While they were all heading home, the apes, with heavy hearts made a stop by the rocky crags by the river. Taking the time to rest, the apes washed their wounds to clear them of infection, slaked their thirst and importantly, sent off their deceased brothers as well. Wrapping the bodies of their recently deceased in cloths, the apes had let the bodies of their fallen brothers flow down the river stream. Hoping that the water would guide them to somewhere safe, somewhere free from this war.

Watching the apes, Caesar couldn't help but frown deeply as he observed the mournful sight. He had sat apart from the others, save for Maurice, who joined him by the river.

"Pope, still haunts us," Caesar spoke up, catching the attention of his old friend. "And Koba's actions, as well. Why didn't I see… that they could not forgive what humans did to them. Or that such darkness were set within their hearts."

Maurice frowned.

"No one could have known how much darkness… was living inside the both of them," Maurice grunted as he explained. "Each of their darkness is different from the other. Koba's was due to the humans who had hurt him. Tormented him. Pope was the same as well but one that had developing into wanting power. But, we were able to bring Koba back, did we not?"

Caesar was just about to respond to Maurice before the sound of a high-pitched horn trumpeting sounded out, alerting them all. Caesar, as well as many of the other apes, had sprang to their feet and quickly ascended the stone crags they were on, back onto the trail. The heart within Caesar's chest pounded wildly as he and the other apes around him peered tensely back the way they had come.

Had they been followed back to the falls-by humans?

They all formed a protective living shield around the still-injured apes to protect them from whatever or whoever was coming at them. Newly acquired crossbows and rifles were turned towards the entrance of the bridge, along with their spears, bows and arrows as well.

Caesar then held his breath as he saw four distinct shadowy figures, riding on horseback approaching them. Unable to see who they were, Caesar's own nerves grew taught as the figures came closer and closer, until the sun's light fell upon the faces and form of the riders-and Caesar's fears were instantly washed away by a sudden rush of happiness and relief that he hadn't felt in a long time.

The forms revealed to be four apes, who sat atop horses draped with saddlebags, slumping wearily after riding for days. Fine forest dew stuck to their hairy bodies but they were no stranger to Caesar or the other apes around him.

One of the apes, a strapping young chimpanzee with striking cerulean colored eyes, hopped down from his horse and took a couple steps forward. Old scars streaked the younger ape's chest and right shoulder but it was no doubt that it was the prodigal son and heir of Caesar's tribe - Blue Eyes.

"Father," Blue Eyes gestured with a serene smile upon his features.

Then another of the apes, this one with lively green colored eyes, jumped down from his horse as well and joined Blue Eyes' side. With fur a tad lighter in color than the prince's own, white flecks covered this chimpanzee's snout, making him stand out among the others. The son of the apes second in command and one that is loved by all - Ash, who beamed at Caesar.

"Uncle!" Ash greeted happily.

Moving in quickly, a broad smile broke out across Caesar's face as he joyfully embraced both his eldest son and honorary nephew. The return of both his son and Ash, safe and apparently unharmed, was just what he needed after the horrors of the day. He hugged to two younger apes and patted their back affectionately, earning a couple chuckles from Ash himself. Finally drawing back, Caesar turned to an approaching ape and couldn't help but grin as Rocket approached and immediately he touched foreheads with the bulkier, nearly hairless chimpanzee.

"Welcome home, Rocket," Caesar said slowly as he pulled back and gave Rocket's shoulder a few pats. "All of you," Caesar continued, turning to look at the others.

"Happy. To be home!" Ash responded back with his still beaming smile and glint within his bright genial leafy green eyes.

"You all look tired," Caesar commented as he turned towards Rocket.

"It was a long journey," Rocket explained with a weary but large smile of his own.

As Caesar was happily reunited with his eldest, honorary nephew and longtime friend, the fourth ape in the far back had caught his eyes. Peering past the three in front of him Caesar's gaze met the other ape's as the other turned to finally face him.

Suddenly Caesar had found himself standing atop of a giant girder, high above the human buildings in the dark night sky. He needn't look down as he could feel the heat and flames that were billowing below, sending up hot air to ruffle his already matted air. Confused as he was to find himself back here again, Caesar glanced straight ahead as he noticed another figure standing on the girder with him. The figure, an ape he could see, with scars and blood marring his body was glaring back at him with those dark green and milky white eyes that radiated fury and anger.

That figure, belonged to Koba.

"Caesar. Has. No. Place. Here…" Koba's voice echoed all around. "Caesar… weak!"

With a single blink though, Caesar suddenly found himself staring at calm golden-green and milky white colored eyes, looking back at him. The world was no longer dark and there was no fire far beneath his feet. Instead, Caesar felt solid ground with the sounds of the nearby waterfall creating an ambient noise when it met the river beneath it.

"Koba?" Caesar breathed as he broke away from the others and slowly approached the scarred bonobo.

While he silently stood there, Koba watched curiously as his leader walked towards him.

"Caesar," Koba responded, standing still as the other chimpanzee drew nearer.

The two apes finally stood in front of each other and for a long while the air was tense and quiet, with only the occasional hoots and chatter among the other apes. But then Caesar finally reached out and placed a hand upon Koba's shoulder.

"Welcome home… Koba," Caesar spoke out.

It didn't go unnoticed that the welcome that Caesar gave Koba was slightly strained to the other apes. To many who still harbored strong feelings for the bonobo, could care less. For Blue Eyes and the others who had went with Koba, they couldn't help but turned to one another uneasily. It was then Blue Eyes decided to walk up to his father and gained the older ape's attention.

"Father," Blue said aloud, catching his father's eyes. "We found something!"

"Yes uncle Caesar," Ash jumped in excitedly as well, "we have much to tell!"

Caesar could tell from the two younger ape's expressions that they bore good tidings with them. With that, he was eager to hear more, but perhaps in a more secure setting.

"Come," Caesar said quickly as he tapped the two apes' shoulders and quickly turned around to leave.

...

All the apes moved then started to move about, heading toward the opening of a cave, into their hidden fortress, away from human eyes. Standing there quietly with the horses, Koba observed the apes as they all welcomed back Blue Eyes, Ash and Rocket with open arms. All cheering and shouting in excitement as they were lead away. Many apes didn't even spare him a second glance and even if they did, they were wary or disdain looks. What did he expect though? That he would gladly be welcomed back with the others, just like that? After what he had did? It was a miracle that the first things the apes didn't do was gun him down on the spot. Taking the reins of the four horses behind him, Koba started to move forward but paused when he noticed another ape that had stopped and faced in his direction.

The chimpanzee who stood several feet away from him, known as Spear, glared back at him with a deep scowl set upon his features. As if his mere presence was something to be frowned upon. Koba remembered Spear well, he was one of the young apes he had taught while they were still but learning of how to hunt within their new home. Back then, when it was a time of peace, but peace was no more. Spear had then turned around and followed the rest of the apes, leaving Koba there all alone. Huffing through his nose, Koba looked down off to the side for a mere moment before he tightened his grip upon the horses' reins and followed suit.

…

Caesar had then led Blue Eyes, Ash, Rocket and the rest of the apes toward the outer edges of the falls, where they passed through high curtains of the cascading waterfall to enter the cavernous sanctuary beyond. Many ape children all hurried forward to greet the returning warriors, while their mothers chased after them, struggling with varying degrees of success to keep their excitable offspring under control. Many of the ape males embraced their mates and sweethearts. Other adults were swarmed by their younger siblings and cousins. Tears also fell, as the friends and family of the fallen learned of their losses. Loves ones fretted over the injured and healers were summoned to tend to the wounded.

Standing there with Blue Eyes, Caesar found his beloved, Cornelia, making her way towards both him and their eldest son. Upon recognition of Blue Eyes, Cornelia's face beamed with excitement and joy as she approached, with Blue Eyes' own features lighting up as well as he spotted her.

"Mother," he signed to her.

Reaching him, Cornelia embraced Blue Eyes strongly, who hugged her back just as vigorously. A tentative yelp signaled the presence of a small chimpanzee, no more than two years old, who shyly went on over towards Caesar's other side and took his hand. Turning his head, Blue Eyes noticed the bashful toddler hiding behind his father and offered a greeting hand towards the young one, who shied away from him.

"Cornelius, say hi to your brother," Cornelia signed to their youngest as Caesar hefted the little one up. "Don't you recognize your brother?"

Upon his mother's request, the little Cornelius had started to reach out to the other chimpanzee but then he quickly buried his face into his father's chest once more, to hide. But then as he peeked out slightly, he could see the broad genuine smile from the other chimp which looked a little bit like his father's and mother's smile when they did it to him. In that moment, the little ape felt something quite familiar calming from the other chimp as he took a good long look at him. Scars that ran across the other chimp's chest, shoulder and cheeks, along with those sky colored eyes reminded him of someone a long time ago. Hesitantly, he then reached out and took a hold of this other ape's hand, who in turn reached up to stroke his head and back.

"Hello, little brother," Blue Eyes greeted the younger chimp.

Seeing her two sons slowly bonding, Cornelia lifted her eyes up from the touching scene and a gentle smile appeared upon her lips. Reaching to touch her eldest son's shoulder, she then gestured to him.

"Look who's here son."

Curiously turning his head, Blue Eyes discovered a lovely female chimpanzee who was overseeing the many ape children that were running about towards the other apes. She had then stopped momentarily as she sighted the prince and his family. Evergreen eyes met sky colored blues and the female gently ushered the young ones away before she turned her sights back upon the royal family.

"Lake…" Blue Eyes signed the name as he slowly made his way on over towards the slighter female.

The moment Blue Eyes had stopped in front of Lake, the two simply stared into each other eyes, drinking the others gaze. They both then leaned inwards and tenderly pressing their brows together.

"You came back," Lake gestured happily, eyes becoming wet as she leaned back to look at the male before her, still not quite believing it.

"Yes," Blue Eyes responded with a small smile onto his lips.

As Lake looked upon her dearly beloved, her gaze then wandered down and she noticed that he was still wearing the necklace with the blue stone that she had given him. At this, Lake's gaze quickly glanced back up at Blue Eyes and a small gasp had escaped her.

"The necklace, you kept it?" She asked, curiously.

"Yes, always," Blue Eyes breathed. "Reminds me of you. Everyday."

At this, Lake couldn't help it anymore as her tears finally fell from her and she quickly hugged the other chimpanzee. Small happy whimpers escaped her as she could feel Blue Eyes reaching all around her and returned the embrace.

…

Breaking away from Caesar and his family, both Rocket and Ash had stepped further inside the fortress to look for an individual ape whom they were very eager to see. Wading through the crowd around them the two finally saw the familiar looking female chimpanzee, small, petite and fae like in size but no doubt with a personality of her own. The female was busily dressing some of the wounded apes that had come under her care and when she had turned away from her charges, her gaze had caught sight of them. Rocket stopped where he was and couldn't help but smile at the sight of the female while Ash stood excitedly next to him. The female quickly dressed the other ape's wounds before she rose from her position and approached the two, eyes glistening over with every step she took. The moment the slighter female chimp finally got to where the two males were, she had stopped and looked at each of their faces, her hands over her chest.

"I see you, Tinker," Rocket gestured.

And that was all that was needed as tears streamed down the female's face before she threw her arms, as much as she could, around Ash, embracing him tightly before she in turn did it to Rocket as well, crying all the while.

"I. See you. Rocket," Tinker said breathlessly through her tears before turning back to Ash and hugging him again. "So long. It has been so long. But I knew. I always knew you both would come back to me," Tinker wept, unable to even sign properly as she buried her form into her mate once more who cooed softly to her.

Ash had then hugged both his mother and father, knowing well that the older female needed this most of all, as she must have been worried sick for the both of them.

"Sorry mother. But we are here now. Don't cry," Ash soothed his dear mother, his own eyes becoming wet themselves.

Finally able to compose herself slightly, Tinker quickly dried her eyes and looked into the faces of her dear boys and her hope. The ones who had kept her going throughout this horrid war. The both of them look so apologetic to her, most likely because they had left her for so long. But that did not matter anymore, as long as they made it home safely, all was well in the world for her. She was just so happy to see them again.

In the midst of their reunion, a small form had approached the family and locked itself around one of Tinker's legs, surprising both Ash and Rocket. Curiously, the two males had taken a step back and eyed the newcomer, a small female chimp that looked no more to be about a year old. Curiously both Ash and Rocket then glanced up at Tinker, who didn't mind the little one holding onto her leg.

"Who's child is this?" Rocket asked quizzically, while Ash had knelt down and stretched his hand out to the little one, hiding behind his mother.

A warm smile appeared upon Tinker's lips as she bent down and picked the little ape up.

"Cinder," Tinker said softly, signing the little ape's name as well. "Say hi to your father and brother," Tinker gestured.

Upon seeing what Tinker had just signed to the little chimpanzee within her arms, both Rocket and Ash stood there a look of shock overcoming their features. All of a sudden though, Ash had hooted in excitement and happily reached out to his little new sister. Rocket on the other hand, had his mouth open slightly ajar still at what he had just learned. He met Tinker's eyes and saw that they held no lies within them, before he slowly turned his attention back to the little female chimpanzee within her arms.

Rocket had then curiously reached out to the little one within Tinker's arms and she let the little ape to him. As soon at Cinder had climbed into Rocket's arms, she quickly inspected the bigger ape, curiously reaching out boldly to touch at the bigger male's snout. Seeing his daughter looking at him, the shock that Rocket had initially felt quickly disappeared, replaced with a deep sense of love and affection. He was happy, happy that he now bore another loving child with his beloved Tinker and that was more than he could have asked for.

"I have. Daughter," Rocket said slowly in awe.

"Yes," Tinker responded quietly with a motherly smile.

"Hello, Cinder. I'm your father," Rocket signed to the little chimpanzee within his arms who simply looked at his hand and reached out to touch at his fingers.

"And I'm your brother!" Ash happily gestured next.

Observing the touching scene, Tinker stood by her mate's side and gently leaned her head upon his shoulder. She watched as her little Cinder finally got to meet her strong and powerful father and lovable brother. Looking up at Rocket, Tinker could see the genuine smile upon her beloved's face as he pant laughed and played with their little Cinder. After a little bit Rocket had then turned to meet her gaze and leaned down, meeting her lips with his before tenderly touching brows.

While he was there with his family and learnt of his new little sister, Ash felt as if something was watching him from afar. Slowly rounding himself, his gaze soon fell upon an ape with leafy green eyes, whose fur were the color of bright golden oaks within the summer. Upon sighting the female ape, his breath had left him and Ash quickly bounded on over to where the other chimpanzee stood.

"Maple," Ash gestured curiously.

"Ash," Maple responded, her eyes already wet and flowing.

Without anything else said between them, both Ash and Maple embraced each other strongly, with the smaller female leaning her ear into her beloved's chest to hear the strong heartbeats beneath it.

Wrapping a arm around his mate to pull her close, Rocket and Tinker could recall the early days of their own courtship with each other as they watched Ash with his sweetheart from afar. Seeing their son reuniting with Maple, they hope to see the two young chimps start a family of their own and possibly they themselves becoming grandparents one day. That is, when they do get the chance to finally have peace and be away from all of this fighting.

…

"Winter?" A voice broke among the crowd and a bonobo quickly approached the white haired gorilla.

Apes were usually stationed at the selected trenches for about five days until replacements had come for them. Glade was of the group of apes that had already been stationed there for a while and had come back to the caves just two days prior. He and many of the others had heard about the battle at the trench. He had wanted to go and help but he was one of the apes that were picked out to stay behind and protect the females and wounded.

Winter however, had been picked out by Luca, to which Glade could see a father figure to his mate, and was lead away to assist. It pained Glade every time he was separated from his gentle Winter, an ape who was not meant for bleak moments like these.

When Glade had reached the gorilla, Winter had turned his head away, a look of shame upon his features. Glade blinked up at Winter and inspected the bigger ape worriedly, reaching out to touch at the slightly still wet blood upon his mate's matted snow-white fur coat.

"Winter, you are hurt. What happened?" Glade asked in concern.

After a brief moment of silence, Winter huffed and jerked his body away from Glade's hand before stomping away from the surprised bonobo. Quite taken aback, Glade stood there and watched as Winter took his leave. Lowering his gaze to the mossy ground, Glade heaved out a breath as he stood there, among the other apes around him.

Noticing someone walk up to him, Glade turned his head upwards and saw that it was Luca. Glade looked at the older gorilla for answers but Luca merely shook his head slowly in response. Peering past Luca though, Glade's eyes widened slightly when he sighted the familiar forms of Blue Eyes, Ash, and Rocket in the distance, crowded by the other apes as well in greeting. With the return of their beloved prince, hope flared within Glade as he now knows that this might be the beginning for them to find some form of peace, away from this war.

Huffing sadly, Glade turned his attention back to where Winter was slowly walking away. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Glade then decided to follow his mate and be there for him.

…

When Koba had entered the hidden fortress, almost all of the apes steered clear away from him, all except for the curious young ones who had approached. That was short lived as the young apes' parents all came in and quickly scooped their children up, swiftly walking away with glaring eyes that were directed at him. With a sigh, Koba soon found a secluded spot by the falls and sat there by himself while mostly all of the apes avoided him. Knowing well that the apes still held strong feelings resentment for him, Koba did not mind that they treated him this way.

It is how it should be.

Glancing up, Koba watched quietly as Caesar and his family emotionally embraced each other, after Blue Eyes had been away for so long. He could also see Rocket and Ash, both reuniting with Tinker and learning of a new addition to their family as well. As happy as the reunions were, there were no doubt losses as well. Koba could feel the hairs on his back raising slightly as he noticed ape families who fell to their knees as they learned of the loss of their own members. Apes who were never to be seen ever again, all because of the war between man and ape. A war, started by him, because he could not let go of his hate. Growling lowly to himself, Koba quickly looked away in shame from the crying ape families. Their pain, a little too much to bear.

While in his bitterness, Koba was then surprised when a very young ape had suddenly came up to him and touched at the scars upon his leg. Watching the little chimpanzee curiously, Koba then glanced up to see if there the little one's parent would be looking for it.

But no ape came for the child.

Curiously glancing back down at the little chimpanzee that looked no more than about a year old, Koba was then quite taken aback when the youngster looked up at him. Koba was met with silvery gray optics that seemed to be looking right through him. So stunted was he, that he couldn't help but gawk a bit at the little ape who was curiously gazing up at him.

"Silver!"

At the call of the voice, Koba watched as the little chimp looked backwards before he bolted off and leapt right into the arms of a kneeling brown haired ape. Huffing, Koba watched as the familiar brown haired chimpanzee stood up, holding onto the little ape with bright gray colored eyes. When Koba himself was sighted by the other ape, they both stood there, frozen for a moment, before a smile appeared upon the other chimp's face.

The face of an old friend, Grey.

"Koba, welcome home," Grey greeted as he walked on over.

"Grey," Koba breathed in wonder as his old friend came to stand before him.

"I see you already met my son, Silver," Grey gestured, speaking the little male's name whilst signing it as well.

The last time Koba had seen Grey, was the day he had left. When he did though, the other chimpanzee had been severely wounded and it was a miracle that Grey was even able to recover, enough to get up and see him leave with the others. That was a little over two summers ago. But now, here Grey was, standing strong in front of him, with a little one in his arms and one of the apes to genuinely welcome him back, making him feel as if he were home again. At this Koba's face was filled with emotion and a warm smile broke across it as he watched Grey.

Grey on the other hand, chuckled in amusement before he reached his arm out and met knuckles with Koba. A greeting sign and show of respect towards one another, just like in the old days.

"You, have a son now," Koba gestured. "Congratulations," Koba praised his friend.

A look of pride appeared on Grey's face as he looked down at Silver and tickled the little ape, earning laughing squeaks from the small one.

"Yes. Very proud," Grey answered before turning to look at Koba again. "Long journey. For you?"

At the question, Koba nodded slowly.

"Very long journey," Koba answered.

"Then come. Come and tell us," Grey gestured as he turned around and walked back into the cave.

"Us?" Koba asked curiously.

Grey stopped in his tracks and turned back around to curiously look at Koba, as if he had asked something odd.

"Yes. Us. All of us," Grey waved his arm around him at the other apes.

Koba glanced past Grey at all around but noticed that the apes were all still fawning over the arrival of the other three an unsure look upon his features.

"Took me. Long time. Too," Grey spoke up, catching Koba's attention. "Apes will listen. No time to fight. Each other," he explained.

With that, Koba closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. It was fairly easy for Grey to say something like that. Yes, Koba remembered what Grey had to do in order to keep the females and rest of the apes safe. But he did that in secret to save them, not hurt them like he did. What he did, it was out of revenge, hate and anger. Something like that... it could never be forgiven.

"Koba."

Koba opened his eyes and met Grey's dark green ones, whom shook his head slowly.

"Apes will listen. Give them time," Grey simply explained.

Staring at Grey for a long while, Koba huffed and turned his head away for a moment. After a few heartbeats though, the scarred bonobo had glanced back in Grey's direction and met the other ape's reassuring face. It was there that Koba knew that Grey was not going to leave him be and let things sit like that. Huffing in amusement, Koba slowly nodded his head and walked up towards Grey.

Nothing else was said between the two old friends. Grey simply expressed a smile before he led Koba back into the hidden fortress and away from the edge of the falls. Ready, to hear the tales of what has happened to his old friend and the rest of the traveling companions.

Lots of reunions within this chapter for everyone, hope you all enjoyed it. In addition to this there are a couple of new apes as well which are introduced as OCs. These are...

Cinder - Rocket and Tinker's new child and little sister to Ash. She has a very bold personality, something she's definitely inherited from her father.

Silver - Grey and Cedar's second child and little brother to Maple. I don't believe we've had grey eyed apes yet so this little one gets them.