Sorry for taking so long everyone! Been very busy and all but here is chapter 40. Or what I would like to say... Part 2 of the Reunion chapter. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy this next chapter as well.

Assisting a few of the elderly apes and wounded ones with the move. Even though he was welcomed back with open arms, Blue Eyes noticed that all was not well. From what he had gathered from his father and a few of the other apes, many things had happened since he, Ash, Rocket, Ray, Malcolm and Alexander had left. He had took notice of some of the ape branded traitors whom were all slighting giving him hesitant or fiercely death stares. Ignoring them for now, Blue Eyes contented himself with the task at hand, dealing with the apes who had betrayed them, will most definitely come at a later time.

In the middle of things, Blue Eyes had paused momentarily as he felt something or rather someone watching him. Turning his head to and fro, Blue Eyes looked about himself. As he kept searching his icy colored eyes were soon met with another set, whose own eyes sparkled with that of a vibrant evergreen forest leaves. His breath catching in his throat, Blue Eyes lightly placed his things back onto the ground and he slowly approached the other ape who was silently waiting for him.

Stopping in front of the smaller female, Blue Eyes did not know what to do nor say. The other ape couldn't help herself as she turned away and chuckled lightly, one hand covering her mouth all the while. Before Blue Eyes could ask what was so funny, the smaller female turned back and met his gaze and her features softened.

"Blue Eyes?"

"Lake,"

Lake then reached upwards and cupped Blue Eyes' cheek, whom he breathed deeply and leaned into her touch before placing his hand over hers as well, closing his eyes momentarily before opening them back up again.

"You are okay. Not hurt?" Lake asked softly.

"No. Not hurt," Blue Eyes breathed back in a low voice.

With a quiet sniff from Lake, she then wrapped her arms around Blue Eyes and held onto him tightly, burying her head into his chest. Lake could feel Blue Eyes' arms wrap themselves around her, holding her protectively close. They both stood like that for a long time before Lake finally glanced upwards to meet sky blue hues. The both of them smiled and both touched foreheads.

"I was so scared," Lake whispered, "so worried for you."

"Worried for you, too," Blue Eyes responded.

The two cuddled there for another long moment and Blue Eyes shifted a little bit, causing Lake to curiously look up at him.

"Sorry," Blue Eyes said hesitantly, his face looking a little flustered.

"Sorry? For what?" Lake gestured curiously to the bigger male.

"For not saying. Goodbye, to you. When I left," Blue Eyes explained with a small frown. "And seeing you. When I came. Back home."

At this, Lake couldn't help herself as she smiled up warmly at Blue Eyes and she placed her head upon his chest again.

"It okay," Lake spoke softly. "As long. As you. Remember."

Lake then felt Blue Eyes hold her again and she couldn't stop smiling, feeling so much comfort and love from him. Her mother was right, Blue Eyes might not have said anything before but his actions speaks more than words can and she understood that now.

"Tell me what happened? On your journey?" Lake asked, tilting her head up to look at Blue Eyes.

Blue Eyes smiled down at Lake and placed his forehead upon her's once more. He then looked away from her and noticed that Ash was consoling Maple in the distance, whom was hugging onto him tightly.

"I will tell you." Blue Eyes said finally as he kept his gaze upon the other couple. "We will tell everyone all of it," he finished, rounding his head back down to meet Lake's evergreen eyes.

…

It's been so long, since Cornelia and the others had left Tinker, Cornelius and Flint that morning. Leaving the three by the edge of their burnt down home, by the final resting place of both Ajax and Thorn. Tinker held Cornelius close to her body as Flint paced around, keeping his eyes on the lookout. For the longest time the female merely watched Flint continue his pacing and played with Cornelius for a little bit when he tugged on her necklace rings. It was when the three had heard the sounds of approaching apes did they quickly hid themselves away once more, bracing themselves for any danger.

As they waited they all saw a few apes from the scouting party, but from which, they did not know. Flint breathed deeply as he readied his gun, preparing himself to fight to the death if need be. However, a gentle hand upon his arm, caused the young male to stop and turn back to look at Tinker. The older female shook her head slowly at him.

"Look," Tinker breathed out, nodding her head at the other apes.

As Flint turned back around, he noticed that the ape scouts were not ones that were under Grey's leadership, but those that were still loyal to Caesar. Flint glanced back at Tinker who nodded slowly before she emerged from their hiding spot to show herself to the others. Upon seeing someone emerge unexpectedly the other apes were quick on the defense. However, as soon as they recognized Tinker and the young prince, the apes all immediately rushed on over. They happily greeted Tinker and young Cornelius happily and even welcomed Flint when he had too emerged. They let Tinker and Flint know of what had happened and soon enough they were escorted back to the rest of the apes whom were waiting for them.

Eventually the three were led back to where the other apes were and as they arrived, Tinker saw both Cornelia and Caesar addressing the other apes in the distance. She turned to look at Flint who nodded at her before he took note of his mother - Cleo, who rushed on over and forcefully hugged him. Smiling at the scene, Tinker left the mother and child and slowly approached both Caesar and Cornelia, pausing when they turned around and took notice of her.

"Tinker!" both king and queen exclaimed at the same time, smiles upon their faces.

Caesar and Cornelia approached their very good friend and hugged her. After their hug, Tinker smiled and offered little Cornelius back to his parents, who happily hooted as he jumped into the arms of his loving mother and father.

"Thank you, Tinker. For protecting my son," Caesar thanked the petite female.

"Yes. Thank you so much Tinker. I could not have asked anyone else," Cornelia echoed signed as she hugged Tinker once more.

"I will always look out for our children. Even when you both are unable to," Tinker responded happily as she finished her hug with Cornelia. "I am just happy that you both are safe."

"We are glad you are safe too," Caesar responded.

"Both you, Cornelius and Flint," Cornelia chimed in with a warm smile.

"I was so worried that-"

While Tinker was signing back to both Caesar and Cornelia, something familiar caught the petite female's eyes, causing her to freeze mid-sign. Tinker's breath quickened as she looked past both Caesar and Cornelia, to see to familiar looking chimps standing just a few feet away. She glanced back to her two friends and seeing the knowing smile on their faces, both Caesar and Cornelia took a step back away from her, to allow her to see more as well.

Ash and Rocket were both carrying some hefty equipment around, busy with moving thing about. Ash however stopped momentarily to take in a couple of breaths before he suddenly paused and looked in the distance when he felt someone was staring at him. Noticing that his son had stopped working and staring off as well, Rocket too had paused and turned around to see what Ash was looking at. To the older chimp's surprise, both he and Ash could see a familiar petite looking female chimp, holding her hands close to her bosom staring at them.

With deep emotions filling her being, Tinker slowly but carefully approached the two males. She stopped by the younger male first and slowly reached out, cupping Ash's cheek and feeling him lean into her hand affectionately. With a joyful huff, Tinker quickly embraced her only child happily, feeling his strong arms hugging her back.

"Ash," Tinker whimpered aloud happily, as she did her best to wrap her arm around her son's frame while tears slid down her cheeks.

"Mother," Ash answered as he gently hugged his smaller mother back, burying his cheek into her shoulder, making small whimpers all the while.

Both Ash and Tinker stood like that for a long time until finally the two released each other. While staring at Ash, Tinker's features warped into that of a concerned look as she gently reached up and touched the bald spot on her son's head. Worried at what had caused her son to be in such a state, Tinker met Ash's eyes once more but she was met with a congenial smile from the younger ape. That was right, the danger has come to pass now. Ash, her son, was now here, safe and sound among friends and family who cares for him and love him. Gently, Tinker pulled Ash's head down and kissed the exposed skin, in hopes that it might soothe him.

Slowly looking away from Ash, Tinker met the beautiful green hues of her mate - Rocket. The bigger nearly hairless chimp approached and Tinker couldn't help herself as she beamed delightfully at her mate. Tinker then leaned upwards to meet his lips with hers, the gesture reciprocated strongly, before slowly pulling back.

"I see you, Rocket," Tinker whispered lightly, gesturing at the same time.

"I see you, Tinker," Rocket answered back in his deep husky voice, mirroring Tinker's signs as well.

Tinker immediately wrapped her arms around Rocket's big frame, burying her head into his chest as whimpering cries were emitted from her. She could then feel Rocket wrapping his muscular arms around her, feeling his warmth and protection as he held onto her, like he always did and always had. Tinker then felt Rocket shift and she felt him pull in another body into their little hug, earning a light laugh from their son as he too was roped into the embrace. Tinker felt herself being squished slightly between Rocket and Ash's hugs but she could care less about that now. All that mattered to her was that she was in the loving arms of her beloved family and she cherished every moment of it, as long as it was presented.

From afar, Caesar and Cornelia were watching with smiles upon their own faces as they observed Tinker's happy face as she was finally reunited with her beloved husband and son. As the two watched the joyful reunion, they were both soon joined by Blue Eyes and stood next to them and carefully observed as well, a content smile upon his face.

"Aunt Tinker looks happy," Blue Eyes gestured.

"As she should be," Cornelia answered as she held onto little Cornelius.

"As we all should be," Caesar voiced as well, keeping his eyes upon the happy family in front of him.

Maurice then ambled up to both Caesar and Cornelia and sadly looked at them both.

"It is time my friends," Maurice gestured.

Caesar took in a deep breath and nodded slowly. This was inevitable but they must take care of this mess sooner or later.

"Come, let us decide," Caesar finally responded.

…

Fox, Flint and Shell all looked about themselves as they were placed within the group of other ape traitors who had abandoned the colony for their own gain. Meanwhile, Caesar and the ape council were busily talking among themselves on what was needed to be done about the rest of the apes who had betrayed them. There were talks about putting the traitors to death which would be simple enough and caused many of the surrounding apes, the females at least, to hoot out in concern. However, that was quickly abated as many of the other council members went against the ideas, knowing well that, that alone is not their way to do things. So the discussion drew on with the traitors waiting in anticipation on what their fates were going to be.

"What you think. They do?" Shell asked hesitantly, nudging both Fox and Flint.

"I don't know," Fox breathed tiredly as he idly scratched at the bald spot on his head.

"What they. Do to us?" Flint asked next.

"I don't know," Fox responded once more, his eyes looking down at the ground.

And as if both Flint and Shell's questions had been heard, Caesar had suddenly stood up and turned to face them, his face set within a stern frown. The air grew tense and silent as Caesar made his way on over to where the ape traitors were and met all of their gazes. Some looked on with fierce glares of their own, challenging Caesar, while others looked on with fear, submission and shame.

"Ape!" Caesar bellowed loudly, making sure that everyone heard him. "Not kill. Ape. You. Have all broken our sacred law. For your own selfish. Reasons. Council. Have discussed this. On what to do. With the rest of you. Who did not run. It would be quicker to end you all. Here and now… but that is not our way," Caesar said aloud. "Instead, you are all banished. From the colony!" Caesar announced, earning a chorus of hoots, bellows and cries around him.

Once that was said and done, a few of the warriors walked on over and undid the binds of the ape traitors, one at a time.

"Leave. And never come back," Caesar seethed through gritted teeth at the turncoats.

At first a few of the apes looked about momentarily, before a few quickly scampered away from the grove that they were all in, heading eastward through the forest. However, many of the turncoats stayed where they were, unsure of what to do nor where to go, especially the younger ones.

"Caesar please. We have nowhere else to go," Rex pleaded, huffing, catching Caesar's attention.

At this, Caesar snarled and stood right in front of Rex's face.

"You have no home here anymore! You! and the rest of the traitors! Have no right to stay! Can go anywhere, but here!" Caesar growled.

Rex shrinked back a bit and lowered his eyes. Never had they all seen Caesar this angry before but it was very just, after what the ape traitors had done. They nearly got most of the apes killed back in the city and very much like Pope did, they started a coup, in which they were taking all of the apes away from Caesar and the rest of the apes that had followed him. Something like this was entirely unforgivable and will not stand for.

Caesar then felt a hand upon his shoulder, causing him to turn and meet Maurice.

"Caesar, banishing the ones who had betrayed us is the right thing to do, yes. But there are others who truly have nowhere else to go," Maurice gestured as he waved his hand to the very few adult apes who haven't moved yet, Rex included.

Maurice solemnly glanced about and then notice the younger apes whom were lopped into the traitors group too.

"Those young ones are as much a victim in all of this as well. You know like I do, that apes can change. Given the time and chance," Maurice explained.

There was a grunt and Rocket marched up to both Maurice and Caesar.

"I don't like this idea," Rocket gestured in with a deep frown. "We don't even know if these apes could be trusted. After what they've done."

"Rocket, be reasonable. You know these apes through and through," Maurice gestured to the bulky chimp. "Even if they did this. They are still our family."

"Family do not do this to each other," Rocket gestured back with a huff. "They do not try to kill you, Maurice. They don't try to kill our family and friends. They do not try to take leadership away. If they were really family. They would not have done all this," Rocket grunted.

Maurice however was not quite fazed by Rocket, but smiled sadly back at the bulky chimp.

"It was not long ago that we apes were already doing that, Rocket. We hurt each other to gain power. Even sometimes going so far as to kill each other too. But we have learned and have grown. We must be better than this," Maurice explained. "That is what you believe in, yes? The both of you."

Caesar looked back and forth between Rocket and Maurice, deciding on who was right and who was wrong in this matter. But there is no right or wrong, was there?

"Please reconsider, Caesar. Give them a chance," Maurice gestured solemnly. "Like with Koba, who has already changed so much."

At the mention of Koba's name, both Caesar and Rocket met Maurice's beady green eyes. Rocket did not look too happy as he gave Maurice his signature frown. Caesar however, regarded the traitor apes and could see them apprehensively awaiting for his decision. The longer he stared at them though the more he saw Blue Eyes, Ash, Rocket, Maurice and the others staring back at him. With a final sigh, Caesar lowered his gaze before gathering himself once more.

"Fine… they can stay," Caesar spoke lowly. "But if any of you even dare to betray us again. You will be banished with the rest," he warned, turning to face them all. "Is that understood?"

There was a sigh of relief from among the traitor apes who had chosen to stay behind.

"Oh thank you Caesar. Thank you so much!" Rex gestured gleefully.

Fox and the other young apes though, looked up at Caesar who met their gaze momentarily before turning around and leaving.

"Lucky us. We are not banished," Shell gestured apprehensively at both Fox and Flint.

"Yes, but that does not help our situation at all," Flint gestured and indicated Shell to look around.

The white eared chimpanzee looked about and noticed that many of the apes were all looking at them.

"They are watching us. Keeping eyes on us. In case we decide to betray again," Fox explained with slow hand movements, while Shell lowered his head at this news.

Just as Fox was about to turn away he took notice of Ray, up in the trees with several of the other apes, looking down at them all. Eventually though, Fox turned his gaze and walked away with Flint and Shell, leaving the rest of the apes behind to decide on what they were going to do with the traitors.

As the trio continued about, eventually both Flint and Shell broke away from their little group to their respective families. Shell trotted along and approached his mother - Melody, and older sister, Ivy. Both, whom hugged the young white eared chimpanzee emotionally. Flint was in the same predicament with his own mother - Cleo, as she hugged him strongly as well. Happy that he was safe and sound, back within her arms, the only family she had left.

Observing his companions from afar, Fox felt a gentle and familiar hand taking a hold of his arm, causing him to turn around and meet his mother - Imani. The older female smiled warmly at Fox and she slowly brought the both of them close together into a hug.

"Home. Safe," Imani whimpered happily.

"Home. Safe," Fox repeated gently hugged his mother back.

"I thought I was going to lose you," Imani explained through her hand speak. "I don't know what I would have done if you never would have come back."

"Then you move on. Without me, mother," Fox explained with a sad smile.

"I do not know if I can do such a thing," Imani explained with a few tears falling from her eyes. "You are my son. My only son. And if I lose you too, I don't know if I could ever go on living," she continued.

"Mother…" Fox spoke quietly as he hugged his mother tighter.

…

When he had slowly came to, Grey felt his body aching all over the place and when he moved he winced when sharp pain raced across his stomach, causing him to grunt.

"Grey?"

At the sound of the familiar voice calling his name, Grey slowly rotated his head and was met with the teary face of his beloved - Cedar. Upon seeing Grey rousing back from his deep sleep, Cedar's face contorted to one that was full of emotion and she quickly knelt down next to the male and nuzzled her cheek with his.

"I thought," Cedar whimpered as she held onto Grey's head. "Lose you," she hiccuped.

"Sorry," Grey answered back in a tired breath, as his face was muddled with Cedar's tears.

After a little bit, both Grey and Cedar relaxed once more and began to slowly talked about what had happened. Whom had healed him and what Caesar and the others were doing. Soon enough, Cedar had positioned herself so that her head was laying slightly upon Grey's chest, so that she could listen to his strong steady heartbeats and look into his eyes. Every Time she heard the sound of Grey's heart, it brought her so much joy, as it let her know that her Grey was still very much alive.

"Where. Maple?" Grey asked after a long while, meeting Cedar's eyes.

"She is with-"

"Father?"

At the sound of the voice, both Cedar and Grey glanced up to see both Maple and Ash standing a few feet away. Upon seeing his daughter, Grey offered the young female a tired smile. The brown haired female on the other hand; Maple's face scrunched up as tears welled up within her eyes and she immediately rushed on over towards her father's side. Maple buried her head into the older male's shoulder and cried into it, happy to see her father awake after what he's gone through for them.

"Father. I'm sorry father. So sorry," Maple wept and repeated over and over again.

Grey on the other hand had let out a deep breath and slowly reached out with one hand, placing it upon his daughter's head. At this notion, Maple looked up and met Grey's gaze, whom smiled back at her, his own eyes wet too.

"Glad. You. Safe," Grey said lovingly.

Maple lifted her head and wiped away at her flowing tears.

"Even after all I have done to you? You still worry for me?" Maple questioned.

"Always. Worry. For you," Grey breathed, a few tears finally fell from his eyes as well.

Maple sniffled warmly at her father before she reached around her waist side and pulled something out that looked oddly familiar. There, hooked around Maple's hands was a loop made out of an array of different flowers, a small section of them looked to have been flattened. Grey's eyes widened slightly as he saw what Maple had brought out to show him.

Greys crown of flowers that he had made for his daughter.

Maple slowly brought the circlet of flora up over her head and placed it on there. Once they were settled, Maple looked back down at her father and smiled warmly at him.

"They are beautiful, father. I love them. Made from my favorite flowers," Maple gestured with a few sniffles.

"But, they are no good anymore," Grey gestured confusingly.

"They will always be good, because you made them. So I will wear it with pride," Maple responded back proudly before her features softened. "I am happy to be your daughter, father."

Upon seeing this, Grey's eyes became wet again as he huffed, not knowing what to say.

"And I am happy to have you as my daughter," Grey responded.

While both father and daughter converse with each other, Grey soon took notice of Ash standing off to the side.

"Ash, you have returned," Grey greeted.

"Yes. Am home," Ash answered as he walked towards the small family and stood by Maple's side. "We all heard what you did for the apes. Thank you, Grey" Ash continued to which the older chimp simply nodded back.

As the joyful reunion continued between Grey and his family, another ape soon came upon the group and silently stood off to the side. Eventually while the small family was busy reminiscing with each other the lone ape made a grunting noise to catch all of their attention.

"Koba?" Cedar breathed, her face set into a frown.

"What are you doing here?" Ash gestured hesitantly.

The scarred bonobo turned his attention to the younger male and Ash shrunk back slightly. Slowly, Koba turned his attention back to the other apes.

"Grey. Is my friend," Koba said simply after a long silent moment. "I am here to see him."

Taking in a deep breath, Koba turned his attention back to where Grey was laying and slowly approached the wounded chimpanzee. As the scarred bonobo approached, Cedar crouched herself protectively over Grey. As did Maple who stood between all of them.

"I am not going to hurt him, Cedar," Koba informed.

"No, but you have done enough already, haven't you?" Cedar shot back.

Koba froze on the spot and shamefully turned his head away from Cedar. He had wanted to argue, to say that he was used and that not all of this was his fault. But the truth of the matter is, he was the cause of all of this, every single one of it and he had no one else to blame, but him. Even if he was manipulated into doing this, the choice had been his to choose.

"Koba…"

Koba glanced back at the sound of his name being uttered, as did everyone else. They all watched as Grey reached up and lightly touched Cedar on the arm and let her know that it was okay. He then gestured towards Maple and Ash as well, asking all of them to let him talk with Koba alone. There was a brief hesitance at first and they didn't know what to do.

Koba turned his sights back to where Grey laid and the brown haired chimpanzee lightly touched Cedar's arm and nodded once at her. Grey then gestured the others and they all silently nodded before hesitantly leaving. Koba watched as the other left the two of them alone before slowly turning back to look down at Grey, who smiled at him.

"How are you?" Koba asked.

Grey paused for a moment to take a deep breath with his eyes closed before opening them back up again.

"Hurt everywhere. But I'm better now," Grey answered with slow hand movements.

"I can see," Koba responded as he moved to sit next to Grey.

The two stayed like that for a long while, just in silence and staring off into the distance.

"What happened. Koba?" Grey breathed out.

Koba glanced down at the brown haired chimpanzee and looked him over. He didn't even know where to start. So many things had happened and he had yet to tell anyone of what had happened to him. To be honest, he was afraid to say so as well.

"If you do not want to talk about it, I understand," Grey wheezed as he lifted his hands up to sign.

Immediately, Grey's hands were stopped by Koba's as the scarred bonobo seemed to be in deep thought before he closed his eyes and had let out a deep sigh.

"No. I will tell you. Everything," Koba responded slowly.

As Koba began his tale, Grey simply laid there and listened carefully to the bonobo's words and hand-speak when he didn't know how to voice the feelings. The more Grey watched Koba though the more he understood the change that had occurred to the once troubled ape. Once Koba had finished, he glanced back down at Grey who was simply staring up at him a slight smile to his face.

"You are healing. Finally," Grey gestured.

Koba blinked in surprise before the sides of his mouth lifted up into a smile and he reached out and nudged Grey's should lightly.

"I am healing? You are one to speak," Koba gestured with a few soft pant-laughs with Grey's own soft ones echoing into the air.

As they both settled down, Koba's good eye glanced on over to the bandages that wrapped around Grey's midsection and his face fell.

"What's the matter?" Grey had asked.

"I should have come sooner. Should have helped you…" Koba said quietly, in shame.

"Not your fault. My decision. My choice," Grey responded.

Koba nodded understandably so, knowing Grey well enough that when the chimpanzee had his mind set on something, he goes through with it. Very stubborn at times, much like both him and Caesar.

"I heard from the other apes of what you did for them. You protected them," Koba started after a brief quiet.

"I had to. No other ape will," Grey replied.

"But Caesar?" Koba suggested.

"Busy and too risky. Traitors would have found out," Grey responded.

Koba lowered his arms while he observed Grey lying there next to him. The could believe how much Grey had grown himself and what the chimpanzee had done, really did inspire Koba.

"I am proud of what you did, Grey," Koba spoke up quietly. "I am glad to have you as my friend."

Grey's answer was only a simple and content smile. Soon enough the brown haired chimpanzee drifted off back into a deep slumber. Koba stayed by Grey's side a moment longer, listening to the chimpanzee's steady breathing before he quietly got up and left

…

A little later, Fox had broken away from his mother and was taking a walk on the outskirts of the group of apes, to let his mind wander about as well. Caesar's council had taken up order of the apes once more and were assessing the well being of everyone once more. They had also add an exception to the three humans that had stayed, all three whom were helping the apes with many of the wounded and ill. For how long though, they all do not know. Maybe until it was safe enough for Caesar to deem it safe for them to leave again, as always.

As Fox continued on, he noticed a familiar looking ape, standing off by themself, at the edge of the group, looking on. Fox stopped in his track and practically held his breath at the sight of the other ape. He had heard rumors of Koba's return and like many of the other apes, couldn't believe it, from what they had seen. However, then again, Caesar had come back from the dead. So why not Koba as well? They were both strong leaders in their own right.

While Fox stood there, watching, he saw Koba slowly turned his head towards him and simply stared back. It was as if the world has stopped moving around them, while Fox met Koba's looked at each other. The younger chimp faltered a little bit but slowly, he raised his hands up.

"You are alive," Fox gestured slowly.

"Yes… Very much so," Koba responded.

Fox was at a lost of words as he stared at Koba but he quickly shook his head and continued.

"Why? Why did you not come back to the apes? Lead us. Protect us. From the humans," Fox gestured with a slight scowl.

"I could not... Even if I wanted to," Koba signed back slowly, remembering the time when he was under the care of Ellie and the rest of her family members.

"Why?" Fox grunted angrily.

"I was weak… I was injured… I was unable to do anything," Koba explained with a scowl at himself.

"We needed you, Koba," Fox huffed a slight desperate frown upon his face. "I needed you... You were like a father to me. To me! I needed you to guide me. Show me the way of what to do in order to survive. I… We…"

Upon seeing Fox explain his frustrations in angry huffs, Koba couldn't help but frown at the younger ape with sympathy. He for one never thought that any of the younger apes would look up to him like that before. He only did what was necessary in order to live, survive and better the colony. He never thought himself as a father figure before. An uncle maybe, but not a father. Approaching Fox, whom was fidgeting on the spot, Koba reached out and lifted the younger ape's head up by the chin and it was there Koba saw himself within Fox too. A damaged soul in need of something or someone to look up to. Like Caesar was to him and now he was for this young ape as well.

"Did not mean to hurt you," Koba spoke softly. "But… You should not look up to me. Find your own path and look for life. Not war and death... Like I did. It will only hurt you. Like it did me."

Listening to Koba's words, Fox's eyes widened slightly and he took a step back, away from the older bonobo. Thinking over on what Koba had just told him, Fox mulled it over and couldn't help but remember that human's last words to him.

"Live. I want you to live. Forgive."

That was what the human elder had told him and it opened his eyes to something much more as well. Was this what Koba was telling him too? To not seek war and death but to look for life instead?

Glanced back up at Koba, Fox thought for a long time before he deeply breathed out through his nostrils. Taking in what Koba had just told him, Fox turned his head away and huffed out, his eyes looking over the masses of apes that were before him.

"You. Have changed," Fox spoke up after a little bit, turning back to look at Koba. "Different now. Not like. Koba. I knew. Before."

Koba rounded his head back to the younger chimpanzee. What Fox had said about him. On how he had changed. Rang pretty much true. He felt the same, that anger, hatred and thirst for wiping out as much of the humans was very much still there. However, then again, that is dampened all the while as well, in a mixture of emotions that was storming within him.

Fox closed his eyes for a long while before opening them back up to meet Koba's golden-green hue. They both stood like that for a few more heartbeats before a small sad smile appeared upon Fox's lips.

"I am happy. That you are here. With us now," Fox said slowly.

Koba stood there and blinked, feeling a sense of warmth emanating from within his chest. Instead of saying anything though, Koba simply nodded once at the younger ape. Fox looked like he was about to say something else but the chimpanzee paused and looked away, a sad look enveloping his face. He then met Koba's gaze once more and offered the older ape a genuine and content smile to which Koba reciprocated.

Without another word spoken between them, Fox had then turned around and walked away from Koba. He had paused for a moment and turned slightly back to look at the scarred bonobo whom was still watching him curiously. Fox took in a deep breath, squared his shoulders and gestured something towards Koba. Koba's features softened and he slowly nodded and gestured back. With that, Fox turned back around and moved on, leaving the bonobo there to his thoughts once more.

Characters introduced

Imani - Fox's mother. (OC)

Cleo - Flint's mother and she is from Firestorm and Revelations (mentioned by name only).

Melody - Shell's mother. (OC)

Ivy - Shell's older sister. (OC)

I think I'll be officially done with Revelation in 1-2 more chapters? That way we can go into a chronicles of sorts for the in-between before we finally arrive in War.