to free you?" Koba shot back.
"No lie Koba. I saw. I fear for you my friend." Maurice signed solemnly.
"Ape. Not Kill. Ape," Koba hissed at Maurice who frowned back at him.
"Pope has been nothing but loyal to me! Agreed with me and listened to me about the humans. Unlike Caesar who trusted the humans. Now look where he is at? Gone! Dead! Because he allowed the humans to stay and after they got their power back they shot and killed him!" Koba signed furiously, shoulders rising and falling with each heave.
At this, Maurice frowned at his damaged friend. Of course they were all affected by Caesar's sudden demise, the bonobo more so than the other apes for reasons that only the inquisitive eye can see.
"I know you love Caesar, Koba… We all do. He was brother to all of us. But do not let your hatred of humans cloud your mind and judgment friend. Pope is using you for his own gain. After that I fear he is going to kill you." Maurice pleaded.
With a huff, Koba took a step back away from the orangutan, not knowing what to think or feel. Was the orangutan telling him the truth? Or was Maurice lying to him, disrupting his alliance with Pope so that he could let them free? He wasn't so sure.
"Please friend," Maurice signed desperately, concern written all over his face.
"Enough!" Koba suddenly bellowed slamming a fist upon the metal bars of the armored vehicle, silencing the orangutan.
With that being said the scarred bonobo turned around and barked an order for the apes to keep an eye on their prisoners before he bounded away.
"Probably not best to say that to say that to him," Luca gestured to Maurice.
"I thought I could get through to him… I fear for him," Maurice signed back at the gorilla with a deep sad grumble within his throat sack.
"Nothing to do now…" Rocket quietly hooted as they could only wait for the inevitable.
…
Sneaking back in with the other apes was easy enough for both Ash and Blue Eyes. The two young chimps reporting that they could not locate any humans during their supposed patrol. Keeping a lookout Blue Eyes counted about five to six apes overseeing the armored vehicle that contained their friends and uncles. While the two were chimps were doing reconnaissance they finally found a few familiar faces.
"Shell? Flint?" Ash gestured to the two chimpanzees as he approached them.
"Ash? Blue Eyes? Where have you two been?" Shell asked, scratching at his one white ear.
"We've been sent on patrol. What is going on?" Blue Eyes questioned, looking around.
"You did not hear? Koba has called for the females and young ones. They are suppose to be here by tomorrow morning," Flint answered.
"Why?" Ash questioned.
"Says that females might be in danger if some humans decide to go into the forest. Said that they were safer here with us in human city," Shell responded causing both Ash and Blue Eyes to warily glance at each other.
"Is Koba up in the tower right now? With Pope?" Ash asked both Shell and Flint.
"With who?" Shell questioned.
"Pope?" Ash signed before he made the cross symbol and indicating it over the left side of his face, seeing the other two chimp's eyes widen in understanding.
"Yes he is with Koba," Shell signed.
"I saw Koba earlier down by prisoners but that was only for a bit. Seemed to be talking to one of them before he went back up to the tower," Flint idly responded while he shifted his weight from one leg to the other.
At this news both Ash and Blue Eyes stared at each other, slowly coming to the same conclusion of what they needed to do in order to save their friends and family.
...
Later in the evening, Maurice sat in the armored bus, waiting for his inevitable end along with the others. Both he and Rocket had refused to pledge themselves to Koba's way in hunting down the humans. Luca and the other apes were most likely imprisoned due to suspicion and or that they too refused to follow what Koba was doing or rather what Pope had made Koba do. Gazing out at the tower Maurice and the others could hear gunfire that came from it all day. Most likely the apes shooting down any poor straggling humans that they saw below or maybe for just the pleasure of shooting, enjoying their reign of power over the humans.
Maurice, Rocket and Luca could see some of the apes outside signing to each other. It was then they had learn that Koba had called upon the females and they were most likely coming into the human city by tomorrow morning.
"What is he doing?!" Rocket signed with a huff as he saw the other apes signing to each other.
"Calm down Rocket, we do not know what he is planning," Luca tried to calm the agitated bald chimp.
"If Koba hate humans so much then why move the females and young ones into the human city!" Rocket nearly barked while signing back at Luca.
With a sigh, Maurice had notice the apes bringing in a new batch of humans to be thrown into the pen with the others. Some of the humans had tried to fight or resisted but that was met with retaliation from the apes as they beat the humans until they were nearly dead or moving no longer. Still though the apes would toss the human into the pen, alive or not before locking it up again. Disgusted at what the apes had become, Maurice could not bear to watch anymore and turn away.
It was then something had caught the orangutan's attention. There drawn into the grime of the window was Caesar's trademark emblem, his old friend's symbol of home. He then nudged at Rocket, Luca and the others before indicating with a nod towards the emblem.
Curiously all the prisoner apes stared at the design, Caesar's symbol of hope and started to look around to see who had drawn it. After a little bit of searching Luca had grunted, gaining all of their attention and pointed at the mirror. Peering at the mirror the apes could make out two distinct shapes hiding behind the armored bus where the guards could not see them. Those figures belonging to both Blue Eyes and Ash, the young apes each raising a finger to their lips. Maurice, Rocket and Luca nodded in response as they kept on the lookout.
"We need to talk," Blue Eyes signed to his uncles and fellow apes.
"Yes but not now. Very dangerous," Maurice warned the two youngsters indicating with a head nod towards the gates where the apes were still keeping watch.
"Then later," Ash quickly signed, causing Maurice and the others to give them questioning looks.
"I have a plan…" Blue Eyes finally informed.
It wasn't until nightfall when the plan was set into motion. Ash was peeking out from the side of the vehicles as the apes whom were keeping the humans in line, shot their guns into the air to quiet them. Turning back around the young chimp indicated towards Blue Eyes.
"Ready."
Blue Eyes nodded back at Ash and turned to look at Maurice and the others, giving them the signal. Instantly the apes started to bang around within the vehicle, drawing the attention of ape guards. Nearing the vehicle they all peered inside to see what all the fuss was about. Suddenly they were all grabbed by the prisoners and were held onto tightly as the vehicle started to rock back and forth as the apes inside created momentum. Within an instant the vehicle fell upon the ape guards and Blue Eyes quickly climbed on top of the armored bus, ripping the door off from its hinges.
Meanwhile Ash had run to where the humans were and unlocked the gate. The humans all stared at him anxiously as if waiting for him to shoot them. Instead the young chimpanzee surprised them instead.
"Run! Go!" Ash barked as he pointed behind him towards the open streets.
The humans hesitated but didn't need to be told twice as they all emerged from the confines of their prison, stampeding out into the plaza and scattering throughout all of the streets. Screams and gunfire followed suit as the apes from above the viewing bridge shot down at the truck where Blue Eyes was helping the other apes out. Noticing this, Ash ran down the side and opened fire with his gun, causing the apes above to duck for cover. As this went on the Ash had glanced back quickly to see Blue Eyes helping out the last of the apes from the armored bus.
"Ash go!" Blue Eyes called out as he jumped down and disappeared into the crowd of humans.
Following suit Ash turned around and fired one last time, causing the apes above to take cover before he too disappeared into the massive crowd.
Following Blue Eyes' directions all of the apes that were still loyal to Caesar met up by the subway entrance. Standing at the archway and glancing around was none other the young ape himself who kept a watchful eye just in case they were found out.
Just then their last ape - Ash, finally arrived, panting and skittishly looking behind him as the humans provided a source of distraction for their getaway. Upon noticing his son, Rocket quickly approached and both of the chimpanzee's touched their foreheads together at their reunion.
"Okay!" Ash breathed once he and his father had reunited and stood up next to Blue Eyes.
"What do we do now?" Maurice asked the two youngsters.
"Follow us," Blue Eyes signed back to the orangutan and turned to the other apes.
At this Maurice couldn't help but think how both Blue Eyes and Ash had changed so much. The former ape, instead of taking the violent approach as Koba would have, was now acting more like his father would. The son of Caesar, strong, intelligent and good. Whereas Ash was starting to look like his father as well - Rocket, strong, brave and loyal. With this in mind Maurice and the other apes were happy to follow the two youngsters as they lead the way through the subway tunnels.
…
Opening his eyes slowly, Malcolm rested and arm over his forehead, wondering if the two chimps were doing alright. They had been gone for most of the day and was beginning to worry for their well being. As he laid there with his wife and child, Malcolm looked around and noticed that Caesar was not where he should be. Quickly sitting up from his spot, Malcolm looked for the ape and found no trace of the chimpanzee anywhere. Worry setting within his chest the man got up and quickly scoured around for the missing ape.
"Cea-" Malcolm was about to call out but stopped when he heard movement upstairs.
Quietly, Malcolm found the stairway and ascended it. Getting to the top Malcolm glanced into the opened rooms to find them all empty. It wasn't until he started to hear what sounded like voices coming from the attic where he could now see a folding ladder. Entering the attic, Malcolm was met with awe and wonder as he saw the room. It looked like it used to be a child's bedroom, full of toys, drawings, coloring utensils, building blocks, a piano and a small bed that littered all over the place. On that bed he could see the backside of the ape he's been looking for.
"Caesar look."
"Apple."
"Apple."
"Good."
"Home."
"Home."
"Home."
"Yes. This is your home. Your home," the kind voice emitted from the small speaker from the camera recorder.
"Good. Good. That's good."
The last thing Malcolm heard was the gentle laugh from the audio and the beep of the cam recorder as it signaled the end of the footage, the viewfinder going dark and dim. Watching Caesar, Malcolm could see the sad look the ape had as he closed the screen portion flap and set the electronic device down gently onto the bed beside him. Taking in a deep breath, Malcolm knew that this was a private moment and decided to back away but the floor had creaked underneath him, causing the chimpanzee to look his way.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to intrude," he apologized quickly, seeing the indifference upon Caesar's face.
Kicking himself mentally Malcolm gritted his teeth for a moment before he slowly approached the wounded chimpanzee who was still looking at him. Feeling embarrassed for intruding Malcolm had decided to change the subject of matter.
"It's been a whole day. Your son and his friend is not back yet?" he asked, noticing Caesar cast his eyes downwards.
Great. Nice going Malcolm, now you've gone and reminded Caesar that his son was out there where danger was lurking everywhere.
"Hey, I'm sure they're okay. Your son and his friend are pretty bright," Malcolm tried to recover but seemed like he was failing miserably at it.
Heaving out a sigh, Malcolm then decided to change the subject once more.
"Who was that? On the video?" Malcolm asked hesitantly, hoping to keep Caesar's mind off ill things.
There was a long pause and Malcolm thought that the ape would never answer him, that was until Caesar's voice suddenly broke the silence.
"A good man."
After a breath Caesar then turned back to look up at Malcolm.
"Like you."
Upon hearing this Malcolm froze. He could see the sincerity within Caesar's eyes, even through the darkness but knew that the ape had meant it. Letting out a small huff, Malcolm smiles warmly in return.
"I'm pretty sure he was," Malcolm spoke softly as he approached Caesar, "especially if he raised a great person like you."
This time it was Caesar's turn to have a look of surprise upon his face. Malcolm was pretty sure that the ape hadn't been complimented by another human before, or even recognize as another person. To Malcolm however the ape before him has more than earned it. He just wished that so many people out there could have the same views as he did to see these apes as equals and not as something below them.
Just then they both heard the familiar low calls of several apes outside. Caesar slowly got up from his old bed and approached the window with Malcolm following. There down on the ground below was his son, Blue Eyes, Ash, Maurice, Rocket, Luca and the rest of the apes that were still loyal to him. Caesar had never been more proud of his son as well as Ash. Blue Eyes and Ash was able to free all of their followers and guide them back to him safely, things was looking up for them indeed.
"See, pretty bright kids," Malcolm said softly from behind, smiling along with Caesar.
Soon enough both Caesar and Malcolm emerged from within the house and greeted everyone there, all awed that he had survived from being shot and falling from such a height. After their initial greeting though, Caesar turned towards Blue Eyes and brought their foreheads together.
"I am so proud of you son," Caesar breathed quietly with his eyes closed, feeling Blue Eyes nodding in return.
"Thank you father," Blue Eyes responded quietly.
After they both had broke away from each other, Blue Eyes glanced at his uncles and the other apes behind him before turning towards his father again.
"Father, Koba has sent for the young and females. Maurice also said that Koba is also in danger! Pope plans to kill him," Blue Eyes signed urgently.
Upon seeing this, Caesar's heart dropped. Why would Koba do such a thing? And now his friend was in dire danger of losing his life as well? This did not bode well and they could not wait any longer.
"We go. Now!" Caesar ushered as he whipped around to look up at Malcolm.
Honestly I did not expect this chapter to be as long as it was but it's whatever I suppose. Enjoy and if you liked it or have any questions please do post a comment below! Thank you!