Sorry for the long wait but here is Chapter 12!

I also want to give a shoutout to my reviewers as you all have kept my hopes and spirits up when writing this. I want to say that without you guys and gals that this story might not have been possible.

Thank you...

Sitting at the top of the tower and alone on a girder was Koba whom peered down at the grounds below, a scowl upon his face. Grey had come to him earlier and notified him that a few apes had freed their ape prisoners as well as the humans that they've all had captured during the night. Only one ape was brave enough to do that and Koba had now regretted of not locking the young ape up as well. But it did not matter, they'll eventually be found again sooner or later.

Then there was the matter of Maurice and what the orangutan had informed him earlier. Was it true? Was Pope really plotting something against him behind his back? He had noticed that some of the apes would give him silent stares but he didn't think much of it. Actually come to think of it, he wasn't really thinking much at all. After he had learned about the humans having killed Caesar, Koba himself had been doing nothing but acting on pure primal instincts. Attacking the humans that had taken away Caesar from them… From him. Grunting Koba shook his head to clear his raging thoughts.

Closing his eyes Koba thought long and hard but nothing was coming to mind. All he could feel was the rage and hatred that was boiling over within. Who was he suppose to trust? Pope or Maurice? A fellow ape whom he's never talked to before and agree in his ideals? Or an old friend who might be whispering lies to him and was now free, out there somewhere. Growling Koba pressed the ends of his fingers into his head to hopefully pacify these thoughts, however they didn't go away. Why was he having such conflicted feelings? It was driving him insane. He wasn't really being used was he? He had to talk to Pope and let things settle between the both of them. With a ragged huff, Koba glanced around and found his target just a few feet away, seeming to be signing with some other apes. With a grunt, Koba leaped over the rails and slowly walked over towards the scarred chimp.

"Pope!" Koba barked, gaining the attention of the scarred chimpanzee and a few others around them.

"Yes Koba?" Pope gestured back.

"We need to talk," Koba signed back, his milky white and green eyes locking with Pope's.

…

"Okay, I'm going to lead them through the subway tunnels. You two stay here," Malcolm spoke quickly, turning towards Ellie and giving her a kiss.

"I love you," Ellie responded before she turned to face Caesar and the others. "You all be careful too you hear?" she finished reaching out and taking Caesar's hand into hers.

Caesar nodded and felt Ellie hesitantly letting go of his hand as he watched Malcolm quickly rushed inside the house and came back out with a giant flashlight.

"It's pretty dark in there so we're going to need this," he explained.

…

Everything was laid out as planned and most of the apes that were on his side are already in position. This was the moment Pope had been waiting for the moment to strike back at Koba and end his reign. Going over the last bits of his plan with a couple more chimps, Koba's voice suddenly cut through the wispy winds around them, making them all jump and turn to face the scarred bonobo.

"Leave us," Pope spoke quietly to the two apes beside him before fully facing Koba.

"Yes, Koba?" Pope had signed at the bonobo, noticing the irked face the other ape was sporting.

"We need to talk," Koba gestured back, now standing in front of Pope staring him straight in the eyes.

Pope stared back at Koba and closed his eyes for a moment before breathing out a long drawn out sigh.

"What do you want to talk about?" Pope asked.

"It is about Stone… I want to know how he died…" Koba signed a sadden look forming on his face briefly before it hardened once more.

"I told you, human killed him. Almost killed me too," Pope explained yet again, seeming irked by the question.

"How?" Koba continued causing Pope to tilt his head slightly.

"Human shot him… a lot of times. Then human shot me too," Pope gestured by showing Koba his shoulder wound which was lightly grazed.

Koba stared at Pope for a long moment as if searching for something before he relaxed his features and nodded understandingly. The scarred bonobo then heaved out a long drawn out breath as he looked away, slinging his gun onto his back and stared off into the distance with just the slight wisps of the winds blowing at their dark fur. At this Pope followed Koba's gaze and he too stared off at the dark waters that extended as far as the eyes can see.

"One," Koba uttered the simple word so suddenly after a long while, that Pope had almost missed what he had said.

"What?"

"One. Gun shot... Apes. Only heard. One gunshot," Koba repeated, slowly rounding his head back towards Pope.

The scarred chimpanzee blinked several times, not understanding what Koba was saying. One gunshot? What did he mean one gunshot? As Pope mulled on what Koba had said he suddenly froze up, now realizing what Koba had meant.

Throughout the forest it was extremely uncommon for the apes to hear the sound of a gun firing off. The man made sound could be heard miles away since the forest is silent most of the time and once that terrible noise breaks the calm the apes were usually quick to react.

"Pope said. That Stone was shot... Many times," Koba growled taking a step forward, causing the scarred chimpanzee to take a step back.

"Pope said. He was shot. By human," Koba continued, still advancing.

"But apes only heard. One gunshot. One gunshot and it killed. Only one ape," Koba grounded out as Pope's back rubbed up against the side of some scaffolds.

"Only apes that had guns were Grey… Stone… You… And me," Koba spoke more quietly now as he gestured with his free hand at the apes that had weapons.

While Koba had signed, Pope could see the unbridled fury and anger swirling within the bonobo's good eye. This was not good for Pope, if this is indeed what he thought it was then he could lose everything, right here and right now. Koba then surprised Pope when he leaned in and brought his mouth towards the scarred chimpanzee's left ear.

"Did Pope kill Stone? Shoot Caesar?" Koba whispered before slowly leaning back, keeping his eyes on the scarred chimpanzee all the while.

Pope bit the bottom of his lip. He hadn't expect Koba to suddenly figure out something about him so soon. No matter what he would do or say at this moment, there is no denying that Koba had been right about him. Even if he had used a different weapon to frame the humans there was the glaring factor that the gunshot would have reached throughout the forest, alerting the apes of their presence. How could he have forgotten that small detail? Taking a deep breath, closing his eyes tightly and then opening them back up, Pope kept his eyes on Koba who had been patiently waiting for his answer.

"Koba I-"

"Tell me!" Koba bellowed, baring his fangs at the shocked chimpanzee.

Breathing heavily with wide dark green eyes, Pope quickly looked around and saw that many of the apes were now staring at both of them. Pope knew those observing gazes. It was the look of anticipation of watching two apes settling their disagreements with a fight. The victor, whomever it may be, will command the respect of all the surrounding apes. Pope's plan to sway most of the apes to his side had suddenly escaped from his grasp as Koba had issued a challenge on him.

Letting his dark green eyes fall back onto Koba's furious looking ones, anger slowly started to boil within Pope as well. This was it, the moment where the apes will unanimously decide who to follow as their new ruler and leader. Luckily for Pope he had be reserving his strength, Koba on the other hand was still weary from the battle with the humans.

"I. Kill. Both of them!" Pope answered lowly before he propelled himself at Koba.

…

The soft patter of footsteps coupled with slight panting noises echoed quietly through the subway tunnels as Malcolm led Caesar and the rest of the apes through it.

"You guys okay?" Malcolm asked, gaining several small hoots in return from the apes that followed him but more or less a small grunt from Caesar himself.

That question of course was mostly directed at the ape leader. It had only been a day at least since Ellie had extracted that lodged bullet within the chimp's chest and to find out that Caesar was sort of keeping up was quite astonishing. Apes sure are a lot more durable that we humans. Malcolm had thought to himself as he kept on leading the way. Just then several shots of gunfire echoed all around them, causing them all to briskly take cover. Oh no were they found out?

"Who's there?! If you're human you better say so!" a voice called from the end of the tunnel.

"It's me! It's Malcolm! Don't shoot!" Malcolm called over his shoulder before glancing back down at the apes in front of him.

Now what? They can't all take the exit ladder that ran underneath the tower anymore as it was guarded by some people now. Looking around quickly for an alternative route Malcolm's eyes soon fell upon the access stairs that lead up towards the street several feet away. It was risky but they had no other choice.

"The stairs! Take the stairs. They'll bring you all around and up under the street, okay? Go," Malcolm ushered towards Caesar and the other apes.

Caesar, his son and every other apes glanced at one another taking note of what they needed to do.

"Thank you," Caesar breathed, turning back to look up at Malcolm.

"Trust," Malcolm answered with a warm smile.

He then watched as Caesar lead the apes silently up the stairwell that lead right up towards the station that would lead them out into the streets.

"Okay I'm coming out! Don't shoot!" Malcolm called back over his shoulder as he watched the last of the apes disappear from view before he turned around and hesitantly walked down the tunnel.

…

Making their way out into the open streets, Caesar and the rest of the apes glanced around to see if there were any patrols that would see them. Surprisingly the grounds were devoid of any type of sound, except the sudden spiking noise of hoots and howls coming from high above the tower.

"What do you think is going on up there?" Rocket asked as he stood next to his good friend.

"I do not know. But does not sound well," Caesar responded.

"Could be trouble," Maurice jumped in.

"Let us hurry then," Luca ushered.

With that said the apes all entered through the gates of the human colony and gingerly looked around. Caesar then pointed at the lot of them and directed them to all start climbing.

"Father?" Blue Eyes paused momentarily when he saw the older ape bracing himself before taking a hold of the ladder.

"I'm fine!" Caesar grunted out catching his breath for a moment as he glanced back at his son.

The two stared at each other for a long while as the apes around them had started to already climb. Closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath, Caesar stood there for a moment, bracing himself of what he might need to do once he had gotten up there at the tower. Opening back up his eyes, Caesar nodded once at his son and began to ascend with the rest of the apes.

…

Koba had not anticipated the sudden attack from Pope when the scarred chimpanzee tackled into him, knocking him backwards and landing on the ground with a thud. He looked towards his right as his gun slid away from him and returned his sights back at Pope. The chimpanzee raised both of his arms above his head and brought them down screaming and howling all the while. Reflexively, Koba brought his arms up and protected his face as Pope's heavy blows struck him.

I. Kill. Both of them!

Pope's words kept on repeating itself over and over again within Koba's mind as he laid there, taking in the blows that Pope was pummeling him with. Maurice had been right. His friend, his old friend had tried to warn him and he didn't listen, all because he was filled with hate and anger, and it had indeed blinded him. The scarred chimpanzee had manipulated him, lied to him and used him for his own gains. How could have he'd been so stupid to be used by Pope. He should have noticed it when the scarred chimpanzee had joined his band. With this thought in mind while getting beaten, a raging fire suddenly exploded within Koba, causing him to snap.

With a mighty roar, Koba had brought his feet right under the ape above him and thrust them upwards, kicking Pope hard in the chest. Surprised by this action, Pope had the air knocked out of his lungs as he flew backwards and crashed hard into the scaffolds. Trying to recover, Pope got up as quickly as he could only to see Koba roaring as the bonobo flew at him, slamming into him with a loud crunch, knocking him back down onto the ground. Koba then proceeded to beat down upon Pope whom curled into a fetal position to protect his face and side. Seeing nothing but red, Koba continued his assault, balling up his fists and slamming them down onto any vulnerable part of Pope's body. Pope then manage to escape as he too used the same technique that Koba had used on him and kicked the raging bonobo off of him. The two apes then stood back up and slowly circled one another.

Around them the assembled apes all started to screech and hoot, chanting at the two fighters with their cries to give them strength. As they all watched both Pope and Koba suddenly charged at each other again, gaining another bout of hoots and cries from their spectators that hung on the rafters, beams, and scaffolds of the unfinished tower. Koba and Pope grappled, bit, struck, kicked and swung, leaped and punched at each other as they raced across the unfinished tower floor, with many of the apes getting out of their way

It was at this point that Pope noticed that he was losing ground as he fought with the other ape. Skirting away from the raging Koba, Pope dodged another swing from the scarred bonobo and took to observing as he retreated slightly. Koba was fighting incredulously hard, his swings and blows fueled by hate, anger and something primal. Pope himself was strong as well but by not being much of a seasoned warrior and hunter as Koba was he was clearly at a disadvantage when going against the scarred bonobo. Every time that Pope would swing and grapple with Koba he could feel his strength and stamina wane just a little further, his breathing becoming harsher and this concerned him. Whereas Koba's blows would become stronger, be a little faster and a bit more unpredictable. Wiping away at his snout, Pope could see blood on the back of his hand, he would need to finish this fight fast, lest he lose the chance to rightfully rule his apes.

Hearing Koba's scream, Pope glanced back up at the scarred bonobo that was running at him. Glancing around quickly, Pope finally noticed the giant scaffolding behind him with several apes above him. With a cry, Pope took a hold of the structure and pushed it towards Koba, tipping the thing, causing many of the apes upon it off lest they wanted to fall towards their doom. As the frame fell towards the scarred bonobo, Koba had not anticipated this and could only look as the configuration made of wood and metal slammed on top of him, breaking into many pieces. Pope pant laughed with glee as Koba disappeared underneath the debris. However his joy was short lived as Koba burst from the remains of the scaffold and stood there, panting.

As Pope and the apes all watched Koba they shuddered at the sight of the bonobo. New scars riddled Koba's already mutilated body with a large one running down the left side of the ape's torso. That was not what had caused Pope and the other apes to shrink back though, they were awed and frightened at the otherworldly wild expression that was upon Koba's face that had streams of blood running down it from a fresh open cut wound at the top of his head.

Pope's eyes widened when Koba slowly turned his face towards him, the wild green and milky blood covered eye staring back at him. Frozen with fear, Pope didn't even notice it when Koba had moved swiftly and tackled him onto the hard cemented ground. Before he realized what had happened it was already too late as he saw fangs baring down at him and fists raised up on high before they came crashing down.

Koba didn't know how long he was pummeling the flesh of meat beneath him all he knew that this ape was the main cause of his suffering. All the lies, manipulation, pain, shame, guilt and hurt were powering each and every single one one of his strikes. He didn't even care about the sacred law anymore, Pope was going to pay for what he did to him and his Caesar with blood. Looking around Koba then noticed a broken piece of rebar with a sharp point at the end. Leaning over he took a hold of the metal object and lifted it over his head, the sharp end pointing downwards and yelled.

…

Nearing the top, Caesar heaved out a tired breath as he lifted himself up onto the last ledge of the tower with Luca and Rocket supporting him. He waved a thanks to the two apes and noticed Blue Eyes, Ash and Maurice a few ways away, seeming as if they were watching something. Weakly walking towards the three, Caesar placed a hand upon his son's shoulder, causing Blue Eyes to look at him before quickly glancing back to whatever he was watching. Following his son's gaze Caesar's eyes widened.

There across the giant girder, at the other end of the tower was Koba, the bonobo screaming and howling as he swung wildly at a chimpanzee beneath him. What was shocking, was that the scarred bonobo himself was covered in blood that leaked from the new set of wounds that ran all over his body, making him look like a raging monster as he struck at the ape beneath him. Blue Eyes was correct, something within Koba had changed him, made him seem like a different ape. The sight Koba reminded them of what they were still capable of, a raging primal instinct that could be unleashed at anytime if they were not careful on how to control it.

As Caesar and the other apes watched, his eyes widened when he saw Koba standing up, reaching down to the side and picked something up off from the ground. Eyes widening in horror, Caesar knew what the ape was about to do and he had to stop him before it was too late.

...

"Koba!"

At the sound of his name being called out, Koba suddenly froze with him still holding the metal bar over his head. Breathing out harshly, Koba blinked several times as his anger induced haze slowly left him. He recognized that voice, no other ape had that commanding booming bellow that he had come to admire and love.

Slowly lowering his raised hands down to his sides, Koba hesitantly turned around from where he was standing over on Pope. At the sight of fierce green and golden speckled eyes meeting his singular green and milky white one, Koba's breath caught within his throat. It couldn't be? It just couldn't but there he was - Caesar, standing tall and strong with the apes that were all loyal to him at the other side of the tower.

Looking back down at the pathetic excuse of an ape beneath him, Koba fully turned towards Caesar and approached the chimpanzee, nimbly walking across the girder. As the bonobo approached he noticed Rocket taking a step forward as if to go at him but Caesar held out his arms to stop the angry looking bald chimp. With that, Caesar then started to move forward, placing a feet upon the girder as well and approached Koba. Halting just in front of Caesar, Koba's one good eyes looked up and down at the chimpanzee as if he were seeing a ghost. Hesitantly Koba reached out towards the ape king and placed a knuckle over the shooting star birthmark upon Caesar's chest, grunt panting all the while.

"C-Caesar?" the scarred and bloodied bonobo breathed in astonishment.

"Koba," Caesar responded, noticing the ape in front of him flinch at the mention of his name again before relaxing.

"How?" Koba asked in wonder.

"Help. friends," Caesar answered.

Blinking several times, Koba searched his friend's eyes and knew that Caesar was telling him the truth. Koba's good eye then wandered on down to where he saw the wound upon Caesar's chest. Reaching up again, Koba hovered a finger over the stitched wound and immediately his face turned into a scowl before he turned back around to glare at Pope whom was now propped up on his elbows and dressing his wounds. With a snarl Koba quickly signed to a couple of apes to keep Pope from escaping and stomped his way back towards the wounded ape who noticed him and pathetically scampered away only to be blocked by several chimps.

"Koba!" Caesar called out from behind.

Koba froze at Caesar's words and closed his eyes tightly before opening them back up and turned to face his friend.

"Why?!" Koba barked, fangs baring.

"You've done enough Koba. Stand. Down," Caesar ordered, hoping that the bonobo would just listen to him.

Huffing in confusion, Koba tilted his head at Caesar before he pointed an accusing finger at Pope behind him.

"Tried. To kill you," Koba grunted in a incredulous voice.

Caesar took in a long breath and looked up at the apes all around them before he closed his eyes. He knew what Koba meant when had pointed at Pope but killing each other would not solve anything. They had to think of a way to punish Pope of course but Caesar had to win back the apes to his side and put a stop to all this madness. The thing was though, the apes were torn between following him again and following Koba. Opening back up his eyes, Caesar stared down Koba with hardened eyes.

"I understand. But. We have to stop this. Pope not important right now Koba. We have to make peace with humans. Stop all this," Caesar warned, hoping to speak some sense into Koba.

Koba stared back at Caesar quizzically with something burning within him again. Did he not understand the situation at the moment? Did he not always think to maybe put his needs before other apes sometimes? This was an attribute that irked Koba and it was enraging him. Despite that, had Caesar not seen what they had accomplished? They had already succeeded and yet here Caesar was, spouting nonsense to all of them again. Could he not understand that they will never have peace with the humans?

Mulling over the thought Koba glanced up at the apes that sat around them and a sudden revelation came to him. Caesar was trying to sway the apes back on over to his side and if Koba agrees then the apes most surely will follow Caesar again. However… If Caesar keeps on leading them on this path, this so called peace, then it will eventually get them all killed by the humans. Koba could see this and Caesar with his blind love for the humans, could not. Closing his eyes tightly, Koba thought long and hard of what he was about to do. Opening back up his eyes again, he stared Caesar down, his decision already made.

"Caesar. Has. No. Place. Here…" Koba said in a low voice, causing the former ape leader to furrow his brows.

"Apes. Follow. Koba... Now," Koba announced in a haggard voice.

Caesar's eyes widened as he looking into Koba's. He had feared this greatly and the bonobo's sneering bleeding face told him that the bonobo will not give up the loyalties of his apes back on over to him without a fight. Taking a few deep breaths, Caesar looked around at all the apes that were watching them, waiting, before his eyes settled back onto Koba's. If it had to be this way, a fight between both he and Koba, then it must. For the sake of their future.

"Follow. Koba. To war," Caesar huffed out in a almost tired voice.

"Apes! Win! War!" Koba shouted, sending blood and spittle flying Caesar's way.

Blue Eyes and Ash worriedly glanced around as the apes all hooted and agreed with Koba.

"Apes! Together! Strong!" Koba bellowed, raising his right hand and gesturing to the surrounding apes whom all hooted and howled around him.

Caesar merely frowned at Koba while the bonobo glared back at him.

"Caesar... Weak." Koba panted.

Taking in a deep breath, Caesar stared Koba down, looking into his singular angry eye.

"Koba weaker" Caesar responded in a stern voice.

Koba huffed and glanced away for a moment before he returned his angry gaze, full of wild fury back onto Caesar. With a bellowing scream, Koba had suddenly leaped up and kicked Caesar in the torso, knocking the chimpanzee leader down into the bottom portion of the girder they were standing on. Hearing Koba's yell from above, Caesar braced himself as the bonobo leaped down at him. Kicking his feet up, Caesar positioned himself right as Koba landed on him and launched the ape upwards, propelling the bloody and scarred bonobo into the air before falling back onto a piece of the girder.

Standing back up Caesar braced himself as Koba came running, jumping on each small beam towards him. Throwing his arms up to cover his head, Caesar felt Koba's ferocious blows upon his arms. Koba then broke through Caesar's defense, striking the chimpanzee in the snout. Falling backwards, Caesar's foot grabbed a hold of Koba's, dragging the surprised bonobo down with him as they fell into a large stack of scaffolds, crashing and breaking them down.

Seeing his father fall onto the scaffolding, Blue Eyes quickly jumped down the ledge and onto a beam as he hooted out at the older chimp. Upon hearing his son's cries, Caesar glanced up at the younger chimpanzee and slowly shook his head at him.

My fight son.

Hissing in pain, Caesar reached out and touch at his bullet wound, noticing that he was slightly bleeding from it again. Looking up at the structure that they had both landed on, Caesar could see Koba getting up and groaning out in pain as he held onto his left side, a wound that he had sustained before their fight. The moment they both made eye contact Koba bared his fangs and looked around himself until he noticed a rebar sticking out from the wreckage. The bonobo then yanked out the offending piece of metal and dropped down onto the ground. Caesar started to make a run for it the moment Koba started to chase him, swinging around the rebar in his hands all the while.

Running and dodging Koba's wild swings, Caesar quickly climbed up back onto a ledge of the unfinished tower. Looking around he noticed a piece of broken concrete and picked it up in one hand. The moment Koba climbed up onto the upper floor where he was at, Caesar took aim and threw the object at Koba's wound, stunning the scarred bonobo.

Reaching down to his side and wiping his hand across the wound, Koba growled as he saw his hand coated with blood before he turned his sights upon Caesar. Approaching the chimpanzee Koba noticed Caesar picking up a sheet of metal to defend himself with. Amused slightly, Koba raised his weapon and swung it at the ape leader with a loud resounding smack echoing around them.

"Trusted Koba… Like brother!" Caesar grunted as Koba continued his assault.

"Caesar! Brother to humans! Koba! Fight for Apes! Free Apes!" Koba shouted back as he swung again at Caesar.

"Killed Apes! Koba fight for Koba!" Caesar shot back shielding himself again as Koba roared and swung the metal bar.

Koba was tiring immensely, Caesar could feel it from each of Koba's swings. He had to egg him on. What what to say?

"Koba… Belong in cage," Caesar grounded out, noticing the look of shock on Koba's face.

Glancing up Caesar could see the hurt and betrayal momentarily within Koba's eyes. That however quickly passed as it was replaced with outrage and fury. Screaming Koba swung mightily at Caesar, effectively knocking the sheet of metal out of his hands. Roaring Koba swung again but Caesar was ready. He took a hold of the metal bar and using Koba's momentum, tossed the ape into the scaffolding behind him.

Wheezing, Koba laid there on the structure for a moment before lifting himself off of it to turn back at Caesar. Caesar on the other hand was faring no better than Koba as he too was greatly fatigued from his bullet wound and arduous climb. With a yell Koba then ran at Caesar and slammed into the ape leader, sending them both toppling off into the open area of the human tower where there was nothing but several stories of empty space. Luckily for the both of them, Caesar and Koba had instinctively latched onto some chains that draped from the cranes overhead.

Holding onto the chains for dear life, Caesar and Koba looked down at the abyss below before they both turned to look at each other. Caesar glared at Koba whom returned the gaze right back at him. How could things have ended up like this between the both of them. If only Koba would stop this and allow Caesar to lead them again then they would possibly not have to go to war with the humans. Why could he not see that?

Suddenly there was a loud explosion that erupted from beneath the humans tower. Both Koba and Caesar looked down in surprise to see a giant fireball roaring towards them. Instinctively Koba and Caesar drew their bodies into themselves and waited for the fire to engulf them. However the flames never did disappearing before it even reached them and instead they both got hit with a blast of hot air that propelled them into the air, jostling the chains that they held onto.

The explosion rattled the human tower, causing it to groan and sway from the blast, causing a few of the cranes to bend and break, falling below. Several unfortunate apes were immediately thrown off the tower and fell hundreds of feet below towards their doom while others were crushed by the falling debris and crane from overhead.

Koba and Caesar had both lost their grip on their chains, landing upon a wreckage that jutted out of the tower as it groaned and swayed slightly before finally becoming still. With a grunt, Caesar sat up first and noticed Koba laying just a few feet away from him. He kept his eyes on Koba, waiting, hoping that the bonobo was still alive. To his relief, Caesar then heard several coughing fits that were emitted from the bonobo who slowly got up on shaky limbs. Relieved that the bonobo was alright Caesar perked up when he heard several whimpers, coming from nearby apes that were all around him. Ignoring Koba for the moment, Caesar raced off towards his fellow apes that were trapped beneath the rubble and haste-fully worked to move the wreckage from them.

Watching Caesar from afar, Pope stood up, all beaten, battered, bruised and bleeding. The scarred chimpanzee growled out as he looked around. Now that he was free from being a prisoner from the apes that held him down, Pope found Grey trapped beneath a piece of hollowed metal. Panting out a smile, Pope approached the fellow chimpanzee, lifted the heavy metal, picked up Grey's gun and let go of the beam, dropping it back onto the poor unfortunate chimpanzee beneath him. Setting his sights on Caesar, Pope raised his gun and started to fire the weapon.

Struggling to move the heavy metal crate from a trapped chimpanzee beneath, Caesar tried to lift with all his might. Relief suddenly came in the form of Blue Eyes as the young chimp quickly bounded towards him and assisted with the ordeal. Caesar couldn't help but smile at his son as they worked together to help save their own.

Apes. Together. Strong.

Finally able to lift the debris off of the other ape, Caesar and Blue Eyes set the heavy object back down and was about to help another when the sounds of gunfire suddenly exploded around them. There was a pained cry when Caesar noticed the ape they had just saved suddenly fell backwards, off of the ledge and down below, shot down by a now screaming Pope.

…

Watching both Blue Eyes and Caesar work together to help a fellow ape, caused the violent tendency to evaporate from within Koba, bringing him back to his senses. Even if he had disagreed with Caesar's views on humans, what mattered more was their apes and he had to do something to help in this time of need. Limping a few steps forward, Koba located an ape whose leg was trapped beneath a beam. Bending down, Koba helped the ape pushed it off before he limped away to help the others. Soon enough he came upon his good friend - Grey, whom was trapped underneath a piece of metal. Haggardly, Koba walked on over and forcefully lifted the beam off of the ape and tossed it aside. He then pulled Grey up onto his feet to which the other ape grunted in thanks.

Before Koba could respond back both he and Grey ducked when they heard the rapports of gunfire. Looking around frantically for the source, Koba could see Caesar and Blue Eyes taking cover from the fire behind a giant metal beam that had fell down from one of the cranes. Koba's eyes widen when he saw Blue Eyes picking up a stack of metal bars that were bounded together. The young ape then threw the object at Pope who narrowly dodge it, landing next to the crazed chimpanzee and exploding into several small bars.

Blinking Koba then remembered something as he saw those small pieces of metal break away. He remembered Caesar showing him something, something long ago when he was first coming to cope with his heightened intelligence all those long years ago. Caesar and picked up a piece of stick and showed it to Koba.

"Ape alone weak," Caesar had sign before breaking the stick.

Koba had then furrowed his brow in confusion and looked up at Caesar as he broke the stick into smaller pieces.

"Apes together strong," Caesar signed at last.

Caesar then showed Koba the once large stick, which was now broken down into smaller ones, were now unbent as they were all huddled together as he tried to break them. At this Koba didn't understand it at first and asked why they couldn't work alone to which Caesar merely pant chuckles and explained once more.

As the memory faded, Koba looked around himself. Apes of every species were all scattered as they were broken up from the explosion. Some tried to free themselves but with the help of others did they fully succeed. Now he looked at Pope as the lone chimp was screaming as he fired upon his own kind. Was he like Pope? A lone ape that was weak?

"Ape. Alone. Weak. Apes. Together. Strong," Koba breathed in a haggard voice.

Koba's good eye became wide when he saw Maurice fall as he was hit by Pope's gun. Breathing heavily, Koba looked around, trying to find something or someway to stop the raging ape. All he saw was a ledge that jutted just over the ape and without a second thought, Koba bounded towards it. Running as fast as his limbs can carry him, Koba leaped off of the ledge and had let out a war like cry as he flew downwards towards the unsuspecting Pope. Surprised the scarred chimpanzee turned around only to see Koba slam right into him, both barreling off towards the ledge. Before he rolled off of it, Koba reached out and was able to grab onto a support beam that jutted out of the ground that connected to the tower. Unfortunately though, Pope had grabbed onto Koba's leg and held on for dear life.

Groaning, Koba held onto the beam as he tried his best to not let go at their combined weight. Panting Koba could feel his grip slipping as fatigue and the loss of blood finally caught up to him. Looking up, Koba eyes then widen slightly when he saw Caesar bending down and taking a hold of his arm. The two then held on tightly as the chimp leader gritted his teeth, trying to pull the two hanging apes back up.

"Koba!" Caesar grunted as he tried to desperately pull the scarred bonobo back up despite Pope tightly hanging from the ape's legs.

Koba couldn't help but pant laughed at himself while he held onto Caesar's arm. Even after what he had done, after what he had did to their apes, destroyed them, ruined them, broke them and hurt them, how could he ever face them all again? Would they even welcome him back? He doubt it… However Caesar was still willing to risk his life to save both his and Pope's and that brought him a small semblance of peace.

Koba watched as Caesar struggled to hold on to both of him and Pope, the strain upon the ape king's face clear. Koba noticed Caesar barking out a cry for help causing the other apes to make their way on over as fast as they could. His eyes then wandered on over to where Caesar's bullet wound and he could make out the faint trickle of blood oozing out of it. The sight of that wound had hurt Koba, as that too was his fault. However what hurt the most was Caesar looking down at him with concern in his eyes. Was there meaning behind that look? Why did he look so worried for him? Was it not he who said that Koba himself should be put in a cage? Then it dawned on him. Caesar had lied, use that saying only as a ruse to trick him and with that a great sense of relief filled his being.

"Ape not kill ape!" Pope yelled frantically as he tightened his grip upon Koba's legs.

At the sound of Pope's desperate plea beneath him, Koba frowned. If he had any strength left he would have at least tried to struggle and kick Pope off of him, but at last, he was just too tired. Having exhausted his weary body by fighting the crazed chimpanzee that hung on to him and having to fight his Caesar for the loyalty of the apes.

Koba's good eye then caught Caesar's foot nearly slipping over the edge. He glanced back up at the ape leader and then towards the surrounding apes that were rushing towards them.

They are not going to make it.

Heaving out a tired breath, Koba made eye contact once more with Caesar whom stared back down at him as he held on.

"Koba… Pope… Are not ape," Koba resigned as he lessened his grip, causing Caesar's eyes to widen with surprise.

If he was to do one last good thing for the betterment of his friends and apes, then he would sacrifice himself to preserve Caesar's life so that he may lead them, no matter how much Caesar's way conflicted with his own. Koba could hear Caesar yelling above him as the ape king redoubled his efforts to hold onto his arm but with both of them being so tired and wounded, the chimpanzee was losing his hold. Koba however merely glanced up and stared into Caesar's eyes, a small sad smile upon his lips. He had wished that things had gone differently for the both of them. Things that maybe could have worked out if Koba had pursued it but alas it was not meant to be. Not for a long time now.

Losing his grip, Caesar tried as much as he might to try and hold onto Koba's arm.

"Koba! Hold!" Caesar cried desperately as he looked down at his friends sad smiling face.

If he could just hold on a little longer the other apes would get to them, help pull them up. The would be okay, so why was Koba refusing to save himself? Caesar did not get it. Crying out Caesar tried as best as he could to hold onto Koba's arm but with the combined weight of two apes, Caesar couldn't hold anymore and Koba's hand slipped right through his fingers.

Everything seemed to have slowed down for Caesar as he watched both Koba and Pope fall. Pope screamed a resounding "No!" flailing his limbs as he fell. Koba on the other had closed his eyes, had fell and struck a wire, hitting the scaffolds of a broken crane as it bent around him as if to consume him before it crashed all the way down the tower.

Rocket, Luca and Maurice finally got to Caesar's side but it was already too late, both Koba and Pope were gone, having disappeared into the abyss at the bottom of the human tower. They noticed Caesar silently standing there, head pointed down, watching, listening for anything but they all knew, no apes could survive a fall like that. It would have to take a miracle of some sort for an ape to come out from that fall and Caesar too must have known that. Instead of consoling him, Maurice and the others instead stared in silence as well, mourning the loss of their friend, as they should.

…

After a long silence there was a hopeful hoot that sounded out around them, causing Caesar and the others to look up at the ape that making the noise. They followed the apes gaze that was looking down at the streets below. Still aching from his injuries Caesar made his way towards the end of the tower, followed by the others to see what had caused the ape to interrupt such a solemn moment.

There, with the oncoming of the dawn's new sunlight that lighten up the hill like streets came a throng of many apes as they all emerged over the hills. Moving in a singular group, some breaking into smaller ones as they approached the tower altogether. The females and little ones had arrived and with them they brought a new sense of hope and purpose to the surrounding apes. It was the time for them to greet their loved ones and to start rebuilding what they had lost.

Climbing back down the tower structure towards the bottom, Caesar and Blue Eyes watched as their ape brothers rushed out to meet their beloved and family members. Caesar waited as he did not have the strength to meet up with Cornelia, and even if he had wanted to go and greet his queen it was more fitting for him to wait there instead. As leader of the apes, he could not be seen running around like adolescent and needed to stay looking strong for his apes, no matter how bad he had wanted to go. Blue Eyes noticed this and took from example from the older chimp and stood by his father's side, learning from the older ape as well as being an immediate support if need be. As Caesar stood there with his son, the both of them heard a commotion from behind them. Turning around both Caesar and Blue Eyes could see several apes screeching and hooting as they dragged a battered familiar looking human into view - Malcolm.

"Leave him!" Caesar ordered, causing the apes to cease their cries and back away.

Approaching the human Caesar watched the man looked around at all of them anxiously before he wiped away at the debris dust and blood that covered his face and stared back down at Caesar.

"What happened?" Caesar asked.

"Dreyfus, another human tried to bring down the tower… I tried to stop them," Malcolm responded as he cast his eyes upon the many apes around him.

"I guess it worked," Malcolm finished.

"Yes, it worked," Caesar confirmed.

"What about Pope and… Koba?" Malcolm asked Caesar, noticing the sad looking frown upon the ape's face.

"Pope and Koba… gone," Caesar said simply.

Watching Caesar, Malcolm could see the sadness etched within the ape's eyes. Caesar did not offer anymore details and Malcolm had decided to not ask any questions about what had happened.

"Caesar listen, you're not safe here." Malcolm said suddenly, causing the ape leader to furrow his brows.

"Caesar they've made contact. The people that are coming here. They're soldiers. You have to leave now. Everyone," he pleaded.

Upon hearing this, Caesar's heart dropped and he closed his eyes sadly. How could all of this happened so fast? After all they have worked so hard for and now they were expected to leave? Where would they even go? Were there even other forests nearby that humans had no access to? No they couldn't just leave, this was their home and at this Caesar closed his eyes and slowly shook his head.

"Caesar? If you don't leave. It will be an all out war," Malcolm warned.

"War. Has. Already. Begun," Caesar responded, seeing Malcolm's shoulders lowering at his words.

"Ape started war… Human… Human will not forgive," Caesar stated in a sad voice, seeing Malcolm's face fell at his words.

"You. Must go. Before fighting begins. I'm sorry. My friend," Caesar finished.

Malcolm stared into Caesar's sad eyes with his own blue ones and closed them, nodding his head sadly at Caesar's words.

"I thought we had a chance," Malcolm said quietly, opening up his eyes to look at his friend with unshed tears.

"I. did too," Caesar answered.

A moment passed by and Caesar reached up towards Malcolm, taking the human's head into his hands and brought their forehead together, the ape's gesture that extended beyond trust and friendship. Lifting his head from Malcolm's, Caesar stared at his human friend before slowly turning away from the man, and walked away.

Approaching his son, Caesar looked Blue Eyes once over, saddened that the young ape will now be thrown into something that he so desperately tried to avoid. He so very hard wanted to tell his son about what he had just learned but he will keep it to himself for now as he turned to see Cornelia approaching them.

With Cornelius in her arms, Cornelia gaped at what she saw. There standing at the height of the stairs were both her eldest son Blue Eyes and her mate Caesar. Her eyes brimming with tears, Cornelia approached her mate, not believing what she was seeing until she touched the shooting star mark on his chest. Now knowing that it was truly her Caesar, Cornelia quickly embraced him, letting out small happy coos upon knowing that he was alright. Breaking their hug, she then looked towards her son Blue Eyes and hugged him just as strongly.

…

Malcolm watched as Caesar rejoined his friends and family, all rejoicing in the aftermath of what happened. What will happen now is up to both the cooperation of humans and apes. Slowly sinking back into the shadows, Malcolm had decided to leave Caesar and the other apes.

As he climbed down the ladder and stood at the bottom of the tower, Caesar's words came back to him.

War has already begun.

But it can't be right? There was still a way to prevent all of this. Caesar had told him to run, had fought with his own people to prevent such a catastrophe from happening. Why could he do the same? Taking in a deep breath and filled with a new resolve, Malcolm looked up towards the cracks in the ceiling with the sun's rays shining through them. If Caesar was willing to risk his life to promote peace between both apes and humans then so would he.

Making his way on over to where the wreckage, Malcolm searched frantically through the debris. With any luck the radio that was used to call in the soldiers might still be around here or it might have been destroyed during the explosion. Even so, he had to try and find the radio or whatever was left of it, fix it and inform the soldiers from up north about the situation.

During his excavation Malcolm had ducked under a giant broken crane. Lifting his head back up, Malcolm had yelled out in terror as he came face to face with the sight of a scarred chimpanzee's face staring back at him. Falling down onto the rubble, Malcolm stared in horror at the ape's glassy eyes as it laid on its back with it's body broken, seemingly staring into his soul. Taking a moment to catch his breath, Malcolm calmed his nerves and slowly stood back up to continue his search.

Climbing over a piece of metal this time, Malcolm soon found himself standing right beneath the tower, where he could look up and see the top way above. Sunlight beamed down to where he was at and filled the whole area with a warm yellow glow. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Malcolm had wished that Ellie and Alex were there with him, but was sort of glad they weren't only due to how dangerous this area had become.

Letting his gaze fall back down, Malcolm then noticed an ape laying within the crater of some wreckage that seemed to have rose around him. Cautiously making his way on over to where the figure laid, Malcolm's eyes widened. It was the body of the scarred ape that he had seen up in the mountains - Koba, if he had remembered Caesar referring to the ape by name. Approaching the body, Malcolm could see that the ape in whatever his last moments were, was staring up at the sky with his one good eye and milky blind one.

Then to his surprise, Malcolm's eyes widened when he saw the ape's chest rose slightly with his eyes slowly looking at him.

He's alive…

Whelp, I am 1/3 done with this story. Thank you all for sticking with this story! Let me know what you guys liked about it or have any questions. In the meantime enjoy and I'll see you all in the next chapter. Next up we're diving into War for the Planet of the Apes: Revelations!